Image Credit: CFJC Today

By B.C. Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson and Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: People are stepping up to help one another

Apr 17, 2020 | 2:08 PM

COVID-19 HAS SHAKEN THE WORLD in a way not experienced in generations. While cities have been hit especially hard, British Columbia’s rural regions have not been immune to the challenges facing our province as a result of this pandemic.

However, we can be confident that our province and local communities are doing all that they can to place public health and safety as the top priority in response to this crisis. Through all of the uncertainty and hardship that we are facing, it is clear that there is still plenty to be thankful for in these trying times.

Day after day, we are seeing examples of kindness, compassion and generosity. People co-ordinating grocery deliveries for the elderly, generous donations to food banks and shelters, and even local distilleries altering production to make rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer for essential service personnel. Friends and neighbours are checking up on one another, well aware that physical distancing can have real effects on our mental health. These people and community groups going above and beyond to support those in need are showing the world what it means to be a British Columbian.

Those whose job it is to provide support during this time also deserve acknowledgement for rising to the challenge. Healthcare workers, grocery store employees, pharmacists, truck drivers and so many more are going to work on the front lines every day as they continue to deliver essential services to our communities. Thousands of people now gather every night at 7:00 pm and publicly applaud in support for our frontline workers. We appreciate your dedication and we want every one who works in healthcare and essential services to hear our gratitude.

We simply do not know when this pandemic will end. All that is in our control now is what we can do as individuals to help flatten the curb. Each one of us needs to do our part and follow the advice of our healthcare experts by practicing good hygiene, washing our hands frequently, staying home if we are sick, and continuing to physically distance on a daily basis to stop the spread of the virus.

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Now is the chance for those who can step up and help the most vulnerable, to do so. Donate blood, sign up to volunteer with BC 211, grocery shop for grandparents or neighbours, or simply pick up the phone and call someone who may feel vulnerable or isolated. These acts of kindness go a long way amid a public health emergency. Every one of us has the ability to make a positive difference.

If anything, this pandemic has reminded us just how connected we are to each other. In this globalized world, countries, communities, and individuals are all inter-connected. It shows that the actions of one can ripple across continents. We need to keep each other safe by keeping ourselves safe. If we all keep working together we can flatten the curb and keep society’s most vulnerable safe. The efforts of people coming together to fight this pandemic have not gone unnoticed.

We have to do everything that we can to stop the transmission of this virus to avoid its spread. Our experts have reminded us that just when we think things are looking better, is when we need to be most vigilant. The last few weeks have proved that we are more resilient together and that British Columbians are prepared to always rise to the challenge. We should all be proud to call this province home because, with our combined effort, we can defeat COVID-19.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.