The covid pandemic is fading out of the discussion by the public, but the virus is still here. Most importantly, the infection cycle keeps running even though most of us are vaccinated. Fortunately for the fully vaccinated, even though the virus still mutated into different subvariants, the symptoms of those infected are becoming milder.

As Australia moves into winter and the flu season starts, our public health system is under great stress because of the rise in the number of people being infected by flu and Covid. As a result, the voluntary use of masks in the public area is encouraged by many medical professionals.

To protect the economy and proper operation of the society, Australia cannot afford another complete lockdown or shutting down of all daily life activities. But to give protection to those who cannot be vaccinated, or are severely immunocompromised, Australians have no choice but to change their lifestyles by incorporating various protective measures into public lives. For example, the use of masks in public areas should be promoted and constantly reminding the use of sanitiser. In a crowded area, keeping social distancing is also important. To keep these new measures of protection, education programs and promotion should be made by the various level of government.

To build in the new elements of protection in social environments is not just because of the threat of being infected but a show of care and respect for others. We must slow down the transmission of viruses so that our health system can cope with them.

More funding from the government should be given to promote these new life rules. From the bitter experiences we have learned through the pandemic, the CALD communities should not be left behind. The government must learn how different needs of people from different backgrounds be addressed differently.

It is quite clear that with booster vaccinations and the Northern hemisphere entering summer, the Covid-19 infection in Asia, Europe and America is subdued. Australians on the other hand are trying to go back to normal leaving Covid-19 in the past, have greater movement and practically no restriction and slackening of public protective measures, together with the coming of winter, is seeing a surge in infected cases. Last week, we recorded the highest per capita infection in the whole world.

Epidemiologists warned that the Covid virus is still active in Australia. The recent increase in the number of Covid deaths is alarming and reminds society that freedom has a price. Those aged and infected still were dying, even though they might have been vaccinated. Those over 65, they should prepare for the winter by taking the fourth dose of the Covid vaccine together with the flu vaccine to give the greatest protection.

Yes, we do not want restrictions in our daily lives Our high vaccination rate together with the mild symptom of Omicron has made people complacent. Some will fail to observe the routine protective measures including wearing masks in high-risk areas or use of sanitisers in public areas. We have forgotten that over 4000 Covid deaths have happened in the first four months of 2022 which was more than the total Covid deaths in 2020 and 2021 together. The message is very clear: Covid threat is still there.

The government should continue to promote public health and protection among the communities. Wearing a mask should not be discriminated against. We should respect others’ choice of wearing masks. There may be family members who are severely immunocompromised and cannot be protected by vaccines. Many people reported that they are stigmatised for wearing a mask in a public area. This is not acceptable.

We want more freedom but to protect others in society, we should be up-to-date vaccinated and have appropriate protective measures when needed to protect others.

In the years 2020 and 2021, a total of 2239 Australians died in Covid. From 2022 until 1 May, a total of 5011 died even though the death rate is much lower as Omicron has dramatically exploded the number of infected cases. So, we have accustomed to less severe pandemic deaths with most Australians vaccinated but gaining more and more infections leading to herd immunity. And society is going back to normal with masks and all the restrictions go in our daily lives.

It is sad to see the continued rise in the number of deaths in Covid with many of them being unvaccinated. The Australian government and the whole world are starting to forget Covid since it is practically impossible for people to continue putting attention to the decreased death rate in a vaccinated society. We see that the tracing of contacts and isolation for close contacts are now history. Lives in Australia are starting to become normal.

But we must still be attentive.

Bill Gates and other leaders warned that greater disasters would still be possible if we keep on neglecting our environment. More research and effort to improve health conditions around the world should be a priority. We have spent too much on getting the fastest broadband or virtual reality without looking at how to improve our existing issues with nature. We care too little about infectious disease, climate change, and poverty around the world.

Yes, Covid is now more settled in Australia. However, there is a great proportion of the world still unvaccinated. Poort countries that cannot afford vaccines are still waiting for donations from rich countries to support their fighting against Covid.

Misinformation about vaccination is another challenge. The battle with Covid-19 is also an information war that we need to fight against. Too many people should not have lost their lives if they have been well informed.

It is time for Australia and the world to face these challenging issues.