To the editor,
Having spent many years working on the bridges of ocean-going vessels, I know that sometimes an approaching storm is just too great to avoid. Those on the ship’s bridge must have calm and clear heads when heading into the storm’s fury, showing no signs of panic. The intensity of storms often change without much warning, and skills acquired from years of experience have to be applied if the vessel is to make it through to calm waters.
I look at the provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry as that navigator with the cool demeanour and the experience to help British Columbians weather the storm of COVID-19.
This storm that is blowing around the globe is accompanied by so many onerous dark clouds, not least is the amount of misinformation that finds its way into people’s fearful minds via social media and newscasts. One result is manifested in panic-buying by so many in our population, and during the March 14 press conference both Henry and Minister Adrian Dix politely admonished large number of citizens for their gross stupidity and greed.
By contrast, daily life is almost returned to normal where the virus originated in China, and their hard-earned experience is being exported to help in Italy and other hot-spots, along with some much-needed medical equipment. No doubt things will get worse in Canada before they get better, but with lessons learned from other countries who experienced the virus before it arrived here, along with the precautions and medical expertise, we will weather this storm. No doubt there will be many who turn self-isolation into ‘selfie-isolation,’ and multitudes of tasteless and unnecessary pictures will be shared on social media, to make their irritating way to newscasts. However, we must count ourselves very lucky to have Dr. Henry as the silver lining of these dark clouds.
Bernie Smith, Parksville
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To the editor,
Fear of the virus is a greater threat right now than the virus itself. A World Health Organization official said last week that the vast majority of people will recover from the coronavirus. Look it up and feel better.
Anywhere from 250,000 to 650,000 die worldwide every year from the flu virus, according to the Centre for Disease Control. In Canada, the annual death toll from the flu is from 2,000 to 8,000 people. Do some investigation and put this into perspective.
Taking normal precautions is prudent, but living in fear is not. The grocery store was almost empty today. The great fear that is sweeping the world is not justified when you look at the number of people who die from the flu every year. Think of the effect all that fear has on your body, and on the economy. Have faith. This too will pass.
Sandy Bell, Nanaimo
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The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin. If you have a different view, we encourage you to write to us or contribute to the discussion below.
