Canada,
Mexico and the United States have closed their borders to each other, except
for essential travel – that is, goods moving back and forth that are necessary
for the citizens of each country. Outside of a few days after the 9/11 tragedy
in 2001, we have never seen the longest, undefended border shut down.
To
date (22 March 2020) 171 countries (up 2 in 24 hours) have reported 308,615
cases (up 26,220); 13,071 people have died (up 1,249); and 95,834 have
recovered (up 2,645). Canada has 1,331 reported confirmed or presumptive cases
(up 246). We also have 16 people reported as recovered but unfortunately 21
deaths now.
Almost
all provinces in Canada have now declared states of emergency, resulting in the
closing of school, daycares, bars and restaurants and restricting gatherings of
more than 50 people. We are slowly realizing this could go on for months as
cases continue to rise in number.
One
thing people do not always see, or perhaps realize is that the numbers of cases
or deaths being published may not reflect the number of tests done. For
example, in Canada, to date, there have been over 54,761 tests administered and
1,281 cases confirmed. The means 2.3% of those tested had the virus. But the
tests have so far been done mostly on people who have arrived back in the country
from regions where the virus was prevalent, those who showed significant
symptoms of the disease or those who were in direct contact with either of the
above. Testing may be broadened as we go along. Deaths represent 1.6% of
confirmed cases.
Both
positive tests and deaths are very low percentages which indicates our social
distancing and other rigorous restrictions on gatherings is probably working.
At the very least we should be able to slow down the rate of infection growth.
To
fill many of those evening hours, since there is no hockey to watch these days,
we are discovering what TV channels have movies worth seeing. On Demand,
Netflix, Crave and other sites are getting a workout as well. So is Kobo as our
reading has picked up.
For
now, the best advice for those who can is, Stay Home! Watch this video.
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