It has been a while, I logged in to see where things are at. Nice to know the debate in here is the same as outside. I have been knee deep in this new world. I am surrounded by high risk/highly vulnerable people. It has allowed me a perspective that perhaps others do not have.
The vulnerable took it and continue to take it very seriously. Many have gone to extreme lengths to protect themselves. As a result, death rates have been very low in Canada and much of the Western world. Granted, 4-6 months now of dealing with it has resulted in improved means to deal with severe cases. But the reality is; the vulnerable have hid. And so, the low death rate is reflecting the spread being predominantly among the young and non-vulnerable.
This will not continue. By September it will be ~ month 7 since the vulnerable have gone into hiding. That has meant no medical appointments, no reaching out to health care, etc. This cannot continue. Remember the vulnerable are the medically vulnerable. They tend to exist in the world of health care as it is. Sue, will do between 10 and 14 trips to a doctor, hospital, test lab, dentist, etc per year. She has done one since mid March. She has no choice but to return to her normal schedule of medical appointments/activities. Meaning, by September she and millions of vulnerable will flood the healthcare system. They will have no choice. Unlike grocery shopping, no one can see a doctor for you.
All the while, kids will return to school, and society at large will return to a busier life. This could mean a perfect storm. Sadly, I fear that come September, what we saw in NY, Italy, Spain, etc. will occur again. And even more tragic is; as the vulnerable forgo medical care because of fear, they will get injured thanks to other health issues. A potential cancer victim, one who otherwise may see his doctor at regular intervals and therefore be diagnosed at stage 1, or 2, may miss 1 or 2 appointments. Be diagnosed 10-12 months later and already be at stage 3 or 4.
Sue has 3 medicals this month!!! She is losing her sight and she may not have access to eye surgery until late this year and who knows if so? Keep in mind, health care is operating at a snail's pace, due to precautionary actions. What once took 3-6 months to get a specialist appointment, may mean 6-12 months. Cancer jumps a stage every 4-6 months. With no treatment, ~ 3 years from development to death.
What the 85% non vulnerable do not understand, the 15% vulnerable, still have their worst days ahead of them.
