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Dr. Eben Strydom, president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) and a Melfort physician, shares why removing these mandates can be deadly to some. (www.sma.sk.ca)
SMA Op-Ed

Saskatchewan Medical Association physician warns the detrimental effects of lifting mandates too soon

Feb 8, 2022 | 6:00 PM

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and changes to the vaccine mandate, some physicians are feeling the strain.

Dr. Eben Strydom, president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) and a Melfort physician, released an op-ed on Feb. 7 discussing why lifting restrictions too soon can be a fatal mistake for some.

Strydom encouraged all who are eager to put the pandemic behind them to remember those who have been touched by the COVID-19 virus.

“I do worry, however, that this reframing might diminish the harsh reality that many Saskatchewan residents continue to get gravely sick, and several others will pass away from what is, in essence, a preventable disease.”

Physicians across the province are witness to how far the health care system is being stretched to accommodate those affected by the Omicron variant and they worry that many people in Saskatchewan may not be able to access the health care they need.

According to Strydom, the stress and uncertainty of what lies ahead have caused some health workers to leave the field.

“There are situations where too few staff are caring for too many patients due to the pandemic.”

Although these setbacks will impact the health care system in the long term, physicians are focusing their concerns on the long term impacts that COVID-19 could have on patients.

“Patients who are waiting for necessary treatments and procedures are suffering. Physicians worry whether there will be sufficient resources in place to deliver the care patients need over the long term.”

For those hoping to return to life before COVID, Strydom added there is a way to help speed that process up.

“Thankfully, we have vaccines. They work. As our medical experts tell us, vaccines (especially third doses) are the most important intervention we have as we return to normalcy.”

In addition to vaccines being the first form of protection against the virus, physicians are reminding residents not to forget other measures to keep themselves safe.

“Living with COVID will, at least for the foreseeable future, mean continuing to wear your best mask, limiting your contacts, and when sick, testing yourself and staying home.”

Strydom and physicians across the province said they are looking forward to when public health measures can be lifted but until it is safe to do so, they should stay in place.

“We need to see steady declines in COVID cases and wastewater transmission data. Hospitalizations should drop into the low double digits, and ICUs have fewer than 10 COVID-19 patients.”

Pandemic fatigue is something most people are experiencing but Strydom reminded everyone that we must work together in the fight against COVID.

“Our individual and collective responsibilities remain, whether it is beating COVID or living with it.”

Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM