Novel Coronavirus
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Ritafee
Is Being Human
Bluntly ... our seniors range from high 70's to high 90's and they are numerous. Garry and I both come from large families. I spoke with his Uncle Arnold yesterday ... he is 91 and lives alone in a huge house ... his day consisted of raking his yard ... driving to his autopac agent to renew his insurance ... shopping for groceries ... driving to his brother's (Garry's 98 year old FATHER) and dropping off some bread and favorite 'small cinnamon buns' at the guarded entrance to his brother's home ... where his brother lives alone and is getting confused as to why he is no longer allowed visitors and why he now has to eat his meals in his room again. My brother GEORGE is a senior for crying out loud. There are many seniors relative to me that are 'vulnerable' yet surprisingly far more concerned for the well being of their grands than they are for themselves. My own present needs are very much concerned with the well being of the children ... all the children ... not just my own. The majority of the seniors that I know ... are not afraid of 'the virus' as much as they are afraid of dying alone. They are all afraid of being 'locked up in an institution' if they report any 'dis-ease' so they are all 'fine' all the time. The children around me are suitably well adapted to the idea that they are all 'infectious' and must not be selfish and complain ... because after all ... it is their fault that they feel healthy enough to not understand the severity of their threat to the 'vulnerable'. My Senior is not Dead ... if you are referring to my dear mother ... she would never have condoned this hysteria ... she was a woman of extraordinary faith and a master of common sense.
Ritafee
Is Being Human
Where were they 2 years ago? Overall, 276,689 people died in Canada (excluding Yukon) in 2017, with cancer and heart disease accounting for almost half of all deaths.
ChemGal
One with keen eye
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
There's normal levels but the health care system is already strained on a day to day virus without the pandemic. If all the sudden there are many more people with fairly serious chronic health issues I think we're going to be in a rough shape for a long time.
Ritafee
Is Being Human
Disposables?
Last updated Oct 29 ...
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed reports warning that the pandemic's health consequences extend well beyond the novel coronavirus itself.
Efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and shutdowns have kept the Canadian caseload relatively low compared to other jurisdictions globally.
But the overall health of the population has deteriorated over the last eight months, with more people turning to drugs, alcohol, tobacco and screen time over physical exercise to cope with the stress.
"These findings are more than just uncomfortable facts about our country during this pandemic. They're the lived realities of countless Canadians."
One pandemic, different levels of risk
(LTC) homes have been the epicentre of COVID-19-related deaths because "pandemic preparedness did not extend into these settings." LTC facilities' limited supplies of personal protective equipment, old infrastructure, poor ventilation and chronic understaffing led to more infections.
Arab, Black, Middle Eastern, Latin American, South Asian and Southeast Asian Canadians accounted for more than 80 per cent of the cases in Toronto, despite collectively making up slightly more than half of the city's population.
PHAC suggested that pre-existing health disparities, the stress of racism and the preponderance of low-wage work in high-risk places could be to blame.
With travel and border restrictions in place, the local opioid supply has grown more toxic and dangerous, PHAC said.
In B.C., there were more than 100 "illicit drug toxicity" deaths per month for six consecutive months from March to August 2020, and more than 175 such deaths each month in May, June and July, according to data compiled by PHAC.
B.C.'s highest monthly opioid death toll, in June 2020, was 181, up from 76 in June 2019.
First Nations people account for a disproportionate number of these deaths — they were nearly six times more likely to die from an overdose than other B.C. residents.
Paramedics in B.C. respond to an average of 87 overdose calls a day, or 2,706 calls in total.
B.C. Coroners Service said 1,202 people have died of fatal overdoses so far this year.
The death toll in B.C. in September was more than double recorded same month last year.
Ontario also shows that the number of confirmed and probable deaths from opioid-related causes has increased by almost 50 per cent.
An injectible opioid is pictured. The B.C. Coroners Service says 1,202 people have died of fatal overdoses so far this year, compared to 983 deaths in all of 2019 (Rafferty Baker/CBC)
Alberta also experienced a dramatic increase in opioid-related deaths.
Frontline workers said that, because of social restrictions, many more people have been using opioids alone, "decreasing the chance of intervention if they overdose and contributing to the increase in overdose-related fatalities."
Physical distancing measures at safe-consumption sites designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 also resulted in more opioid-related deaths.
At least one supervised consumption site in Ottawa did away with physical distancing measures after several clients overdosed while waiting in line to get in.
Meanwhile, many Canadians have increased their use of alcohol, cannabis and tobacco during this pandemic.
By early summer, based on surveys by Statistics Canada, close to one in five Canadians (19 per cent) said their consumption of alcohol had increased, cannabis use jumped 8.3 per cent and tobacco smoking rates were up by 3.9 per cent over pre-pandemic levels.
CBC North has documented a surge in alcohol and substance abuse in Canada's northern territories thanks in part to more bootlegging and access to cash )CERB) and other relief supports.
Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam says some groups in Canada have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic and its resulting restrictions on social and economic life have had a lasting impact on mental health.
PHAC found that, due to shelter-in-place restrictions, more women have had to stay with abusive partners and LGBTQ kids have been confined to homes with homophobic and transphobic parents and caregivers.
Child welfare agencies are reporting a drop in abuse or neglect reports — but they fear it's because fewer cases are being reported now that more school-age children are stuck at home without access to school or sports.
"This may be the result of fewer detection opportunities, as children are likely to be isolated at home and without community involvement," PHAC said.
But it's not just the vulnerable and marginalized among us who have seen notable drops in mental wellness.
In 2018, 68 per cent of Canadians age 15 years and older reported excellent or very good self-perceived mental health. This figure dropped to 54 per cent in late March and early April 2020 before going lower still to 48 per cent in early May, according to Statistics Canada data.
Indigenous people, the disabled and low-income Canadians also have reported experiencing more suicidal thoughts since the outbreak, PHAC found.
With strict social distancing measures and limits on social gatherings in place, many Canadians feel isolated and are worried about the state of their friendships and familial relationships.
Seventy per cent of Canadians who responded to a recent Statistics Canada survey said they were concerned about maintaining social ties, while 54 per cent of respondents with kids said they were very or extremely concerned about their children's loneliness or social isolation.
While thousands of Canadians have died 'with' COVID-19 — nearly 80 per cent of them in long-term care homes, as of August — there were also more deaths in general this year than last.
"Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec all showed increased numbers of deaths compared to the same time period over the past five years.
Some of these additional deaths are directly related to COVID-19, however contributions from other causes not directly linked to COVID-19 cannot be excluded," PHAC concluded.
Hospitals have seen a drop in walk-in patients for other maladies in emergency rooms. Surgeries have been cancelled or postponed due to capacity restraints, and health professionals fear that people may be avoiding necessary medical care because of pandemic-related worries.
With gyms closed in many jurisdictions and recreational sports leagues on pause, some Canadians are less active. Those who weren't particularly active before March 2020 lockdown reported being even less so in the months that followed.
More than 60 per cent of Canadians reported spending more time using the internet and watching TV during the pandemic.
"Limited physical activity as a result of public health measures to physically isolate may also have an impact on mental health.
Last updated Oct 29 ...
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed reports warning that the pandemic's health consequences extend well beyond the novel coronavirus itself.
Efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and shutdowns have kept the Canadian caseload relatively low compared to other jurisdictions globally.
But the overall health of the population has deteriorated over the last eight months, with more people turning to drugs, alcohol, tobacco and screen time over physical exercise to cope with the stress.
"These findings are more than just uncomfortable facts about our country during this pandemic. They're the lived realities of countless Canadians."
One pandemic, different levels of risk
(LTC) homes have been the epicentre of COVID-19-related deaths because "pandemic preparedness did not extend into these settings." LTC facilities' limited supplies of personal protective equipment, old infrastructure, poor ventilation and chronic understaffing led to more infections.
Arab, Black, Middle Eastern, Latin American, South Asian and Southeast Asian Canadians accounted for more than 80 per cent of the cases in Toronto, despite collectively making up slightly more than half of the city's population.
PHAC suggested that pre-existing health disparities, the stress of racism and the preponderance of low-wage work in high-risk places could be to blame.
With travel and border restrictions in place, the local opioid supply has grown more toxic and dangerous, PHAC said.
In B.C., there were more than 100 "illicit drug toxicity" deaths per month for six consecutive months from March to August 2020, and more than 175 such deaths each month in May, June and July, according to data compiled by PHAC.
