I found out the other day how complicated things have become because of covid 19. I organized my bird watching group and found out that there were many hoops to jump through.
Ordinarily I make up a schedule and publicize it and away we go. Bird watching is an activity organized under the Red Deer River Naturalists (RDRN) . This is a registered society and we must have insurance. Check the website to see where we're going. I also have a contact list and they receive an email with all the information. It's also posted on our facebook page.
So I'm on automatic pilot with this activity.
So the other day I sent out the schedule. Very soon after someone asked , "Well what are the regulations regarding covid 19 for an outside group?" I had intended to look. Before I had a chance to look one of my fellow birders had all the info for stage II and the virus.
I was surprised to find out that there were 10 questions that had to be asked of each birder. Much of this had to be recorded in order to trace contacts in case someone had the virus. We decided that we had to have some way of asking for the information and recording it. Since I described the type of organization RDRN is we had to follow the rules.
Now when you look around it doesn't look like many people are following rules. Very few people wear masks here. I went to restaurant and all staff were wearing masks. I visited the same restaurant a week later and none of them were wearing masks.
So I have to wonder how serious we are in our stage II of opening up after covid?
At my age I will not be birding with a group because of the virus . They will do fine without me.
So many things to consider in having larger group get togethers. I was out yesterday to do some grocery shopping. It was the first day since the pandemic was officially announced, that I saw the streets filled with people. The local coffee shops and restaurant patios appeared full and adhering to social distances regs. There was a line up at the liquor store as there is every weekend. There were a lot of people at the grocery store. Most people seem to be wearing a mask. I didn't have mine but I do carry and wear it most of the time.
ReplyDeleteSome things are necessities like buying groceries sowe make the best of it.
DeleteSome people are getting very lax with their precautions here in Hawaii too. After a few days of 0 infections, the government started to open up the state a bit. Well... today it went up to 27! Good gosh! This is so spooky! A cluster of 10 infections was from a church service.
ReplyDeleteMany areas are trying to do the right thing but it only takes one carrier to spread it around.
DeleteAll the rules and regulations are confusing. Our state is now opened up but there are still regulations for businesses to follow. When I buy groceries the only people wearing masks (besides the workers) are the older people. The daily number of covid cases here is higher each day and it is in many other states as well. If they all opened up too early we will end up being in lockdown again before you know it.
ReplyDeleteRed, you are wise to not go with the group right now. It is common sense for you to not take chances with your health!
Not many people wear masks here.
DeleteIf you can keep your distance, the size of the group shouldn't really matter, but I think you have explained previously that it is difficult to keep your distance while birding.
ReplyDeleteWe are used to mingling and that is hard to break.
DeleteHello, I think groups of 10 is a good amount, they can keep a distance or wear the mask outside. My hubby and I came across a group from the local birding club, they were all spread out on the trail. I do not like wearing a mask while I am outside walking. But, I always wear inside public areas indoor and stores. Happy weekend to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty bad as I don't wear a mask. Our city of 100000 has only had 37 cases.
DeleteThings are much more relaxed here. Stage 4 begins next week and we are opened to cottagers from other provinces now.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have very little interaction with others only our daughter and the grandkids and that will stop in an instant when the virus reappears on the island.
You island has done a good job of keeping the virus away.
DeleteI have not even attempted to get back into group birding.
ReplyDeleteI don't think many of our birders will go out but at least they have the opportunity.
DeleteI think most people are just tired of it all, but that doesn't mean the virus is going away. I continue to wear my mask and keep my distance when I'm out and about.
ReplyDeleteWe have to remain vigilant with this bug.
DeleteHere in California the cases spiked up after people started abandoning masks and gathering in groups again. Our governor announced mandatory mask wearing when we leave the house. The only exception is if we are outdoors and can absolutely maintain six feet of distancing. We are avoiding groups as well.
ReplyDeleteI think you're doing the right thing.
DeleteIs covid real, or just a set-up? Don't know, but i know this much: i trust the media and politicians about as far as i can pick up and throw an elephant.
ReplyDeleteCovid is absolutely real. People have been sick and died. It doesn't get any more real than that.
Delete“At my age I will not be birding with a group because of the virus.” I totally agree with you on that. But the next question is: At what point are we going to feel safe going back to our old ways? In my reading it seems most of the medical scientists say we will not be safe until we have a vaccine and have been vaccinated. Our top scientist here in the US, Dr Anthony Fauci, says, with the best-case scenario, a vaccine may be available for the public by year’s end. If indeed that happens, my guess is the system will be swamped with millions of folks trying to get vaccinated. So, possibly, add a couple more months just to get the shot. It’s looking like your next outing with the birding group may be next spring. Is this about what you are expecting?
ReplyDeleteI think that even if we do get a vaccine our lives will still be changed.
DeleteI think everyone is trying to balance "moving forward" with being safe, and no one knows quite how those two components of modern life fit together!
ReplyDeleteWe don't know much about this virus so we'll have to be very cautious.
DeleteDo you know how fortunate you are to have rules! It’s a free-for-all here and so many people are ill as a result. Wearing masks, of I should say not wearing a mask is a statement of your political affiliation with no care at for the people you may come in contact with, exposing them to the virus. Hope your group had many good bird finds to report to you when they finished.
ReplyDeleteI think there's a free for all here to . People in many businesses are not wearing masks.
DeleteI agree with you, Red. Not worth taking chnaces.
ReplyDeleteWe'll just have to sit tight.
DeleteNice post, I agree.
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I think the reemergence of this virus soon will change all attitudes for the better. Or, we old folks will just keep staying home.
ReplyDeleteI think us old folks will stay at home because we know better.
DeleteGood for you staying safe! :)
ReplyDeleteI liked a post I saw on Facebook that basically said that opening up doesn't mean the virus has gone away. There is just room for you in the ICU now. Make smart choices.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are a lot of precautions here as well, even though more things have been opening up in recent weeks. We do wear masks whenever we enter a store or public space, but not when we are sitting together by the riverside where we spend a lot of time recently. That said, we wear them in the common areas of our apt building, including hallways. Summer is here, the weather is hot and it's not pleasant, I will agree, but keeping healthy is the better option now.
ReplyDeleteAsking questions has become common in many places because of covid.
ReplyDeleteit is important to follow the rules indeed
ReplyDeletehere authorities loosen curfew before Eid and how many followed the rules can be seen through horribly rising numbers of patients
In result some cities are completely shut down and some are partially
People are playing fast and loose with the rules these days. Summer has arrived and everyone is restless. I think we need to remain cautious and do what's necessary to keep the numbers down.
ReplyDeleteand same
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