Prudence, Paranoia, or Panic: Covid-19

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or don’t own even ONE piece of technology (ex. computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, teleVISION or telePHONE) you’ve heard of Covid-19 and the impact it’s having around the world. Now, before you read on, remember: I am NOT a physician, healthcare worker, or specialist in any way, shape or form. What follows is opinion and observation only. If you’re looking for advice on the coronavirus, please “GOOGLE” Covid-19 and there you will find information provided by the appropriate government (Canadian, in my case) and the specialists that are fully involved in this pandemic.

As the title of this blog suggests, I have been wondering exactly how to describe these rules that have been set out for us, and also how to describe the public’s responses and behaviours. I had been one of those people who had my head burried in the sand, going merrily along with my life – UNTILL – I started reading up on this virus. Don’t get me wrong! I was following the rules set out by the government and health officials, but not really panicking. For instance: I live in a seniors’ complex where no one – thankfully – has come down with the virus – to date, that is. When everything was cancelled here at the Manor – and I mean E-V-E-R-Ything – I thought that was going a bit overboard. Everyone was following the rules – or so it seemed – and people here have not wanted to go out. Nor has anyone been travelling, or had relatives traveling – to my knowledge. So, my thought was, why does what little socialization that was taking place here have to be cancelled? People have been on edge during this. It seems that people have been panicking when shopping. I mean, I have yet to figure out why everyone was stocking – and hoarding – toilet paper! If anyone can answer that, please do. This is not a stomache virus, it’s a respiratory virus. I thought that at least in our little community here, people could help each other take their minds off this, if even for a few moments. The activities that were taking place here did not involve more than 10 people at a time; and today my neighbour was told that only one certain person – her son in this case – is allowed to bring her groceries. What happens when HE is not able to shop for her? And what of the people who do NOT have ANYONE to do shopping for them? Will they be told not to go to the grocery store at all? What will happen then?

I can here the words already: “Get groceries delivered!” Guess what? I’ve been trying to do just that, but one store has no timeslot available until NEXT Sunday – April 5th; and another option just keeps flashing “No delivery times available . . . please check back later . . .” The second choice doesn’t even have time slots to choose from, only a calendar spot for the current day. So, what that leaves me with is a trip to my Safeway or Sobey’s. “HOW” you say? In this craziness, does anyone even dare to call for a cab? Have I now passed over to “paranoia”? Have I by-passed prudence?

You know what? I’ve realized that there are no real answers to a lot of the questions we have. This is (here comes probably the most popular word describing current times) unprecedented. No one has a guide to follow. All we have is the information flowing from government officials and health care specialists. This virus spreads so fast that yes, drastic measures ARE necessary. All it takes is ONE PERSON with the virus to unknowingly go out and BANG! It balloons from there. Just look at how fast it’s spreading in the U.S. They’ve jumped to number one in the WORLD for cases of the virus to over 100,000. At least here in Canada we are getting reasonably accurate information, and prudent steps to follow. That’s all I’ll say on THAT matter – for now.

In conclusion, I believe that we need a measure of all three in our response to this – prudence, panic and paranoia. A healthy dose of paranoia (yes, there is such a thing) jump-starts the survival instinct. Couple that with a healthy dose of prudence and maybe even just a mild dose of panic is a good thing right now. As long as we USE OUR HEADS we should be O.K. Yes, listen to government officials. Yes, listen to healthcare officials. And yes, follow the rules set out for your safety and the safety of others. Also, don’t forget all the healthcare workers AND all the people that are still at work making sure that you’ll be able to feed and take care of yourself and your family. These are only two areas I’ve singled out. There have been so many people/businesses that have stepped up to make sure that life will go on. So, please, stay safe and stay healthy. And please do not forget your neighbour. Wherever possible, lend a hand to someone who doesn’t have anyone in their life. Make sure that the more susceptible people around you can still get on with life as well.

Until next time

Inge