Raywat Deonandan is an epidemiologist and associate professor with Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa. From what he says, the government message that the pandemic is over is simply not true. Therefore, there are things government should do about COVID urgently right now. Because among others, Ontario’s waste water signals “the province is knee-deep in yet another wave of COVID-19”.
Government Should Take COVID-19 Reinfections Seriously
Deonandan continues there are signs COVID reinfections heighten the risk of mortality, hospitalization, and other adverse health outcomes. That study may be awaiting peer review, however others hint at a relationship between infection and long-term brain impairment. And moreover this is happening as public health officials retreat from the front line, and loosen restrictions according to him.
The epidemiologist continues by inferring our leaders are relying solely on the power of vaccines to prevent worst outcomes. Certainly, these do curtail infection severity among vaccinated people. However, we should not forget un-vaccinated people and the high risk of repeat infections. Moreover, his concern is our health institutions are fragile, and in need of protection at this time.
4 Things for Government Should Do Right Now
1… First, make N95 respirator masks freely available to all residents. These can be un-affordable for many who need them. And this unfairly punishes lower-income people with higher infection risk.
2…Next, offer second vaccine booster jabs to all who want them. There is no real scientific reason for restricting them to older, or immuno compromised people he says. Second shots greatly improve protection.
3… Then, incentivize development of new vaccines including intranasal and pan-coronavirus versions. Because we need a durable defense against infection, as well as wide-spectrum protection against many, if not all, variants.
4… And finally, do tell the public the pandemic is sill here. They must avoid infection, not embrace it as some seem to do. Face masks need their social stigma removed, Deonandan insists. We should remain respectful of each other throughout this time.
Breaking News
WHO Review of Variant Updated Vaccines
