Canadians share their personal experiences during the pandemic. The value of life. Less focus on material objects. More focus on mental health. The importance of slowing down. Doing things that make you happy.

Big day today! After being closed for more than 6 weeks some businesses in Ontario are reopening today. The Government of Ontario has prescribed which businesses can open and the manner in which they should do so. Ottawa Public Health offers tips to businesses as they reopen. Remember physical distancing should still be practiced and as per my blog post yesterday wear a mask!

There is much debate on the wearing of masks. I grant you it’s not very comfortable, it gets to feel like you’re breathing recycled warm air. A friend tells me she has trouble breathing. Then there’s the fogging of the glasses.

Add to that the fact that officials have been changing their minds on their use. All of that being said, advantages are being highlighted. If you are an asymptomatic carrier it reduces your risk of transmitting the virus. If you are negative it reduces the ease with which the virus can reach your respiratory system, plus it means you can’t accidentally touch your nose or mouth. I read attitudes are changing quickly, I’m glad to read that.

CNN wrote a good article on the wearing of masks and a French ex-pat living in Hong Kong produced a video claiming the masks made the difference in Hong Kong.

CBC tells us opinions seem to be changing! It may not be a 100% solution but if you can increase your protection and that of your loved ones why not!

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant financial hardships for many people across Ontario. Vulnerable populations in particular are struggling more than ever, as local shelters, charities and food banks face increased demand, new procedures and outbreaks.

Our neighbours and communities need our support more than ever.

The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) is proud to announce that we are donating $480,000 to Ontario shelters and shelter-based charities through the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation (ORCF). This money will go to supporting more than 50 charities across Ontario.

The funding will be distributed by the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation, an organization that has supported shelter-based organizations throughout Ontario since 1977 and receives its funding through the generosity of Ontario’s REALTORS®. In 2019 alone, the Foundation raised more than $1.2 million for shelter-based organizations. This donation is part of OREA’s and ORCF’s longstanding commitment to helping families in need of emergency and permanent housing.

As REALTORS®, we are deeply connected to our communities and the people who live in them everyday. As one of the most civically engaged professions in Ontario, REALTORS® want to ensure that everyone in our community has a safe place to live and food on the table during these difficult times.

Thank you, Ontario REALTORS®, for always showing our communities Real Heart!

Stay tuned for a list of all the charities our donation has supported and to learn about how you can help. To donate to the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation today, visit www.realtorscareontario.ca.

For more information, visit www.OREACOVID19info.com.

Sincerely,

Sean Morrison
President, OREA

What works to flatten the curve and what science says on easing restrictions. I found this article on cbc.ca an interesting read. Within it you will find a video on how to physical distance in tricky situations as well as a link to an article: The pandemic paradox: Canadians asked to go out and face threat that kept them inside for weeks. Good reads!

After 8 weeks of self-isolation people are starting to come out more. Socialize more. Relax their guards. It’s good, and its a a bit scary. As we head out there is a risk. Will there be a second wave? When will it come? How bad will it be? Per Wikipedia, currently, we stand at 68,848 cases with 32,09 recovered and 4,871 deaths. That translates to 1,788 cases per million 124 deaths million. Casewise that puts us in 40th place. Death wise we come in 19th place. A

As we start week 7, or is it day 7, no wait, perhaps its month 7, I’ve lost track of time a bit, we may need a new series to immerse ourselves in.

I typically have 3 series in my life. One as background noise while I work – much will be missed. One to work out to – every scene seen! And finally, one to watch before going to bed. That one is the equivalent of a sleeping pill so humour is best. The Big Bang Theory was great for that. Modern Family works. I loved Schitt’s Creek. As someone tells me they’re about to start that series I warn them that it evolves, in the first few episodes there is a fair amount of grumbling as they mourn their past life, then they move on. I’m currently watching The Good Place. Not bad! Would I recommend it – yes, but cautiously as it’s equal parts funny and ridiculous. I do mean to really get into Arrested Development. Grace & Frankie is great. Then there’s the male equivalent The Kominsky Method. I tried watching Veep. I could not, though I don’t mind cursing, I do mind when the F-bomb is used as a comma and a period. The other shows I don’t know anything about – may check some of them out.