7:03 AM EST Thursday 22 December 2022
Winter storm watch in effect for:

• Ottawa North - Kanata - Orléans
• Ottawa South - Richmond - Metcalfe

Major winter storm expected tonight into the holiday weekend.

Hazards:
Snow, heavy at times, with amounts of 10 to 15 cm by Friday afternoon.
Risk of freezing rain.
Wind gusts of 70 to 90 km/h creating widespread blowing snow which will significantly reduce visibility.
Flash freeze producing icy and slippery surfaces.

Timing:
Snow beginning this evening, then transitioning to rain Friday morning. A risk of freezing rain will exist during the transition.
Strong winds developing Friday afternoon and continuing into Saturday.
Flash freeze Friday afternoon.

Discussion:
Snow, heavy at times, is expected to begin this evening before changing to rain Friday morning. During this transition, there is a risk of freezing rain and ice pellets. Should freezing rain or ice pellets develop, snowfall amounts would be reduced. Temperatures are expected to plummet Friday afternoon leading to a potential flash freeze. Rapidly falling temperatures will be accompanied by strong winds along with snow, heavy at times. Significantly reduced visibility will occur in blowing snow after the cold front moves through.
Avoid travel if possible. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

A few photos from the snow on the 17th of December 2022.
​

Day 3 -Eidfjord, Norway 
Scenic Norwegian Nature Center
Sunday, August 28 - 14:15
Enjoy a sweeping view of one of Norway’s most beautiful regions and explore nature. Meet your guide and drive up the valley to Øvre Eidfjord and the Norwegian Nature Center. Here, you can learn about the nature and wildlife on Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau. In this lively center of exhibitions, aquariums and an inspiring “Super Videography,” you will gain insight into the staggering beauty of this pristine slice of Norway. You will enjoy more than an hour to explore the exhibits independently. Don’t miss the center’s highlight: a five-screen panoramic movie where you can immerse yourself on a journey past fjords, mountains and waterfalls, with drops over steep gorges and gentle sequences over mountain lakes and glaciers. After your visit, your bus will drive you back to Eidfjord.

August - 28 Sunday - Day 3
Sunrise 06:15 Sunset 20:48
07:10 Docked at Eldfjord.  Very small village and ‘port’ is the one and only hotel.
Interesting scenery coming up the fjord.  Still a little dark because high cliffs do not let the sunshine reach the bottom.  Steep banks on both sides and small patches of snow in places.  Water is very calm with hardly a ripple.
After breakfast did a short walk around the village.  Massive cliffs on both sides of fjord and at end.  Then back on board for lunch and depart for afternoon excursion.
13:15 board buss for Nature Museum 
Saw a very interesting ‘in flight’ movie of the entire length of fjord, up the mountain, across the glacier to the end.  ‘Flight’ included, ups and downs,twists and turns, giving the impression of a real flight.  Then walked through the museum area which showed the physical development of the world and Norway from the beginning of time until the early 20th century.  An interesting display of human development over the centuries.
To gift shop and bought some souvenirs
18:00 met up with new friends for supper
19:00 Depart for Stavanger
MEAL is for 29th
SUPPER 
Wendy
Destination menu, shrimp and avocado salad, braised pork loin, chocolate cake with a name you can’t pronounce with ice cream 
Bill
Prime rib and the Same dessert 
​

Day 4 – Stavanger, Norway  
Stavanger Walking Tour & Oil Museum
Sunday, August 29 - 8:45
Get well acquainted with Stavanger and its beautifully preserved Old Town on this included tour. From our berth right in the heart of town, you can walk with ease to Gamle Stavanger, or Old Stavanger. In this attractive pedestrian district, you will stroll cobblestone streets among close to 250 buildings protected by a conservancy. They range in date from the 18th to the early 20th centuries and are considered the best kept wooden houses in Northern Europe. Destined for demolition in the 1950s, they were saved largely by the city’s architect, Einar Hedén. You will also visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Browse its fascinating exhibits about geology, technology and harnessing the power of oil. You will learn about life on board oilrigs and the drama of everyday life at sea. After, you can linger in Stavanger at your leisure and return the short distance to your ship on your own.


