THE TWELVE RULES TO FOLLOW IF YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR HOME – WHEN BUYING ESSENTIAL GOODS – GAS; GROCERY SHOPPING; PHARMACY – CIVILITY AND RESPECT MUST PREVAIL – CONTAINMENT IS CRITICAL

If you must leave your home, despite the strong recommendations by our governments and health officials to do your best not to, nothing has changed in terms of how we interact with each other in our community. Respect and civility are essential, as has always been the case. The virus does not change that.

When you must leave, if so, such as to buy essential goods only, please adhere to these twelve, simple rules:

1. follow the containment measures implemented by the essential service, including standing on the taped distance lines;
2. always engage in the ‘hockey stick’ rule (i.e., physical distancing of two metres; six feet), including with essential workers;
3. only one family member should attend the essential service, not more;
4. only buy groceries, get gas, get your drugs, etc. no more than one per week; no social browsing or shopping – if possible, limit it to once bi-weekly;
5. do not attend with your own bags or containers;
6. minimize any chit-chat and social interaction with any other customers or essential service workers; no gathering; no idle talking;
7. strictly adhere to all COVID-19 containment measures, including coughing, if necessary, into your elbow, washing your hands thoroughly immediately before and after you attend the essential service;
8. minimize your time in the essential service – prepare and take a list in advance; no browsing;
9. importantly, do not vent to the essential workers – they are endangering themselves to help you; none should be exposed to ridicule, criticism, complaints or general frustration;
10. thank every essential worker you see, if possible – just a quick, “Thank you for everything” – no need to engage in a discussion;
11. if possible, consider providing a tip to an essential worker and, if so: a) strictly physically distance; and b) provide the cash tip in an envelope and lay it at the counter only; and
12. be civil, respectful, polite, courteous and cordial to everyone, particularly the essential workers, as you would at any time before the onset of this pandemic.

Altruism and comity must triumph; it is how we will overcome this crisis.