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.