By John Fryters

Senior's Scene

The Alarm Has Sounded

Nov 12, 2020 | 10:09 AM

I am not an alarmist…..by no mean ! However, today (November 11th, 2020) I read a letter, signed by some 310 Saskatchewan phycisians to Premier Scott Moe, the new Saskatchewan Health Minister Merriman, and Saskatchewan’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Shahab.

The letter really sounds the alarm very clearly and the physicians do no mince words.

These are some excerpts :

“It is becoming increasingly clear to us, physicians from across Saskatchewan, that we are losing the battle against this virus.

“If more is not done to change our course, we are confident that winter will bring overflowing hospitals, cancelled surgeries, overwhelmed health care providers, and needless deaths.”

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“However, the lives of our friends and neighbours are on the line.”

“The lives and livelihoods of Saskatchewan people depend upon you.”

When I shared the content of the whole letter with my wife, Hannelore, she asked, “What can we do ?” She understood that the letter was addressed to the decision-makers in Saskatchewan, but her question really resonated with me.

While the government will hopefully take some further steps and introduce more restrictions, it is important that we all reflect what we, personally, can do to minimize the risk and, as they say, to flatten the curve drastically.

I believe the warning by the physicians is overwhelming and as we live in a smaller province with a lower population and limited resources, we, seniors, need to take this very seriously. After all, the number one target of this vicious virus continues to be the elderly and advanced elderly.

I know that seniors are missing their grandchildren, and their extended families.

We hear them talk about that all the time.

So, it is absolutely natural to want to reach out and go and visit them.

In this COVID-19 atmosphere, be careful and maybe you should postpone such visits, even during the upcoming Christmas Season. This is just one way of helping out. Replace the visits with plenty of phone calls, Skype and Messenger (FB) meetings, and if you have a very large family ask someone to set up a ZOOM meeting for you.

Also schedule your grocery shopping times more deliberately.

One senior I know is now shopping early in the morning when there are no huge crowds in the stores.

Stay away from unnecessary crowds such as church gatherings, family get togethers (even Christmas parties) unless COVID-19 regulations are in place.

Though the governments have not asked for this, maybe you should consider wearing a mask all the time, no matter where you are and where you go, even outside. And, at the same time, always keep your safe six feet distance.

Like I said, I am not an alarmist, but I am a little worried after reading our Saskatchewan Physicians’ clear warning.

Please reflect on this and keep safe.

Love from myself and Hannelore to all of you, seniors out there. Love ye.

John Fryters Is a 72-year old senior who is passionate about reaching out to other seniors in his peer group. He can be reached by e-mail at campus@inet2000.com or through www.seniorprincealbert.com.

This column is sponsored by MacKenzie Funeral Chapel and Crematorium – Compassionate care and impeccable service.

130 9^th St. E, Prince Albert, SK
Phone: (306) 763-8488

https://mackenziechapel.ca/