I am writing this when Alberta, my province of residence, has the worst number of new cases per 100,000 of any jurisdiction, province or state in North America. Please take what is useful and leave the rest.

I wanted to share some of the ways I’m staying safer. Note the term is relative.

I never bought groceries online until covid-19. With very few exceptions, I buy all my groceries online. There is low contact at the store as I park in one of the pickup stalls, dial the number on the sign, give my name and the number of the stall on the sign right in front of me. I pop the trunk, and the masked clerk puts in the groceries, giving me a friendly wave while I drive away. The safety level is very high.

I buy a few grocery items I can’t get this way at another store. I go mid-morning between Tuesday and Thursday when the store seems the least busy.

I like to buy some items at smaller businesses. My first option is to order online or phone in and use in descending preference, home delivery, curbside pickup or in-person takeout option. I make an exception for restaurant takeout as I prefer not to use a delivery service to put more money in the hands of the restaurant owner. I really want those folks to be cooking great food after the pandemic.

I go for lots of walks without wearing a mask. I factor in the low risk of being outside, easy to social distance, and stepping off the sidewalk when approaching others. Others almost always do the same.

I order medications and now always have them delivered.

We have a few get-togethers with friends by walking to each other’s home and porch visiting. We stand well away, more than 6 feet.

We regularly zoom with our friends, some on a weekly schedule, others are as the mood moves us.

Lastly, I discovered https://www.heygo.com. These are virtual tours from around the world. They last about an hour, are free, with a tip of about $10 being typical. So far, I’ve visited Hanoi at night, walked along the Thames in London, and recently toured Machu Picchu in Peru.  All trips were 100% covid safe, 100% accessible for all those with disabilities. They are a great time and a pleasant distraction.

So please give this a bit of a think. In what ways can you minimize the impact of covid on your unique family situation while maximizing your safety? Consider sharing ways you’ve found that work for you.

I’m curious about your thoughts. Please leave your comment.

Photo is a ‘postcard’ of my virtual trip to Machu Pichu.

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And my thanks to St. Albert Seniors Association: 780-459-0433 for making this Blog possible.

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TheBlog@stalbertseniors.ca