Wednesday July 1, 2020 ~ NATIONAL
by Mary Brooke, editor ~ West Shore Voice News
We are half way through 2020 — the year of the great pandemic. July 1 marks an opportunity mid-year to celebrate this country that has held most of us above water during the harsh impacts of COVID-19 with programs like CERB, CEWS, CEBA and federal top-ups for students, seniors and people with disabilities. In BC there have been additional top-ups for renters, workers, and people with low incomes.
This year has given us the clarity that is embedded in the numerals of the year itself – 20/20 (as in clear vision). We have seen all the cracks and shortcomings of how our society and economies (local and more broadly) function, and we have also seen the best of human nature shine through.
This year we have seen the importance of both science and effective governance in ways that will likely carry forward with greater funding (for research and development) and greater accountability (by governments and politicians).
Most celebrations are virtual and online this year for the 153rd anniversary of confederation, as part of maintaining physical distancing to help with minimizing any transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
In Ottawa today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family will do some harvesting on a farm. In BC today, Premier John Horgan will probably issue a statement.
Most local communities are laying low, without on-the-ground activities that in past years would have drawn crowds.
Canada Day is a statutory holiday (for those who have jobs in the ravaged economy).
Backyard celebrations:
Many people will possibly travel regionally or around BC this Canada Day week. Barbecue equipment sales are reportedly way up in major cities — probably a lot of backyard barbecues coming up today on July 1 and people otherwise staying close to home with restricted incomes and budgets due to the pandemic.
COVID-19 in BC:
Keeping things in perspective, there are still 152 active cases of COVID-19 in BC, with a total case count of 2,916 (of which 2,590 have recovered). Of the active cases, 18 people are still in hospital (four in ICU).
“As we all celebrate Canada Day, we remind everyone to follow the rules for safe social interactions, limit your interactions and keep your bubbles small, maintain a safe distance from others and stay home if you are feeling ill,” said Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry on June 30.
“While this will be a different Canada Day for all of us, there are many virtual celebrations being planned and other fun ways to safely connect with friends and family. By doing our part, we can continue to keep our curve flat and protect our communities and those we care for most.”
