I am writing to you from Spain.
We were told this past Monday morning to get off Gran Canaria, Spain as soon as possible, as a complete shutdown was happening right away. Thankfully, we got ourselves to Barcelona on Wednesday, where I am writing to you from.
We have been in a hotel for two days that closes tonight. The city is on lockdown. We see people daily parade below our window to get some groceries with their small rolling carriers wearing their masks and gloves. Life has settled in on lockdown. They take it very seriously but sing on their balconies in the evening and keep connected. It's very stressful for the people so they try their best to cope.They buy what they need for a few days and ensure they wear their masks and gloves at the supermarket. They have learned that food will continue to arrive on the shelves and hoarding only hurts your neighbors.
I want to encourage people from the perspective of being in a country on lockdown and watching the daily news as the virus spreads quickly. It was only four days ago that we could cycle our bikes and run around outside. It felt like there was something happening somewhere else but all of a sudden the virus spread so fast and forced Spain to react quickly.
The people of Squamish need to realize how serious this is. We have an opportunity right now to learn the lessons from Italy and Spain.
We have always been a strong, cohesive community and I know that we (Squamish) will support each other through this season.
My encouragement for the community of Squamish is to take this seriously now but don't panic. Most will have mild symptoms. However, this doesn't mean to negate the seriousness of this virus and its impacts. A mild dose of the virus for you might mean an ICU visit for another.
The front line defenders in the hospitals and clinics need our support by staying healthy through precautions that we have all been told we need to take. We need to help protect the vulnerable, those over 60 and those that have weakened immune systems. The faster we react to slow down this virus, the faster, people who need operations that were cancelled, can get cared for.
How do we as a community be and stay proactive? Some practical ways that seem almost too simple.
● Don't hoard food. There will be enough.
● Take the precautions that we have all been told to take around hand-washing, coughing into your sleeve or tissue, not touching your face in public and maintaining two meters distancing from others. Make this habitual behaviour.
● If you are visiting seniors think about how you can protect them, as you might already be a carrier and not know it.
● If you are not feeling well, self isolate immediately and ask your community to help with meals.
● Reduce your opportunities to be in close contact with people so the spread is reduced.
● Enjoy the freedom of movement of being outside, as soon enough, like California, Spain and Italy, this option might be taken away.
● Take this time to work on projects or read books or play games. Learn a language!
● Be productive as now you have the time.
Delena Angrignon
Squamish resident heading home from Spain
