06-16-2021, 07:47 PM
(This post was last modified: 06-16-2021, 07:48 PM by danbrotherston.)
(06-16-2021, 07:39 PM)jeffster Wrote:(06-16-2021, 04:00 PM)robdrimmie Wrote: What are the odds that the June 6 anti-lockdown rally featuring Maxine Bernier is a factor in the numbers? The timing is most likely coincidental but it does line up nicely.
Really zero. There is next to no scientific evidence that outdoor gathers contribute to Covid-19. We keep saying there is, in Canada, and especially Ontario, but the rest of the world, no. But it makes for good news the anti-lockdown gatherings.
I think part of the problem with this region is that they have put the onus on ‘people’ to sign up and get their shots, with little information making its way into mailboxes. We have a lot of low income individuals in town, many without smart phones or internet, how may not understand how they can get their vaccine. Toronto and other cities did a great job at opening up vaccination centres at community centres, because this is where these people tend to go.
But I really do think the region needs to start taking more affirmative action and use Canada Post to deliver flyers to all households.
Here is something to think about: We, according to the dashboard, still haven’t reach 75% for any age group below 59. However, we are vaccinated younger people (under 18) their first shots, and non-essential people their second shots. We can cry and complain that we haven’t had enough doses. I still blame the region for that, for not advocating enough, but, we have had enough shots to reach that target of 75% for all groups 30+, including second doses for essential or at risk.
It’s going to suck for us if we remain stuck in 1st phase, though I heard we might backtrack to a complete lockdown if things don’t improve (we’re very close to Grey under the old system). And this is entirely the fault of our PHU. It’s poor leadership and I cannot be convinced otherwise.
Outdoors is not zero risk. And the risk increases without social distancing, or masks, and with other social interactions, which is the whole point of this group, they are intentionally spreading the virus.
Leaving that aside, this group is also with 100% certainty also breaking the rules in other, more dangerous ways, e.g., by visiting people. I have no doubt--hell, most of them were doing church services inside until recently--and that is likely the main problem they are causing.
We should of course do everything we can to push vaccinations as well.