Last week, the Alberta government announced its strategy for reopening the economy, outlining a three-phased approach that will begin May 14 and see certain categories of businesses allowed to resume operations.
Over the course of the weekend following the announcement, Airdrie appeared to return to its pre-coronavirus state. The city's roads seemed busier with traffic, and in our neighbourhoods, we witnessed, for the first time in almost two full months, people socializing on their lawns and in their homes - some still adhering to physical distancing and some not.
Like most Albertans, we greet the announcement of Alberta's reopening as good news. We are excited our family members can reopen their businesses and return to work. We are even excited about the small things - being able to get a haircut, or supporting our favourite local restaurants by sitting down for a meal.
However, we also remain tentative. Our main worry is that people will interpret the gradual lifting of restrictions as a declaration of victory over COVID-19. It most certainly is not.
COVID-19 remains a highly contagious illness and, until a vaccine is available – which, according to an April 23 article by James Gallagher of the BBC, won't be until mid-2021 - it remains a risk. Interpreting Alberta's reopening as a licence to return to normal could result in a second wave of infection that would wipe away the progress we've made in containing the virus.
"It's really our actions that will determine whether or not we see a spike in cases," Alberta chief medical officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw said during her daily briefing May 5.
Now is not a time to be careless. It is incumbent on all of us to do our part, even with lessened restrictions, to ensure that a second wave does not sweep through and cause another period of closures and sheltering. We must all remain diligent, cautious and smart.
