Ontario's situation - the bad and the good - YouLookFab Forum

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Ontario's situation - the bad and the good

Helena

Veteran

Hi friends,

I've been absent (and absent-minded) lately, as I'm driven to distraction with the deteriorating Covid situation in my province of Ontario. While the variants spread like wildfire, the provincial and federal leadership seem to be in some strange p*ssing contest over who can be the most useless. Thankfully municipal and regional leadership has been far better.

The worsening numbers culminated in an announcement late last week that we were basically in danger of being where New York was this time last year - out of ICU capacity and triaging patients based on who has the best chance of surviving. Schools are closed again, and is anything but essential services (grocery stores are not even allowed to sell products deemed non-essential). Playgrounds closed and authority given to police to question anyone suspected of breaking protocols (thankfully this has been rolled back). I could go on and on about the issues, but suffice it to say that the failure of PM Trudeau to procure vaccines, combined with the unwillingness of our Premier in Ontario to penalize big business (hello Amazon) failing to do their part to stop the spread means we are back in a state of anxiety. DD said to me this morning that the only thing good about online school is that she doesn't have to go to the bathroom to cry, she just turns her camera off. It broke my heart - these kids are exhausted.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE - given the situation, the age for vaccination with Astra Zeneca has been lowered to 40, so DH and I are booked next week! A glimmer of hope. I have an irrational phobia of blood clots, so I will be "staring at my feet" (my Dad's expression for powering through fear - afraid of heights, he had to do this to go to business meetings in downtown towers) for 3 weeks after the shot, but I refuse to let my anxiety bully me out of this gift of a vaccination.

Anyways, sorry that was a super-long vent but I needed to get it out!! How is everyone else faring? Love to you all xox

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58 replies

Latest reply was from slim cat

kkards

Veteran

My heart goes out to you and all others in the province...I’ve been reading about what’s been going on and I’m heartbroken that a year into this, you are were you are.

Anonymous

I'm so so sorry. This is a bad situation all around. Just hang on to that bright spot of vaccinations on the horizon. That's what got me through the worst of it, I think. Please know that better days are coming.

Aquamarine

Veteran

My husband has Canadian relatives so we have been well aware of the situation where you are and it is scary. I’m sorry for what you are going thru, especially your children. I know children are resilient but I worry there will be a lot of PTSD when this is over...for everyone. My family will all be fully vaccinated here by mid-June, and I am still worried (but I tend towards anxiety with health issues especially).

JAileen

Veteran

I’m so sorry you’re having such a hard time. You’ll feel better after you are vaccinated. Re Canada’s slow vaccine rollout, I heard this interesting piece on the very subject the other day:

https://www.npr.org/2021/04/15.....-in-canada

So even though we have a good vaccine supply, it is primarily due to the effect of Capitalism on our health care system. Companies are here because they can make a ton of money. And we feel it, believe me. And even though we spend the most money on health care per capita, we are not even close to being the healthiest people. We’re not even the best country, despite what our politicians say:

https://www.usnews.com/news/be.....l-rankings

ETA: I got J&J and didn’t get any blood clots, along with around seven million other people.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks so much everyone ... I know for sure we are very, very lucky relative to the front line and warehouse workers who are in harm's way with no paid sick days (hoping this might change due to the huge public outcry), and those in financial difficulties who are navigating this all without security ... still, it's so frustrating and I appreciate the chance to vent.

JAileen, I'll read this, thank you! Aquamarine, hope your DH's family is doing ok and hopefully they will also be vaccinated soon! x

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Helena, it's been sooooo hard. We can empathize in the US with how hectically fast COVID can spread, how there seems to be little control, and ICU beds are full. But there is hope on the horizon, and you guys will be okay. You have made it this far and are doing GREAT.

Hold on a little longer and stay safe. Vaccinations soon! It will make a huge difference.

anchie

Veteran

Just to say that I completely empathize because we are in the exact same situation here -ICU full, everything but essential closed, schools online. Except that age group open for vaccinations is 65+

