Getting Back on Track

Getting Back on Track

It’s now been over a year since the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic in Canada, and vaccines are now being mass-produced by top pharmaceutical corporations and shipped all across the globe. In Canada alone, over 5.1 million doses have been administered, representing roughly 12% of the country. Here in New Brunswick, essential workers have recently been given their first vaccination.

Margaret Cook is a Registered Nurse at Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Because of the importance of their work, the centre has remained open throughout the entirety of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here, they work on rehabilitating patients with neuromotor disabilities.

The centre already had strict safety precautions before Covid-19, but with the pandemic, many precautions have been added to protect its patients and workers. Precautions such as social, distancing, mask-wearing, and other safety measures we expect in our day-to-day lives are all in place. Upon entry, each individual is asked a set of screening questions and is refused entry if they give provide any kind of problematic answer. Even while taking photos of the centre, I am always on watch by security, just in case, I happen to cross any boundaries which could result in putting patients at risk.

“My dose was given to me right here at the hospital. The whole event was ridiculously efficient, it was nearly as easy as walking in and out. What took the longest was really just the fifteen-minute wait after the shot, so I have no complaints at all.” Says Cook.

In the next coming months, individuals aged 60-74 are expected to be eligible for their Covid-19 vaccinations in New Brunswick. Whether you agree or disagree with the rollout plan for the vaccine, many of us can acknowledge that the darkest days of this pandemic are seemingly now behind us, and by continuing to follow government safety protocols, there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel.

“We feel so lucky to have received our first dose. The past year has definitely been challenging, and we’ve done our best to provide essential services to our patients and their families.” Says Cook.

Although the end of this pandemic is by no means right around the corner, it’s nice to know that someday in the near future we will be able to resume normalcy. Whether it be hanging out with a group of friends, or experiencing in-person classes, the life we once knew isn’t so far away after all.