During his virtual meeting, the member for Vaudreuil-Soulanges returned to several topics related to the coronavirus pandemic. He discussed current and upcoming government programs for the people. However, the main purpose of this Facebook live stream was to demystify conspiracy theories related to Covid-19.
Mr. Schiefke had selected six conspiracy theories that have gained momentum since the start of the pandemic. He mentions that he must correct the third party for the well-being of the people and that these are based on facts and science.
“We have a lot of people in our community who are at risk and who unfortunately can believe these theories, said MP Schiefke. This can cause anxiety for citizens who get drawn into these fake stories. I want to put things in perspective with you tonight.”
Collective immunity
A theory that has been circulating since the start of the pandemic, and that Peter Schiefke wanted to explain, concerns the collective immunity of populations to Covid-19. According to the deputy, this theory originated in Sweden. Indeed, the Swedish government has decided to confine people at risk, but to keep the rest of the population in free movement to create collective immunity. Mr. Schiefke describes this immunity as a principle used in vaccines that serves to protect a population. This develops antibodies against the disease and the spread is stopped or slowed down.
Photo County office of the MP for Vaudreuil-Dorion
Unfortunately, the MP is warning the public that the Swedish case is far from ideal. He quotes Sweden’s chief epidemiologist who confessed at the end of October that collective immunity is far from being achieved in his country and that the second wave will hit hard.
“People who think we should open everything up and let the virus spread are wrong, says Schiefke. The consequences could be catastrophic. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend collective immunity as a solution to Covid-19.”
The flu and the coronavirus
The MP then addressed the theory that states that Covid-19 is flu-like and that there is no real danger. Peter Schiefke therefore released statistics from Health Canada to prove that this virus is more harmful than the flu.
For a full year, the flu kills 3,500 in Canada. The coronavirus after only 8 months and colossal measures to stop its spread has claimed nearly 11,000 victims.
“We are not in the same category of virus, exclaims the member. People need to understand that it is much more dangerous than the flu and that the side effects are serious. We are talking about tachycardia, muscle pain and loss of smell.”
The vaccine
The theory that Schiefke has put the most emphasis is on the vaccine against Covid-19. He reassured the public that Health Canada’s authorization process to accept the vaccine is safe and rigorous. He says he meets regularly with Health Canada scientists and that their primary goal is health and safety. So the vaccine that will be accepted will have gone through several series of tests.
“I am confident that the vaccine will be safe for the public, said the MP. That’s why, when it’s ready and approved, I’m going to publicly get the vaccine. This way everyone will see that there is no danger.”
