Things have changed and things are changing

Since posting an acknowledgement of my six months with Covid 19 I have been thinking quite a bit about how things have changed and specifically how things might change as we embrace the second wave. When I first entered quarantine I recall the high level of apprehension that surrounded us. The free package of flyers that showed up in the driveway was a potential threat. I had read that the virus had a short life on paper and remember shaking the flyers out of the plastic bag onto the floor, disposing of the bag and washing my hands.

The suggestion that after quarantine, because of my age, I should shop first thing in the morning after stores were sanitized was part of the drill. Additionally, there was some question as to whether or not it was OK to go for walks, jog or ride a bike. Masks were not a big thing although there was some encouragement to wear them even while outdoors and active. The main directives were to wash your hands a lot, use sanitizer and stay away from people.

There were shortages. Some were caused by panic hoarding...toilet paper comes to mind and some were caused by production shortfalls. I came back with over a litre of hand sanitizer and had left a very good supply of toilet paper in case my Air B n B clients needed it. Since I had few clients I was in good shape.

As time passed much was learned and we have worked our way to a state in which, for many of us, life has a certain comfortable but somewhat strange quality. Mask compliance is mandatory and basically accepted. In our area almost all activities are OK, the kids are back in school but there is an emerging apprehension about a second wave.

Thanksgiving is in a few days and we are being asked to keep it simple and keep it small. Time will tell whether or not we have been sensible enough.