I was very involved with SARs in downtown Toronto as an emergency manager with the Province of Ontario. Scary and deadly but not as infectious as covid. This is a true pandemic and will last 1-2 years. 60% or more globally will likely become infected. Most will be ok although really sick for a few weeks and hopefully develop immunity. Better to catch this later when treatments may be available rather than sooner but I am not stressed and not blaming governments. Governments just think short term, reelections etc. Following Sars there were many recommendations, stockpile masks etc. Well they did and they considered other recommendations but they let the masks expire, did not want to dump money into research, government priorities change. Anyway sure nice to do social distancing on the bike. Longer trips are cancelled for 2020 but day trips with a thermos and snacks are a go, including with a buddy. Rest stops are down, so fertilizing the bushes at the side of the road from time to time may be necessary. The low traffic levels are definitely a stress reliever. One of the biggest issues aside from financial will be mental health. I encourage all of you to break out your bikes and take a nice country ride from time to time if able and relax.
I have to say, regarding self isolation, in my area of North Brampton, north of Toronto nearly everyone is taking it seriously. When walking around the block, people go out of their way to keep 6 ft or much more distance and most cars are parked all day. Still, nothing wrong with taking a drive in the country. Even our cars need to be driven once in a while.
