Covid And The Rest of Us

[SirDuff]

Let me take a guess:

• tsp./tbsp./cups/oz. and pounds when cooking;
• lbs. when we're weighing ourselves;
• litres when talking about milk or gasoline, gallons when talking about paint or water;
• inches/ft. when measuring our heights or for construction purposes;
• kph when talking about speed but miles when referring to distance;
• degrees Celsius always for temperature (except when we're baking), unless of course we're talking to Americans and then we politely convert for their benefit;

...or maybe it's just me.

https://www.reddit.com/r/HelloInternet/comments/czcf7u

 

[lisaviolet]

Let me take a guess:

• tsp./tbsp./cups/oz. and pounds when cooking;
• lbs. when we're weighing ourselves;
• litres when talking about milk or gasoline, gallons when talking about paint or water;
• inches/ft. when measuring our heights or for construction purposes;
• kph when talking about speed but miles when referring to distance;
• degrees Celsius always for temperature (except when we're baking), unless of course we're talking to Americans and then we politely convert for their benefit;

...or maybe it's just me.

I am right with you except temperature. I always think in Fahrenheit for weather, thermostat and temperature taking. Always.

But when the temperature goes below forty or so, I then I flip into celcius. It is the weirdest thing ever.

Why in Fahrenheit most of the time?

Maybe too much Buffalo antenna tv as a child. Maybe too much US road trip March Break dreaming. Or maybe because my grade two brain already had Fahrenheit tightly woven in my head when we switched over to metric.

Who knows. But I drive one of sisters batty when I have no knowledge of temperature readings in metric. I can't decipher what is normal and what is a fever. It's ridiculous.

 

[ronandannette]

I am right with you except temperature. I always think in Fahrenheit for weather, thermostat and temperature taking. Always.

But when the temperature goes below forty or so, I then I flip into celcius. It is the weirdest thing ever.

Why in Fahrenheit most of the time?

Maybe two much Buffalo antenna tv as a child. Maybe too much US road trip March Break dreaming. Or maybe because my grade two brain already had Fahrenheit tightly woven in my head when we switched over to metric.

Who knows. But I drive one of sisters batty when I have no knowledge of temperature readings in metric. I can't decipher what is normal and what is a fever. It's ridiculous.

Embarrassed to say I can't mentally covert temperature. I think in C and have to use a chart to tell what the F is. Length and weight is pretty automatic though. Funny that you mention body temperature though - does anybody anywhere not use 98.6F as the normal benchmark?

 

[lisaviolet]

Embarrassed to say I can't mentally covert temperature. I think in C and have to use a chart to tell what the F is. Length and weight is pretty automatic though. Funny that you mention body temperature though - does anybody anywhere not use 98.6F as the normal benchmark?

Well obviously not my sister.

 

[elphaba91]

Embarrassed to say I can't mentally covert temperature. I think in C and have to use a chart to tell what the F is. Length and weight is pretty automatic though. Funny that you mention body temperature though - does anybody anywhere not use 98.6F as the normal benchmark?

In Australia we use 37C as the benchmark. We don't use farenheit for anything . The only thing we use imperial for is height and babies' weight (I don't know my weight in imperial, but would have no idea what a normal size newborn is in metric!), but even that is changing; medical professionals all use metric now for height and weight.

 

[NFLDERS]

Salons and table-service dining resume here on February 8, under the same strict conditions they were observing when the clamp-down was imposed in November. There is great elation in the hospitality and personal services industries but it will be interesting (and sad) to see which places don’t open up because they went into insolvency over the past 3 months. There were lots and lots of places that didn’t re-open after the first shut-down last spring. 119,000 hospitality workers were laid-off that time and according to the news, about 15,000 were permanent job losses.

It’s a good decision on the part of government. People here are reaching the end of their patience and quiet defiance of the rules is mounting. I’m not talking about marches or riots - that’s not really our way. More so just people individually going outside the rules, especially in the smaller and more isolated parts of the province where there is next to no Covid and the restrictions seem ridiculous. Allowing the very strict conditional re-opening is safer than people just clandestinely doing their own thing. We saw a good reduction in cases AFTER people were permitted to meet again outdoors and with precautions; the previous draconian ban on any and all in-person social interactions had the opposite effect because it drove people underground into much riskier conditions.