August 29  - Sunday Day 4
Arrive Stavanger 
Walking tour & oil museum 
Who would have thought that an oil museum was so interesting.  A great guide who worked as a scientist on the off-shore rigs.
Interesting walk through the old town.
Only a half day in port 
12:00 Back on board
13:00 Depart for Oslo
SUPPER 
Wendy Destination menu 

Day 5 – Oslo, Norway 
Oslo Highlights & Vigeland Park
Tuesday, August 30 - 15:00
Take in Oslo’s eclectic blend of contemporary flair, rich history and spectacular natural views.
With your local guide, you will drive past the medieval Akershus Fortress, built in the 1290s by Norse king Håkon V. Pass Oslo City Hall, the Royal Palace, Parliament and the National Theater. Travel to the district of Holmenkollen, home to the world-famous ski jump set atop the most prominent hill in the city. This impressive structure dates back to 1892. Back in the city, you will tour Vigeland Park, named after the sculptor whose work adorns this expansive green space. Your local guide will accompany you on a stroll along its pathways to view some of the 200-plus fascinating stone and bronze sculptures depicting the human life cycle. Afterward, return to your ship via the affluent suburb of Frogner.

​Wendy did free laundry 
12:00 Arrived Oslo
15:00 Oslo highlights & Vigeland park tour - Located in Frogner Park.
Very interesting with well informed guide.  Marvelous statues.
Sculptor Gustav Vigeland created the sculpture arrangement in the centre of the present enlarged park from the 1920s until his death in 1943
19:00 Supper 
Wendy 
Destination menu salmon roe, Reindeer stew, rhubarb charlotte
Bill
Fruit cup, pork loin, chocolate bomb
Overnight in Oslo 

Day 6 – Oslo, Norway
Wednesday, August 31
​FREE DAY

THE REST OF MY NOTES ARE MISSING :(


Day 7 – Århus, Denmark 
Århus on Foot
​Thursday, September 01 - 14:00
Discover the iconic sights of Århus during a walk through one of Denmark’s oldest cities. Meet your guide at the pier, then set out on a journey past some of the newest and most modern buildings of Århus, as well as some of its older landmarks. See the Gothic-style medieval Cathedral, the longest and tallest church in Denmark, and stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of the lively Latin Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood, en route to the Vor Frue Kloster, a neoclassical monastery that is home to the oldest bells in Denmark. Admire the massive Dokk1 complex that dominates the waterfront of the inner harbor and walk along the historic street of Møllestien to the ARoS, the country’s newest art museum. Stop to gaze at City Hall, its asymmetrical design a fine example of modern functionalistic architecture, before returning to the pier and your ship.

Day 8 – Copenhagen, Denmark 
Copenhagen by Foot
​
Friday, September 2 - 14:30
Explore the landmarks of Copenhagen and learn about the city’s history during a walking excursion. With a local guide, you will stop to see the Little Mermaid statue sitting serenely in the harbor at Langelinie and visit the courtyard at the 18th-century Amalienborg Palace. Continue to Copenhagen’s largest monument, the Gefion Fountain, followed by Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Queen of Denmark, the sovereign of one of the world’s oldest monarchies. Here, admire the royal rococo buildings and square, plus the stunning Marble Church, New Opera House and flourishing Amaliehaven (Amalie Garden) with its geometrical layout, colorful plants and centerpiece fountain. En route back to your ship, walk through the 17th-century Citadel—one of Europe’s best-preserved fortresses surrounded by eight moats, tall ramparts and cannon bastions.

Day 9 – Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany
​Berlin Your Way

​Saturday, September 3 - 7:30 AM - 12 Hours
Follow your own interests in Berlin, from its historic sites to its lesser-known gems.
Transfer to the city by train early in the morning along with your escort, who will provide you with a map and some tips during an orientation tour. Set off on your own in the city center, with 3½ to 4 hours to explore. Call on Checkpoint Charlie and see remnants of the Berlin Wall or explore Alexanderplatz. Admire the remarkable glass cupola of the Reichstag or visit a museum on the renowned Museum Island. For lunch, perhaps stop at a sidewalk café and enjoy a fine German wine while you observe modern Berliners strolling by. At the allotted time, meet your escort at a prearranged location and return to your ship via train in time for dinner.

