The world right now including SpaceX returning human flight to the United States
Just an update as to where things are at as of June 1. I found this online and copied it.
Stores and sit-down restaurants closed, being reminded to wash our hands, don't touch our face, and maintain physical distancing.
* The CDN dollar is worth $.73 US.
* Gas costs 90.7 cents per litre at the pumps in our area . A tank of gas is lasting a lot longer these days.
* Schools have been closed since March 16 and kids are learning on-line. This will continue for the rest of the school year.
* High school have cancelled all exams; grade 12 students will graduate with their last mark...what they had before March Break...and without needing to complete their literacy test and their 40 hours of volunteer work. There was no prom, nor graduation ceremony. We're hoping graduation will be re-scheduled for the Fall.
* Some restaurants are only open for home delivery & take out orders.
* We are still worried about the spread of Covid-19 from the food and items we bring home, so some stores give their take out orders with a small alcohol wipe to wipe down the bag and containers inside. (We have not eaten take out, so I can't confirm).
* National and Provincial Parks and Conservation areas have reopened, but all playgrounds will remain closed.
* Most sports competitions have been canceled.
* Many events have been cancelled - Canada Day celebrations in some cities, the Calgary Stampede, and the CNE!
* Weddings, family celebrations, birthdays and funerals have to be canceled or delayed.
* The summer 2020 Olympics have been postponed.
* Gatherings are limited to no more than 5 people outside the same household while social distancing.
* People have done drive-by parades to celebrate birthdays, school's staff are doing drive-bys in towns to see their students, and many communities have shown appreciation to front-line workers by parading by their hospitals.
* Hearts and rainbows in windows began as a way to show love and appreciation during a time of self-isolation and lock-down, and has spread worldwide.
* Painted rocks can be found on walking trails and in neighbourhoods to show encouragement to others.
* Churches are closed or are online. Although some are doing a drive in parking lot service where you stay in your car.
* We have to stay away from each other by at least 2 meters (6 feet). These are the new Social-Distancing Rules that most everyone adheres to.
* When out for a walk, people will step off the curb and wait while another person passes.
* Retirement homes have experienced the highest rates of outbreak among residents and staff.
* Our Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has been doing daily press conferences from Rideau Cottage, providing lots of financial support in an effort to keep the economy afloat.
* People are using their home 3D printers to help make PPE - like face shields and clips (to save health care workers' ears and hold back mask straps), and even ventilator pieces that are in short supply
* We are wearing masks, as most places now REQUIRE that you wear them to enter! (I am the only one that has left the house since this started. I am the designated shopper for necessities. I feel contaminated every time I have to go out. I wash everything that I bring into the house with a disinfectant and shower, wiping all things down that I may have touched, I wear an N95 mask whenever I go to stores).
* People are sewing masks & gowns. Others are crocheting or knitting bands to help save people's ears who have to wear them for extended periods. They are donating them to group homes, medical facilities and people who need them.
* Toilet paper, yeast, hand sanitizer, flour, antibacterial wipes and anything Lysol or Clorox is in short supply and limited per person.... IF you can even find them! (I got some for Mothers Day, and two more when I randomly checked Amazon...It was pure luck, since one minute after I ordered these two, which was the max you could order, they were sold out!)
* Things like milk and beef are limited to 2 per person. Prescription medications are limited to just one month instead of having multiple months.
* Stores are closing early to disinfect everything.
* Store check outs, pharmacies and even fast food drive thru windows have added plexiglass between employee and customer.
* Online shopping and grocery delivery services are at an all-time high. (This is the only way I have done grocery shopping. I do need to go to other stores sometimes like the pet food store, but I try to limit my outings as much as possible).
* There are lines taped and even painted outside the stores for people to line-up to enter with max #'s allowed in a store at a time. There are lines and circles at the check outs to keep people 6 feet apart. There are taped arrows in the aisles to keep flow of traffic one-way as you shop.
* Canada has closed the borders to all non-essential travel.
* On April 19, Canada was devastated by the largest mass shooting in our history, 22 lives lost in Nova Scotia. A virtual vigil was held April 24 for the victims, as Canada mourned.
* Air and water pollution are at an all-time low, and animals have been seen going through areas not normally occupied by them.
* The world has quieted. A large hole in the ozone has closed. Our Earth appears to be healing.
* We stay in our homes and make the best of the time we have to spend together with those who live in the same household. People are trying new things, learning new things, playing games, taking the time to read, and we can thankfully stay in touch with loved ones through technology like phones, texts, emails, FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom.
* Window visits are also on the rise, as people find new and creative ways to show their quarantined loved ones that they are loved, thought of, and cared about.
* Although this is a different way of life for now, and many things are missed, it's teaching us not to take those things or people for granted when we do finally reach some sort of “normalcy”, whatever that looks like from here on out.
* People are becoming much more careful and conscientious about hygiene and how it affects not just ourselves, but others.
* Covid-19 has shown the world what's important, and that it is indeed possible to come together (by staying apart) for the greater good. It's teaching us that it is indeed possible, and important, to help more vulnerable people, like the elderly and the homeless. (My grandma is moving in with my cousin, as this time is proving too much for her and she is terrified of nursing homes). I can't remember a time when people worked so hard to provide shelter and food for the homeless. Or a time when long-term care residences were in the forefront and it came to light how much more they need from the government and the public, in order to properly care for their residents. It is also teaching us who the real heroes are; it's not the movie stars and the highly-paid sports stars in all their fame and glory. It's the front-line workers, the delivery workers, the grocery store clerks, the garbage collectors, and all those who continue to risk their lives to keep the communities fed, clean, housed, healthy and connected.
* Yesterday Canada had 757 NEW cases while the United States leads the world with 20,350 NEW cases. This is just one day!
* May 17th we lost one of our Snowbird representatives (the Public Affairs Officer, Capt Jennifer Casey), on the cross country tour called Operation Inspiration, that was supposed to lift the spirits of Canadians. The country was sad.
On a positive note SpaceX took two astronauts to the International Space Station this weekend returning human space flight to the United States! It was quite spectacular to watch! I was glad to watch this history take place!
This weekend we also watched Princess Bride for the first time with the kids. Through all of this, it is nice to make memories and spend time with my family. I am thankful for the people I am quarantined with.