Hamilton pandemic-etiquette: How should you behave when you have to go out?
Recent days have see much more specific messaging about what is OK and what isn't
Getting through the COVID-19 pandemic seems to come down to one thing: establishing a new 'normal.'
Tweaking your behaviours is an essential part of maintaining physical distance and ultimately staying healthy, but what do those new behaviours look like?
Just a few weeks ago, instructions on staying distant while out and about were quite vague, with the mantra revolving around hand-washing. In recent days, local authorities have dished out some more specific behavioural prescriptions.
If you are going out, to do groceries or get some fresh air, what kind of pandemic-etiquette should you be practicing? Here's what we've compiled to help you act appropriately.
Hiking in nature trails
As of Thursday, Hamilton closed most outdoor spaces due to the throngs of people who have congregated outside.
While stepping out is still okay, local authorities are reminding people that they must still maintain a two metre distance from others — something that hasn't been happening in nature trails and conservation spaces based on photos circulating online.
As a result of people disregarding public health advice, the Hamilton Conservation Area and Conservation Halton have shut all their outdoor spaces.
Walks, Parks and Stairs
According to the city's medical officer of health, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, you can still take a walk and use green spaces, so long as you aren't in close contact with others.
The city has told people to only use the escarpment stairs for essential travel purposes, for example if you need them to get to your workplace.
Outdoor playground equipment is also off limits, the city has warned, because those surfaces have likely been contacted by many people.
Under a provincial order, police are able to charge people who gather in groups of 50 individuals or more, said Paul Johnson, director of the city's emergency operations centre.
Sidewalk chalk, scavenger hunts in one's own yard and gardening are activities that people can still enjoy while not putting themselves and others at risk, Richardson said.
Elevators
Going in and out of condos or essential work spaces often means having to ride in an enclosed elevator.
Washing hands after using an elevator button and limiting the amount of times you are using the elevator are essential, said infectious disease physician at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Dr. Zain Chagla.
Public Transportation
Free public transit via the HSR is still available, though the city reminds users that this service is meant for essential travel only.
HSR riders are not allowed to enter from the front doors of buses' or speak to the driver.
Joy rides are also not acceptable, said Mayor Fred Eisenberger, noting that people should not be riding the line from one end to the other as something to do.
SoBi bikes
The bike-share service is still available, though the company is asking people to sanitize the bike handles before and after use. The company has said that staff are also consistently cleaning the equipment. Fewer bikes may be available due to changes in staffing.
Taxis or rideshare services
According to the city's COVID-19 website, when taking an essential trip in a taxi or rideshare, the windows should be kept down.
Clients of Hamilton Cab are asked to ride in the backseat of the cars and not request to use the front seat, according to the company's CEO Jagtar Chahal. His drivers are wearing masks and gloves and sanitizing their vehicles regularly. He said 51 cabs are operating, down from the usual 220, and that because of the virus and limited cars, they are asking that people only use their service when necessary.
Grocery shopping
Many grocery chains, including Sobeys, Loblaw Companies Limited and Real Canadian Superstore locations, have added early-morning shopping hours dedicated to seniors.
Use sanitizer wipes to clean the handles of grocery carts and clean your hands after use.
Eisenberger has asked that people only take what they need and has assured the public that stores will continue to maintain supplies.
Most stores are only accepting card transactions and customers should use the 'tap' feature if possible.
Grocery store companies like Sobeys and Loblaws have also waived the fee for plastic bags and are encouraging their use over reusable ones. If you are using reusable bags, you are asked to bag your own items.
Hospitals, nursing and retirement homes
Hospitals, nursing homes and retirement facilities are not allowing non-essential visitors. Only people with a loved one who is critically ill or dying can visit these spaces.
Some nursing homes are allowing family members to drop off food and supplies.
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