Day 10 – Bornholm (Rønne), Denmark
​Scenic Bornholm
Sunday, September 4 - 11:30
Discover the natural beauty and charming villages of the idyllic island of Bornholm. This picturesque Danish island is nicknamed solskinsøen (Sunshine Island) and klippeøen (Rock Island) for its weather and geology, respectively. Drive to Nylars, where you will stop to view the Nylars Church. A small circular building that dates back to the 12th century, it was used as a fortress as well as a place of worship. After time for photographs, continue on to Gudhjem, a quaint fishing village which clings to the side of a rocky bay and where smoked herring was first prepared. Learn about the community’s fishing tradition as you take a stroll along the harbor and into the town center, where you can admire the slanting little half-timbered houses. Travel through picturesque Almindingen, one of the largest forests in Denmark, as you return to your ship.

The only 'stop' on this tour was at ​Hammershus - Northern Europe’s largest castle completed in the late 1200s.

Day 11 – Gdańsk, Poland 
Monday, September 5

In the morning Wendy and I took the shuttle bus into the city of Gdańsk for a quick look around.  It would have been nice if we could have spent a little longer as it was another beautiful old city.  Even more amazing is that it was completely rebuilt have being bombed and destroyed during WWII.  We wish he had more time to wander around this beautiful old city.

​Stutthof Concentration Camp
Monday, September 5 - 14:00

​Hear the stories behind some of the events of World War II on a sobering visit to the Stutthof concentration camp. A local guide will accompany you to the camp, located east of Gdańsk and today preserved as an educational site. Stutthof was the first camp built outside German borders. Though it was established in 1939, the idea to expand camps into the Gdańsk region of Poland — then known as the “Free City of Danzig” — had been conceived three years earlier. During your visit, you will learn that very soon after the outbreak of war, “undesirable Polish elements” were sent here. Over the course of the war, prisoners from all the occupied territories were brought to Stutthof. You can see the prisoners’ barracks and pause to reflect at the camp memorial.

A very sobering and thought provoking tour.  From the 'the showers' a euphemism for the gas chamber, the crematorium, moving gas chamber disguised as a train box car, 100,000's discarded shoes, the living quarters and infirmary are an indication of the depravity that humanity can since.  It is unbelievable and sobering to see just how inhumanly one group of people can act towards another.  The sad part is that it could all happen again.  
​The camp was and still is surrounded by trees so it was 'hidden' from local prying eyes.
What made this tour even more memorable was that our guide's grandparents had been prisoners in this camp.  Sadly her grandmother was one of the many women who were chosen to have a visit to 'the showers.'  Her grandfather did survive this camp as well as some others simply because he was a baker and the nazis needed professional kitchen help.

An informative web site:
 http://www.holocaustresearchproject.org/othercamps/stutthof.html

Day 12 – Karlskrona, Sweden 
​Karlskrona by Foot
Tuesday, September 6 - 13:45
Discover Karlskrona’s rich maritime tradition and unique landmarks during a walk through this charming port town. Sweden’s chief naval base since its founding in 1680, Karlskrona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its baroque-style buildings. Follow your guide past notable sights such as the King’s Bridge, the Regional Governor’s Residence and the 18th-century Bastion Aurora. See the impressive Admiralty Church, the town’s oldest building and the largest wooden church in the country, and its famous statue of “Old Man Rosenbom.” Continue your stroll to the Stortorget, a cobblestone square, and pass by the neoclassical Town Hall, the old Norman-style water tower, and the baroque Church of Fredrik and the Holy Trinity Church. You will also view the quaint 18th-century wooden houses in Björkholmen and the old main entrance to the Naval Shipyard en route to your ship.

Day 13 - Sail the Baltic Sea
Wednesday, September 7


Day 14 – Stockholm, Sweden 
Thursday, September 8
Wendy and I took advantage of the shuttle bus and took a morning stroll through the old part of Stockholm and then to the bus tour in the afternoon which only had one stop at City Hall.

Panoramic Stockholm
Take in the sights of Stockholm, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, stunningly set on Sweden’s east coast. Stockholm is a thriving city and is known as the "Venice of Scandinavia" with its 14 islands and 57 bridges that connect them to the mainland. Begin your tour by motor coach as you hear exciting stories from your guide about Swedish life and culture. Learn about the history of the city and see the famous sights including the City Hall, Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera. You can choose to end your tour with a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town on your own, and take a complimentary coach back to the ship. Or, if you prefer, you can resume your panoramic tour and take the coach directly to your ship.