In Ontario with any luck:
https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/mobile/on...ard-top-stories-in-ottawa-this-week-1.5298619

 

[fab1976]

Chiming in on the temperature thing. My furnace is set to Fahrenheit but I know body temperature and outside temperature in Celsius! And my phone and/or Alexa are super handy to figure out conversions, can’t do those mentally at all.

 

[Karin1984]

As most testing locations were closed yesterday in NL, we had 1.667 infections reported less on Sunday than on Saturday. But that all doesn't matter, as at the moment, the only important question in NL is: Can we have the eleven-city-skating tour?

This is an outdoor skating tour through eleven cities in one of our Northern provinces. It's a legendary 200km skating tour that can only happen in a very cold Winter, when the ice is at least 15cm thick. Due to global warming, the last time we had the tour was in 1997 and before that in 1986.

To be honest, the question about the tour comes up in NL as soon as the temperature drops below zero for a few days ;-)
It is insane to think about it in Covid times. There can be up to eligible 16.000 skaters, skating close together on small rivers and streams and then we have the audiences to think about as well... But as it is such an important part of cultural history... there are many people, politicians included who think that if the weather permits it and the ice is thick enough... it should happen.
As it is weather dependent, the organization is used to act quickly, they say the entire event can be planned in 48 hours.

Oh, our curfew (21:00 - 4:30) is extended till 2 March. And this was a snowball fight with the police at 5 o'clock in the morning Amsterdam, with in the back the Palace on the Dam.

 

[ronandannette]

As most testing locations were closed yesterday in NL, we had 1.667 infections reported less on Sunday than on Saturday. But that all doesn't matter, as at the moment, the only important question in NL is: Can we have the eleven-city-skating tour?

This is an outdoor skating tour through eleven cities in one of our Northern provinces. It's a legendary 200km skating tour that can only happen in a very cold Winter, when the ice is at least 15cm thick. Due to global warming, the last time we had the tour was in 1997 and before that in 1986.

To be honest, the question about the tour comes up in NL as soon as the temperature drops below zero for a few days ;-)
It is insane to think about it in Covid times. There can be up to eligible 16.000 skaters, skating close together on small rivers and streams and then we have the audiences to think about as well... But as it is such an important part of cultural history... there are many people, politicians included who think that if the weather permits it and the ice is thick enough... it should happen.
As it is weather dependent, the organization is used to act quickly, they say the entire event can be planned in 48 hours.

Oh, our curfew (21:00 - 4:30) is extended till 2 March. And this was a snowball fight with the police at 5 o'clock in the morning Amsterdam, with in the back the Palace on the Dam.

While it's certainly not life-or-death, I'd imagine there have been countless iconic cultural events cancelled over the past 12 months. Here it was the Calgary Stampede, an event that has run continuously for 120 years and is the richest rodeo competition in the world with hundreds of athletes from 3 continents and over 1,000,000 international visitors annually. Even though we knew (of course we knew) the 2020 Stampede would be cancelled, it was still a blow that crushed the morale of our city last summer. We just never thought we'd see the day.

 

[ford family]

Here in south east UK last weekend was the start of inviting cohort 5, ages 65 - 69. All 70 and over should have already been invited.
We received an email Saturday early evening, went online, selected Monday afternoon. Confirmation came through Sunday afternoon.
We arrived at the vaccination hub about fifteen minutes early but were only held back a few minutes. Registration desk completed in a minute, saw the doctor who asked a few pertinent questions then the jab. As we had driven there we sat in the observation room for fifteen minutes before heading home. Total time at the hub, twenty five minutes. Very impressive process.
No side effects so far but planning a quiet day anyway.

ford family

 

[hdrolfe]

Ontario has postponed March Break (March 15) to April 12th instead. I'm not super clear on why that's safer but there are a lot of frustrated parents. I am lucky this year, I didn't book it off since I'm WFH any way and we can't go anywhere, but a lot of parents have taken the time off and can't shift it, usually have to ask months in advance for vacation time. Plus all the virtual camps that were being set up may not be able to move either. That will be a long stretch with no PD days or vacation days, from Feb 16 thru to Easter in April. Any way!

