The last few days have been very confusing. Phase 2 guidelines are introduced. The number of people who can gather outside is increased from 5 to 10. Masks are made mandatory in Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin ( in some public spaces but hot all), and the number of people allowed in your social bubble is expanded to 10.
What does all this mean? First of all, I will personally apologize to all of you on behalf of no one in particular but, man, do you deserve an apology. This was way too much information in too much confusing detail for anyone to take in or understand much less put into action.
Let's simplify things but first the good news:
The number of new cases in Ontario today was 266.
While this marks the highest number of new cases reported in a single day this week, it also represents the sixth straight day in which the province has reported fewer than 300 new cases of the virus. That is massive.
Testing for COVID-19 in Ontario continues to remain high with 27,456 tests completed since yesterday, the third straight day in which more than 20,000 tests were conducted in the province. That is also massive. TWENTY-SEVEN-THOUSAND TESTS IN ONE DAY. Three months ago, there were no COVID 19 testing centres and very few labs processing tests. I must emphasize what a remarkable feat this is. Congrats to the members of our health care system and to our politicians who made this happen and to you, who showed to be tested!
And while the number of daily tests performed continues to climb, the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 in hospital is dropping.
The number of deaths from COVID 19 in this country is 8701 and more than 6,000 of those happened in long term care facilities. Heart breaking.
There is a growing mass of very legitimate evidence that wearing a cloth mask at all times in public has a huge effect on reducing the number of new cases of COVID 19
Scientific modelling out of Cambridge University in England indicates that when lockdown periods are combined with 100% face mask use, disease spread is vastly diminished, and could prevent surges of the virus for 18 months, the time frame that has frequently been cited for developing a vaccine.
And this from the highly respected medical journal The Lancet reviewing a WHO funded study:
Face mask use could result in a large reduction in risk of infection and a lower R value ( The link to this study is https://bit.ly/3cUq4pK for all you nerdy scientists). Dr. David Harris, a Vancouver infectious disease physician and one of the report's co-authors, said the study provides confidence that "the people who are making the recommendations ( to wear a face mask) are making them based on sound science."
So, here is where I go out on a limb. Wear a mask in public not only in the mandatory areas but everywhere as much as possible. Have it in your bag or car, ready to go for whenever you leave your vehicle or head out from home to a public place. Rules simplified, common sense and the science backs it.
I truly believe, based on my research, that wearing a mask will allow us to safely open our economies and get back out there without suffering a surge of new cases.......while we wait for a vaccine. There. I used the words "masks" and "vaccines" in the same sentence. Feeling confident on a Saturday night and strong enough to manage the nasty comments that often follow. I understand you nasty comment writers. You are are afraid, just like the rest of us.
Bring it on.
Well done Canada. WE......ARE......SMASHING......COVID 19.
Anne-Marie
Please share.
More info on gatherings, bubbles and visiting LTC homes, coming up.
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