It is strange to realize that it has only been approximately three weeks since the COVID-19 public health crisis hit home for Albertans.
While the first confirmed case of the new coronavirus appeared in Alberta on March 5, we have been on a daily diet of news headlines, information and government announcements since March 13, when Chief Medical Officer of Public Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw's provided her first public briefing.
The rate and nature of the changes taking place, the disruption of our daily life, our jobs, our businesses – the entire economic system within which we live – has remained unchecked since that time.
Since the beginning of this month, out entire world has changed. Our lives have changed. And we collectively as a community, province, country and world – have no idea what things will look like once this is over.
How do we plan for the future when the present remains surrounded in uncertainty?
The first step is to ensure we are doing everything we can right now to get short-term financial relief into the hands of every Canadian that has lost income as a result of this crisis and every small and medium-sized business that is faced with shutting down permanently.
As more time goes by, we will be able to access the statistical analysis of what this is doing to our economy – locally, provincially and federally.
But even now, without knowing exactly how many individuals or businesses in our valley is on the brink of losing everything, we know it is bad.
A recent survey by the Town of Canmore to better understand the needs of local businesses indicated one if four businesses does not expect to re-open after this is over.
The COVID-19 economic crisis is like a tsunami. Everyone and everything in its path is affected and will be changed in some way.
What we thought was normal just a few weeks ago, doesn't exist anymore and that thing you are feeling right now, that's grief.
Grief is a natural emotional response given the situation and it is better to feel it, than to deny or deflect it.
But even as we wrestle with the idea of how many people will suffer as a result of COVID-19 in various ways, one thing remains totally unchanged.
That is the resiliency that exists within the human spirit to overcome obstacles and rebuild our lives.
That our community isn't a bunch of roads, buildings and a postal code, but it is a collection of human beings who chose to live together and support one another.
Like our local health care workers, preparing our local hospitals for the spread of a new infectious disease.
Our cleaners and delivery drivers – keeping public spaces safe and the supply chain moving.
Or every single worker of an essential service that continues to show up every day even though that puts them at risk of catching this virus. From bus drivers, to grocery store staff – thank you for all that you do.
To everyone working from home and everybody staying at home as much as possible – thank you.
To everyone who has lost their job or been temporarily laidoff – we are here with you going through this.
For every business owner that has shut their doors, said goodbye to valued staff, and is uncertain if they will reopen – you are not alone.
What is happening won't last, but if we come together as a community to support each other while things are at their worst, then we will be OK.
