›› Grace Lore, MLA
It’s been two long years since the pandemic began and many of us are feeling exhausted. This holiday season was especially hard, as the Omicron variant forced us to rethink our holiday plans. We once again stayed home when we desperately wanted to connect. While we’re all tired of COVID-19—the virus is relentless—we must remain vigilant in the face of these challenges.
I’d like to thank each of you across our community who has worn their mask, been kind to one another, been vaccinated, and followed the provincial health orders. I’d also like to thank all the frontline workers, teachers, and healthcare workers who’ve worked so hard to keep our essential services running. Teachers and staff, including at George Jay and Central Middle School here in Fernwood, Health Care Providers at Royal Jubilee Hospital, clinics across the city, and long-term care, like Glenwarren Lodge—your dedication and care has kept the rest of us afloat.
Dr. Henry and the public health team are always monitoring the most up-to-date science and data to ensure our response is as effective as possible. Vaccination, masks, social distancing, and self-isolation when sick remain the most important protections.
It’s essential we stick together whatever comes next—staying safe and staying kind, both to ourselves and to each other.
Have a friend isolating? Drop off food or a puzzle. Consider creating a group chat with neighbours—ours is up to 29 people and offers an opportunity to offer things to share or to ask for help or just a can of tomatoes. If you—like me—miss Family Dinner Nights, remember Fernwood NRG offers takeaway community dinners and seniors’ lunches. Stay nourished and connect at a distance with your neighbours when you pick up.
By loving and supporting one another, we will get through this pandemic together.
Photo caption: MLA Grace Lore getting her vaccine booster on January 10, 2022. Photo: Grace Lore
