Far too many active COVID-19 cases in the south — ‘we are all in this together’

As of Sunday, it was reported by Alberta Health Services, there were 47 active cases of COVID-19 in the M.D. of Taber. This number has fluctuated throughout the past year, months, weeks and days. In comparison, Lethbridge County reported 114 active cases. All in all — that’s far too many active cases, when this pandemic could be subdued.

As a whole, southern Albertans should continue to take an active role, as a community, because “we are all in this together.”

It is hoped, southern Albertans will heed the advice of AHS and health experts (locally, provincially, nationally and internationally) to limit the spread of this global pandemic. The reckless and careless behaviours of some could, no doubt, wreck it for the rest of us — sending us back to the drawing board, in respect to future lockdowns and shutdowns, similar to what is happening in other regions throughout the country and across the globe.

Throughout history, the powers that be and health and safety people have recommended certain things during certain times to help curb a common threat infiltrating the populace. In Alberta, AHS has recommended a few simple things: “Wash your hands, wear a mask, keep your distance and stay home when feeling unwell.” It’s not rocket science, but why then, do the number of active COVID-19 cases continue to rise?

Every Albertan, it would be assumed, wants to get back to how things were pre-pandemic. It’s been one hell of a year, and at times now, it seems like there is almost a light at the end of the tunnel.

Vaccines are becoming available to Albertans, if they choose. And maybe, just maybe — life might return to a somewhat normalcy. But, there is a cost to this luxury.

Southern Albertans, it has been noted by the powers that be and health officials, must continue to sacrifice certain aspects of life, collectively, for the common good. It happened throughout history and history does repeat itself, and hopefully we have learned from our mistakes — at least health-wise.

Are southern Albertans letting their guard down? Do southern Albertans need a refresher of how to gain traction in this “fight” against an unrelenting virus? Are southern Alberta residents sick and tired of COVID-19? The answer is most likely a resounding “yes.” But, 2021 needs southern Albertans to let go of any hang-ups they might just have against this or that when it comes to the protection of ALL southern Albertans.

Health care in Alberta, Canada and abroad has evolved in leaps and bounds over the past few decades. But, all the advancements and technology created means nothing if every day people can’t follow simple rules and regulations designed to protect those that need the protection the most — seniors, those with compromised immune systems, the young, and just anyone that doesn’t want to get COVID-19 and possibly die or go through complications because of being in contact with it.

According to CBC News, “after a year of hand washing, mask wearing and physical distancing — the province is seeing an extraordinarily mild flu season, Alberta doctors say.” So, AHS rules and regulations regarding COVID-19 can’t be all that bad, considering.

It was also stated in a recent CBC News report, as of March 25, “Alberta had recorded no confirmed cases of any type of influenza this year after more than 1.6 million tests were administered this flu season.”

Wow, that is a pretty interesting development, don’t you think? Makes ya want to follow AHS rules and regs on a regular basis even after the pandemic is long gone, but not forgotten — doesn’t it? It would be swell for Alberta to continue to see low numbers of the common flu moving forward, wouldn’t it?

So to recap, what does all this mean for southern Albertans? Well, as AHS has said, “COVID-19 remains a public health threat. Social gatherings are the top source of transmission.”

And to reiterate, “Wash your hands, wear a mask, keep your distance and stay home when feeling unwell.”