It’s feast or famine

The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked our community, and every community across the globe.
One side effect of the shutdown is that is has created a kind of feast or famine culture, although the feast doesn’t bring much satisfaction.
The majority of the population can be divided into two categories as a result of the “stay at home whenever possible” directive: the edict has either increased people’s workload significantly, or it has rendered them idle.
We would suggest neither group is taking much joy from the current state of the world.
In the former category, and top of mind, are the health care professionals. We can’t even imagine what they must be going through as they face long hours, increased risk of exposure, and a lack of equipment. They have without a doubt had an undue amount of work placed upon them, although we are confident they are prepared and capable.
Then, our political representatives are working to find answers to questions that are changing by the minute and, as Canadians, we hope that we will come out of this health crisis feeling like we have been in good hands.
Those who work in grocery stores have truly felt the pressure of a society on the brink of panic, if not already there. They have endured abuse and pressure from anxious consumers as they attempt to assure people that there is no food shortage, and no shortage of toilet paper either.
On the other side, there are those whose lives have been completely interrupted by the virus. Most notably, the students. Across the country students have been sent home – some are already aware that their school year is over. They can’t see their friends, have birthday parties, or part-time jobs.
Their teachers have also been sent home without a plan for the rest of the year, how to proceed now that March Break has ended.
People in non-essential retail have been sent home, along with anyone who worked as a server in restaurants, attendants at movie theatres, the list goes on.
We know that everyone is feeling anxious, whether they are run off their feet with work, or they have nothing to do but get a jump on spring cleaning and watch Netflix. But we also know that we must stay the course if we are to come out of this with as little collateral damage as possible.
So while we must stay home, wash our hands, keep a safe distance from each other, we should find ways to spread the wealth when possible, no matter how little there is to go around. That could mean, ordering take-out from a local restaurant or supporting a local charity that isn’t able to host events. We can be aware of those who may need help and encourage people to ask for help when they need it.
Most of all, we must find a way to connect with people, even though we can’t be together, and be respectful to all.