Those flouting the rules add insult to injury

There has been a disturbing upswing of social media scorn being directed at social distancers

Ten weeks into social distancing, and we are all starting to feel the strain.

While many of us have found creative ways to keep busy and occupy ourselves, others have lost patience. Oblivious to the dangers, they seem to think that the government’s loosening of restrictions has given them the green light to make up for lost time when it comes to socializing. This, despite the fact that the government continues to emphasize the need for social distancing, even as many stores reopen and small outdoor gatherings (of up to 10 people from a maximum of three households) are allowed.

And adding insult to injury, there has been an upswing of criticism, ostracism and ridicule of those who do continue to social distance, a practice that remains necessary to flatten the curve. Anyone who spends time online can attest to the change in sentiment. It is palpable on social media. Conspiracy theorists have morphed into naysayers. Many people are complaining that it is ridiculous that their favourite restaurants, bars and stores are still closed and how inconvenient it is for them. Others are venting that they can’t get the haircut they need going into the warm weather.

My inner Canadian tells me to be polite and not rock the boat with those who do not see eye to eye with me, but managing to do so without crossing the line is a whole other ball of yarn. It’s hard to keep silent when I strongly believe that somebody else is not only wrong, but endangering others.

Anyone who spends time online can attest to the change in sentiment.

I’m typically a live and let live person, but I’m finding that increasingly difficult to do. This past weekend was Eid. The timing coincided with the government’s modest loosening of restrictions on socializing. I know far too many people who figured it would therefore be OK to get together with friends, family and loved ones, both indoors and outdoors. I miss seeing friends and family dearly. I wanted little more than to spend time with the people I care about. That did not mean that I did. It hurt to show up at the homes of people I love and care about (Muslim and non-muslim) to drop off Eid treats (think cakes, pies, cookies, candy and all things sugar) in a socially distant fashion, only to find them gathering with groups of others. The numbers blatantly exceeded the permissible 10. It frustrated me to no end. It’s as though everyone seems to be breaking the rules and thinking that if they were the only ones doing it, it wouldn’t be so bad.

By the end of the weekend, I felt like I was living in some bizarro world. That feeling has persisted well into this week. I felt isolated in my own home, except for dear friends who stopped by to exchange plates of goodies with me while maintaining social distance.

We are still in the thick of this pandemic. We are living in the hot zone of the country. More than 4,000 Quebecers have died, and while this virus might be slowing down, there is reason to fear another wave. Something like 40 per cent of people carrying the virus are asymptomatic, so even if everybody at a gathering feels fine, that does not mean socializing is safe.

We have nurses and PABS breaking down from sheer exhaustion. Anyone who does not see this needs to check their ego and go volunteer at a CHSLD. Things change mighty fast when we realize we have to put our lives at risk to protect those we don’t even know. This is precisely what our health-care workers and others are doing day in and day out, and for that reason alone, we each need to do our part.