covid 19 in your local area

[pepperbird2]

How's the status in your area?. Out of a population of almost one million, we have had a total of less than 1300 cases, all told, and about 65 deaths. No one is in the hospital with covid here, at least. not today.

We were doing really well until a student at one of our universities decided to throw a party about three weeks ago. Most cases are related to that or to travel. Even though the road borders between here and the USA are closed, you can fly and back and forth. You're supposed to self isolate, but if you're a rotational worker, you don't have to.

So far, the. biggest impact to our health care system here isn't directly the virus itself. A lot of medical procedures, even necessary ones, are being postponed as much as possible, which I guess is understandable. I've been hearing bits and pieces that there's concern that suicide rates will raise over the holiday season, and a group of us from our neighbourhood have set up version of a "warm heart line" where we'll be reaching out to anyone on their own to make sure they're okay. We're also packing up some holiday dinners to distribute to families in need.

On a side note, The Salvation Army here has really risen to the occasion. It's put together food hampers, made arrangements to make sure homeless people have shelter, are hosting a drive through Christmas dinner for anyone who needs it, brought in coffee and donuts to front line health care staff etc. I signed up to be a "bell ringer" for their red kettle campaign but it won't be held this year.
 

[Wiseman2]

Masks, distancing, etc all mandatory. Very similar restrictions and closures to the first surge in spring.

Sadly a one-step forward two steps back situation.

PS, hope this thread  stays about the topic covid per se, rather than personal and political rants creeping in.☺️

Edited December 5, 2020 by Wiseman2

[pepperbird2]

In my honest opinion, the actual virus itself isn't causing as much harm right now as some of the other impacts.
Back in the spring, a denturist who went on a killing spree and shot and killed more than 20 people. That was bad enough, but it was made even worse because it was at the height of a lockdown. Just like in most places I guess, when there's tragedy like that, people here socialize in groups and comfort one another. This time, they couldn't even have funerals for family members to attend. That was really hard for a lot of people.

My husband is a civil servant now, and he was off work from April until the middle of July. He ended up going back, but his office is at about 20 percent capacity.