Coronavirus Around the World – Canada

Introduction – Coronavirus in Canada

OTL City Guides are designed to be the go-to for all kinds of lifestyle information. However, we never thought we’d be sharing stories about life during a global pandemic like the effects of the Coronavirus in Canada and around the world.

Unfortunately, lifestyle these days seems to completely revolve around the Coronavirus COVID 19 crisis. While so many of us are cooped up at home or on the front lines of the pandemic response, it can be easy to forget that we’re not the only ones going through this, so we’ve asked writers from around the globe to share their experiences.

This post is courtesy of Chalene in Canada. Not only is Chalene going through the same lockdown measures as the rest of the country, but she’s going through it with a new baby.

For stories from other locations, be sure to visit our Coronavirus blog, as we’re gathering personal perspectives from around the globe.

Living in Canada During the Time of Coronavirus

By Chalene

Right now, I feel like I’m living in some sort of bad movie. I’m sure many other people are feeling the same. It’s like we just woke up one day and everything in the world has changed. Suddenly nothing is certain anymore. And the scariest part? In the midst of it all, I have a newborn baby.

Coronavirus in Canada with a newborn baby

I’m a relatively anxious person, to begin with, but I control it well. In times of stress, I always manage to ask myself, “what is the worst that can happen?” If I can handle the answer, I can reduce my stress.

But suddenly, for the first time in my life, the answer is “no. I cannot handle the worst that can happen.” What if I get Coronavirus and can’t care for my baby? Even worse, what if my baby gets Coronavirus and – I can’t even say the rest out loud. Needless to say, I am a nervous wreck. And I’m sure there are millions of others out there that feel the same.

Giving birth during the lockdown

In fact, I know there are many more who feel the same. My friends here in Canada are all starting to feel the stresses too, and I have several friends who are pregnant or about to give birth in the next few weeks.

While many Canadians are doing their part to stop the spread, the numbers are continuing to rise, and it’s quite evident to me why that is – people aren’t social distancing the way they need to be.

Closures

To date, Coronavirus in Canada means that the government has closed the borders to non-essential travel, closed schools (probably for the rest of the year), and required all non-essential businesses to close.

Still, grocery stores are open, and food restaurants are still allowed to serve takeout. And let me tell you, the stores and restaurants are packed. People line up down the street to get groceries or for their next McDouble. Sure, they stand 6 feet apart, and only a limited number of people are allowed in the stores at one time, but let’s face the facts – people are making unnecessary trips.



Social distancing violations

More recently, the government has started to close all public parks, beaches, and playgrounds. Fines are being imposed for anyone gathering in groups larger than five, and my hometown beach now has a maximum fine of $100 000 if you are caught there. Still, I see people on the beach every day. There is now a number to call if you see people who are not social distancing, and I have to admit, I have thought about calling it.

Though many people here in Canada are taking the precautions, many are still out living life as usual. But, we are not living in a normal time, and unless we ALL start doing our part, we will never fight this virus.

Working together

It takes our entire nation to stop the spread, but only one person who doesn’t know they are infected to continue it. Stop the spread, social distance, and stay home! We can beat this together, but will never beat it apart.