We will celebrate Canada Day tomorrow. It will be different than any previous July 1st day in the history of Canada. In Fort Frances there will be no Canada Day Parade. There will be no big celebration at the Point Park. There will be no gathering along the river to watch the fireworks. Family get togethers will be restricted to less than 10 persons. Social distancing, family gatherings for reunions, weddings and funerals may all be restricted until such time as a COVID-19 vaccine or treatment is created.
We are now into the new reality which will be known eventually as the COVID-19 life. And it could go on for several years. Everyday scientists and doctors are discovering new facts about the virus. Some infected persons who are asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers show no signs of the virus yet are able to transmit the virus to other persons. Scientists have discovered that many asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers, show no permanent resistance to the disease and can be re-infected. Some studies are proving that males are more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus.
More cities are now calling on everyone to wear masks to protect people they may meet or pass each other on street paths and sidewalks. It is already common in both China and South Korea. Provincial and federal governments in Canada can enact laws making wearing of masks in public mandatory as a health issue. They have so far chosen not to. Businesses can make wearing of masks mandatory for customers coming into their business.
In Fort Frances and across the district, the wearing of face masks is very spotty. I would guess that fewer than 15 per cent of the population wears a mask when shopping. That will have to change. Clear barriers are now found at every check out protecting staff from customers. Employers are protecting their employees.
Last Wednesday I had my first hair cut in almost six months. The staff were most professional, and I was required to wear a mask, answer questions about my current health and complete a form. Similarly, when visiting the Fort Frances Clinic, again I was required to wear a mask and fill out documents about my health.
If you are choosing to fly, you will be expected to wear a mask for the full duration of your flight from the time you enter the terminal until you exit the terminal. Eventually all transit and taxis will require the wearing of masks to protect all passengers and drivers.
We all have to protect each other. That includes being regularly checked for the virus even though no new cases are being reported in the district. And it also means wearing a mask in public.
