Only a very few scientists and health professionals would ever have contemplated that our society’s entire economic and social structure would be so dramatically undermined by a viral infection. Yet, here we are: this COVID-19 pandemic is upon us and our daily lives have been changed in ways we could never have imagined at the start of 2020.
Like many of you, my family has been impacted by this pandemic at so many levels. We have aged parents who are highly susceptible; a family member who is significantly immune compromised; and, loved ones on the “front line” in the health, education, and service professions and highly exposed to potential infection on a daily basis.
Like you, we’re tired of the constant bad news about the virus and find the ever-changing public health restrictions and recommendations frustrating; in part, because we know that the vast majority of people want to do the right thing but the “right thing” is sometimes hard to discern.
Wearing masks and incremental personal protective gear at work and in public spaces is tiresome and life on Zoom has lost any initial lustre it might have had, both personally and professionally. We all want to get back to real human interactions -- elbow and foot bumps and Zoom “kisses” are a poor substitute for real hugs! The thought of a “Zoom Christmas” is not the least bit appealing to anyone.
Yet, we must stay the course, continue to do our best to adhere to public health orders, and continue to work together in an effort to protect ourselves and others so we can get through this difficult period with the least amount of human suffering and tragedy as possible. And that means making tough choices about how we celebrate our Christmas and New Years this holiday season.
If you’ve been paying attention to the news, the COVID-19 numbers in the North are increasing and the health care system in some communities is being strained. So, we must all do our part and strictly limit our travel over the holidays. In short, travelling over the holidays must be curtailed in order to minimize the spread of the virus: both travelling away to see family or having family visit from away.
Believe me, we know how difficult it is to do the right thing and not get together as a family this Christmas. We’re very torn and saddened by this situation, particularly at this time of year. With hope that things will be normalized enough to get together next summer, our family has decided that we’re going to focus on celebrating “Christmas in July.” For this holiday season we’re planning a bunch of creative ways to use technology to play games and stay connected.
There will be many more holiday seasons to celebrate with family and friends in the future; please, let’s all do our part to make this year’s as safe as possible for everyone we love along with our friends, neighbours, and other members of our society by celebrating in the tightest “bubbles” we can.
This truly is the best gift we can all give to each other.
Have a safe and happy Holiday Season.
Bob Simpson is the Mayor of Quesnel, BC. He can be reached via email here
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