Returning from the Chaos of COVID

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122 – June, 2020

By Peri Norman

There has been plenty of conversation about what the return of dog shows and other events will look like in the post-quarantine age of COVID-19. Opinions run the gamut from “I am never coming back” to “Wherever it is, I will be at the first show that sticks”. As we begin to try to imagine what shows and trials will look like, suggestions range from measured thoughts and concerns to the ludicrous.

One poster commented, “I don’t want to feel safe. I want to be safe.” The foundation of the return process has to involve embracing the scientific realities. This virus is not going away. As our scientists and health care professionals continue to work together to garner more information about how to combat this virus, we will learn about how to treat it, how to minimize its spread, and eventually develop a vaccine. It is likely that, similar to our influenza vaccines, the coronavirus vaccines will not necessarily impart total immunity, but in some cases may serve to lessen the severity of the course of the disease. There are no guarantees in life, and we need to be realistic about the risks, both in the present tense and as our knowledge increases and more tools for the control of this disease are made available.

For many people, dealing with the threat of this virus and the shelter at home orders has been very challenging; both emotionally and financially. Everyone has someone standing on their last nerve! It is so important that we be respectful as we set about rebuilding our sport. People are going to have differing tolerances for risk. A family member of mine works in medical research and was recently reassigned to COVID-19-related work. He writes a little Facebook blurb once a week about trends in data, changes in recommended procedures, and occasionally debunking “expert” YouTube videos. Erik signs off all his posts with “Don’t fear. Be safe.” He defines “be safe” as taking reasonable precautions; frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, disinfecting hard surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes and, most importantly, staying home if you are sick. The use of masks or face coverings has been controversial in our broader society, so we can ask those involved with any given event to wear a face covering, but compliance will mostly like not be 100%.

Click here to read the complete article
122 – June, 2020

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=185021

Posted by AnthonyA on Jun 30 2020. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.