Social Distancing. Finding Community.
Coming together by staying home.
In the past two weeks, there have been significant and frightening changes in our communities and around the world. It is difficult to even know where to start or what to write. As we have all heard repeatedly, we are all experiencing something unprecedented. It will take some time to find our footing. These changes have happened unsettlingly fast.
On March 11, the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic. Countries around the world have been impacted and have reacted in different ways. We have all watched with disbelief the rapid path of the virus in places like China, Italy and Spain.
As of March 20, Canada is limiting travel and requiring 14 days of self-quarantine from Canadian’s returning from other destinations. In Nova Scotia, we have gone quickly from recommendations on March 13 to cancel gatherings of more than 1000 people and limit unnecessary travel through increasing restrictions. On Sunday, March 22 – just 11 days after the WHO’s declaration of a pandemic – NS declared a state of emergency. Premier Stephen McNeil said that these measures were necessary indicating that it’s “unacceptable” that so many people are ignoring public health’s instructions to self-isolate and practice social distancing.
Watching this situation unfold has been stressful and many of us are feeling anxious and helpless. We can not completely stop the spread of this coronavirus (Covid-19) but we can take action to help flatten the curve and slow the spread, which is necessary to help prepare our health care systems by allowing time to build supplies and learn more about preventing and treating the virus. Without a coordinated effort, the rapid rate of infection will overwhelm our systems leaving some without required care.
What you can do to slow the spread
- Practice Social Distancing (now also being called physical distancing). #StayHome as much as possible Take Prime Minister Trudeau’s Challenge to #SpreadTheWordNotTheVirus
- Maintain a distance of 2 M from others if you must go out
- Wash your hands often, for at least 20 secs (suggestions for handwashing songs)
- Avoid touching your face
- Cough into your sleeve, not your hand
- Stay informed with current, reliable information. https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
- For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Halifax.ca/coronavirus. https://www.halifax.ca/fire-police/fire/emergency-management/corona-virus-disease-covid-19
Sending a HUGE THANK YOU to all front line workers
Thanks to all the medical personnel, first responders, truck drivers, retail and restaurant staff, and all others working long hours with little sleep to keep essential services operating during the Covid-19 crisis. You are appreciated!!
Take care of yourself. Stay Safe.
Stomp Your Feet, Wash Your Hands
A very Nova Scotia handwashing strategy. Sociable!!
By Billy MacLellan (and friends): Stomp Your Feet, Wash Your Hands
0 Comments