By Lyonel Doherty
While COVID-19 cases continue to spiral, so does people’s anxiety. But the mayor of Oliver remains optimistic amidst the crisis.
“I want to assure everyone our top priority and focus is on the health and safety of the public and our employees,” said Martin Johansen.
The mayor noted that he sees countless examples where governments and businesses are coming together in a united front to support the country, towns, cities and citizens.
“We need to do our job as well and stick together, lending a helping hand where possible.”
Johansen urged everyone to pay attention to the direction coming from the BC Medical Health Officer and the Ministry of Health.
He said adhering to these recommendations are of critical importance and will be key to managing the impact of the pandemic.
“Bottom line, everyone needs to take this seriously and do their part to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus so we can flatten the curve, lower the pressure on our health care system and get through these challenging times sooner than later.”
For local parent Benita Baerg, and many other families, this is definitely a crazy new reality.
“Our little family is fully subscribing to social distancing. We were all super excited about heading to Tofino for a family reunion this spring break, but we cancelled the trip three days ago.”
Now they are getting comfy at home and taking the opportunity to quiet their lives.
“We’ll be hiking and biking and gardening and dog walking, but skipping get-togethers, playdates and group activities.”
Baerg is counting her blessings that she lives in the rural area and has a fully remote job.
“If nothing else, this is proving an amazing reminder of how blessed we are to live in the beautiful Okanagan. I can’t even imagine trying to keep distance from others if we lived in a little apartment in a high-rise in a major city.”
Baerg said she is actually feeling really good about social distancing, noting she’s observing people standing apart in grocery stores and texting friends instead of visiting as society unites for the greater good.
Baerg has started fun, homeschooling activities for her children.
“Our very social youngest was already going a little squirrely after just one day of social isolation.”
Local senior Georgena Forsythe said she has moments of sadness wondering what will become of the virus.
“I will miss visiting and volunteering at the senior centre, but then again, I have work to catch up on here at home.”
Forsythe said she has a good food supply but never was a hoarder of toilet paper.
“That will be a problem down the road as every time I check the stores here and Penticton, the shelves are bare.”
Forsythe said her neighbour checked on them to ensure that they were okay and asked if they needed anything.
“If neighbours help each other, and one knows they are there to help, it does take the edge off stress.”
Meanwhile, most events, activities and services have been postponed or curtailed. Even funeral services.
Daryn Pottinger from Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service said quite a few families have postponed services until further notice.
“We and the families we serve are following the direction of medical professionals and the government as far as limiting gatherings,” he said.
Pottinger stated that no one knows at the moment when they will be able to reschedule these services.
“But we will work with all families to make this as easy as possible for everyone.”
Local mom Carol Sheridan, who also manages Oliver Parks and Recreation, said the daycare that her youngest daughter attends is still open and she’s grateful for this so she and her husband can continue to work.
“I believe the mandate at this time is that daycares are an essential service so that people can go to work, especially health care workers and other people working in essential services.”
Sheridan said the reality for many people is going to hit when the schools do not return to session and many are forced to stay home from work to care for children indefinitely.
“Some of us can work from home and some of us can’t.”
