Thread by @DennisKendel

As a responsible Saskatchewan citizen I cannot remain silent in the face of what I perceive to be a dangerously irresponsible COVID communication strategy I see being followed by @PremierScottMoe at this crucial point in the protracted pandemic 🧵(1/12)

It's understandable that many citizens are experiencing a growing sense of fatigue in our struggle with COVID. We all hunger for some hopeful news about an impeding end to this pandemic. We're like a patient with a serious cancer diagnosis hoping for an imminent cure (2/12)

In communication with a patient who has a serious cancer diagnosis, responsible physicians always include messages of hope but they do not shirk their professional obligations to be truthful even when that truth is hard to hear (3/12)

They strive to provide factual evidence-based information to their patients which includes accurate information about both the benefits & risks of all possible therapeutic interventions. They strive to avoid distorting such communications with personal biases. (4/12)

In this pandemic, we rely upon our elected leaders to emulate such responsible physician communication with patients at risk of suffering & death. Embody empathy & hope in your communication. But do not suppress information. Do not mislead. (5/12)

On January 17, 2022 world-class #SK modeler Dr. Nate Osgood generated evidence-based projections for potential future non-ICU hospitalizations in Saskatchewan based upon assumptions of no new public health interventions versus some interventions (6/17)

I assume @PremierScottMoe had access to this information on January 17th. If not, he should ensure that he gets prompt access to such info. I assume he read this modelling information. If not, he should read such information & seek to understand it (7/12)

On Jan 18, @PremierScottMoe posted this message :
"But Omicron is spreading across Canada & around the world, whether there are lockdown policies in place or not, so we are not going to impose new restrictions & lockdowns that cause significant harm for no clear benefit." (8/12)

It is deeply troubling to see this public communication from @PremierScottMoe when Dr. Osgood's modelling show compelling evidence that we could reduce future implementing by implementing some measures (9/12)

In his public communications, @PremierScottMoe consistently uses the very inflammatory term "lockdown" when no experts in Saskatchewan are actually calling for a "lockdown". They are calling for some gathering limits & other responsible measures (10/12)

I believe that the interests of all citizens are best served when citizens are empowered & engaged in discourse about public policy. Such empowerment & engagement requires truthful & unvarnished communication from our Premier. (11/12)

This morning @awong37 posted a very informative thread about the COVID modelling released by Dr. Osgood on January 17th. I want to thank him for doing so & would encourage you to access & read it. (12/12)

@threadreaderapp please unroll