Helena

Veteran

Anchie, it's so frustrating to be here this far in, isn't it? Sending huge hugs. BTW - I just clicked on your profile and discovered we share the same birthday! July 21. Hopefully things will look better for both of us by then x

anchie

Veteran

Helana, I have always seen you as kindred spirit, and now I know why
Sending hugs back.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I’m so sorry to hear what’s happening where you are.We have been there this year but seem to be powering out the other side now due to lockdown and rapid vaccinations.
This year has been horribly tough for the young people hasn’t it.My daughter has also gone on mute/no video to sob in on line lessons,it gets you in the heart as a mother doesn’t it.
As for incompetent governments,can just say l feel your pain and leave it at that!
congrats on securing the vaccine appointment .l can understand your concerns re the blood clotting thing.The constant news cycle bringing it up all the time doesn’t steady the nerves does it! I got my vaccine the day they confirmed the link and yes,l am still in the at risk age and gender but Unless you have a family history of clotting problems the clotting risk with COVID is a lot worse.We know of a family friend in his 3O s who caught COVID and nearly didn’t make it due to clotting problems caused by COVID.
l would however prepare yourself to feel very unwell for a day or two after the jab so consider who gets to look after the kids for this period,you are more likely to feel unwell than your husband though of course this is all very individual.And remember it’s a lot better than catching COVID!
l hope things start to look brighter as the vaccines start to do their thing.Hang in there,we are all thinking of you and your fellow Canadians.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Most heartbroken by your daughter’s comment.
Sorry it is such a mess there. Our county spent a significant amount of time worried about ICU capacity but it has calmed down significantly. So much of this everywhere was unnecessary, if only handled correctly and efficiently from the start.

Fully vaccinated now and grocery shopping in stores again for the first time since March 2020. I wish 2-4 weeks after my second shot I could have an antibody test to ensure it worked. Re-entry has been strange and stressful and a significant improvement. Sunshine has also helped.

My county’s average age is quite high, and 75.5% age 16+ have had at least a first dose. The desire to be vaccinated is much higher than in many parts of the U.S. With about 20% under 18 the county still has a way to go for herd immunity but it is looking better than surrounding areas.
Good luck, stay safe, do still go to the doctor/hospital if needed. A friend had a delayed cancer diagnosis-not good. Hug your daughter (if she likes them).

kerry

Veteran

I’m in your neck of the woods and things here have been so dire. Our provincial government could not have bungled this response more but I’m not surprised. Thank goodness for the leadership of Dr. Loh at Peel PH. What a light! Such a courageous man. Last week (during our April break, which was supposed to be rejuvenating) I was despairing. The week before that was not much better. But this week, I’m feeling lighter. Workplaces with outbreaks being shut down by Peel and Toronto PH, more vaccine eligibility, and, it seems, paid sick leave by the province, have given me some hope. Jabs for many friends this week and mine Friday and DH’s Monday have me dancing in my stay-at-home.

Sal

Veteran

Oh I have been thinking about those in Ontario. So hard on all levels.

Good on you for the vaccine- right call I am sure.

Vaccine rollout is going slow here too for a number of reasons. My Dad is due over the next month though which is good news.

Anonymous

Helena - DON'T focus on what you've heard about the AZ vaccine. If you read the disclosures on any medication or OTC stuff , it's a common , but VERY remote possibility of a side effect. You will be just fine. You're doing your civic duty to be vaccinated and will be protecting your self and everyone around you - and I know you know that .

I feel so bad about what's going on in ON. You have the most incompetent nincompoop for a Premier. And I thought ours was questionable . Sheesh. I read today that we are sending over medical professionals to help with the situation. Some idiotic Manitobans are now fretting that they can't get to their luxury cottages on LOTW because the border between us in now closed . Such problems people have - UGH.

My heart breaks for your daughter . I wish I knew what to say.

Runcarla

Veteran

Oh, Helena! Can I say I know how you feel? The DS’s went for a walk (exercise) on Saturday, and brought their ID in case they got stopped for questioning! DH and I have appointments for our first jab on Thursday at the main community vaccine site, and I keep checking my mobile, hoping it doesn’t get cancelled! We actually didn’t turn on the radio today (avid - nay rabid CBC listeners!) and are the better for it, I think.

I wrote in another thread that our neighbour across the street, the pharmacist, has been administering AZ vaccine for three weeks. He says they are fully booked, and there have been ZERO ‘no shows’. No reported serious adverse reactions either.

Folks who’ve been vaccinated (various types) are reporting sore arms, headache, fatigue for a day or two - but no one has suggested that they were laid out from receiving their jab. I’ve provisioned some easy food for the days immediately after - just in case.

celia

Veteran

Hi Helena,
I live in the GTA and completely understand your feelings, this situation is draining and the kids are the ones that are suffering the most and will be impacted in the long term. My DD has been a star with keeping with her assignments and homework, I don't know that if at her age (13) and with the conditions from the last 2 school years I would have put as much effort. Big hugs to your DD.
Good on you for having booked the vaccine, I for one appreciate you being part of our collective solution.

