Heroes and public safety

During some of the darkest days of the pandemic, there were communities, across the world, that would celebrate the extraordinary work of those at the forefront – physicians, nurses, technicians, first responders and those who took a personal risk to keep the disease at bay.

This idea of heroism is the same across many facets of life in a society – of personal risk, high likelihood of a terrible outcome, and service to others.Let us keep this thought of risk and service to others in our minds for a second.

And now bring in another idea – the idea that some of the places among our midst are dangerous, likely to breed infection and are contaminated by nasty bugs.

It is places that bring wastewater, sewage and other organic and inorganic waste together.

From a public health point of view, making sure that these places follow health and sanitation guidelines is essential for the wellbeing of society.

A lapse there can risk the lives of millions.Much is said about our 'values' of respect for those who help us.

That may be true, but only after a long list of qualifiers has been applied.

For some who keep us safe, we use the most extraordinary language of gratitude, for others, we expect them to be grateful to us for being allowed to exist.

Let us keep this thought of risk and service to others in our minds for a second.