Thought of the Day - March 29 2021 - A Year of Cheer

It was over a year ago when the "7 O'clock Cheer" for front-line workers started across the country. Here is a flashback to the Vancouver Cheers from last March ( Thought of the Day - Vancouver Cheer ) captured by our daughter, Lesley. This outpouring was supported by a change in time for the "9 O'clock Gun" to 1900 hours, from the end of March until the end of July.

It has been a crazy twelve months, hasn't it! But it should be pointed out, things have improved significantly. For example, the fatality rate from COVID-19 across Canada has decreased steadily over the past year.

Is the reason that we have new therapeutics? Nope, the list of approved treatments in Canada is still woefully short.

The vaccines? While it is hoped that this is now having an effect with only 10% of the country vaccinated this is a very recent phenomenon, and as you can see as of late things have actually plateaued, possibly due to the new variants.

The virus has become less virulent perhaps? Yeah, right.

No, it is due to the tireless efforts of our front-line workers. Care-givers, first-responders and health-care workers are continually getting better and tackling COVID. Better at protecting the vulnerable and treating those with COVID symptoms.

I can only imagine what a crazy year it has been for them. The continual changes in practice/procedures, the constant demand for service, the backdrop of administrative turmoil, and of course the worry of getting infected.

I have been critical of much of how we have handled this pandemic, particularly that we chose to take the path of addressing the symptoms rather than attempting to rid Canada of the virus. But through it all, our front-line workers, who have been called upon from the start to tackle the consequences, have never failed us. Thanks to all y'all.

Cheers

Cliff