Helena

Veteran

I will come back to respond better when I'm on my laptop not just wanted to thank you all for your kind comments. .. I truly needed them and am incredibly grateful. I know so many of us struggling. Love to you all xx

rachylou

Veteran

Hold tight, Helena!

I’ve family too in Canada. My one uncle got one shot and the follow up second shot isn’t for another six months or so... and it just all... well. Clearly to me we have another year of this ahead, in North America anyways... My current thing is thinking of this all as an experiment in medieval living... the farthest a person goes is five miles in a once in a lifetime trip, horrible plagues, and a lot of backyard gardening...

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh Helena, I’m sorry. That just sounds exhausting and worrying, but I’m glad you can get the vaccine. I’m sure it will be fine! Sending good vibes and hugs. We are doing better in my area at the moment but we are continuing to be careful. Masks and good hygiene and distancing for the foreseeable future.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Helena, huge hugs to you and your poor kids. What a fiasco this is. And it seems so hard that the worst of it comes after what has already been an incredibly stressful and difficult and loss-filled year.

Like others, I'm proud of you for doing your civic duty with getting the AZ and agree with Lisa and Cardiff Girl that the risks are much lower than if you got Covid!

Here in BC things are marginally better but not great. We've never had complete lockdown but our hospitals are getting into the risk area now and police are now authorized to stop people and ask if they are out of their health area. And travel is restricted further, and no indoor dining and no seeing anyone outside your household, not even outside except for walks, or maybe not even that -- I can't keep track any more. Anyway.

My appt. for the vaccination is May 1. It can't come fast enough....

Hang in there. This is truly a difficult time.

Sloper

Veteran

How frustrating. It's a situation beyond words for me.

I'm glad you are scheduled!!

Fortunately, my doctor ok'ed me to get a vaccine. I'm booked for next week. Probably Pfizer as I'm getting it a large medical center (in Southern California).

Anonymous

Sounds awful there- but glad you're getting your vaccine! My second is this week, and DHs next, though worry about the side effects.

Irina

Veteran

Runcarla, I was extremely anxious until we got vaccinated last Sunday. Kept checking my phone if our appointment got cancelled.
We live in a neighborhood with high COVID infection numbers and we were able to book appointments. The second doze will be in 4 months. But it’s OK, one doze is enough for now.
I’m completely numb and feel so angry at the provincial government for letting COVID spread like fire.

Echo

Veteran

I am so sorry for what you are going through, and your poor daughter's comment breaks my heart. I am so glad that you and your Dh are scheduled for vaccination next week. And not that this does any good, but it makes me angry that so many places have so few doses available when I live in an area that is typically anti-vax, so we have more doses than they can administer. The entire situation has revealed the issues worldwide in responding to health emergencies; we all have to look carefully at what happened and do better next time (no one wants there to be a next time, but...).

Glory

Veteran

Helena you know I feel this deeply. Also in Ontario living this nightmare, third lockdown, vaccine shortage.

It is terrifying here.
glad to hear you’ve secured a vaccine.

Anonymous

Colorado has opened vaccinations to all those 16 or older. Things were starting to spike due to variants but seem better the last few days. Cold and new waves of snow have kept people in at home. Soccer practices and games have been cancelled. Ski resorts are closing for the season. Stay safe.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am so sorry Helena. I am sad about your daughter. But things will get better with the warmer weather - she will be able to meet friends outdoors and it will make a difference. And once the vaccines get rolling, things will improve pretty quickly - at least that happened here, and so far it is holding up. Anyway, warmest thoughts and virtual hugs!

Dianna

Veteran

I understand how you feel. Here things are kind of similar with cases going up, except that there is no lockdown, everything is OPEN (except from schools) as if there was no pandemic. Aside from two quick five-minute trips to the bank, I have not been at any indoor place other than my house since March 2020. It might sound crazy, but I feel safer that way given that here not many people take precautions, masks are not even mandatory. I am currently working from home and go outside every day for walks, but that's it. It's exhausting. My parents who live in another state have already been vaccinated (Pfizer), but the vaccination process is going so slow here (right now they are still vaccinating the 60+ group) that I don't know if I am going to be vaccinated before the summer (when I was hoping I could see my parents again since December 2019). I understand your fears about the vaccine, but as some people have already said, the risks of COVID are worse (good you are getting the vaccine anyway). Hopefully things get better soon.

slim cat

Veteran

So sorry about the current situation - hugs to you and DD. Kids are having a difficult time with pandemic - my daughter not always ready to talk to me after therapy session. I feel that she is not very optimistic about pandemic coming to the end this year.
Still not vaccinated - hope for the next month.

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