From Dianna:
While walking around Yaletown yesterday, I realized how much our neighbourhood is changing as people figure out new ways to use public spaces and soften their isolation. For instance:
We have a new coffee house:
… a new gym:
… a new reading room:
This is nice to see.
I think it’s great that we’re a civilized people that the authorities can trust us to meet our needs safely.
Instead of being told to stay inside we are told that we should take care of our emotional and mental health, connect with people but be physically distant. This is based on the assumption that the people are intelligent and trustworthy. This creates respect.
In my experience in Vancouver seeing people outside, everyone is finding a way to meet their needs, shopping, socializing, exercising, etc. in ways that won’t spread viruses. Neighbours are hanging out with lawn chairs and chatting, from a distance, with their neighbours. People are out at English Bay, at a distance but close enough to chat.
We know that it’s not forever and that there’s just something going around and the only “tool” we have at this point is to not spread it. This same time next year will be different.
I see other places in the world getting all fascist or police state-like, or having public disobedience and I’m so glad that I’m in a progressive city in a civilized country.