![Why Canada flattened the curve — and the US didn’t (Opinion) Why Canada flattened the curve — and the US didn’t (Opinion)](https://morningtopnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/200826231409-covid-19-analisis-p-ramos-rec-super-tease-768x432.jpg)
[ad_1]
“The most difficult part is private functions, family gatherings, where we need to make sure we support persons in this country to know what to do to minimize the risk.”
Perhaps mindful of the need to speak directly to young Canadians as pandemic fatigue sets in and a more cavalier attitude takes hold, Tam didn’t mince words — even if it meant breaking our national taboos. In fact, it was exactly the type of blunt and direct public health messaging that is absent in the US, but which has helped to crush the curve north of the border.
“We need to do better with risk communication here in the United States. We know this virus affects every facet of our life — from what happens in the bedroom to the kitchen table to our social gatherings,” Dr. Syra Madad, senior director of special pathogens at NYC Health and Hospitals, told me. “If you treat this as a taboo topic or preach for abstinence that’s not going to work.”
Huge contrasts in numbers
Why Canada?
“A lot of Canadians are rule-followers. If you’re at the bank and there’s three tellers open everybody gets in line behind one teller and waits for their turn to be called. We are very, for the most part, rule followers — especially in Ottawa,” Sarah Chown, the managing partner of Metropolitan Brasserie in Ottawa and local chair of the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association, told me.
“If compliance means personal or business bankruptcy, people will ignore orders such as lockdowns. I suspect that’s part of the American Covid-19 story in certain regions,” Canadian political analyst Yaroslav Baran told me.
Political Bromances
Between Friends
But with the United States being the Number One Covid-19 hot spot in the world, I cannot remember a time when we have been so thankful for being kept apart.
America — entre amis — get your act together so that so we can bring this Covid-19 estrangement to an end.
[ad_2]
Source link