Message from the Publisher #022 – Covid safe in a Covid normal society

Covid safe in a Covid normal society

European Union has declared that it has control on the supply of vaccine produced in Europe by AstraZeneca. The delays and production problems with Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine makes it unsure whether Australia will get its ordered vaccine on time.

The original plan of three stages of 5 vaccination groups to deliver vaccine by October this year will start with those who are in needs of the vaccine followed by people in aged care services and seniors. Youth under the age of 16 will be the last to be vaccinated as they are seen as those least affected by Covid-19. However, Australia which was not listed as a country permitted by EU for vaccine delivery has raised doubt on this plan. We hope the federal government will have this sorted out as soon as possible.

During the weekend, Western Australia is now in lockdown after a hotel quarantine worker was tested positive. This is the first time that Western Australians really face the test to contain the virus. Three areas including Perth, Peel and South-Western region of Western Australia are now listed as “red zones”. People in these areas since 25 January are not allowed to enter Victoria. It is not yet known whether the spread of the virus can be contained.

I believe that this is a Covid normal scenario that we should be facing every day. Yes, the virus is still there even we cannot see it or when it is hidden for a while. Australians must be prepared to protect ourselves with masks but also immediate isolation once a burst of the virus is found. The massive fast tests will help to slow down the spread of the virus if even one is released into the community.

Individual testing will ensure the safety of a person. Use of mask in the public area will slow down the spread of the virus. Sewage testing is done to find out whether a community is clean. Social distancing becomes a new norm at least until most of us are vaccinated to be protected.
Maintain Covid safe in a Covid normal society is now a new norm.

Raymond Chow
Publisher, BlessingCALD