As many parts of the world, including Canada and the United States, explore ways to ease restrictions aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19, some countries that had already opened up are closing down again after renewed spikes in infections. According to recent reports, countries such as Germany, Lebanon, Iran and South Korea are reimposing certain restrictions such as shutdowns because of new outbreaks of the coronavirus in some areas. Once people are allowed to frequent shopping and recreation areas, there is always the danger of increased exposure to virus contamination resulting in community outbreaks.
It has even been reported that in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the pandemic first emerged, authorities ordered the testing of its 11 million inhabitants after a cluster of six new infections emerged, five weeks after the city had apparently rid itself of the disease. Although it is understandable that certain Canadian provinces and American states are anxious to reopen parts of their economies, experts increasingly believe that the coronavirus will be around for months if not years. With increased human activity, second and third waves are bound to occur. Even an eventual vaccine or the growing emergence of temporary immunity may not be sufficient to prevent such outcomes.
This is why the original shutdowns were essential to prevent the immediate impact on the health care system in terms of treating those with COVID-19 health issues and reducing the number of related deaths. Our slow reopening of the economy and continuation of containment measures is designed to allow health care workers and front-line authorities to deal with outbreaks over the longer-term. Wherever future hot spots do occur in communities, there is little doubt that restrictions, including lockdowns and social distancing rules, will most likely have to be reimposed. That is if common sense prevails!
Everyone wants to avoid future massive outbreaks like those that happened in New York City, Los Angeles County, Montreal (Quebec) and Washington State. Unfortunately, in some cases the situation has become increasingly politicized instead of remaining one viewed in a health and safety terms. Leaders need to base their decisions on reliable data and science-based projections. By failing to do so, we will be right back to square one and will have lost all of the valuable gains that were won by the initial measures aimed at limiting coronavirus transmission within the community.
FROLITICKS 
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