The realities of the second wave of COVID-19 have come upon us. What we do in the next few days and weeks will determine how quickly we get our lives back.

My intention here is not to lecture or chastise. There have been some in positions of authority, politicians included, who simply ignored what governments and health experts have been advocating for so many months. That they did so is deeply frustrating and inexcusable because those best practices are key to reducing the spread of the virus. My hope is that their actions do not undermine the call for continued sacrifice and the adherence to public health guidelines. Without this, our city will not break free from the grip of COVID-19 and the suffering that keeps being felt because of it.

As I write this, part of me is mindful that repeating the messages that I and so many other leaders have promoted from the onset of the pandemic risks turning them into hollow clichés. I worry because people are tired. During the first pandemic wave, the vast majority of Londoners did what was necessary to flatten the curve: they wore masks, kept physically distant, washed their hands regularly and limited their contacts. This was hard, but it worked. Infection rates declined significantly and deaths decreased. Most importantly, our hospitals were not overwhelmed with cases of the virus.

Yet, here we are in the midst of a devastating second wave with politicians asking the public to keep going. The reality, however, is that this is our only choice. The fact that the spring months are being relived, but in an even worse way, cannot be changed. Vaccines will restore the world we knew and the Government of Canada has procured millions of doses which have begun to be administered locally. The truth, however, is that the vaccination effort is just beginning and is not expected to be complete until September. Until then, we must do everything we can to flatten the curve once again, from wearing a mask, downloading the COVID-19 Alert app, staying home unless absolutely necessary and everything in between. All orders of government must continue to be there for people but our shared responsibility to each other as human beings remains.

If we do not do what is needed, and infection rates rise further, the consequences are clear. Many more innocent people will die. This includes elders who helped to build this country. The life of an eighty- or ninety-year-old man or woman matters no less than any other. For that matter, this virus does not care about age: young people have either died because of COVID-19 or survived it, only to sometimes find their health negatively impacted for many months afterwards and perhaps forever. Small businesses, built by proud entrepreneurs and loyal employees, will continue to suffer. Their customers will not come back until they are confident the virus no longer poses a threat to their health. And with COVID-19 cases increasing, hospital beds are in short supply. This means that doctors and nurses could soon be faced with the impossible decision of choosing who is cared for and who is not.

COVID-19 has taught us many things about ourselves. One of the most important lessons is that the human condition is defined by social connection. When we are unable to be in the physical presence of others, and especially our friends and family, we are reduced to a fraction of ourselves. Zoom meetings and telephone calls - important and helpful as they are - will never replace what has been lost. I do not believe many will argue with such a view and I wonder if it might serve as a way forward. If we need our family and friends then we also need the community that sustains them and all of us. Its well-being is our well-being. We have the collective ability to get ahead of COVID-19. Until that happens, a return to a reality that even approaches normal is impossible.

Finally, thank you so much to all health care workers, first responders and all essential workers on the frontlines. The value of your contributions can never be properly expressed in words.

As always, if you have questions or need any assistance during this time, please do not hesitate to call or email our community office. As your member of Parliament, I am here to help and remain more committed than ever to the constituents of London North Centre and to this city.

Peter Fragiskatos

Member of Parliament

London North Centre