This is the theme of countless news items in recent days, but it also describes the situation in Canadian cities just over 100 years ago. Flu and typhoid epidemics back then caused more deaths than World War One. The causes were largely as a result of overcrowding in cites, inadequate and inferior housing, and water quality issues.
Matters have become worse recently, thanks to a number of shortsighted decisions by the Conservative Government in Ontario. The province is cutting provincial funding of public health programs (although by less than originally announced), thereby shifting more of the cost to the municipal level, which is limited by much more restricted revenue sources. It has also announced a massive consolidation of local health units, supposedly as a cost-saving measure.
In addition, the province has cut paid sick days and brought back the requirement for a doctor’s certificate for those who do wish to use their sick days. There was undoubtedly some abuse under the old arrangements with, for example, many folks falling ill on Mondays or Fridays. But the resulting extra costs pale in comparison to the costs that will now arise. Without sick days, more people will go to work sick, including in high-risk workplaces such as food services and child care. With a doctor’s certificate needed, those with the flu and other infections won’t be able to stay home, resting, getting plenty of fluids, and only seeking medical attention if their conditions don’t improve. They will have to visit a doctor or emergency room instead, infecting others in their travels.
Much like the Groundhog Day character that Bill Murray reprised for the recent Super Bowl commercial, we seem destined to repeat stupid and shortsighted approaches that undermine efforts to maintain a healthy population.