Stockholm, Sweden 
Friday, September 9
DEPART - FLIGHT AT 06:30

Up bright and early for the flight.  Packed all up on Thursday evening and watched TV until it was time to meet up in one of the lounges.  Well ok Wendy did have a bit of a nap.
Great escort to the bus then from the bus to airport check-in and again to the security gate.
Eventful flights home but we made it and so did our bags.

It certainly looks as if summer is over and I am going to miss it.  While Autumn, with all of the trees changing into gorgeous colours, may present a pleasant eye appealing site it is still the harbinger of the cold weather that is to come.


Today is a typical fall day, blustery winds, drizzle rain and a mild temperature but with a bite of cold in the wind.


This past Spring and summer have been fairly busy with enjoyable accomplishments and chores.  


The last week in March and the first week in April saw Wendy and I on a 21 day back-to-back cruise with Royal Caribbean to the Southern Caribbean.  Through a mix-up on my part the first leg had us in an ocean view cabin but on the second leg we had been upgraded to a balcony.  Now it might be a bit of a chore to get Wendy into something less than a balcony.  We also decided to take a chance on flying rather than driving.  The flights went well and I had booked us at premium economy which gave a few extra perks.


The first leg departing from Fort Lauderdale (18 March - 28 March) of the cruise took us to; Labadee. Haiti which is a private island owned by Royal Caribbean, San Juan Puerto Rico, Philipsburg St. Maarten, Castries St. Lucia, St. Johns Antigua, Basseterre St Kits & Nevis then back to Fort Lauderdale.  


The second leg (28 March - 08 April) of the trip took us to; Puerto Limon Costa Rica, Colon Panama, yes we saw the canal, Cartagena Columbian no we did not see the emerald in Romancing the Stone, Oranjestad Aruba, Willemstad Curacao, and back to Fort Lauderdale.


While we fully enjoyed the cruises and the tours that we did we found that one island seemed to blend into ‘just another island’.


Because of the dates of the cruises I was late in getting my tomato seeds started.  In the end it did not seem to matter because I had a bumper crop.  I keep track of the types and number of seeds that I start (12 different heritage types from seeds that I have been saving), the number sprouted and where they all went.  In the end I gave away almost half of the number of plants that sprouted.  My summer was pretty much taking up looking after the allotment garden and the small garden that I have at home.


Of course just when the majority of the tomatoes are coming ripe we are off on another cruise.  Luckily our daughter Heather and her husband ‘volunteered’ to harvest the tomatoes while we were gone.


This cruise was with Viking which specializes in river cruise but this was classed as an ocean cruise from Bergen, Norway to Stockholm, Sweden.  We had originally booked it for 2021 which would have been our 50th Wedding Anniversary.  As it would happen we would have been in Tallinn, Estonia on our anniversary, this was a place that Wendy has wanted to go to for many years.  Because of the continuing Covid restrictions this trip was cancelled and we rebooked the same one with the same dates for this year.  Then lo and behold did Mr. Putin put his oar in the mix and two of the ports were cancelled, one being St. Petersburg Russia and the other Tallinn.  Rather than cancel this trip and rebook for next year we decided to take it.  We flew to Bergen and then visited, Bergen, Eidfjord Norway, Stavanger Norway, Oslo, Norway, Arhus Denmark, Copenhagen Denmark, Berlin Germany (one of the substitute ports) where we saw the remainder of the Berlin Wall, Bornholm Denmark, Gdansk Poland where we did a tour of a WWII concentration camp, Karlskrona Sweden to Stockholm where we flew home from.


On the Viking cruises there is one free local tour in each of the ports which we took advantage of, also wine or beer with lunch and supper.  I thought it would be one glass of wine per meal but oh no the waiters kept pouring as long as you were sitting there.  Two other ‘free’ perks were wifi and laundry.  Viking says there are laundry facilities on the ships and we thought it would be pay as you go but no, it was free!  There were 4 washers and dries on each of the accommodation decks which meant you don’t have to bring as many every day clothes.  NO casinos but not the same type of evening entertainment.  I could go on but this is going to be long as it is.


I must say that visiting the old Scandinavian cities is much more interesting than the Caribbean port towns.  They were beautiful and even more impressive when you know that most of them had been completely demolished during WWII and have been rebuilt to the old standard.


