It was a long three weeks. Rumors of rapidly-rising Covid-19 cases. Posts about a disturbing deluge of ILI (influenza-like-illness) cases. Talk about unusual queues at hospitals and crematoriums.
And then, heartbreaking photos of patients lying on the pavement, in makeshift beds and in parked vehicles, hooked up to oxygen tanks right outside the hospital. A horrific reality finally hits home.
We knew it was coming. It was only a matter of time. And yet, the drinking sprees and soirees continued. Those who expressed alarm and anxiety were labeled losers, cowards and party poopers.
The community seemed numb. Until they saw the oxygen tanks.
Then, they went into panic mode, rushing to buy oxygen tanks to bring home. Some, not even knowing they needed an oxygen regulator, a cannula, distilled water and a wrench to deliver this oxygen into their lungs. Most didn’t know they needed medical guidance and supervision on how much oxygen to administer when needed.
But can we blame them?
The public was completely blindsided. Perhaps, it was naivete. Perhaps, it was denial. Or perhaps it was misinformation. There was no need to wait for confirmation that Delta had arrived to increase vigilance. The surge had arrived.
Delta infects in a matter of seconds. Masking, hand hygiene and safe distancing still works. But ventilation is key in enclosed, crowded or shared spaces. And contrary to what was initially believed, Delta can result in severe illness.
Vaccines work — not 100 percent of the time but when they do, they prevent severe illness and death. So, get vaccinated. Every arm counts.
Because every person who remains unvaccinated offers the virus a place to reside, to replicate and to reconstruct itself into variants more dangerous than the ones already in existence.
Don’t refuse vaccination. Vaccines are in short supply. Don’t delay vaccination. Every day counts. Our vaccines are in a perpetual race with variants. Don’t wait for the vaccine of your choice. The virus won’t wait for it.
Don’t fall for this fallacy. “It’s my body. It’s my right to remain unvaccinated.” No one has the right to expose others to harm and that’s exactly what people do when they delay or refuse vaccination.
We, individuals, enjoy rights, but we also bear responsibilities. Today, we are called to fulfill a moral obligation to protect society. Take that shot. Save a life. Collect your purple heart.
It’s been 17 months — enough time to grow a conscience. Stop the disinformation. Stop the intellectual dishonesty. If we don’t get out of this pandemic alive, at least, let it be said that we did all we could, fought with all we had but most of all, told the truth so that every life could have a chance to be saved.