Compassion, Clarity & Coordination Needed In Manitoba Pandemic Response
It was revealed recently that due to the recent variant of covid19, omicron, that people would need to get a booster shot as this strain was stronger and meaner than any other strain before it. I did it as soon as I was able. They also say everyone is likely to catch the new strain, even vaccinated people - although those who are vaccinated will suffer to a lesser degree. All this information is overwhelming especially as many systems seem to go on pause over the holiday time. It feels odd because it is also a time when many people think our systems should be operating at an increased capacity to respond to the pandemic. This doesn’t seem to be happening. So how do we respond when it feels like we have already been responding to the maximum of our abilities over the last 2 years?
Power To The People
The first and most obvious step is to hold our government and health systems responsible for their care they should legally be providing. The next step is to find alternatives in the face of the (lack of) responses we seem to be getting. I have much more faith in the people of our community who time and time again step up in the face of crises and failing systems. To those who continue to step up, thank you for all you’ve done so far, but our work is not yet over. As I learn more and more, I see that the people can be huge allies to the front line workers in many systems.
Here’s a few things I have learned about and some tips that could be helpful to all of us as citizens:
Improve our mask situation: if you can upgrade to N95 or similair types of masks then do so. However I know this is an expensive option and in some jurisdictions, it is suggested health professionals get first access to these. There is something called the 3 F’s of mask use: fit, fibre and flow (click here to read more). There are also ways to increase the fit of your masks by wearing medical masks in a tighter way (like this), or double mask with medical and cloth masks.
Understand ventilation and airborne spread: Think about the spaces you occupy, how the air moves and what ventilation is present. When possible learn about and improve your ventilation situation as we must address airborne spread of the virus. Here is a resource that shares some tips on improving ventilation.
Fundamentals still apply: physical distancing, reduce contacts as much as possible, stay home when sick, wash hands, wear mask. All the same pandemic life things from before still apply.
Get boosted: If you are able to and are eligible, get your booster shot. The science and news is always updating what we know about things, but as I write this post, it is suggested we all get a third dose if possible. I also want to take a moment to say that I recognize the global vaccine inequities in that there are countries that have not been able to get their citizens first, second or booster doses of the vaccine yet. This inequity is frustrating to observe, but if you are in a country where you can get the shots, I recommend you do so, then we can be healthy enough to use our voices and privilege to advocate for global vaccine equity.
Free Advice to Political Leaders
Our new Premier said they wanted to take a more collaborative approach and listen more to the people of Manitoba. I think that is a fantastic goal, but I know many people have thought that the approach she has taken so far has been lacking. A few things I would like to share to all decision makers who are trying to guide us through the pandemic would be as follows:
Compassionate leadership is the way to go: take a look at the work of the MB First Nations Pandemic Response team and you will see a blue print of the way you can approach this pandemic in a compassionate, clear and constructive way. Another great example at the no profit level is the work of Ma Mawi Chi Itata Centre Inc during the pandemic with their rapid testing site, urban Indigenous vaccination centre and food hamper program. Their existing relationships with the community allow them to communicate in a way that is clear and culturally safe to the community members and families they serve.
“Economy over everything approach” doesn’t work: did we really release the first batch of free KN95 masks in casinos and liquor stores instead of hospitals, schools, pharmacies or libraries? This reveals some unfortunate priorities. I think we should use local infrastructure to distribute personal protective equipment and accurate succinct up to date information to residents of the province at the local level. Prioritizing residents instead of people buying liquor or gambling seems like a better approach.
Be useful instead of being partisan: I know that the PCs don’t like the NDP, and the NDP doesn’t like the conservatives - I get it, we all get it. When releasing your communications to the public, quit extolling some much energy and oxygen on vilifying the other team. Spend that time telling us your thoughts in a clear and understandable way. When all of your communications are about how bad the other team is, it makes me think you wouldn’t know a solution if it was standing right in front of you because you’re too busy slinging mud.
Stop releasing health restrictions in riddle format: who writes these things? We need someone who understands public communication to help our government release these health restrictions in clear ways. I feel like I have to do mental gymnastics to understand the health restrictions and it has gotten worse over the life of the pandemic. My dream is health restrictions that are clear. Check the work that the Protect Our People Manitoba campaign have done for a great example of good, clear messaging.
Elected or unelected, for leaders at every level, compassion, clarity and coordination are needed if we are to come out of this pandemic in good shape.