On coming home it was back to the garden to harvest the remaining tomatoes.  Now it is time to put the garlic in and then the garden to bed for the winter.

Well at least that is going to be my excuse because I can not think of another one.  I really do have to add some more to this on going story, such as our cruise in March and April.  A nice 21 day back-to-back to the Southern Caribbean with Royal Caribbean.

We are off next week to do a 15 day 'river cruise' of the Baltic Sea with Viking.  The ship we will be on, the Viking Venus is classified as sea-going, built in 2021 so it is almost brand new with a compliment of 930 passengers (if fully booked) and 550 crew.  It is much smaller than even the small ships we have sailed on with Royal Caribbean.

I made my, almost daily, trip to the allotment garden this morning and this afternoon processed some more tomatoes.  I haven't included any photos of the paste tomatoes that I am growing because they are not from 'my seeds' but were 'store bought' started plants.

​A couple of photos of MY first tomatoes of the season.  I have saved the seeds from these beauties and will be planting them next spring.  Will be ordering some heritage paste tomato seeds from my usual source.

I can not believe it has been so long since I have posted anything.  I am trying to actually figure out just what excuse that I could have for just letting this slip to the very, very back burner.

Perhaps I can blame it on Covid but that seems to be an easy way out.  However, I do know that in some ways Covid has/had taken some of the zip out of my live but now that zip is coming back.  It just seemed as if I had lost a bit of interest in so many thing.  NO! not depression just an attitude of oh well it can just wait.

We finally managed to depart on our cruise that had to be rescheduled in March.  A very enjoyable 21 day back to back to the Southern Caribbean.  I will have to write that up as well.  It is a good thing that I did take some notes.  Not a lot but occasional ones.

I have started another gardening experiment that will go under a new menu heading.  Perhaps I will even get my act together and continue on REMINISCING.  But even a bit more important - keep this more up to date.  Although that may be a little difficult because of the time I am spending in my garden.

On to doing the new garden experiment.

The number of cases of Covid-19 spreading around the world and increasing even more so in the United States of America.  




​




​Just one of U.S. President Donald Trump’s lies about Covid-19. The one that worries me the most.  

When: Wednesday, March 11
The claim: In an Oval Office address, Trump said that private-health-insurance companies had “agreed to waive all co-payments for coronavirus treatments, extend insurance coverage to these treatments, and to prevent surprise medical billing.”
The truth: Insurers agreed only to absorb the cost of coronavirus testing—waiving co-pays and deductibles for getting the test. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the second coronavirus-relief bill passed by Congress, later mandated that COVID-19 testing be made free. The federal government has not required insurance companies to cover follow-up treatments, though some providers announced in late March that they will pay for treatments. The costs of other non-coronavirus testing or treatment incurred by patients who have COVID-19 or are trying to get a diagnosis aren’t waived either. And as for surprise medical billing? Mitigating it would require the cooperation of insurers, doctors, and hospitals. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/04/trumps-lies-about-coronavirus/608647/


The number of American citizens who do not have access to, even affordable, healthcare is staggering. As the  information below shows the United States does not have a full funded health care system that is available to all citizens.  With the number of people who simply can not afford adequate health insurance I believe many will simply not apply to be tested and even some will not even seek medical attention if they do fully develop the disease.  These people will then continue to infect others further exacerbating the pandemic.


The United States stands out from many other countries in not offering universal health insurance coverage. In 2010, 50 million people (16 percent of the U.S. population) were uninsured (DeNavas-Walt et al., 2011). Access to health care services, particularly in rural and frontier communities or disadvantaged urban centers, is often limited. The United States has a relatively weak foundation for primary care and a shortage of family physicians (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2009; Grumbach et al., 2009; Macinko et al., 2007; Sandy et al., 2009). Many Americans rely on emergency departments for acute, chronic, and even preventive care (Institute of Medicine, 2007a; Schoen et al., 2009b, 2011). Cost sharing is common in the United States, and high out-of-pocket expenses make health care services, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies increasingly unaffordable (Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance System, 2011; Karaca-Mandic et al., 2012). In 2011, one-third of American households reported problems paying medical bills (Cohen et al., 2012), a problem that seems to have worsened in recent years (Himmelstein et al., 2009). Health insurance premiums are consuming an increasing proportion of U.S. household income (Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance System, 2011). (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK154484/)


An item from before The Affordable Care Act (ACA)
About 44 million people in this country have no health insurance, and another 38 million have inadequate health insurance. This means that nearly one-third of Americans face each day without the security of knowing that, if and when they need it, medical care is available to them and their families.