B.C.'s highest monthly opioid death toll, in June 2020, was 181, up from 76 in June 2019.
First Nations people account for a disproportionate number of these deaths — they were nearly six times more likely to die from an overdose than other B.C. residents.
Paramedics in B.C. respond to an average of 87 overdose calls a day, or 2,706 calls in total.
B.C. Coroners Service said 1,202 people have died of fatal overdoses so far this year.
The death toll in B.C. in September was more than double recorded same month last year.
Ontario also shows that the number of confirmed and probable deaths from opioid-related causes has increased by almost 50 per cent.
An injectible opioid is pictured. The B.C. Coroners Service says 1,202 people have died of fatal overdoses so far this year, compared to 983 deaths in all of 2019 (Rafferty Baker/CBC)
Alberta also experienced a dramatic increase in opioid-related deaths.
Frontline workers said that, because of social restrictions, many more people have been using opioids alone, "decreasing the chance of intervention if they overdose and contributing to the increase in overdose-related fatalities."
Physical distancing measures at safe-consumption sites designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 also resulted in more opioid-related deaths.
At least one supervised consumption site in Ottawa did away with physical distancing measures after several clients overdosed while waiting in line to get in.
Meanwhile, many Canadians have increased their use of alcohol, cannabis and tobacco during this pandemic.
By early summer, based on surveys by Statistics Canada, close to one in five Canadians (19 per cent) said their consumption of alcohol had increased, cannabis use jumped 8.3 per cent and tobacco smoking rates were up by 3.9 per cent over pre-pandemic levels.
CBC North has documented a surge in alcohol and substance abuse in Canada's northern territories thanks in part to more bootlegging and access to cash )CERB) and other relief supports.
Dr. Theresa Tam says pandemic exposed existing inequities in Canada
Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam says some groups in Canada have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic and its resulting restrictions on social and economic life have had a lasting impact on mental health.
PHAC found that, due to shelter-in-place restrictions, more women have had to stay with abusive partners and LGBTQ kids have been confined to homes with homophobic and transphobic parents and caregivers.
Child welfare agencies are reporting a drop in abuse or neglect reports — but they fear it's because fewer cases are being reported now that more school-age children are stuck at home without access to school or sports.
"This may be the result of fewer detection opportunities, as children are likely to be isolated at home and without community involvement," PHAC said.
But it's not just the vulnerable and marginalized among us who have seen notable drops in mental wellness.
In 2018, 68 per cent of Canadians age 15 years and older reported excellent or very good self-perceived mental health. This figure dropped to 54 per cent in late March and early April 2020 before going lower still to 48 per cent in early May, according to Statistics Canada data.
Indigenous people, the disabled and low-income Canadians also have reported experiencing more suicidal thoughts since the outbreak, PHAC found.
With strict social distancing measures and limits on social gatherings in place, many Canadians feel isolated and are worried about the state of their friendships and familial relationships.
Seventy per cent of Canadians who responded to a recent Statistics Canada survey said they were concerned about maintaining social ties, while 54 per cent of respondents with kids said they were very or extremely concerned about their children's loneliness or social isolation.
While thousands of Canadians have died 'with' COVID-19 — nearly 80 per cent of them in long-term care homes, as of August — there were also more deaths in general this year than last.
"Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec all showed increased numbers of deaths compared to the same time period over the past five years.
Some of these additional deaths are directly related to COVID-19, however contributions from other causes not directly linked to COVID-19 cannot be excluded," PHAC concluded.
Hospitals have seen a drop in walk-in patients for other maladies in emergency rooms. Surgeries have been cancelled or postponed due to capacity restraints, and health professionals fear that people may be avoiding necessary medical care because of pandemic-related worries.
With gyms closed in many jurisdictions and recreational sports leagues on pause, some Canadians are less active. Those who weren't particularly active before March 2020 lockdown reported being even less so in the months that followed.
More than 60 per cent of Canadians reported spending more time using the internet and watching TV during the pandemic.
"Limited physical activity as a result of public health measures to physically isolate may also have an impact on mental health.
