Column like I see 'em - 2020 is the year of being stupid on purpose

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner & Press

There is an old saying that suggests, “You can’t fix stupid.” Well, apparently you can’t make it put on a tiny cloth mask either.

Recently, several events took place across Canada in protest of mandatory mask wearing policies being implemented due to COVID-19. According to the organizers, the movement, known as Hugs over Masks is fighting for the restoration of their liberties and way of life. The group via its social media platforms says that it is dedicated to removing lockdown measures its members believe are “unnecessarily harming Canadians.”…Oh sweet baby Jeebus, where do I even begin with these clowns!?

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Right in the centre - Coping with COVID-19 and China

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

 

According to figures from the province of Manitoba, there were 18 flu-related deaths reported during the 2018-19 flu season, but the number varies considerably year to year. The variance is shown in these stats: 2013-14 (9), 2014-15 (48), 2015-16 (22), 2016-17 (12), 2017-18 (46), 2018-19 (18).

So far in Manitoba, we have had eight deaths from COVID-19 over about five months, so over 12 months, assuming that C-19 keeps rolling at the current rates, there would be about 18 deaths.

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Right in the centre - Somebody please say no!

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

The time has come for somebody in authority at the municipal level to just say no!

With the intense levels of overland flooding that took place on or about July 1 this year, municipalities have lost hundreds of road crossings, bridges, low level crossings and culverts. It will take months, perhaps years, to re-build all that has been lost.

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Right in the centre - Personal care home visitation follows strict rules

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

Personal care home visits by spouses, friends and loved ones have come under strict guidelines since the arrival of COVID-19. Formerly, visitors could come and go to Manitoba’s care homes. In western Manitoba, at least, visits were both casual and welcomed by residents and staff. After the first few days of C-19, the visitation rules changed dramatically, to a point where visitation was almost eliminated.

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Right in the centre - Time to change care home policy

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

Forgive me for repeating the information below. Just about everybody has seen these statistics or heard them, but it’s important for context.

Manitoba COVID-19 update as of Monday, July 6:

Read more: Right in the centre - Time to change care home policy