Covid observations

Last week the federal and provincial governments announced that the country would be easing resrtictions and enterting stages of re-opening on Tuesday of this week.  Before the weekend had even started it seemed like a lot of people and bussinesses around town and in our community took this as a green light to get back to normal, or at least a closer step towards it.  The last two months have been hard a lot of people and bussinesses and we should want to get back to a semblance of a normal life, that's only to be expected.

  This week saw bussinesses re-open, downtown was busy again, it felt like there was an overall sense of relief.  The big difference I saw was in Ferraro's.  Last week, the staff wore masks, social distancing was being taken by customers and the store was moistly empty.  This week was a different story.  No masks, crowded store, and social distancing was being forgotten.  It was almost like the attitude that because restrictions were being lifted, we won, we beat the virus and it's over.  I think we should remind ourselves that in the big picture, nothing has really changed in regards to the virus.  It's still running rampant in other parts of the country and the world, it's still taking lives, it's still spreading, there's still no vaccine or reasoanble cure.

  We've been very fortunate that we haven't been hit hard by it here.  BC has seen very few cases in comparison to other provinces, and interior health has had very few cases as well.  It's safe to say that the Kootenay region has been a fairly safe area.  We've done a great job with isolation and dsitancing to keep us safe, but now people are starting to move around.  This is the time when we should be vigilint in our behaivoirs, especially with summer coming and tourists moving around (there may be less this year, but there will still be people travelling) our safe little bubble will be at risk.  Some bussinesses that are re-opening are with strict guidleines (Thrift store, can't go in without a mask etc..) which is heartening to see, taking pre-emptive steps towards safety, and masks have been flying out the door at 1506 Le Roi ave.  But I have to say I was a little disappointed with Ferraro's (not pointing fingers at anyone) that at the start of this, took all precautions to stay open to support our community, suddenly drop some  precautionary measures, even though the top health authority for the country is issuing STRONGER reccomendations towrds wearing masks in public places.

  As more bussineses open and people move arounnd more, there is increased chance of transmission.  Period.  This isn't a theory, it's a fact.  Nobody likes the way it is right now, nobody likes wearing a mask, nobody wants this to go on any longer than it has to.  If we all stay vigilint and do out part, we'll get through it sooner and keep our community safer.

You mean Dr Tam? Who didn't get anything right from the beginning? I bet if she said to cut an arm off to save oneself from covid, people would do it.

I personally think Dr. Tam and all the other scientists should praised.  If more people like them had airtime the world would be a much better place. 

Also, Dstrelioff, I've also noticed people relaxing and think it'll be awhile before balance and new reality settle in that works for everyone. Its important to ask those around you to respect your preferences though. A lady on the street today stopped me to chat but then politely mentioned that 6ft separation was important to her. I thought it was really nice that she felt comfortable enough speaking up.

There's a lot of chatter regarding concern for the second wave....we haven't even had the first wave...

Thanks Dstrelioff. Your call for caution and continued carefullness is spot on.

Yes it's nice to see people being Kind, Thoughtful and safe and wearing masks. They work and will help to prevent a strong 2nd wave. I would like to see more food prep workers using them, Ferraro's Deli ? for example. Thanks to all that are being thoughtful.

I have had a great response at the barbershop about wearing masks during service and following my protocol. Also nice to hear the awareness and concern about our responsibilities to help reduce the spread and keep doing what is recommended as long as we need to. 

OrthoM: First wave is over. If you want to curl up the fetal position with your gloom, go ahead, but I'll be riding out the tail end of the first wave and doing my best to prevent the second.

I think RCMP and mental health workers should have a voice as well so that we can have a balanced approach. I personally believe we need to work harder and more creatively to stay open, get out and stay safe at the same time. As we gain a greater understanding of Covid and other rapidly communicable viruses that we will see in the future, I think we will be able to prevent a shutdown as we have in this case. A large part of that will obviously be effective safety measures employed first by individuals, then enforced at a local level (homes, businesses and municipalities).

The shutdown has put our economy in a medically induced coma. Further, Covid killed 162 people while drug overdose alone killed nearly 400 in the first quarter of 2020, this up sharply over previous years. The RCMP are changing their focus from traffic services to domestic violence and dispute resolution. Mental health workers are overwhelemed with depression, abuse, suicide etc. We must think globally about the effects of our actions.

We need a balanced approach with a high level of monitoring/testing and plans in place for incidence, at the regional level, not just provincially and federally. We need transparency in reporting not only on deaths and cases, but on the where and when of all cases so we can isolate quickly and accurately in the areas that need it.

We have an amazing playground close to home here so as long we keep to our area, give some distance to others and be smart about hygene, we'll do well.

first wave is over, being cautious is great, forcing everyone to wear face masks for a false sense of security when most people 1. Don't wear them properly 2. Wear masks made of inferior materials because it's trendy to make your own is pointless.

Ferreros has done a great job protecting staff and customers, go stoke a fire some where else

Karl Frank: I'm not sure that any cook, butcher or food worker wears one. I personally haven't heard of how long Covid19 lasts on food products, but if you know, maybe you could inform us?

Seems like the longer this goes on, the more confusing it is with mixed messages. Just my thoughts. 

 

"It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it." -Upton Sinclair   (Replace “man” and “his” with “person” and “their”)

Follow the money, follow the money, follow the money!

 

D.W. Yes, it sure is confusing. Truth (capital T) is not bound to any corporate entity and is simply in its essence. What perverted truth are we being fed? Only time will tell.


As for now, I will continue to take steps forward and resist the temptation to put my entire life on hold. 

You may see me out in the community practicing social distancing, washing my hands prior to leaving the house and upon return. Refraining from touching my eyes, nose and mouth, and staying home in the event that I feel unwell. You may also see me out in the community hugging another consenting adult. 

May we engage in the challenging work of investigating our personal narrative, and our judgements (we all have them