Day 4 of Travel Quarantine

I don't know how Canadians did this for 60+ days. I am grateful for the time we get to spend with my in-laws (I am not just saying that because they read my blog). Their property is beautiful, 25 acres of trees, grass, ponds, trails, and wildlife. It would be so much more peaceful and relaxing had I officially planned to stay for this length of time. A deer and two fawns walked by the front of the house about an hour ago, I missed it. Two turkeys strolled along the side of the cabin but they were too far away for me to see them. Other than that, making food, doing dishes and vacuuming every piece of lint I find, is how I get through the day. I do not say this lightly but I think its time I try some Jack Daniels. I hear he's a good guy, a great companion, and a whole lot of fun. My husband won't be jealous because he's had Jack... and Jim and Evan (he gets around).

On a serious note, I received an email yesterday afternoon with a detailed description of what will happen if we break the laws set by the COVID-19 Emergency Order to Isolate.

Here's what it says (courtesy of PHAC/ASPCA and the ability to copy/paste):

An Emergency Order that applies to all travellers arriving in Canada is currently in force and you were informed of this Order when you entered Canada.

Since you recently returned to Canada and have no symptoms of COVID-19, you must QUARANTINE yourself in accordance with the instructions you were given by a screening officer or quarantine officer. This is mandatory as you are at risk of developing symptoms and infecting others.

This means you MUST:

• stay at your place of quarantine for 14 days

• not go to school, work, other public areas and community settings

• monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19

• arrange to have someone pick up essentials like groceries or medication for you

• not have visitors

• stay in a private place like your yard or balcony if you go outside for fresh air

• not isolate in a place where you will have contact with vulnerable people, such as older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions

If you start having symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, shortness of breath, or fever equal to or greater than 38°C, or signs of fever e.g. shivering, flushed skin, excessive sweating):

• Isolate yourself from others.

• Immediately call a health care professional or public health authority and describe your symptoms and travel history, and follow their instructions.

• Start your 14 day quarantine period over if you develop any symptoms during your quarantine period.

Violating any instructions provided to you when you entered Canada as part of this Emergency Order is an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to up to:

• six months in prison and/or

• $750,000 in fines

Further, a person who causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while wilfully or recklessly contravening this Act or the regulations could be liable for:

• a fine of up to $1,000,000 or

• up to three years in prison or

• both

In addition, enforcement authorities (including RCMP, provincial police and local police) can issue tickets under the Contraventions Act and regulations for certain offences under the Quarantine Act. Fines range from $275 to $1000.

The Government of Canada will be calling to monitor compliance with mandatory quarantine. We ask that you please answer calls from 1-855-906-5585 or 613-221-3100.

Every Canadian must do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19. Delaying the spread of COVID-19 will protect ourselves, our frontline healthcare providers, our essential services and our vulnerable populations.

Thank you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

1-833-784-4397 or canada.ca/coronavirus

It's so different here vs. the U.S.

I know Canada and its provinces are starting their reopening plans in phases but so did South Carolina (where we live). Even with all the news coverage, all the statistics and all the stories, Americans are moving forward with their ideas and plans on what 'back to normal' looks like.

A smart ass once said, "opinions are like assholes, everyone has one". I would prefer to work with facts over opinions. The fact I face right now is quarantine until July 3rd and when I head home to Myrtle Beach, do my best to keep my friends, family, and customers from getting sick.

If I was asked to share my feelings on the topic, I am afraid to admit that I don't think the general population will take it seriously until they themselves get sick and the way things are progressing, that's exactly what might happen.