 

[ronandannette]

Ontario has postponed March Break (March 15) to April 12th instead. I'm not super clear on why that's safer but there are a lot of frustrated parents. I am lucky this year, I didn't book it off since I'm WFH any way and we can't go anywhere, but a lot of parents have taken the time off and can't shift it, usually have to ask months in advance for vacation time. Plus all the virtual camps that were being set up may not be able to move either. That will be a long stretch with no PD days or vacation days, from Feb 16 thru to Easter in April. Any way!

Personally, I think many provincial governments are just "throwing things at it" at this point. They are taking major heat over the lack of vaccines, which everyone was counting on as being the focus of the strategy by now. With no clear path forward there, it seems like the entire country is now in disarray. Even though numbers are declining nicely (here in Alberta at least), the mood is graver than ever and people are starting to feel a tinge of desperation. What exactly will be achieved by delaying the school break?

 

[hdrolfe]

Personally, I think many provincial governments are just "throwing things at it" at this point. They are taking major heat over the lack of vaccines, which everyone was counting on as being the focus of the strategy by now. With no clear path forward there, it seems like the entire country is now in disarray. Even though numbers are declining nicely (here in Alberta at least), the mood is graver than ever and people are starting to feel a tinge of desperation. What exactly will be achieved by delaying the school break?

They are saying it's safer for the students. I'm not sure why! I know the numbers are starting to come down in Ontario and regions are opening, kids are going back to classes, the last few areas go back next week. I just don't see what a month gets us in terms of safety. Will people be less likely to congregate a month later? When the weather is nicer? I agree about the vaccines for sure, it is frustrating and depressing to see the lack of progress and how other countries are ploughing ahead with them. I was hopeful to get done by summer but it seems not likely now. I think people here are the same as you mention, that desperation is creeping in.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

They are saying it's safer for the students. I'm not sure why! I know the numbers are starting to come down in Ontario and regions are opening, kids are going back to classes, the last few areas go back next week. I just don't see what a month gets us in terms of safety. Will people be less likely to congregate a month later? When the weather is nicer? I agree about the vaccines for sure, it is frustrating and depressing to see the lack of progress and how other countries are ploughing ahead with them. I was hopeful to get done by summer but it seems not likely now. I think people here are the same as you mention, that desperation is creeping in.

Maybe they are hoping more vaccinations start to kick up. It's about a 2 month advanced notice there. More people in your communities having the opportunities to get vaccinated. I think y'all are doing somewhat similar path to the U.S. in that you're mostly trying to get the highest risk vaccinated first?

I know when my state delayed the start date of classes by several weeks (though school districts retained the right to start at the normal time if they wanted to though none near me did that) it was in hopes the COVID cases were down a bit lower. Maybe it's sorta like the same-ish logic by giving more time you're increasing the odds that, in this case, the vaccination rates will be higher? Totally a guess.

 

[White Cat]

While it's certainly not life-or-death, I'd imagine there have been countless iconic cultural events cancelled over the past 12 months. Here it was the Calgary Stampede, an event that has run continuously for 120 years and is the richest rodeo competition in the world with hundreds of athletes from 3 continents and over 1,000,000 international visitors annually. Even though we knew (of course we knew) the 2020 Stampede would be cancelled, it was still a blow that crushed the morale of our city last summer. We just never thought we'd see the day.

The powers to be keep destroying your economy. The need to figure things out more sensibly. Can’t keep things closed for ever.

 

[ronandannette]

Maybe they are hoping more vaccinations start to kick up. It's about a 2 month advanced notice there. More people in your communities having the opportunities to get vaccinated. I think y'all are doing somewhat similar path to the U.S. in that you're mostly trying to get the highest risk vaccinated first?

I know when my state delayed the start date of classes by several weeks (though school districts retained the right to start at the normal time if they wanted to though none near me did that) it was in hopes the COVID cases were down a bit lower. Maybe it's sorta like the same-ish logic by giving more time you're increasing the odds that, in this case, the vaccination rates will be higher? Totally a guess.

One thing you may not be aware of is that Canada's supply of vaccines has been drastically disrupted. There is practically none currently available nation-wide and the vaccination programs of all provinces are on hold, without any real assurance of when supply will resume.

