PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, PRESS ARCHIVES
“Almost two years later, we should also know more about the use of masks. Does the fabric mask give a false sense of security? “Asks our columnist.
Last year, we were told: we will have to “learn to live with COVID-19”.
That is.
The majority of Quebecers have made up their minds, equipping themselves with medical masks, disinfectant gel and adopting the new rules of decorum: physical distancing and frenzied hand washing. Quebecers have also adapted psychologically, adhering to government policies, showing good will by reducing their contacts. We were “all in the same boat” and we all wanted to row in the right direction. And we wanted above all to spare the overworked nursing staff in hospitals.
But, almost two years later, it is clear that we have not yet learned to live with the virus. The truth is, it evolves faster than us.
Twenty-two months later, we should be able to use rapid tests regularly to go about our basic activities: going to work, going to school, visiting loved ones. However, these tests are as rare as two tickets to the premiere of Charlotte Cardin’s show. Unless you have children in elementary school or a pharmacist friend. It is difficult to accept that they cannot be found when they can be easily purchased in the United States and in several European countries.
The office of Federal Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos, announced on Tuesday that it would deliver millions of them during the month of January. By then, will the distribution system have been improved? It is all the more important to obtain it as PCR screening tests will henceforth be reserved for specific groups. Why not offer the over-the-counter self-tests for those who are willing to pay, and reserve the free tests for low-income families and households?
Almost two years later, we should also know more about the use of masks. Does the fabric mask give a false sense of security? If so, let’s say it more clearly. Faced with the powerful Omicron, should we wear two masks or replace our medical mask with an N95 mask? The Dr Gaston de Serres assures us that the N95 is not necessary for the moment, the transmission being done mainly between infected people at mealtime or under the same roof. In this case, we should at least ensure that all health personnel have access to these masks to limit transmission.
Another source of confusion: yes or no, a third dose of vaccine for doubly vaccinated people who have been infected with the Delta or Omicron variant? No one agrees about the protection an infection would provide. The truth is, there are still studies going on. But, meanwhile, Ottawa is saying one thing and Quebec is saying another. Doctors contradict each other in the media. Can these people sit around the same table and tune their violins?
How are citizens supposed to navigate when even scientists do not get along? It’s sad.
This confusion causes frustration and anxiety among the population. People are on edge, with good reason. Our leaders are tired, too, and with good reason.
Let it be understood that it is clear that the Legault government is facing a complex and difficult situation to manage. And he is not the only one to see his health system explode: we are seeing similar crises elsewhere in the world.
For the moment, the two tools that would allow the tension to be lowered a notch are information and transparency. We must inform the population on a regular basis if we do not want them to turn to social networks to find answers to their questions. And each decision must be justified if we do not want the support of the population to disappear as quickly as a box of rapid tests on a pharmacy shelf.