I live in Surrey where many of our citizens do not speak English. We have the highest case count and the lowest vaccine rate. They declared our area high risk but the vaccine clinics didn't book up. They kept lowering the age so they could fill the spots.
The South Asians are a very close knit community. I worked with a few so I understand the family dynamics. They buy huge houses and all live together. The elders look after the little ones. When the elders are unable to look after themselves, the rest of the residents look after them! It's a wonderful way to live. Not my choice, but I admire them.
Their temples are like community centers. The elders go there for coffee and visits every day. Students go there after school for programs. They have gyms, child care and food. It's like their second home. The community looks after all of them.
Many of the older generation do not speak English. They don't have to because they live in their homes and go to their temple where everyone speaks their language. When COVID hit, this community was hit hard. One reason because so many people of different ages live in the same home. They had all kinds of advertising about getting a vaccination in their language but it wasn't working. Most of the people weren't comfortable going where no one would understand them so they didn't go.
Dr. Bonnie talked to the religious leaders. Together they decided to hold vaccination clinics at the temples they go to every day! They are lining up to get vaccinated. One lady told one of the workers the only reason she went for her vaccine was because she had questions and she wanted them answered. She didn't speak English. All the volunteers at the temple were fluent in the language of the community.
Now our cases are declining. Thank you Dr. Bonnie for understanding our diverse community!
