A simple plan.

We are all saying it, but I’m not sure everyone has fully accepted what it means to say, ‘the new normal’. This week marks the start of our second month of some form of isolation or, in some cases, quarantine. This also marks the second month of us becoming more and more comfortable with the term ‘social-distancing’.

I will not even get started on the insanity that’s happening in the United States. “Please, for the love of God, don’t let any Canadians fall victim to such blatant ignorance, stupidity, and reckless behaviour.”

The craziness of all of this, coupled with the non-stop press conferences and daily briefings, is the belief that these are somehow easing the minds of the population. The problem is the decision-making process about how we move forward cannot start with worrying about how people feel about the new reality.

With that in mind, I wanted to submit a pragmatic suggested approach which I believe could be our best way forward.

First, using BC as the model, set, and advise of, a target date to begin the process of moving things as close to the anticipated normal as possible. Based on recent reports and stats, I suggest that no earlier than June 1 would be prudent.

Second, this advisory of communicating the following items must clearly elaborate that the expectation is the public must show some common sense before having to mandate these things by law.

To that end, the government should reiterate the following messages:

Stay at home! If you do not need to go somewhere, do not go out.

We understand that you all miss your friends, especially the children, but do not have them visit in your home. Have a conversation from the sidewalk on the front step and leave it at that.

Wear a mask! Whether you are sick or you’re well, wear a mask. Research is proving that wearing a mask protects everyone.

Keep your distance! Everyone needs to get outside from time to time, that is understood. However, do not give it a second thought when it comes to stepping off the sidewalk to give a 25-foot berth to anyone walking by. Be gracious.

Third, immediately ramp up testing. Focus on the designated family members [in a home] who are doing the shopping, as an example. I would hope that every healthcare worker has already been tested and is monitored consistently. It is time to ramp up the pace of this, and make sure it includes all other essential Front-Line workers. Grocery clerks, restaurant staff (now cooking many of our meals for home delivery) and all others who are still working and interacting with customers.

During this period, the police should personally encourage those people going into stores or more active public areas, that they are requested to wear a mask. Requested, but not yet required, though that may well become a legal requirement.

During this period, all stores should begin mandating a firm mask policy: no mask, no entry.

Honestly, we should stop patting ourselves on the back about how well we are handling the curve. Not because it shouldn’t be applauded but, frankly, because there are too many selfish (stupid?) people who will take the easing of restrictions to mean it’s all good and everything can go back to the way it was B.C. (before COVID).

If all of this is adhered to, we could very well be in a position to begin, and I emphasize the word begin, re-opening the economy, though in a small way.

All businesses that closed due to COVID and which do not require direct contact with the consumer, so no dentists and nail salons, could reopen for three days a week. Of course, it goes without saying that all store employees and customers must wear a mask.

This is a good moment to pause and highlight something especially important about the new reality, something that Dr. Henry touched upon yesterday. Do not expect the summer to look normal. She did not say it but, in reality, what she should be saying is to not expect the rest of the year to be normal. Without a vaccine, there will not be a Billie Eilish concert or a hockey game with spectators this year. In addition, the mask should be seen as the necessary new norm by everyone, immediately. Consider it a new fashion statement.

Accept the fact schools will not return to normal for the kids this year. At best, grade 11 and 12 students may see some instruction in classrooms. I would suspect they may be the only people in the school, following mask and distancing protocols.

It would also be wise for people to prepare themselves now for the reality that the setback in schooling should dictate that the academic year could extend into the summer. This is the only way to avoid an actual educational dip; if we allow the children to regress over one year, it will have a long-lasting impact, and I shudder to think what their next academic year will look like in terms of work load for students and teachers.

So, while we watch from our court-side seats as the US implodes and the number of COVID cases and deaths explode, we must remain pragmatic. These measures may be the best way to revive not only our economy, but our society and our sanity.

After weeks of having our children not leave the house, becoming their teacher, their chef, and their counselor, I am reminded of an expression that many of us recall our parents saying. It is one the government could use to explain to people why they must do these things to avoid catastrophe and further delays: “Because science said so”.