We are hitting it out of the park, people!

Not a word about the weather!

To the good news first:

WE ARE HITTING IT OUT OF THE PARK PEOPLE!

The doubling time for cases of COVID 19 in Canada is now 30 days. Last week it was 21.9.

More that 60 % of cases have resolved in Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland

All cases have recovered in Prince Edward Island, Yukon Territories and the Northwest Territories....WITH NO DEATHS!

Ontario health officials reported 346 new cases on Saturday morning, the lowest number of new cases since April 6.

Saturday’s significant drop in cases comes after a week of relatively low numbers of infections recorded by the province, with the exception of the 477 new cases reported on Friday.

The low number of new cases and the slow rate of new infections are extremely encouraging signs.

The five day rolling average has dropped. We need this to continue for another 2 to 3 weeks before our social distancing restrictions can be changed. Just TWO to THREE weeks. We can do that! No question. We can.

A lot of folks are giving into the growing number of conspiracy theories concerning COVID 19. These theories are terrifying. The have the potential not only to destabilize our efforts but also to put people at risk in so many ways.

Let's simplify and omit these theories:

COVID 19 is a virus that originated in bats. The virus was able to mutate to the point where it jumped species and infected humans. Human beings have never seen this virus before. We have no immunity to it.

The virus is spread by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. The droplets fall to the ground well within a 6 foot radius of the infected person.

A person with COVID 19 can transmit the virus for up to a week before they develop symptoms which means, they may be in the grocery store, the pharmacy and other essential work spaces potentially spreading the virus while feeling well instead of at home, sick in bed.

Wear a cloth mask so that if you have the virus during this symptom free phase, you will not pass it on to someone else and stay six feet a part.

COVID 19 can cause minimal cold symptoms or it can cause a serious respiratory syndrome and inflammation of other vital organs. Ten percent of those infected will need hospital admission to support their breathing. Some of these will require ventilation in an ICU and a small percentage ( < 2 % in Canada) will die.

COVID 19 is extremely infectious. It is not yet completely understood. There is NO treatment and no vaccine. The numbers at the top of this post prove that social distancing, hand washing and staying at home are incredibly effective at keeping the virus under control. Well done so far folks!

Premiere Ford is opening up Provincial Parks next week ( for daytime use only) and many more workers will head back to work on May 11th. Our leaders and our cooperation have allowed us to get this far. Conspiracy theories and false news can distract us from the effective path that we are on and lead us to lose faith in our leaders and in the medical establishment which relies on good science. We are watching what happens in countries that are not united in their approach to COVID 19.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Please stay home. We are so close to smashing COVID 19. Stepping outside of our restrictions and causing this virus to spread widely, again, would be a terrible shame.

Be well and of good cheer on this ridiculously cold and snowy May 9th.

Anne-Marie

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