And then in 2019
Lack of health coverage has been a persistent problem in the U.S. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) sought to address gaps in the health coverage system and led to historic gains in health insurance coverage by extending Medicaid coverage to many low-income individuals and providing Marketplace subsidies for individuals below 400% of poverty. The number of uninsured non-elderly Americans decreased from over 46.5 million in 2010 (the year the ACA was enacted) to just below 27 million in 2016. However, for the second year in a row, the number of uninsured people increased from 2017 to 2018 by nearly 500,000 people. This issue brief describes how coverage has changed in recent years, examines the characteristics of the uninsured population, and summarizes the access and financial implications of not having coverage. (https://www.kff.org/uninsured/issue-brief/key-facts-about-the-uninsured-population/ Published: Dec 13, 2019)


The number of Americans without health insurance climbed to 27.5 million in 2018, according to federal data that show the first year-to-year increase in a decade, before the Affordable Care Act began reducing the ranks of the uninsured. (https://www.wsj.com/articles/number-of-americans-without-insurance-shows-first-increase-since2008-11568128381 April 10, 2020)


Health care seems to be such a problem in the U.S. that it is even counted on their annual census report.
 In 2018, 8.5 percent of people, or 27.5 million, did not have health insurance at any point during the year. The uninsured rate and number of uninsured increased from 2017 (7.9 percent or 25.6 million). 
• The percentage of uninsured children under the age of 19 increased by 0.6 percentage points between 2017 and 2018, to 5.5 percent.
• Between 2017 and 2018, the percentage of people without health insurance coverage at the time of interview decreased in three states and increased in eight states.


Not even all types of health care are covered:
In 2018, private health insurance coverage continued to be more prevalent than public coverage, covering 67.3 percent of the population and 34.4 percent of the population, respectively. Of the subtypes of health insurance coverage, employer-based insurance remained the most common, covering 55.1 percent of the population for all or part of the calendar year
(https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2019/demo/p60-267.html)


Insured persons from 2018Number of persons under age 65 uninsured at the time of interview: 30.1 million
Percent of persons under age 65 uninsured at the time of interview: 11.1%
Percent of children under age 18 uninsured at the time of interview: 5.2%
Percent of adults aged 18-64 uninsured at the time of interview: 13.3%
Percent of persons under age 65 with private insurance at time of interview: 65.1%
Percent of children under age 18 with private insurance at time of interview: 54.7%
Percent of adults aged 18-64 with private insurance at time of interview: 68.9%
Percent of persons under age 65 with public insurance at time of interview: 25.5%
Percent of children under age 18 with public insurance at time of interview: 41.8%
Percent of adults aged 18-64 with public insurance at time of interview: 19.4%
(Three tables from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/health-insurance.htm)

Canada's health care system

"About Medicare
Medicare is a term that refers to Canada's publicly funded health care system. Instead of having a single national plan, we have 13 provincial and territorial health care insurance plans. Under this system, all Canadian residents have reasonable access to medically necessary hospital and physician services without paying out-of-pocket. 
Roles and responsibilities for health care services are shared between provincial and territorial governments and the federal government. 
The provincial and territorial governments are responsible for the management, organization and delivery of health care services for their residents.

Comprehensiveness The provincial and territorial plans must insure all medically necessary services provided by: 
hospitals
physicians
dentists, when the service must be performed in a hospital Medically necessary services are not defined in the Canada Health Act. The provincial and territorial health care insurance plans consult with their respective physician colleges or groups. Together, they decide which services are medically necessary for health care insurance purposes. 
If a service is considered medically necessary, the full cost must be covered by the public health care insurance plan. 
Universality The provincial and territorial plans must cover all residents.
PortabilityThe provincial and territorial plans must cover all residents when they travel within Canada. Limited coverage is also required for travel outside the country. 
When a resident moves to another province, they can continue to use their original health care insurance card for 3 months. This gives them enough time to register for the new plan and receive their new health insurance card."
(https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-health-care-system.html)

