A month in

April 10, 2020. It has been a month since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. Things are very different than they were, and this will continue for some time. As always, these are my opinions only. (1/Many)

But with many holidays in progress, and some down time, I find it is important to reflect.

The past few weeks have shown some of the worst people are capable of. Hoarding of supplies, individualistic behavior, not looking after each other.

We have also seen some of the very best people are capable of, thankfully to a much higher degree. Looking out for our neighbors, people supporting local business that are struggling, mass donations of personal protective equipment to front-line workers.

Recognizing healthcare workers, and those essential workers who are always there to serve the public. Think about that last part for a minute. I know I am much more appreciative of them now. This is just a small glance at the very best people are capable of.

There are, at the time of publishing, ~285 cases in this province, roughly half of which are in Saskatoon. There will unfortunately be more.
Saskatchewan has seen 3 fatalities. There will sadly be more.

~47% of the cases diagnosed in the province have already recovered. Hopefully this number soars even higher.

But we have some small signs that we are on the right track. It is far too early to say for certain, and it would be foolish to claim victory, but we had a quiet week of new cases.

It appears that the hard work, immeasurable sacrifices, and common sense approaches to limiting the spread of this illness are working.

I've long enjoyed history, and am reminded of the famous words Winston Churchill said:

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

(Winston Churchill, 1942).

This is the time to continue these measures. Keep washing your hands, keep social distancing, stay at home if you don't need to go out, be nice to each other.

The world as we know it will be very different whenever this blows over. A new normal will come, and this change will be more than just healthcare based. Everything economical, everything social, everything will be different.

There are still many long days ahead of us. Weeks, months, maybe even more.

If there is some good to come of all this, perhaps we can all come out of this a little better than we came in. Maybe we get a little more in touch with our families, friends and neighbors.

Maybe we keep looking after each other. Maybe we continue to recognize those around us who provide such expert care, such essential services. Maybe we all come out of this a little nicer to each other. Maybe we see more of the very best of what people are capable of.

Take some time this weekend. Think about those around you. Reach out via a text or a phone call. Look after them, and look after yourselves.

There is still a long road ahead of us. But hopefully yes, we are at the end of the beginning.

Stay safe.

-P