COVID-19: NEW YEAR, NEW WAVE?
For many of us, winter break was dampened by a surge in COVID-19 cases as the Omicron variant spread rapidly in our community. The fast increase in new cases prompted increased health and safety measures from the BC government, including the extension of the provincial health officer’s orders on gatherings and events, and food–and liquor-serving premises, including restrictions on gyms and fitness centres. (Not to mention the extension of winter break that gave many of us a strong sense of deja vu from spring break 2020!) As we start to get into the rhythm of 2022, is there any room for optimism? Or are we doomed to experience a repeat of 2020?
Despite the surge in cases, it seems that hospitalizations have not increased at the same rate. This suggests that although Omicron spreads very easily, it causes less severe illness, which is relatively good news. Furthermore, Gordon Hoekstra of the Vancouver Sun states in his article that “information released in a briefing indicates new cases of the fast-spreading Omicron variant peaked at the end of the first week in January.” This could mean the worst of this wave has already passed. Phew!
Although the data can give us a glimmer of hope, we should still continue to do what we can to slow the spread of the virus. Yes, we’ve heard the same things over and over again, but they’re still as important as ever: continue to wash your hands, wear masks properly, respect social distancing protocols, and please don’t come to school if you’re not feeling well. You can access the province’s most recent update here, and the health and safety measures in schools are linked here. Stay informed, and stay safe!
SETTING CHILLY NEW RECORDS
During the winter break, Vancouver saw the lowest temperatures we’ve seen in half a century. The B.C interior experienced an arctic outflow of high pressure, resulting in temperatures from 0°C to -15°C. Gusts of wind of up to 50km/h added to the already freezing temperatures, making it feel even colder than -15°C. Following these frigid temperatures was, of course, lots of snow. On top of seeing below-freezing temperatures, Vancouver also experienced its first white Christmas since 2008. Around 5 to 15 centimeters of snow fell on December 24th, so much that Vancouver Airport reported low visibility on Christmas day.
CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTING VANCOUVER
In early January, parts of Stanley Park and the seawall had to be closed due to the king tides. King tides are a phenomenon in which the tides are pulled by the gravitational pull of the sun, moon, and Earth. The result can be dangerous, as the water flooded the park and seawall, damaging Jericho Pier and bringing lots of debris. The huge waves might’ve been because of the higher sea levels, a result of the warmer climate melting the glaciers.
The king tides weren’t the only disaster, as 2021 presented wave after wave of unpredictable and extreme weather. These events were caused by the rise in climate temperature. Hurricane Ida grew 60 miles per hour in a day, winds blowing at 150mph. Floods in Canada, US, Germany, and China saw intense rainstorms resulting in warm temperatures. The heatwave in the Pacific Northwest with temperatures well over 38°C.
All these instances of extreme weather events truly bring the impacts of climate change close to home. They are also a reminder of the dire situation we’re stuck in. Combined with the pandemic seemingly dragging on for forever, we’re all tired. Right now, it is more important than ever to be kind to ourselves. As students, we can take action to support the fight against climate change, but the first step is staying positive. We can use these events as encouragement to work towards solutions for the climate crisis; there are brighter days ahead.
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