
It has been three weeks now. All non-essential businesses have shut down. Over half of the Covid19 cases in Ontario are from Toronto. People are working from home.
I made a trip to the grocery store earlier this week. It was hard not to notice the empty sidewalks. Even during the cold Canadian winter, people do step outside to take a stroll or run. I saw one man running. Other than that, the sidewalks were deserted.
There is a Sobeys that is located close to my home. It wasn’t crowded. I am guessing those that are hoarding may have finished their visits by now.
One can’t find hand sanitizers and other cleaning products. I noticed there was a limit of two per customer for milk and cream. The pasta shelf was still empty since I was there a week ago. Maybe it just has to do with the time that I was visiting. Other than that, it was business as usual. One can still go out and buy essentials.
People here seem to understand social distancing. I didn’t notice anyone getting into each other’s space. On my way there and back, I passed a Tim Hortons coffee shop. The drive-through was as busy as it always is. Those that need their coffee, need their coffee. Perhaps ‘Essential Businesses’ is a term that is open to interpretation.
I have been listening to the album In Rainbows by Radiohead. I feel the collection beautifully captures my current state of thinking and reflection. It’s hard to say what will happen when this is over; however, I feel there is a change coming.
Everyone is currently in a self-imposed solitary lockup. That gives everyone time to think and reflect upon the life choices they have made. I feel once this is over, people would be more motivated to do the things that they were saving for a later time. Granted, not everyone would have the means to do so right away; however, this is bound to cause a significant social change.
Categories: Toronto Coronavirus Diaries
Thanks for sharing, Shayan. You are absolutely right, this is an opportunity for people to get into the activities they have been putting off for so long.
Thank you Gabriel. Stay safe!