It's a sad state of affairs

It's very sad what is going on in our society as a result of Covid. Lost jobs, lost businesses, the evaporation of the arts scene, loneliness and depression as a result of the isolation and stress of not knowing what happens next, not knowing if one can pay their bills or rent.

Which is why, as Canadians, I think we are better off than the average American in this situation. While their governments (some, not all) are only interested in getting things back to normal as quickly as possible, ours at least has the courtesy to lend us a helping hand financially and not force us all back to work or school (until now) while things are risky.

Now that the economy is reopening, it has been my experience that even though we are being allowed to attempt a return to normal, the majority of people are still concerned and staying home. Restaurants are not at capacity, even though their capacity has been halved. Stores are not as full as they can be with lineups going down the block. Theatres are practically empty, even on a movie's opening weekend.

This says to me that at least as Canadians, we got the message loud and clear. Covid is a huge risk, and if there's a chance you have it, even if you don't show any signs of having it, we want to protect others from getting it too. Yes, there are some folks who, for various reasons, have decided that for them, and their family, and maybe even their friends, the risk has passed and they are willing to get together in a manner similar to how things were before the pandemic arrived.

But that is their choice and they make that decision for themselves. Except in more peculiar circumstances, that you decide to attend a wedding with 100 people, not wearing masks and not keeping a safe distance is your decision. A decision that thankfully, is only practised by a minority of people.

But what I cannot abide is when folks who think their rights are being infringed upon start attacking others who are following the health guidelines. Now we have people who are not only refusing to wear a mask inside places like restaurants and stores (even when local governments like Calgary have made it mandatory), they are now berating, disrespecting and threatening other customers and staff for being 'sheep', claiming that mask wearers and law abiding staff are impinging on their rights and other nonsense.

Let's be crystal clear on this folks. You have the right to be as stupid as you want in your own space. To take as many risks as you feel are justified. In your home. On your property. In your car. Because that doesn't put others' lives at risk. But the minute you step into a restaurant, a store, a plane, a bus, and you refuse to take precautions, you put other peoples' lives at risk. It's selfish, stubborn and it's unethical. They're putting their life at risk to sell you stuff. The least you can do is put on a freaking mask.

In times like these it's more important than ever to think about others rather than just yourself.