PilgrimsProgress
Well-Known Member
You seem to have a strange idea of what a lockdown is. In the state I live in - NSW - people could leave their home to exercise, shop for necessary groceries, chemists, medical surgeries. Post offices ,newsagents, public transport all were continued. You were expected to social distance, wash hands etc. The only hardships I experienced in the months of lockdown, were limiting visitors and not being allowed to shop in department stores, furniture stores, etc and visit cinemas. In NSW masks were advised - but not mandated.
When you compare it to the conditions refugees experience in our Australian offshore detention camps, it entitled minimal hardship -for a limited time. Our refugee camps are a national disgrace..
The state of Victoria had a somewhat harsher lockdown for a longer period - but there was a good reason for it - as the tracing was initially poorly run. To that governments credit - there have been no cases for over a week now.
PilgrimsProgress
Well-Known Member
Of course there is growing concern over mental health. Unless you're over 100 years old, this pandemic is unprecedented in first world countries. Folks are frightened and anxious and feeling insecure.
I hardly think Trump's idea of dismissing the potential harm of the virus helped alleviate the fears.......
KayTheCurler
Well-Known Member
I don't tend to demand particular behaviours from others. I wear a mask, wish others did too but accept that it is their decision. I try to avoid being near such people without making a fuss about telling them they must wear one, Others may. Their choice.
Mendalla
Happy headbanging ape!!
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Since I don't see this posted here, yet, some positive news on the vaccine front. As Fauci in the US pointed out, this bodes well for the possibility of a vaccine in general.
Pilgrims did Australia stop all incoming and outgoing air travel? or any other types of transportation that came from other countries or even from city to city within Australia?
This is great news but shouldn't we also be watching for news on how long immunity lasts?
Ritafee
Is Being Human
Pfizer Inc. did not provide any more details , and cautioned the initial protection rate might change by the time the study ends. Even revealing such early data is highly unusual.
But Ottawa has signed deals for millions of doses of vaccines from several groups of developers anyway.
Ritafee
Is Being Human
You would more accurately relay that folks are being unduly frightened and the draconian response by their 'government' is unprecedented. The pandemic has turned into a testdemic and the insecurities are being manufactured ... but are not warranted. You do not want to hear that I know. And I have not denied that there is a 'disease' or that people should not take reasonable precautions to avoid 'contagion'. The measures that are being 'mandated' are causing more harm than good and it is getting pretty hard for some of us to ignore that. Life is risky. If you want to live in your bubble ... no one is stopping you from doing so. Speaking for all of Victoria ... I think I will take my cue from the thousands and thousands of 'expert' voices that are opposed to any more government sanctions and the millions and millions of people that are in agreement with them who are trying to bring their voices to the public square but being prohibited from doing so without being 'quashed' and propagandized as 'conspiracy theorists'. Disagreeing with you or others here does not make me right or you wrong or visa versa ... but we should all be allowed a space at the table and in the media and in the public square.
PilgrimsProgress
Well-Known Member
SPACE AT THE TABLE!!!!
Er, just look back at this thread. You seem to be sitting in most of the chairs - and even the dog under the table is missing out.
And how exactly do you explain the rates of Covid in the USA right now.....who seem to be following your "advice".
And? I would be more upset if Canada wasnt looking at those working on vaccines.
ChemGal
One with keen eye
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
It was based on what was shared plus what a lockdown is. I did see on the news people being unable to leave or if movement is happening with a lot of control over it and it not being granted to everyone. A lockdown does mean no movement in general. An area in a neighborhood I lived in had one once due to a hostage situation - no traffic allowed on the streets police went to homes and told people they could no step outside if they had to they could call an get an escort. I've said from the beginning of this to let's not use extreme language for restrictions. How are people going to rhe grocery store in lockdown? China had a lockdown in parts at times. Yes people could leave to get necessities, but extremely controlled they had specific days. Drones would fly around telling people to go home if outside. Children on bike rides for fun and socialization isn't lockdown.
ChemGal
One with keen eye
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
I also thought the shelter in place language being used in the US was inappropriate. I didn't just use my assumptions on that I looked up Canadian and American emergency references. It means stay where you are. In a shopping mall? Don't go home. Stay in the hospital building upon being discharged etc. until it's over. It's typically used for adverse weather although other situations may necessitate it too ie. a shooter walking around outside.