While COVID-19 case numbers continue to decrease in many areas, so are the restrictions. This means that people are resuming to their normal activities that were likely postponed or cancelled due to the pandemic. This change can feel sudden to those of us that have spent the last few months staying in to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Recently, my city of Toronto entered stage 3 of the province’s gradual reopening plan. This meant that nearly all businesses and public spaces reopened, including in-door dining, sports facilities, playgrounds and gyms. This came as good news to Torontonians after months of stay home orders.
Overnight, it seemed as if everyone in the city had arrived back into society. It became more challenging to dodge people on my solo walks on my residential street. Images of crowded bars and restaurants began to circulate on social media. Even friends started reaching out to ask if I wanted to catch up over a drink at a local bar.
It felt as if suddenly everyone had changed their mindset of COVID-19 being an active threat to something of the past. As if a second wave, spike, or surge could not happen. When in reality, it most likely will.
My hope in humanity continues to dissipate when I read headlines about cases linked to massive house parties, overcrowded parks, and boat parties. Don’t even get me started on the ridiculous lengths people are going to disobey mandatory mask bylaws. Last month, an “anti-lockdown group” was found to be selling fake medical exemption cards. Talk about extra.
That’s when I realized that people are acting as if COVID-19 is over because they want it to be. Not because it actually is.
For many, they tired of caring about COVID-19. People are desperate to resume their everyday routine and feel a sense of normalcy. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer referred to this attitude as pandemic fatigue. The signs of ‘pandemic fatigue’ can vary, from the people who feel exhausted to the ones who have become less diligent about physical distancing and hand washing. Dr. Tam addressed these people specifically saying that, “If we let our guard down, the disease will work its way to our parents and grandparents and other vulnerable people who need to be protected,”.
For Canadians, our neighbours south of the border serve as an unfortunate example of pandemic fatigue. States like California, Texas, and Florida are having to reverse reopenings and handle a new spike in cases after ending lockdown orders too early. Those states were among the fastest to reopen when given the chance to do so.
So although COVID-19 is on the decline in my area, I will still act with an abundance of caution. I fear the impacts of a second wave for the most vulnerable people in my community, those who are racialized and low-income residents.
This means that I stay at home most of the time. Only leaving my apartment to go to work or buy essentials such as food. I will also decline invitations to gatherings where I feel social distancing is not possible.
Even though I am confidently making the best decisions to protect myself and those around me, I can’t help but feel alone. While everyone else on my Instagram feed hits the bars on a Friday night, I’m at home.
Matters are made worse when people around me act as if I’m being too cautious. They imply that I am crazy for wanting to wear masks all the time or only hang out with them outside.
My advice to others also feeling pressure to do things outside of their comfort zone is to communicate with those around them. Let others know that you are not ready to do certain things at this time. If they are friends who care about you, they will understand.
I’m staying at home, are you?
If you are like me and still concerned about the spread of COVID-19, know that you are not alone. There are so many people abiding by the rules just like you and I. Folks that are health care workers, autoimmune comprised, or the elderly, appreciate your efforts. Your absence provides them with an opportunity to stay safe.
Remember that we’re in this together, even when we’re apart.
