Fall is officially here and there are signs of it all around us: the leaves are falling, the nights are getting colder, and pumpkin spice is back.
Oct. 2, 2020
Fall is officially here and there are signs of it all around us: the leaves are falling, the nights are getting colder, and pumpkin spice is back.
The arrival of fall also means flu season and more time spent indoors – both of which will be problematic due to the pandemic. However, the answer to both of those challenges is the same three protocols we’ve been told to follow for months now: wash our hands, physically distance, and wear a mask if you can’t stay two metres away.
The places with the least cases around the world are following that guidance. Taiwan, for example, has a population of 23 million but only a little over 500 reported cases of COVID-19. Some of its representatives were here recently to donate 10,000 masks to School District 43 and talk about their approach.
As the world’s second largest producer of disposable masks, it’s not surprising that their focus is on mask use. But ultimately, Taiwan is successful because everyone is doing their part. And that will also be how we can stop the virus from spreading while continuing to do the things we enjoy in the weeks ahead.
Follow the protocols and find some safe fall activities for you and your family, such as:
- Booking time at our recreation facilities for a workout, skating or other activity;
- Finding an organization you can volunteer with, at home or at a distance;
- Enjoying a free fitness class or other activity from our CoquitlamSPIRIT online library;
- Checking out our local businesses for the goods and services you need; or
- Grabbing your umbrella or raincoat and enjoying the fall scenery at our local parks and trails.
And while you’re out there, think about exercising with a purpose. Be like Vic Main, who retired from Global TV and now walks for kilometres every day with a picker and bags to clean up garbage, recycling and dozens of pounds of dog poop. Or Jesse, who dresses as Spiderman and cleans up along our creeks.
You can also adopt a trail or street in Coquitlam – visit the City’s Volunteer Opportunities webpage for details.
As the pandemic stretches on, it’s important for both our physical and mental health that we continue to find safe ways to stay active and to enjoy life.
Oct. 4 to 10 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, which emphasizes that there is no health without mental health. That’s particularly true during these uncertain times. When we’re feeling anxious or stressed, we need to find a solution that works for us. And when we see others are suffering, we need to react with empathy and support.
We’re all on edge, but let’s make an effort to maintain a positive attitude this fall. Let’s be civil in how we deal with others, both online and in real life. Let’s walk a few feet in some else’s shoes before we pass judgement.
And most of all, let’s remember that everyone is struggling right now in some way, whether you can see it or not. A little kindness and tolerance for our fellow humans can go a long way.
Richard Stewart
Mayor
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information. Links are available at www.coquitlam.ca/connect.