A few short weeks ago, Hugh asked if I would write a guest column and suggested that I could address this virus that was causing massive health concerns in far off places. That was before most of us knew the phrases, “social distancing”, “self-isolation” or “flattening the curve”, and that the foundations of our personal health, financial and social norms would be completely shaken.
What started out as an information piece on the illness, with facts about the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus causing Covid-19, and basic personal hygiene techniques to stop transmission, became redundant as public health and media agencies provided a wealth of information. And I will emphasize here, that if you think you are exhibiting signs of the Covid-19 infection, stay at home, self-isolate and call Telehealth Ontario, your doctor or visit the Public Health Ontario website. DO NOT call 911, or visit a Covid-19 assessment centre unless directed to do so.
Most cases are mild and self-limiting, as with any other viral illness. It appears that most of us are heeding the messages on the basics of handwashing, disinfecting the surfaces we touch often and staying home if we have symptoms…but that is not enough.
At the time of writing, many experts in infectious disease have suggested that Canada is still in it’s “Golden Hour of Opportunity”, a term coined by a South Korean health official. This refers to the segment of time when strict social distancing can slow the transmission of this highly infectious disease. Rigorous social distancing has been likened to a controlled burn around the perimeter of a forest fire. By starving the virus of hosts to infect, the disease is, if not extinguished, slowed significantly. It is too early to be certain at this point, but it appears that South Korea positively altered the course of their outbreak by enacting distancing and self-isolation early, but Italy missed their “Golden Hour”.
What I’m asking of ALL of us, is to be incredibly mindful of each cough, each social interaction, each trip to the store, or even to health care providers. Each and every personal contact avoided could stop one channel of transmission.
To turn the negative around, I would like to use Canada’s Golden Hour in a different positive context. There is a great deal to be hopeful about because we live in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada. We have knowledgeable people making key decisions for us. During the 2003 SARS outbreak, one notable fact is that Canada was home to many of the brightest people in the field of infectious disease. The Covid-19 virus has been labelled novel—meaning this is the first evidence of it being transmitted in humans. Canadian scientists are at the forefront in learning the characteristics of this infection. Public health officials and health experts are making quick, informed decisions on altering the path the illness takes in Canada. Will errors be made? Of course, we are still learning about this virus. Are we overprepared, or too complacent? Time will tell.
The roll out of Covid-19 preparedness in Huntsville has been swift and many people should be commended. The hospital and Family Health team administration, doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, lab technicians and many more are collaborating on getting prepared and collectively saying “how can I help?” There are still many unknowns, but there is confidence in facing this pandemic here, rather than any other place on the earth.
Finally, We Are Huntsville! There is something very special about this town. Local businesses and service providers, many of whom have been shut down or had to alter normal business patterns, are reaching out in other ways to help. Let’s remember these people and businesses and support them after Covid-19 has passed us by. Amazon can deliver many things, but it doesn’t deliver community spirit or support.
Maybe Canada’s “Golden Hour” is upon us. Take time to think about how YOU can help to put gaps in virus transmission by staying in your home and enacting social distancing. But also take time to be grateful that we live in this caring town, in Canada—this wonderful country we get to call home.
For thirty years Bill Coonhas been the pharmacist-owner of Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy. Bill was the Faculty of Pharmacy Centennial Scholar for his graduating year, and recipient of the Remedy’s Rx Award for Innovation. He believes strongly that the best medication one can take is exercise, and that Huntsville is the best place one can live.
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Wendy McConnell says
Great informative article Bill….very well written!
Jody Cecile says
Great article Bill! Thanks for everything, everyone in the health care profession are doing to keep us safe. It is our job to do the same!
DeVonna Taylor says
Thank you for sharing helpful information Bill during this trying time we all are facing.
Rick Wearing says
Thank-you Bill for your uplifting and informative article.
Martha Watson says
Thanks, Bill! We are so fortunate to live in this beautiful caring community!
If we all “social distance” we may have a chance to keep the incidents of COVID-19 at 0! Let’s hope all those returning from Spring Break holidays go straight home! Meanwhile let’s self-isolate, wash our hands and ration the toilet paper!
One positive is that we are giving Mother Earth to do some healing.
Bob Jaques says
Kudos to you Bill for your inspiring article and a reminder to all how fortunate we are in having you a leader in the Huntsville Health Care Circle.
Fran Coleman says
Thanks Bill, always ahead of the curve
Ray Vowels says
I’m wondering if anyone else has noticed there seems to be more stars at night now that there are fewer aircraft in the sky.
Maybe it’s just me or the sky is clearer not sure.
Bryan D. Boothby says
Thank you Bill! Your information is very much appreciated.
Enid Young says
Thankyou, Bill. At this time of fear and misinformation it is heartening to hear positive, sensible advice. You are a true leader in our community.
Henk Rietveld says
Good on you, Bill!
We are so lucky to have you, Barb, Jenna and your wonderful support staff…Nancy, Andrea, Penny, and Nancy.
Keep up the great work. You folks are our health care family!
Bill Beatty says
BRAVO !
Paul Johnson says
Thanks Bill for your informed, cautionary and encouraging piece!!
I’m going to forward your article to my entire contact list in the hope that it will inform and encourage them as it has me.
Also don’t mind that it might be a boost for you, the Doppler and Huntsville!
We are all very fortunate to have you and your pharmacy colleagues in our community!!
Stay well … and wash your hands!!!
Paul Johnson
Joan Jerrett says
Thank you Bill, for the informative, direct, and encouraging article. Hopefully everyone will read it and better understand the importance of all the advice we have been given.
Suzanne Riverin says
Thanks so much Bill. This offers some needed calm and direction in the midst of the uncertainty we presently face.
John Rivière-Anderson says
Very fine thoughts, Bill. Many thanks.
Sonia Miller says
Well said Henk! Thank you!
Rob Millman says
Thanks, Bill: I can picture you counting the days until you can be cycling again on Limberlost Road with your mates. A perfect activity with cardiovascular benefits, nature observation, and social distancing built in.
Enjoy! You’ve earned it. (BTW, as I designed the first 2 km + of the road, I can tell you that the elevation changes by 30 m from Hwy. 60 to Walker’s Glenn Crescent).
Bill Coon says
LOL Rob!
Do you know how I have yearned to blame someone for the first 2 km of Limberlost Road?