Yesterday on March 16th 2020, Vancouver shut down nearly all public spaces in a hope to stop the spread of COVID-19. I’ve decided I should keep some kind of journal to document what this is all like, since it’s not something that happens often (thankfully) and maybe it’ll be interesting to someone someday (I’m starting on ‘Day 2’ because the city mostly shut down yesterday). Here is a link to information about the shutdown of public spaces: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/city-vancouver-covid-19-march-16-1.5499266
Today is traditionally St. Patrick’s Day, but I don’t think most of us even noticed. All the bars and restaurants are now closed, allowing for takeout food only (at best). Gathering is highly frowned upon and risky, and I opted to stay home. I am increasingly concerned that I may contract the virus on my way to or from work, and pass it on to my immuno-compromised mother.
After work I stopped by the Chinese restaurant behind my house and ordered some food to go. The staff there looked happy for a customer, and I’m pretty sure my portions were larger than usual. All the businesses in the strip mall behind my house are filled with the same look of desperate staff. I order from them more than I should, but they’re part of my neighborhood community.
Tracking the infection is like watching the specifications on new cell phone announcements. The numbers get bigger and you are always left feeling disappointed in what’s going on. There are reports all over from different states in the USA where people are flaunting their disregard of social isolation. It’s mind numbing. Things are better here, but not by much. A few of my friends are showing symptoms that could point to COVID-19, and recently came into contact with people from Washington, but have been told they won’t be tested unless the symptoms get worse. It makes me wonder just how many more infected people there are beyond the known cases here. I don’t want to share the theorized ratios though, and we’ll likely never know. I keep thinking it over in my head, you get infected on day 1. You reach peak infectivity on day 4 or 5. You start showing symptoms of being sick maybe around day 10-14 (or 21 sometimes…). If you’re lucky you get tested quickly and can try to backtrack all your interactions to warn people they might be infected?
It’s harmful to stay on these thoughts for too long, so I remind myself I’ve been washing my hands a lot, and that I’ve got my inhalers with me or near me at all times. I remind myself that there IS going to be an end to this, and even though we aren’t likely at the worst of it yet, I have enough food and supplies to last me at least through a 2 week quarantine, and at least for the moment have a steady income. Also less going out means I’m getting more sleep now. That’s definitely a good thing.
BC COVID-19 Info 