"The curve is no longer flat..."

I got up today and turned on the radio (Yes, it's the old school radio.) as usual and listened to the cheerful voices of my favorite CHFM announcers as they delivered the good news about the weather and sports. Then the usual calm and soothing voice of Dr. Deena Hinshaw came, "The curve is no longer flat..." Not surprising at all after the re-launching of the economy and the low percentage of the population wearing masks at that time. Although more people, now including men, are wearing masks these days as they (the masks, that is) have been given to public for free or have become more readily available everywhere in a variety of colors and shapes, there are still those who need to be informed or to follow the directives of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on distancing at gatherings and public spaces, or wearing masks if distancing is not possible. 

Let’s continue to support one another and get through the next month at least. Let us help explain the situation to those with limitations: to newcomers who have limited English skills, to those who work multiple jobs and don't have time for the news, to the elderly who can't access technology, for example. When classes got cancelled mid-March, my students and their parents kept asking about the resumption of classes, I had to echo the CMOH directives they had already received by phone and email in English. Whether it’s language, time, circumstances or attitude issue, let’s have more patience and understanding for one another, support for our frontline workers, and prayers for faster vaccine discovery. The statistics of the following weeks will influence everyone's decisions to get everyone back to their respective work or learning spaces in September. The goal is to keep that curve flat instead of having a second wave of infections. Honestly, my students and I just want to be happily back on school grounds. Take care everyone! MLJ/28/07/2020