The sun is shining, the price of gas is low, the sap is running, the weather forecast for March Break is springlike — what could possibly go wrong?
Thanks to the global pandemic of Novel Coronavirus COVID-19, many people are growing concerned about access to necessary medicines, food and other supplies.
You don’t have to be a hypochondriac to worry about falling ill or being required to self-isolate because of COVID-19. And if your nature includes even a tiny bit of “save for a rainy day,” you could well be heading towards your local grocery store right now. But do you really need to search for the last remaining toilet roll in the Valley? The Current looks at how the Valley is responding to the COVID-19 precautions.
How’s the supply chain in the Valley?
The Barry’s Bay Business Improvement Area (BIA) issued this statement today, March 16:
“Most locations remain open for business as usual in Barry’s Bay with a huge focus on our already excellent sanitation processes for the health and safety of our customers and employees.
We are very fortunate to live in a lightly populated rural community and to have 2 grocery stores with large distribution centers and although there may be limited variety on some products there continues to be a large selection of products to choose from with new stock arriving daily at both locations.
Please continue to follow Ontario Guidelines for hand washing and social distance as we ask for your continued patience as we strive to serve you in the best way possible.”
Neighbours helping neighbours
As of last weekend, some Valley residents were offering on social media to shop for their neighbours who may be elderly or may not have ready access to transportation. The Valley demographic; i.e., a high proportion of older residents as well as a lower average income, means that we have people in our community who may need more help. For example, the Madawaska Valley Food Bank asks that you:
“During this time, it is important to remember your neighbours who may not have the same access to food and personal items.”
Double double still available
Jason Armstrong of Tim Hortons in Barry’s Bay, today advised The Current:
“Based on the recommendations of public health officials to promote social distancing, seating is currently unavailable in our dining room starting Tuesday (tomorrow, Mar.17). This decision was made with the health and well-being of guests and team members in mind during this unprecedented time. Our front counter remains fully open to serve take out orders, and drive thru will remain open.”
Ready for anything
Here in the Valley we have an established community of “preppers” and “back-to-the-land” folks who aim for self-sufficiency and preparedness, either as a lifestyle choice or as preparation in case of any emergency. While sometimes accused of “hoarding,” these folks are more likely to explain that it’s all about being ready. Here’s some advice from an American preparedness expert in this week’s US Time magazine, that echoes the neighbourly theme:
“Kalaya’an Mendoza, a preparedness expert who conducts trainings through his organization Across Frontlines, says prepping isn’t about “hoarding resources.” Instead, he says, “it’s about assessing the probable risks and threats to yourself, your family and community, finding the vulnerabilities to your collective well being and identifying the capacities and resources you need to strengthen those areas of weakness.” To help amid the coronavirus crisis, Mendoza suggests getting in touch with family and community members who could be either more susceptible to the illness, or lack the ability or resources to stock up on essential items.”
Message from Ontario
In a press conference earlier today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford reinforced a message released on March 14 by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Their statement, issued last Saturday in response to panic buying in some parts of the province, read:
“The health and well-being of the people of Ontario is our government’s number one priority. Ontarians can be confident that our food supply is robust and that our distribution system will continue to operate and remain responsive to the needs of Ontarians. Rest assured, we have plenty of food that will continue to reach grocery stores on a regular basis…. Please practice normal grocery buying habits and rest assured that our grocery production and supply chain will continue to provide Ontarians with the food we enjoy each and every day.”
- Barry’s Bay BIA (2020,Mar.16) COVID-19 statement on behalf of BIA [media release]
- Ontario newsroom Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (2020,Mar.14) Statement from Minister Elliott and Minister Hardeman related to grocery buying habits and COVID-19 in Ontario [media release]
photo Alexander Gamanyuk on Unsplash
