The problem I really have with this whole new pandemic culture of shaming people for failing to adhere to your interpretation of social distancing & isolation rules is that it’s only a matter of time before it turns into shaming people for contracting #COVID19.

Spoiler alert: the virus won’t care how “good” you were at following the rules.

If it gets into your community and is at grocery store, it won’t care you’re there for your first trip out in 17 days but your neighbor showed up the past 5 days in a row.

It will infect both of you

Originally professionals were projecting #COVID19 would infect 30-70% of the population. Most recently I heard this is now 50-60% but we’re all waiting for numbers.

Nevertheless, start acting like you WILL get it. It’s a matter of when. Are you prepared for that?

The suggestions to only venture out of your home weekly for groceries and to keep 2 weeks worth of food in your home is NOT just about social distancing.

It’s for when (WHEN, not if) you contract #COVID19 you can self-isolate safely for 2 weeks and not run out of food.

“Flattening the curve” doesn’t mean we eliminate the virus. It means less people get it at all once.

You’re still probably going to get it.

So stop shaming friends & strangers for not wearing masks or going for walks. You are not better. The virus won’t care.

If you never experience symptoms during this pandemic you might be tempted to get smug and pat yourself on the back for being such a good social isolating citizen.

Don’t. As many as 30% of people who contract #COVID19 will have NO SYMPTOMS.

This means nearly 1/3 of the infected population will be going about with *no idea* they’re contagious and infecting others.

The social isolation rules are also for THEM. We want THEM to stay home as much as possible.

If an asymptomatic carrier of #COVID19 hits the grocery store only 1x/week they only put other people at risk 2 days of the ~14 they’re contagious.

This is why we’re doing it. Because if they show up 3x/week they’re suddenly putting people at risk 6 days of the 14 they’re sick.

As pandemic progresses, your chances of contracting #COVID19 increase. They will keep increasing even if behaviour remains the same (1 outing for food per week).

That’s how infectious diseases work. That’s why viruses are so dangerous.

Don’t feel superior to anyone. You’re not

So on this note please make a personal #COVID19 care plan for when (WHEN NOT IF) you contract the virus.

Have 2 weeks of food on hand. Have friends, family, neighbors who will check on you frequently when you are sick and get you emergency care if needed.

When estimates are that more than 1 in 2 Canadians will@contract #COVID19 preparing to deal with infection is as important as preparations to avoid it.

Stop shaming people.

Thank you.