Thread by @LisaBarrettID

Some current pandemic facts, uncertainties, and phrases/statements people are linking by association to changes in public health measures. (1/11)

We are still in a pandemic. Yes, it’s true. A virus capable of causing illness and death in a significant proportion of the population is still circulating in all countries. (2/11)

FACT: This virus is still changing quite quickly and unpredictably. Not just to ‘milder’, and not always to versions where previous vaccine or exposure related immunity are effective (although looks like some cross protection against current circulating omicron strains 😃) (3/11)

FACT: A rapidly changing, unstable virus limits our ability to adequately predict pathogenicity and transmission. That’s a problem when still building the depth of immunity needed for strong protection over multiple seasons of combined post-exposure and vaccine immunity. (4/11)

FACT: We have tools that enable safer pandemic living until we reduce uncertainty around viral trajectory. They include, but are not limited to, vaccines. Better ventilation, masks when indoors, and enhanced self testing for the vulnerable and those around them are also key (5/11

FACT: masks mitigate transmission and do not preclude gathering or daily living. There are no data that masks cause economic harm in any sector, but emerging data that removing them unfairly places a burden of isolation on the vulnerable. (6/11)

HIGH UNCERTAINTY: the impact of removing all public health measures (especially without real support for sick pay) on absenteeism, population wellness, and chronic illness beyond ‘just’ hospitalization and death (7/11)

UNCERTAINTY: ability to predict viral evolution in next 4-6 months in an unchecked environment with an evolving ecologic and immunologic niche. The virus-host interaction is not clearly decided yet (and it will be late before we see ‘worse’ virus in a precaution free world)(8/11)

Statements that are not a rationale for viral pandemic response, but instead are tag lines: ‘we must learn to live with this’; ‘we cannot live in fear’; ‘we must move forward’; ‘people are done with the pandemic’ (9/11)

Saying the statements in tweet 9/11 next to ‘and therefore we need to remove masks and access to voluntary testing’ doesn’t actually mean it’s a valid reason. Yes, people may be ‘done’, but true leaders can inspire and motivate and make sure there is equity in responses. (10/11)

With current viral uncertainty, known benefits of masking, as well as the relative lack of economic or societal harm, we ask our vulnerable to maybe assume too much risk to convenience the rest of us if removed in the next months. Worth a solid reflection Canada. (11/11)