Audrey Hinchcliffe | Road map for coexisting with the coronavirus

There is no such thing as ‘the virus is back’; it never left. There are various strains, from alpha to the now much-feared Delta variant. The virus comes in waves, or surges, matching the easing of restrictions to allow for increase in economic activities. It is said that Jamaica is experiencing the third wave caused by the rapid rise in the positivity rate. The response to the easing of restrictions is freedom and liberty over health and safety every time, and as always, the winner is the further spread of the infection. Hence, COVID-19 is again rearing its ugly head, resulting in sickness and death.

The virus will find you wherever you are, and in whatever activity you engage in; hence, I am of the view that we must prepare to coexist with it through its dormancy and resurgency. Therefore, what is needed is a road map to take us through the waves and the lessons learned over the past 17 months should serve as the guide for developing a road map.

A road map is a strategy intended to achieve a particular goal. In this case it will be a personal plan to guide how to coexist with the coronavirus. There are countries which have established frameworks for living with COVID-19 which include the economy, workplace, travel, health, education, sports and entertainment with varying levels of restrictions for each sector. Therefore, it behoves us, to no less, develop a personal plan – whether it is called a road map or framework, the contents will be the same. The areas which follow are inexhaustive, as individuals or groupings are free to assess the circumstances which govern their lives and livelihood and plan accordingly.

RISK AND REWARD

Risk assessment of situations which enhances exposure must be the starting point for developing a personal road map. Exposure to the virus by any means poses a risk to health and safety, hence, any means for infection prevention and control must be practised. The adherence to protocols, guidelines, and being vaccinated will contribute to the easing of restrictions. This way, we will be in a better position to carry on with our lives and livelihood, while coexisting with the virus.

EDUCATION

Another starting point is to educate ourselves about the coronavirus pandemic, including the meaning of new or common terminologies used to communicate the cause, signs and symptoms, and treatment modalities. By now, it is well known that there is no cure for COVID-19, so we must listen to health experts about infection prevention and control measures, and follow protocols which may be specific to our areas of involvement – economic, social, or otherwise. Now that the vaccines have become available, although with myth and conspiracy theories, learn facts from fiction and be prepared to take it when your time is called. Be careful of the source of information and education, for misinformation, at times, hold influence over the truth and understanding.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

We must commit to protect health and safety by means which are promoted by reliable sources. Seek medical advice to know your health status. There may be sleeping conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which lead to heart and kidney diseases, as well as immune-compromised conditions, among others. These are among the referred comorbidities (which means multiple disease) which the virus loves to prey on. Other conditions are age and infirmity. By knowing your status, you will be able to better plan with your health adviser how to protect yourself against the virus.

In the event you believe you are exposed to or have become infected, draw on your education plan for infection control. The plan should include who are your sources of medical and healthcare and how to contact them or make visits. Understand terminologies such as ‘quarantine’ and ‘isolation’ and their respective requirements.

EMPLOYMENT

The pandemic has impacted employment globally across all industries. Whether you are defined as frontline, essential, or just a member of the general workforce, it appears that employment, as we know it, will change forever, whether by legislation or circumstances. Whichever classification you may fall into, employed or self-employed, the common thread is the need to control the spread of infection. The fact is, control of the spread of the virus underpins your livelihood. It is incumbent upon you to become familiar with workplace protocols and guidelines and new work modalities, such as working from home or elsewhere remotely. Employers have responsibility for business continuity, in addition to health and safety, and when all else fails, like any other disaster, may invoke force majeure procedures which may include temporary or permanent closure. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labour have guidelines for mitigating employment issues, so one may need to consult with them to get clarity on how you may be affected.

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Sports bring people together and also aid health and wellness. The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics have just concluded, with over 11,000 athletes from 205 teams representing 193 countries in the world. Sensible COVID-19 protocols and restrictions had to be maintained while the cases were on the rise in Tokyo. While some teams had COVID-19-positive cases, the show had to go on. The Olympics’ testing protocols, vaccine rules, quarantine and restrictions were included in the plans to successfully execute the games. This is a good example on which to base a personal road map.

SOCIAL AND FAMILY GATHERINGS

We are social beings, hence we will be affected by curtailment of movements and interactions. We are hearing of an increase in mental health issues, tensions, and even violence. Being alone is not good, but at the same time being among others, even in the same household, can contribute to the spread of infection. It requires a plan, particularly in multigenerational home setting with vulnerable members.

While the constant will be wearing mask, sanitizing, distancing during gatherings, if outside visors are included, then the plan must be informed by the number of attendees and the type of activities.

SUNDRY OTHER PLANS

Among sundry plans will be travelling, whether locally or abroad. There are specific protocols for motor vehicles, public transportation, airplanes and, of course, cruise liners which are still mostly in shutdown, but actively planning to return to operation. The role of travel advisers is critical in this regard; hence, craft your plans on sound advice, including for accommodation and recreation.

The plan should also include actions for visiting houses of worship, weddings, funerals, and for face-to-face educational activities. Each has existing protocols you can use as reference points for a personal plan.

We look forward to a COVID-19-free future. A time frame cannot be envisioned at this time, so at best, we must aim to contain the beast and plan to coexist with it by concentrating on our roles and responsibilities individually and collectively.

Remember ‘wearing a mask is good, distancing is better, getting vaccinated is best’.

Audrey Hinchcliffe is the CEO and founder of Manpower and Maintenance Services Ltd Group. Send feedback to ceo@manpowerja.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.