Here in BC, covid restrictions are loosening and there is a semblance of normality that is unfamiliar after so much time within more structured protocols.  

For some, it feels like a celebration that we are entering post-pandemic life.  For others, the effects of Covid-19 linger on – perhaps from personal loss, long covid, or ongoing vulnerability to the illness meaning there is no “back to normal”.  

As the articles below describe, not all people have been affected equally by this virus.  

Why Covid-19 is an Inequality Virus

Indigenous Peoples Have Been Disproportionately Affected by COVID-19

COVID-19 amplifies the complexity of disability and race

‘The System Is So Broken’: What It’s Like In Long-Term Care Right Now

COVID-19: a heavy toll on health-care workers

Young people disproportionately impacted by pandemic: New Report

As humans we have much in common and yet our circumstances arise from factors and experiences that include our personal trajectories and those that extend long before our births.  So the path forward at this point is also going to be variable for each community and each individual within our communities.

We all get to be where we are right now.

Meaning, some people are ready to enter back into socializing and reestablishing connections that are important for their mental health.  Others will continue to be cautious and vigilant to protect their physical health and the health of those they love.  And many more will be a bit confused as they try to navigate the new landscape and balance the risks of each choice (this is me!).  

No matter what we each decide to do on a day to basis, I encourage us all to remember that we are embedded in community and that our decisions will ripple within that community.  No one has perfect answers on what the best choices should be as the factors are so particular from person to person.  It is something we must decide for ourselves based on our life circumstances and our priorities.

So my words of wisdom for today are to trust that you are doing the best you can, just like others are.  

Let’s be gentle with ourselves and each other in this new phase.   We need each other.