Thread by @KashPrime

Let's go over some simple reasons why this new 'lockdown' won't work and what we can do about it:

Essential workers 30s-50s are the bulk of new ICU admissions. There's been no change in working conditions to protect them from an airborne virus. They are at huge risk right now

1) This virus is airborne, like SARS1 before it. That's why these new variants are more contagious. Distancing won't cut it, being in closed, poorly ventilated spaces is hugely dangerous. As @AndrewChangCBC describes, we need to up our game on masks:

2) Wear a better mask, like a tightly fitting N95 or equivalent. All workers should be provided with these now. Wear one to your grocery run, or switch to pickup or delivery if you can't. They are plentiful now.

Here's a list of Canadian suppliers:
docs.google.com/document/d/1ma…

3) Test regularly at all large workplaces. Use the Abbott Panbio rapid tests (which are gathering dust in warehouses), or the ID NOW systems to screen everyone twice weekly. Crush these workplace outbreaks quickly, keep them from spreading to their families

4) Bring vaccination to these younger workers. Bring it to the factories and warehouses. Start moving aggressively down the age brackets in areas that are hard hit; every wave has started with young people; vaccinating them will slow things down.

5) Better provisions for time off; right now federal benefits only kick in if you have confirmed covid infection, and does not cover time off for testing or getting vaccinated. This needs to change.

Thanks to @CBCRaffy and @CBCTheNational team for covering this issue. These are often voiceless workers, often unseen and who's hard work keeps society humming along. Seeing them get sick due to factors beyond their control has been heartbreaking

https://twitter.com/CBCRaffy/status/1377848026937573376?s=20

This is a phenomenal idea:

https://twitter.com/charlesadler/status/1378079077660160002?s=20

A thread and article packed full of good ideas on the same theme:

https://twitter.com/SabiVM/status/1378140334534885376?s=20

And it looks like some of this is being implemented already!

https://twitter.com/bogochisaac/status/1378113811832582144