Still spring

There are now 52 cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. In the past week the provincial government has closed all schools, universities, and restaurants, limited any public gathering to less than 25 people, and enacted mandatory self-isolation for certain individuals. Many work places are closed, and anyone who can work from home is asked to do so.

Jeff has gone out a few times to buy groceries, pick up takeout, and buy toilet paper. We are trying to get outside twice a day, usually once in the backyard and once walking around the neighborhood. When we go for walks the streets are eerily devoid of cars, although today there were tons of people out going for walks and riding bikes. A number of times we had to stop and wait in order to maintain appropriate distance. Our face-to-face social contact involves running into neighbours and yelling to them from 20 feet away.

Part of the reason so many people were out today is that it is clearly turning to spring. We are transitioning away from snowsuits and moving toward hoodies. No need to wear a hat. Yesterday it was a little bit confusing. I dressed Maren and Linden for cold and snow, but when we got outside it was surprisingly warm. Jeff ended up chipping at some ice in a T-shirt.

And so in the midst of all this pandemic craziness, the world goes on. Winter turns into spring. And eventually it will all be over and it will be a story to tell.