Results: Our New Normal
Published on 03/26/2020
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Comments
1.
1.
The World Health Organization is officially advocating against the phrase "social distancing" and is from here on recommending the phrase "physical distancing" instead. And it actually makes perfect sense. Social distancing implies "mental" and "physical" socializing, but that is not beneficial to our mental well being. Physical distancing is what is called for. Socialize all you want, but do it in new, and some not so new ways. Ironically, the same technologies we often blame for tearing apart our social fabric might be our best chance, now, of keeping it together. Have you been "socializing" and keeping in touch with friends and family through social media, email, messaging or other electronic means?
Yes
51%
1227 votes
No more than normal
36%
876 votes
Do not use any of these means
5%
124 votes
Do not keep in touch with anyone
7%
176 votes
2.
2.
So, why physical distancing? Experts agree people "should be keeping a pool noodle's distance apart" from others when in public, and engage in best health practices like handwashing, not touching their faces, and coughing or sneezing into elbows. Even if you are outside on the sidewalk or in the grocery store, keeping that two-metre (approx. six feet) distance is important. Have you been following this guideline?
Yes, when I am out in public only
49%
1189 votes
Yes, even when I am at home
13%
301 votes
I try
17%
404 votes
No
6%
141 votes
Do not go out, and live at home so not an issue
15%
368 votes
3.
3.
Maintaining social connections is important during this time, and you can still do so virtually. Using programs like Skype, Zoom and FaceTime can help family and friends stay connected and support one another. Many interesting ways of staying social have been circulating on Facebook and other social media sites. Have you heard about or participated in any of these (or something similar)?
Netflix and other streaming users are holding virtual viewing parties, where a group all watch a movie or TV series together (while at their own homes) and pause to discuss or grab snacks all at the same time, so you feel like it's a movie night out with your friends
19%
460 votes
Online books clubs are popping up all over, which is just like a real book club, with all the members reading a book (usually online) and discussing it together over Skype, Face Time or so on
10%
240 votes
Online exercise classes are popular now, with participants all getting much needed exercise while maintaining physical distance guidelines.
16%
385 votes
Some travel enthusiasts are joining virtual city or country tours, all done online with others, even joining in "shared" meals and sharing their virtual photos
6%
137 votes
Painting parties, all done through Face Time or Skype are popular, with participants posting their finished masterpieces for all of them to admire
5%
116 votes
None
67%
1612 votes
4.
4.
And of course, it always helps our emotional wellness, when we feel we are not alone. These are only three such ways people are showing that "we are all in this together". Are you familiar with any of these?
Quebec and Brooklyn are only two of the many communities where locked-in residents are painting rainbows or hanging rainbow pictures on their windows for all the others in their community to see -- an idea which originated in Italy. This allows connecting in spirit even if physical contact is impossible. Many feature the encouraging message, "it's going to be okay".
9%
224 votes
All over Canada and the U.S., sidewalks are being decorated with colourful chalk drawings and inspirational sayings, so those out for their solitary walks feel they are part of a community. It's called "Chalk your Walk", and many feature the saying "we are all in this together", as well, as "smile", "someone loves you" and other comforting sayings
17%
409 votes
Facebook, Messenger and Instagram, as well as other social media sites have been flooded with virtual "Hugs and Kisses" that ask you to send them to your friends. Never before has connecting with others been more important.
19%
468 votes
None
64%
1532 votes
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