And....... a new day. Refreshed and renewed and... SO back on track.
My apologies for posting so many times in the last 10 days. We are in the middle of a second wave, vaccines have arrived and none of us really know what to do on December 25th.
Sending you a quick update on the so called, 'new strain' of COVID-19 that may be in Europe, that may be more transmissible and that has caused the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnston, to institute even tighter restrictions on the country over Christmas.
Throughout the course of this pandemic, Canada has lagged several weeks behind Europe. If there is a new and more transmissible strain, it may reach our shores in a few weeks. Please remember that the messenger RNA vaccines are highly focused on the spike protein of the COVID 19 virus. It is very doubtful that the spike protein has changed and very, very likely that the vaccines that are arriving in a steady stream in this country will be effective against any existing strain of COVID 19.
In the meantime, add this to the list of reasons not to gather over Christmas. If a highly transmissible strain is out there, our major defences against it have not changed: Wear a good quality three layer mask at all times in public, preferably one with a polypropylene layer. Stay six feet apart at all times. When you are in the company of people outside your home bubble ( at work, in a store and even in your home if gathering is necessary) wash your hands frequently.
A person who lives alone can join your household for now. No more than five can gather inside but if any of the five are not apart of your household bubble they must keep a six foot distance at all times and wear a mask. If the Premier of Ontario locks southern Ontario down, the rules may change on Monday.
If you follow these guidelines at all times, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 from you and to you is extremely low. This protects our friends, family and co-workers. If there is a highly transmissible strain of COVID-19 out there, these guidelines will still work and the messenger RNA technology can be modified if need be.
Stay focused and keep a clear and un-muddied perspective: Christmas will not be the same but my guess is, human innovation and creativity will make it a day we will not forget. It will have it's special moments because we will create special moments. Millions of vaccines will roll out in 2021. Frankly, I don't care when as long as we all have access to it by the fall. The virus cannot survive if 70 % of us are immune to it and there is mounting evidence that not only do we develop immunity but when we are immune we do not transmit to other people. The vaccines are proving to be some of the most effective vaccines humankind has ever created. With power like this, when we all work together for the good of all, what virus can stand against us?
Be of great cheer. Six days until Christmas. Time to give, give, give. Find those in need and share what you have. Most of us are blessed beyond. Too whom much is given, much is expected and we all feel so much better when we focus on others.
Anne-Marie
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For those who are struggling emotionally, you are not alone. Please reach out.
For mental health support here:
For local assistance with anxiety and depression:
CMHA WW Website: www.cmhaww.ca
Here 24/7 at 1-844-HERE-247 or www.here247.ca.
And for post-secondary students, Good2Talk
For non-Facebook users, you can find this post here:
And if you'd like to help Bracelet of Hope work towards making sure that Lesotho has access to these vaccines, donate here:
An opportunity and a great need:
Seasons Care is currently in need of Emergency Support for LTC homes in Cambridge. This home is currently in COVID-19 Outbreak. We are looking for anyone who is willing to be onsite to assist the homes throughout this very challenging time. The length of the contract will be pending the home’s outbreak status (2 weeks minimum).
To apply, visit: https://seasonscare.com/career/emergency-support-hamilton/
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