At the start of the pandemic, I followed a lot of COVID experts on Twitter. Of course I did. I’m an academic, which means that when I’m scared and confused, I seek knowledge to give me some (perhaps illusory) sense of control.
But now, I’m finding my new “friends” annoying. Why? Because they won’t stop catastrophising, and making me feel guilty, about my approach to the disease.
What is that approach? That now having had my three shots and — unfortunately — a four-day “nasty cold” experience of COVID, I can start getting back to my life, at least until a new variant appears or hospital admissions outpace what Victoria can handle.
The break from fear and exhaustion caused by constant vigilance has done wonders. Gone is the constant feeling of fear and powerlessness that accompanied the daily application of my mask, which reminded me that while I was doing all that I could to lower my risks, I could still catch the virus, pass it to my loved ones or end up in hospital or with long COVID.
Having faced the monster, I feel like I’ve won. My listlessness and depression lifted as I chatted with neighbours at the coffee shop and hugged my friends. My children even agreed to get back into contact, something their terror of infecting me — even post lockdowns — had made them reluctant to do.
Does my approach make scientific sense? As far as I can tell, yes. From Professor Tony Blakley to US doctor Abraar Karan (the same folks I relied on during the early parts of the pandemic to tell me to stay home, socially distance and mask), the experts are saying that a break is needed, and a good time to take one is now. Or, as Dr Karan puts it, “politically, socially, culturally, if you don’t pull back a little bit when incidence is low, then people feel like they’re being pushed to be on high alert all the time”.
Is this selfish? Some immunocompromised folks say yes, and I completely understand how scary the post-COVID terrain is for them. But it’s not clear to me what they want the rest of us to do. Wear an N95 mask? These are designed for them to wear to protect themselves against contagious, unmasked people. My wearing of one should not stop others from getting full protection from theirs.
Remain socially distanced? From them, no problem. All they have to do is ask. Indeed I have several friends who have asked for me to remain at arm’s length — literally — and so I have. But do we all have to do it everywhere for people with compromised immune systems to feel safe?
I think there’s a balance to be struck both with masks and social distancing, which are so terrible for mental health, social communication and social cohesion. In fact, I see the new freedoms brought about by our sacrifices and the astounding pace of science as something to marvel at and celebrate.
Unlike two years ago, when lockdowns and masks were all we had to protect ourselves and others, we now have vaccines that reduce the risk of getting COVID, spreading it and becoming so ill that you need hospitalisation or are at risk of long COVID. Not to mention an ever-increasing range and availability of treatments if we do become ill.
Of course, we should be aware — as I am — that this may just be a hiatus. That a new strain or a variation on the current one that makes it more deadly or vaccine evasive is just a mutation away.
But this kind of awareness and surveillance isn’t the stuff of election campaigns or even polite dinner conversation. Sure, we should factor in the horrendous job Scott Morrison did when considering who we want taking care of our health if it all goes pear-shaped again — I certainly am.
But beyond that, the only people who should be thinking about COVID now are the experts. It’s their job to watch and worry (not on TV but in their offices or labs) and keep their eyes on the trends. And to only run around with their hair on fire when it’s time for all of us to act.
Who said vaccines protect against long COVID?
Not sure what to make of this article. Over 24,000 new cases and 3000 hospitalised yesterday alone.
I’m going to keep on wearing a mask and continue to think about [not catching] covid.
Not sure why you got marked down, simply for expressing that you would continue with a cautious approach. Maybe those “let ‘er rip” people who, while espousing their right to not wear a mask, seem to be personally offended by those of us that do?
Over 45,000 new cases today. It’s rather funny actually getting the stink eye from the very small minority of evidently psychotic people who need to express their disapproval.
Not only 24,000 new cases yesterday but so far this year there have been around 1200 deaths per month, as compared to around 1200 deaths per year in 2020 and 21 when we didn’t have a vaccinated population. How on earth can you say “incidence is low” at this time?
Sorry Richard, I just read that back after posting and it looks like I’m accusing you of saying incidence is low, I was quoting Leslie Cannold in the article.
Dr Cannold sensibly states that “Sure, we should factor in the horrendous job Scott Morrison did when considering who we want taking care of our health if it all goes pear-shaped again” but then mistakenly says “The only people who should be thinking about COVID now are the experts”. COVID should be a major issue in the elections and put the Coalition last because of (a) Coalition falsehood in Morrison claiming “We have the lowest fatality rate of almost any country in the world” (in actuality Australia ranks about 8th in the world in terms of “COVID deaths per million of population” and there should be zero tolerance for lies and falsehood), and (b) “COVID deaths per million of population” is 202 for Australia, 11 for New Zealand and 3 for China (which means that relative to New Zealand the Coalition was responsible for (202- 11) COVID deaths per million of population x 26 million people = 4,966 or about 5,000 avoidable Australian COVID deaths.
Ah yes, the privileged middle class who can stay at home and work if they so wish. I can assure you Leslie that there are plenty of people on the front lines who have no choice but to think about covid, because they are in danger every single day of being infected. Most of the retail outlets I have been to since the mask mandate was lifted still have staff wearing masks. I am double masking because I simply cannot afford to get covid. I don’t have the time for to be that sick, and I am fearful of being one of the people who ends up with long covid. So, sure, whatever works for you. But don’t tell people that they can stop worrying about covid now. That’s only a thing in your privileged little world.
I don’t know what form of “Doctor” Leslie Cannon is (medical or PhD). If she is a medical doctor then she is completely out of touch with what is happening in our community as far as the rising incidence of Covid19 infections.
PhD in social research and a masters in bioethics. I am one of those who thinks that you shouldn’t use your PhD title in any other setting than an academic or professional one. It’s very tacky. However doing so does seem to be rather popular with people who have a PhD in areas like social research.
an occasionally cogent description of the Ujak syndrome ..