People need each other. Whether you think the seriousness of COVID-19 warrants the level of restrictions we are enduring or not, when it comes down to it, we need each other to feel “normal.” We are being deprived of this in many ways as the pandemic wears on.
Social media comments continue to be horribly divisive and hurtful from both ends of this polarizing topic. Perhaps those that are terrified could show compassion towards others mourning the absence of meaningful social contact in increasingly dystopian public spaces void of smiles and human expression.
What if it was acceptable to care about and follow public health measures, but also be deeply troubled by current suicide rates, domestic violence and economic devastation in our communities? Perhaps it would not be so inconceivable that some desperately cling to data and stats that seem to indicate, at first glance, risk of mortality from this virus is low for many. Perhaps this data is like a “lifeline” for some, a distant hope that there is a way out of this confounding situation sooner rather than later.
Case numbers and recovery rates may be high, but mudslinging, finger-pointing and online shaming are far exceeding these numbers.
Nancy Boyko, St. Albert
