The Editor:
Health authorities in British Columbia have identified the first documented case of the BA.2.86 variant of the COVID-19 virus in Canada.
This variant was confirmed by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) for an individual residing in the Fraser Health region, located to the east of Vancouver.
Notably, the infected person had not travelled beyond the borders of the province.
Let's recognize the critical significance of vaccinating our children and ensuring they wear masks amidst the prevalence of a more contagious COVID-19 variant in circulation in B.C.
This is not only essential for uninterrupted learning for our vulnerable children but also for the safety of our dedicated teachers, which is crucial as we embark on a new school year.
It's vital to remember the historical context: during the 1918 flu pandemic, approximately 500 million people were infected globally, and at least 50 million lives were lost, all without the availability of a vaccine.
In contrast, as of Aug. 30, 2023, there have been 770.1 million reported cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with 6.96 million fatalities.
Please keep in mind that these numbers are subject to change as new data becomes available and as efforts to combat the pandemic continue.
We owe immense gratitude to the tireless and compassionate efforts of our eminent scientists who worked diligently to develop the COVID-19 vaccine.
Indeed, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to our dedicated public health professionals who tirelessly advocate for and educate us about the importance of wearing masks, practicing regular handwashing, and adhering to respiratory etiquette.
Their commitment to public health and safety plays a pivotal role in protecting our communities during these challenging times.
In the words of former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, "The science around mask-wearing is clear... but we now know you can have COVID without having any symptoms. You can have it without knowing you have it. That is why it is so important to wear your mask."
These simple yet well-established public health measures are instrumental in slowing the spread of this deadly virus.
- Ediriweera Desapriya, PhD, former special needs educator in the Burnaby School District