In Ontario our health care insurance is provided by ​The Ontario Health Insurance Plan
"What services does OHIP cover?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for a wide range of health care services. It pays for most basic medical and emergency services. It can pay for all or part of the cost. 
There are some services that OHIP does not pay for such as cosmetic surgery (dental or physical), dental services or chiropractic services. 
For some treatments, OHIP pays part of the cost. For example: 
Some services from your doctor, and podiatrists
Physiotherapy treatments 
Dental services in hospitals 
Eye tests 
Travel costs: if you live in northern Ontario and must travel long distances for specialty medical care, OHIP may pay some travel costs.
What is covered under OHIP+?
OHIP+ covers many prescription medications for youths 24-years-old and under. You can find out if your medicines are covered through the online search tool. OHIP+ starts January 1, 2018."
(https://settlement.org/ontario/health/ohip-and-health-insurance/ontario-health-insurance-plan-ohip/what-services-does-ohip-cover/)

More comprehensive information can be found at:
(http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/default.aspx)

Yes, I also have private insurance which is provided by Government Service Medical Insurance Plan (GSMIP) through payroll, now pension deduction.  When I was working for the government I was required to have this. While in Canada I was only required to have the minimum coverage (Level II) which would provide for some services not covered by OHIP.  When I was posted overseas where my Provincial plan would not cover any medical expenses I was required to increase the coverage to Level III.  This was coverage covered all expenses which occurred overseas, including doctor, hospital, and any other costs such as hotels and meals.  Upon return to Canada I had the option of reverting back to Level II or maintaining the Level III coverage.  In Canada the added coverage provides for a semi-private hospital room and added prescription coverage.
While we say that our provincial health coverage is free it really isn't.  After all nothing is free in this world.  Different Provinces have different ways of collecting the funds not provided by the Federal Government.  In Ontario it is now an employers responsibly to pay the monthly OHIP fee.  In other Provinces it may be through added sales tax, or a specific tax on gasoline, or user pay through payroll deductions.  No matter how the fee is collected it appears as if we do not directly pay, consequently the general idea is free because when we walk out of the doctor's office or hospital we do not have to reach into our pocket before we leave or dread a bill demanding payment.

Well here it is another day of both self isolation and social distancing.  It isn't that hard to keep the social distancing when you stay inside.  When I do get out for a run it still isn't hard to keep apart.  Usually the other people are walking in the opposite direction of me so passing each other is done quite quickly.  So far the only other runners that I have seen are, like the walkers, going in the opposite direction.  Although the other day I did see a pair on the opposite sidewalk to be going in the same direction.
Our premier has now set the number of people in a group as five, except for a family or those isolating together.  I also heard on the noon news today that social distancing has cut the number of person to person contacts in half - so it seems to be working.
I didn't get out for a run yesterday or today because it has been cold and raining.  I have turned into a fair weather runner. :-(
Just had an email notification that the Tamarack Race Weekend in May has been cancelled.  I had signed up for another 5K race.  The committee is trying to think of something else to do over the weekend.  One thing is there will be no monetary return because most of that money has already been spent or committed.  Apparently we will still be getting a t-shirt and medal.  I am planning on doing something that Saturday.  One thing that will be missing is the Ottawa Hash House Harriers water station at the 36K mark.  Will be missing out on a reason to get dressed up in my red dress.

COVID-19

16:45 Eastern Daylight time 30 March 2020 

From https://covidly.com which gives an almost minute to minute update.
​(Update while I was putting this together)

USA remains number 1 in reported and active cases
China reporting number of active cases decreasing.

203 of 255 regions affected

Country        Cases    Active     Deaths
World            771,353    577,227    36,918
Top 5 countries by number of cases
United States     157,008    148,989          2,863
Italy                     101,739        75,528        11,591
Spain                   85,197          61,035          7,382
China                  81,644            2,630           3,304
Germany            64,777           57,677               578


Number 16
Canada        7,296           6,275                 74
Ontario        1,355            1,332                23
Ottawa          130             21 hospital         2 - as reported on the CTV 17:00 news.
Getting information from the local news is a hit and miss exercise.

