magnumpi

i was right lol. From the start of this thread.

They called a state of emergency in Ontario

Paul_Shepherd

The public need more announcements and statements like that.... facts, calming facts, but we all know what the media is like, then add social media on top of that too not surprising a lot of people go into panic mode.

dbd33

Who has gone into an inappropriate panic mode? Perhaps the people walking stuffed animals in Spain but, otherwise, deaths all over world, collapse of the global economy, postponement of Euro 2020, pubs closed on St. Patrick's Day - if panic is not fitting behaviour now, when would it be? My emotions are enflamed, let me tell you.

magnumpi

i just cancelled guitar jam night with the band, I must be serious

HGerchikov

I actually think the media has put out the information that for most of us its not going to be a big deal to get the disease - perhaps they have spread that message a bit too clearly resulting in large sections of the population carrying on as normal up to this point thinking that they have nothing to worry about. The issue is that if we carry on as normal resulting in the projected 80% of the population becoming infected and if only 1% of those die - its still a lot of dead bodies.

Jingsamichty

Pub quiz night on Thursday cancelled. It's the end of the world as we know it.

Hawkmoon77

I hear you. Guitar lesson cancelled. How am I going to play like Richard Thompson if a global pandemic is holding me back? Hmmm?

Paul_Shepherd

I have to say you know its serious when pubs have been forced to close on St Patricks day!

Seriously there is no doubt its serious, but I think its good that governments are also trying to calm the public, they need to be informed but not inflamed which the media is great at doing. Anyway I thought the British meme was keep calm and carry on? at least it was in 1939...society has changed somewhat since then.

Paul_Shepherd

I hear what your saying.... I think a lot of it comes down the individual personalities and behaviour, social media for example has inflamed this no end (hes says typing this on a social media forum) but you know what I mean.

Personally I look at practically and pragmatically. and how i should adjust my life at this time, maybe I am a little bit too laid back about it, but I am a middle aged guy in good health, with no underlying health issues. I am not at high risk...I certainly don't want it, but if I did, I'd hope my immune system would deal with it. Of course everyone's case is different, I can totally understand older people, and people with health issues being very concerned and worried.

Now.... I am worried for some older friends of mine, and one that has heart condition and another a kidney issue, I have made a point of staying away from them, as for all I know I could be carrying it without symptons, many people are in that situation. Apart from that I am going about life as normal as I can and heeding government advice....

I do understand what you are saying though in that play it down too much people carry as normal, but make sensational statements people start panic buying strange things like toilet roll, I still don't understand that....as I mentioned before its a bigger mystery than the virus.

caretaker

Society has changed but a lot still rests on the leader's ability to instill confidence.

Siouxie

Shoppers Drug Mart are reserving the 1st hour of opening for Seniors and those with disabilitites..

@ShopprsDrugMart
1/2 Starting this week, Shoppers Drug Mart is dedicating the first opening hour of shopping at our stores to our customers who need assistance or consideration, including seniors and people living with disabilities.

2/2 We encourage you to check with your local store to confirm operating hours. Shoppers Drug Mart will also offer the 20% Seniors Day discount on regular priced items for the first hour each day every day. This is in addition to Seniors Days each Thursday.

scrubbedexpat091

BC is critically low on testing swabs.

Tell ya this type of situation when living with a bipolar is incredibly difficult. Feeds the paranoia symptoms of the disease and stress is triggering and she is becoming more manic, but because of the situation mental health people are unavailable and her doctor is unavailable so she is on her own at the moment unless it becomes an emergency.

scrubbedexpat091

The street is eerily creepy in a way now. The usual drug addicts and homeless to hang out on the bus stop bench for hours a day socializing are nowhere to be seen, the buses that are normally packed have few people on them. The grocery store is very busy though. The hooker who normally stands on the corner every night hasn't been there since last week.

Quite odd out there.

BristolUK

The province here has announced 'closures' of non essential services - I imagine this means some permits, ID card renewal, library services etc.

However, NB Liquor remains open as an essential service

I made sure to get a large bottle of scotch in as I only have one Friday night's worth. A night being two tumblers of a not strong mix of whisky and 7Up. I sent my stepson on the errand of mercy as soon as they opened today, just in case they were to shut at a moment's notice.

A bonus was he was able to come back with eggs as we were almost out of them, like some stores were.

scrubbedexpat091

BC is suspending K-12 education indefinitely at this time, they are currently on spring break.