Let's hope that COVID goes away soon. But we've all been saying two more weeks to flatten the curve for coming on to 2 months now and I doubt this Groundhog Day will be ending anytime soon.
For me, who has a suppressed immune system and suffers from an autoimmune illness, knowing that I have COVID is crucial (even if I'm asymptomatic). It means I can pick up the phone call NSW Health and get treatment right away before anything bad happens. All the data we have so far shows that someone who is up to date on COVID vaccines, then seeks treatment at the outset of getting COVID is unlikely to suffer any serious complications. Keep in mind, all my relatives and family live overseas. If I end up getting hospitalized, that will put quite the strain on them.
At this point, all I care about is myself. We've put too much faith in people doing the right thing, and clearly that has backfired. I will continue living my life as normal as can be expected, but I can't afford to get COVID. If that means having to pay extra to sit up front on the plane, wearing an N95 respirator, or travelling at awkward times when things aren't as busy so be it. I refuse to sit in a prison at home, (as some colleagues who are in similar situations to me have done) to wait this one out. I have the knowledge and tools to keep me safe, and having access to COVID testing when I need it and where I need it is crucial.
-RooFlyer88