COVID-19 are stricter rules needed – As the Covid-19 took hold and spread globally, the call went out for people to avoid contact with others as much as possible. Over the past few months and especially during the last few weeks, people have been told to ‘self-monitor’, ‘self-isolate’ or isolate – depending on the stage they are at in relation to the virus. However, there have been reports of people who are not fully abiding by the instructions given to them and it is of great concern to many.
COVID-19 are stricter rules needed
A woman in Quebec City who tested positive for the Coivid-19 virus and put under quarantine, was arrested by SPVQ police officers on Friday March 20th for breaking her isolation. She left her home to take a walk in the neighbourhood. It is understandable, to a degree, that being in a situation like that could be challenging and one would want to get out of the house for some fresh air – and their sanity. But given the seriousness of the pandemic and the urgent need to get a handle on it, especially if one has contracted the virus – isolation is not only of great importance, it is the only way we can control its rapid spread. The question then is, should stricter rules be put in place and enforced?
In Montreal, there have been numerous reports of people breaking the rules. Travelers arriving at the airport from outside of Canada and told to go into self-isolation and monitor themselves for two weeks have been seen going into supermarkets before going home. They need food and supplies, that is a given and understandable. However, they could have also arranged for their food to be delivered – with a simple phone call to the store, a family member or even a neighbour or friend.
The Covid-19 pandemic is unprecedented, leaving many confused, scared and perhaps unaware – or even in denial of how serious it is. Others who are in self-isolation without any symptoms, but potentially exposed to the virus from recent contact with someone who tested positive, have been seen taking walks outside their homes – but most are being careful and making sure they do not come close to anyone. That is also understandable and as long as they maintain their distance from other people, there is no apparent danger. But for those with symptoms or who have tested positive and are in full isolation, there is no justification for them to leave their homes at all, given how easily and quickly it can be spread. The woman from Quebec City is a case in point for the question if stricter rules should be put in place and enforced. What do you think?
Here is information from Health Canada on understanding the difference between ‘self-monitoring’, ‘self-isolation’ and ‘isolation’ and what you should do:
COVID-19 are stricter rules needed – SELF-MONITORING
You have: no symptoms and a history of possible exposure to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, in the last 14 days. Self-monitor means to: monitor yourself for 14 days for one or more symptoms of COVID-19, go about your day but avoid crowded places and increase your personal space from others, whenever possible. You need to self-monitor if you have reason to believe you have been exposed to a person with Covid-19 or you are in close contact with older adults or medically vulnerable people or you have been advised to self-monitor for any other reason by your Public Health Authority.
SELF-ISOLATION
You have: no symptoms and a history of possible exposure to the novel coronavirus due to travel outside of Canada or close contact with a person diagnosed with Covid-19. Self-isolate means to: stay at home and monitor yourself for symptoms, even if mild, for 14 days. Avoid contact with other people to help prevent the spread of disease in your home and in your community in the event you become symptomatic. You need to self-isolate if you have travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days or your Public Health Authority has identified you as a close contact of someone diagnosed with Covid-19.
COVID-19 ISOLATION
You have: symptoms, even if mild and you have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or are waiting for the results of a lab test for Covid-19. Isolation means to: stay at home until your Public Health Authority advises you that you are no longer at risk of spreading the virus to others, avoid contact with other people to help prevent the spread of disease in your home and in your community, particularly people at high risk of severe illness outcomes such as older adults or medically vulnerable people. You need to isolate if: you have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or you are waiting to hear the results of a laboratory test for Covid-19 or you have been advised to isolate at home for any other reason by your Public Health Authority. For more information: Canada.ca/coronavirus or call 1-833-784-4397. Please take care of yourselves and think of others during this challenging time.
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