 

[ronandannette]

The powers to be keep destroying your economy. The need to figure things out more sensibly. Can’t keep things closed for ever.

Alberta went back to in-house dining (limited to members of a single household only) and personal services (salons/massage therapists/personal training) being opened again on Feb. 8, under strict safety conditions. What a huge relief to the countless numbers of people in these industries who have been unemployed since November.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

One thing you may not be aware of is that Canada's supply of vaccines has been drastically disrupted. There is practically none currently available nation-wide and the vaccination programs of all provinces are on hold, without any real assurance of when supply will resume.

I gathered that from all the discussion here That's sorta why I think they made the decision now. It's pushed off for a month from March to April but done 2 months in advance. My only assumption is by pushing it off for college students they are hoping that by mid-April the vaccination situation is better at least from what it is now, safer may be related to all the differences that may occur between lower education and higher education like living situations and other such behaviors. Makes me think back to that discussion relating to all those 20s and 30s being the problem child in various places in Canada. It's purely a thinking out loud guess/talk though. I suppose without any official in-depth reason for why it's all speculation.

I really hope y'all get back on track, for how much restrictions y'all have been under and for so long it's disheartening to see the forward progress lapse

 

[elphaba91]

Victoria is going into a 5 day lockdown

We have had 3 'leaks' from our hotel quarantine in the space of a weeks. The first was a woman who was a guest at the Park Royal and became infected while in quarantine; they believe it was because the viral load of the positive family of 5 in the room opposite was so high that it managed to spread across the corridor. The second was a worker at the Grand Hyatt, which was used for the Australian Open, although to date they have not infected anyone, including their household. The third, and most concerning, was at the Holiday Inn, which is the "hot hotel" - where positive cases are sent. They now believe that it has spread due to a positive guest (who is now in the ICU) using a nebuliser; they aren't allowed in hotel quarantine but apparently the guest didn't think it counted as a medical device and didn't declare it. That cluster has so far spread to 13. All of the cases have been close contacts of other cases and were already in isolation before testing positive, however it is the UK strain and is spreading much faster than authorities are comfortable with, so this will hopefully act as a circuit breaker and give contact tracers time to identify everyone they need to and ensure they are all tested and re-tested and in isolation.

We are back to the same restrictions as August - can only leave home for permitted work that can't be done at home, essential shopping (with most retail closed), medical care or care giving or 2 hours of exercise. It was due to be a busy weekend with the Australian Open, Women's AFL, Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day. I think it is the right call to make, although will be very tough for some people; I'm a little bummed about the cheap theatre tickets I had, but imagine if you were getting married?!

 

[ronandannette]

Victoria is going into a 5 day lockdown

We have had 3 'leaks' from our hotel quarantine in the space of a weeks. The first was a woman who was a guest at the Park Royal and became infected while in quarantine; they believe it was because the viral load of the positive family of 5 in the room opposite was so high that it managed to spread across the corridor. The second was a worker at the Grand Hyatt, which was used for the Australian Open, although to date they have not infected anyone, including their household. The third, and most concerning, was at the Holiday Inn, which is the "hot hotel" - where positive cases are sent. They now believe that it has spread due to a positive guest (who is now in the ICU) using a nebuliser; they aren't allowed in hotel quarantine but apparently the guest didn't think it counted as a medical device and didn't declare it. That cluster has so far spread to 13. All of the cases have been close contacts of other cases and were already in isolation before testing positive, however it is the UK strain and is spreading much faster than authorities are comfortable with, so this will hopefully act as a circuit breaker and give contact tracers time to identify everyone they need to and ensure they are all tested and re-tested and in isolation.

We are back to the same restrictions as August - can only leave home for permitted work that can't be done at home, essential shopping (with most retail closed), medical care or care giving or 2 hours of exercise. It was due to be a busy weekend with the Australian Open, Women's AFL, Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day. I think it is the right call to make, although will be very tough for some people; I'm a little bummed about the cheap theatre tickets I had, but imagine if you were getting married?!

Whatever it is, I hope it goes well - you seem to have a good attitude about it. I simply don't think we could tolerate the roller-coaster of on-again-off-again restrictions.