I am suspicious and skeptical of many media claims and government claims. Historically, things are not "exactly" as portrayed and always the truth seems to lie in a "grey" area.
After reading both sides and sometimes the third of an issue, I make what I feel is an informed decision. At this time I don't know if I ever want to leave my semi-remote area of Cape Breton again. It is sounding like remoteness is the safest option.
There is no doubt there is a new virus. Who is to blame for the COVID-19 virus makes no difference now. It's too late for that. The best outcome is to eradicate it like polio or small pox. (Even they are making a comeback in some parts of the world).
I don't believe eliminating the virus will happen in the near future. I think this will be like a flu-type virus that changes annually as a rule, and this year's vaccines will be basically useless for next year's bout.
We are all waiting with bated breath on the 100 per cent miracle vaccine. I do not believe this will ever come. Good hygiene practices, a little more awareness of what you do with your hands and personal self will be the new norm.
The masks may help some but the amount of which is difficult to say. I wouldn't want a surgeon opening me up without wearing one, but that argument is really apples and oranges. Surgeries are done in very controlled environments - namely an astringent surgical suite or theatre. The world is not one of those.
Humans do not and can not live a quality life in a world like that for very long. Among the general public, with so many other ways to become infected with ANY virus at all, I have doubts about the touted effectiveness of masks. Masks are just one small part of a bigger beast. Being as proactive as possible and accepting the new reality of a new, ever-changing virus is probably the best way to move forward.
I spend most of my time living semi remotely. It is not by any stretch as full of larger centre entertainment options which the majority of Canadians are used to having access to. It is what an individual makes it.
With all the technological advancements like the internet to access the world and implementing some historical ways of general living, I am accepting what life only a couple of generations ago was like. That life was quite good. It is no solution to the virus issue but it's all I have at the moment. I'll take it for now until something better comes along.
George David MacDonald
Sydney
