UNCERTAIN TIMES

No more simple answers as we adapt to complex new reality Uncertain times }}

NANCY PAYNE, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

We human beings seem to do best with simple instructions. That’s why, in the face of a terrifying new virus and predictions of overwhelmed emergency rooms and millions of deaths, we turned to political leaders and health officials at all levels for guidance.

They came through with clear directions like “Having a friend over for coffee is not social distancing,” and “Stay home. Save lives.” When Rick Mercer lectured, “Stop looking for loopholes,” we got it.

Those of us who had to go to work — and there will never be words adequate to truly thank you, whether you clean nursing home bathrooms or stock drugstore shelves or drive truck or supervise an intensive care unit — dug in and washed their hands nonstop. The rest of us quickly accepted that if all we were being asked to do was stay home, well, we could handle that.

Strange and hard as those noloophole months were, we had rules to guide us. As Mayor Andy Letham said in one of his regular video updates, by following the guidelines, we were saving lives. No unnecessary travel. No gatherings with people outside your household. Easy to remember, and, after a while, second nature.

But as those rules are being relaxed, the certainty is disappearing. Sure, limiting travel and avoiding large groups still makes sense. But instead of it being a relief as the restrictions ease off, it’s actually the exact opposite. We always knew there was no way things could go back to normal overnight, but if we’re being honest, most of us probably believed somewhere deep down that life really would just kind of pick up again over the summer.

It can’t and it won’t. André Picard nailed it in a mid-May Globe and Mail column, “It’s easier to scare people than to unscare them.” The easy-toremember rules are gone, and in their absence the uncertainty and fear of mid-March are back in full force, along with all kinds of new, super-stressful questions. How long will we have to keep our distance from other people? Will we ever be able to go to a movie or baseball game or church again? Could there be a second wave? Would it be worse? CONT’D ON PAGE 29

We always knew there was no way things could go back to normal overnight, but if we’re being honest, most of us probably believed somewhere deep down that life really would just kind of pick up again over the summer.

We are here for you! Phone orders with contactless curbside pickup or delivery available. 30 William St. S. Downtown Lindsay | 705.878.9722 WE ARE OPEN! Temporary adjusted hours Mon - Fri, 9-5

or call 705-878-9722 to book private appointment.

Curbside pickup and curbside delivery options available.

30 William St. S. Downtown Lindsay

Personal service, from the people you trust.

THE ONLY PHARMACY IN KAWARTHA LAKES THAT PROVIDES COMPOUNDING SERVICES - A SPECIALIZED METHOD OF MAKING

MEDICINES SPECIFIC TO VARIOUS NEEDS OR ALLERGIES. CERTIFIED DIABETES EDUCATOR.

Come in and see us today

STAPLES & SWAIN professional corporation Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries

ELLEN PATTERSON CATHY PUFFER

CLARE MILLINGTON

108 Kent St W, Lindsay Ph: 705-324-0500 Fax: 705-324-6837 Monday - Friday 9am to 5:30pm

Saturday 9am to 1pm

WE SALUTE OUR FRONT LINE EMERGENCY AND ESSENTIAL SERVICE WORKERS

Thank you for your service.

344 Logie St., Lindsay, ON | (705) 878-3530 Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

www.mabeeandassociatespwm.com

We would like to use this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for all frontline workers in these challenging times.

We are keeping all of our clients, friends, family and community in our thoughts. Please reach out if there is anything you need and know that we continue to be available for you.

Wishing you health and happiness. The Mabee & Associates Team

Trademarks, including IG Private Wealth Management are owned by IGM Financial and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.

SAY HELLO to summer

A special shout-out to our front line and essential workers!

June Special

10% OFF ALL RJS CRU INTERNATIONAL WINES!

10 York St N, Lindsay | (705) 324-3098 riverwineworks.com | Find us on Facebook

SHOWROOM 257 KENT ST. W., LINDSAY

(705) 340 - 5555 crystalbath.ca cf

Start your Renovation NOW!

Shop safely with us and social distance while you kick-start your new reno!

Crystal Bath specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovations. Licensed, insured, quality service. Whether you are looking for a traditional or a contemporary feel, Crystal Bath and Plumbing has you covered!