Here we are, seven months later, with the highest active number of COVID-19 cases Jasper has seen yet.
The rise, many would say, was inevitable. Doctors have been citing a probable ‘second wave’ since the early days of the pandemic.
But just how far the numbers rise, how far the virus spreads, is up to all of us.
It felt quite safe here in Alberta, watching cases begin to spike in the U.K. and the Candian eastern provinces in September.
But over the last few weeks, our numbers have risen too. In Jasper, new cases have been identified every day since the middle last week - and now we are on Watch status.
Still, a handful of diagnoses in a town of about 5,000 is not too overwhelming. We just have to try to nip it in the bud, and avoid the spread of blame as much as the virus.
Across the province, it’s mostly community spread causing new infections and the highest numbers of new cases are those in age groups 20 to 29 and 30 to 39.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, our chief medical officer of health, has said that many cases are due to group events, family gatherings, and people not staying home when they’re sick. Arguably, some of the most simple things we can avoid.
We are urged to, and officially legally required, to stay home even if we are feeling just a little bit unwell. Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms should stay home and complete the COVID-19 online self-assessment for testing.
And, while it can be easy to slip into old habits, we must remember that good hygiene is our best protection. Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, cough or sneeze into an elbow or sleeve, and dispose of tissues appropriately.
We should be kind and understanding to those who are sick or in isolation, and do what we can to keep ourselves and our families healthy without worrying too much about what other people are doing.
It’s on all of us to help prevent further spread of this virus in our community. Let’s stay positive, kind and safe.
Fuchsia Dragon
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