We all have much to be thankful for again this year. And, thankfully, vaccines have brought us closer to defeating COVID-19.
Last week Niagara’s top medical doctor didn’t mince words when talking about the risk of spreading COVID at Thanksgiving gatherings.
He was clear: Do not invite unvaccinated people to visit this weekend. Period.
And we have to agree with the doctor on this one — just don’t do it.
The thing is, though, it’s not so much about the people hosting the events (unless they’re also unvaccinated).
Really, it’s more about the personal choices we should be making to protect others. In other words, it’s the unvaccinated people who should really be voluntarily staying home.
If you’re not vaccinated yet, for whatever reason, you’re a risk to the people around you. And to yourself. You've made your choice, but please have the consideration to not inflict your choices on others.
Being family doesn’t change that or excuse you from your obligation to do the right thing — if anything, we should be putting a higher priority on protecting the people we love.
So, if you’re not vaccinated, make things easy this year by declining any invitations you might receive.
And yes, at the same time, those of us who are responsibly hosting people should not invite their unvaccinated friends or family.
Irresponsible people will still gather, flout the recommendations and surmise that they somehow know more about viruses than medical experts.
They will still strut maskless into other people’s homes, unconcerned about the very real risk of spreading COVID.
That’s why it’s now up to the responsible people to make the call for them.
Your uncle doesn’t like that and thinks you’re a sheep? Who cares.
Your daughter’s boyfriend, whose family has disregarded COVID since the get-go, isn’t happy? You’re not missing out on much.
We are all being asked to make tough sacrifices. And while we may love our families unconditionally, this year, we have to be firm and draw the line to protect ourselves from a deadly virus, and protect our communities and economy from yet another lockdown.
editor@niagaranow.com
