We left Italy just before the country went into lockdown. Since, then businesses, including bars, restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions, have all been shuttered. Landmarks that usually draw thousands, like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona, are eerily quiet now, like the aftermath of some zombie apocalypse.
Our hearts go out to the people of Italy who are facing possible economic calamity.
Here at home consumers are stripping grocery stores bare and hoarding food as well as toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Concerts, conferences, and sporting events have been postponed or cancelled. And travel has been brought to a near standstill.
No doubt some of these draconian measures may be necessary to contain the virus. During this stressful period, though, we mustn’t panic and we must maintain our humanity. Taking rational precautions — like social distancing and vigorous hand washing — make sense. But perpetuating hysteria about COVID-19 is dangerous. Such hysteria could spiral out of control, leading to unrest, tumult, and chaos. After all, COVID-19 is not the Black Plague. Most who contract the virus live to tell about it. Now is the time to keep a level head and pull together as a community.
With that in mind, please abide by health guidelines, including self-quarantine, social distance, and avoid travel. Also, please don’t hoard items at the grocery store. Leave enough food for others to buy.
Extend a helping hand to elderly neighbours who may be unable or too frightened to venture outside. If possible, provide financial support to those struggling because they’ve been temporarily laid off from work as a result of virus containment efforts. And most importantly, stop panicking. We are not living through an episode of The Walking Dead.
Brian Vincent
Squamish
