Let’s save Christmas

As many of you know, last week the Provincial government wisely made a difficult decision to close a number of establishments, in an effort to curtail the ever vicious, COVID-19 virus. The decision was not an easy one, yet we all know it is necessary, to keep the majority of us safe. Had everyone obeyed the rules the past few months, we would not be in this position. Once again, those who don’t care, ruined it for the rest of us. Thanksgiving is a virtual write off, but if we adhere to the rules and really make an effort, we might be able to save Christmas. I did come across a bright star, during this dismal time, and that is the potential development of a vaccine. Normally, it takes about four years to produce an acceptable vaccine, so I was not very hopeful we would end this pandemic for some time to come. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It seems there are three companies in the lead for producing a vaccine, which could be ready for distribution as early as March of next year, this, according to Donald G. McNeil, a foremost authority who is associated with the New York Times. So what does a vaccine mean for us? First of all, it has to be rolled out. Each firm, who develops a successful vaccine, will be able to initially produce 6-8 million doses. These will no doubt be given to people, who are less at risk so we can see what, if any side effects occur. That will probably take about three months. The next step is to begin mass production and roll it out to front line workers. Once that is complete the rest of us will start having access, probably by mid to late summer, just in time for my September trip to Korea. There will also be the hurdle of dealing with those who do not wish to be vaccinated. That of course, is a choice individuals can make. Am I skeptical of a vaccine being effective? It really depends on how it is developed and rolled out. If an announcement about a successful vaccine is made the eve before the US election, by one person with orange hair, I will probably not go near it. If my doctor tells me in the spring, there is an effective inoculation, I will probably jump on it. Like the flu shot, pneumonia, shingles and other immunizations, it is a choice people will have to make. In the meantime let’s hunker down, get through this wave responsibly, and have a great Christmas. Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. Watch his show, ‘Jonathan van Bilsen’s photosNtravel’, on Rogers TV, the Standard Website or YouTube.