Opinion: As we fight coronavirus, remember: society is only as strong our least cared-for person

This translation has been automatically generated and has not been verified for accuracy.Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Dr. Theresa Tam speaks as Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo, left, Minister of Health Patty Hajdu and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland listen during an update on coronavirus disease at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

But while new research continues to expand experts’ understanding of the epidemic, there is a lesson that is more obvious if we take the time to notice it: Humanity’s health is collective, because humanity is so connected. The coronavirus has demonstrated that everyone’s well-being relies, at least to some extent, on everyone else’s; our health is only as safe as the worst cared-for, most vulnerable individuals in our society.

Take the example of a Miami man who returned from China and, feeling unwell, visited a hospital to get himself checked for the coronavirus. It turned out he did not have it – he had the flu – but he was subsequently billed US$3,270 for what was classified as a high-severity ER visit. It is not inconceivable that an uninsured individual would consider skipping a visit to the hospital to avoid such unbearable costs.

Yet, there are many factions of our population that are far behind in the standards of health care that they receive. Consider the Indigenous peoples in Canada, who are affected by major health problems at rates that are much higher than non-Indigenous populations. The disparities range from high rates of infant and maternal sickness, diabetes and hypertension, to diseases related to substance abuse, environmental contamination and heavy burdens around infectious disease.

GlobeDebate no background in stats

GlobeDebate Excellent article anserdaud

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

B.C. declares coronavirus outbreak at long-term care homeTwo residents at Lynn Valley Care Centre are among the six new cases of COVID-19 diagnosed on Saturday, the provincial health officer said And Trudeau does nothing This is why the Trudeau government is doing nothing of value to stop the virus’ spread. They see it as population control against the old and the sick.. The virus will run its course just as it has in every other country it’s come to, only ours will be WORSE because Trudeau has refused to block fights from hotspots like other responsible countries have..so, many Canadians will die needlessly thanks to Trudeau’s INABILITY to LEAD!
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »

Coronavirus outbreak raises ethical dilemmas for governments and health-care systemsExperts say Canada will likely consider restrictions on movement and large gatherings, measures which have rarely been considered before Please explain the rationale behind why you picked this photo though Not only the government - but also retailers. Price gouging by CanadianTire at Store 126 and other vendors is dispicable. The store is selling non-N95 masks at an 1150% markup ... and these types of masks are 100% ineffective against Coronavid19 COVID19 CoronavirusOutbreak
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »

How long should I wash my hands? Sing one of these songsCoronavirus cases are climbing, but health officials maintain one of the best ways to prevent it from spreading is by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. *clears throat* Sorry i can't sing is that mean I am done for? A simple message that many still find it hard to put in to practice.
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Alberta announces more coronavirus cases; at least 58 in Canada have COVID-19The province’s ministry of health did not immediately say where the cases had appeared and whether the patients had a travel history BNONews lookner
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »