It is definitely a message that bears repeating: stay vigilant and stay safe.

We are beyond fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. On sunny, summer days, we want to be out, enjoying the majesty that is Vancouver Island.

We get that. We support that.

However, we also happen to be in the middle of a pandemic, which means we must continue to be careful, perhaps even more than we have been to this point.

Things are opening up again. We can finally go out to eat, do some shopping, walk around, expand our 鈥榖ubbles鈥� and hang out with friends.

All terrific. But in order to continue to maintain that sense of normalcy, vigilance is required.

At the time of this editorial being written (prior to the Monday, July 27 briefing), Island Health has had 142 cases of the novel coronavirus and 127 recoveries. Five people have died from the virus in the region.

A recent warning from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry stated that the province is at risk of 鈥渆xplosive growth.鈥�

Anytime the words 鈥榚xplosive growth鈥� are bandied about by our most trusted medical officials, we must surely stand up and take notice. Henry called the number of new cases amongst young people 鈥渃oncerning.鈥�

There was a noticeable increase in mask-wearers at Driftwood Mall over the weekend, which may indicate Dr. Henry鈥檚 message is being heard in our community.

We see numbers around the world, especially from our neighbours directly to the south, and they鈥檙e not nearly as encouraging.

On a daily basis, we鈥檙e shown what not to do. So let鈥檚 not do it.

The standard protocols should remain in place, with handwashing, physical distancing and masks if you鈥檙e going to be repeatedly in close proximity to others, especially indoors.

Here on Vancouver Island, we鈥檝e generally done a better job than most at dealing with COVID-19.

Let鈥檚 not loosen the reins just yet. Vigilance now will pay off down the road.