Coronavirus: A timeline of how the deadly COVID-19 outbreak is evolving:

https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/coronavirus-a-timeline-of-how-the-deadly-outbreak-evolved/

This appears to be an up-to-date, accurate and unbiased website providing a much more detailed of how the COVID-19 virus is spreading world-wide.  I have only ‘cherry-picked’ some of the items.

I will try and find more information on the time line for Canada, Ontario and Ottawa.  Events are happening on a daily basis but at least our Prime Minister and Provincial Premiers are giving daily updates.

From the beginning until 24 March 2020.
31 DECEMBER 2019
FIRST CASES DETECTED
China has alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) of several flu-like cases in Wuhan, the capital of Central China’s Hubei province with 11 million population. Patients have been quarantined and health authorities commenced work on tracing the source of the flu.
Chinese authorities treated dozens of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause.  On Dec. 31, the government in Wuhan, China, confirmed that health authorities were treating dozens of cases. Days later, researchers in China identified a new virus that had infected dozens of people in Asia.
Chinese Health Officials inform the WHO about a cluster of 41 patients
with a mysterious pneumonia.  Most are connected to Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market
 
01 JANUARY 2020
Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market closes.  Chinese authorities identify a new type of coronavirus (called novel coronavirus or nCoV).
Wuhan market identified as outbreak hub
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified a seafood market in Wuhan as the suspected hub of the outbreak and the market remained closed since then. 

05 JANUARY 2020
WHO advises against travel restrictions
WHO has issued a statement that advised against applying any restrictions of travel or trade with China based on the information available. 

06 JANUARY 2020
SARS, MERS and bird flu ruled out

07 JANUARY 2020
China records its first death.  
First coronavirus case outside of China is reported in Thailand
Virus identified as coronavirus 2019n-CoV
Chinese authorities have identified the virus, called Coronavirus, which is a family of viruses including the common cold, SARS and MERS. Temporarily, this new virus is named as 2019-nCoV. 

13 JANUARY 2020
First US case is reported: a 35 year old man in Snohomish County, Washington.
First confirmed coronavirus case in Thailand
Coronavirus has spread beyond China, with Thailand reporting the first case of a Chinese woman, returning from a visit to Wuhan, and diagnosed with flu-like symptoms. 

15 JANUARY 2020
First confirmed coronavirus case in Japan
Japan has confirmed its first case of the coronavirus in a person who stayed in Wuhan.

20 JANUARY 2020
First case detected in South Korea
A Chinese person who arrived by plane from Wuhan to South Korea was detected with the virus.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced that the virus has to be contained.

21 JANUARY 2020
US Australia confirm first coronavirus cases
US has confirmed its first coronavirus case. The victim, said to be in his 30s, has been admitted at a hospital in Washington upon his return from China.
The virus reached Australia, which announced its coronavirus case. The victim, living in Brisbane, was tested positive with coronavirus after returning from Wuhan city.

22 JANUARY 2020
WHO hold on declaring international health emergency
The virus has infected over 500 people and led to the deaths of 17 people.
Airports across the world step up screening of passengers coming from Wuhan.
WHO officials met in Geneva to discuss the need for declaring coronavirus as an international health emergency and decided to wait further.
Central China’s Henan Province imposed a ban on sale of live poultry to prevent the coronavirus outbreak from spreading. The virus was first identified at Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, the capital of neighbouring Hubei province. 

23 JANUARY 2020
Wuhan is placed under quarantine, Hubei Province follows within days.  
WHO declares a global public health emergency.
Singapore confirms first case
Several US companies have announced plans to develop drugs and vaccines to combat the virus.
Beijing cancelled Chinese New Year celebrations. 

24 JANUARY 2020
China implements further travel restrictions; Starts building temporary hospital
Chinese authorities have initiated construction on a new temporary 1000-bed hospital in Wuhan’s Caidian district with a plan to complete it in a record time of just six days. With high level of safety and protection in place, the new hospital will treat patients of the deadly virus in isolation.

25 JANUARY 2020
Hong Kong announces health emergency
Canada, Nepal report first cases
Canada has reported its first “presumptive” coronavirus case of a 50-year old man who returned from Wuhan, China on 22 Jan, while a Nepali student returned from China tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Cruise operators including Royal Caribbean and MSC, have suspended cruises to China. Later in MARCH cancel all cruises.

26 JANUARY 2020
US, France to evacuate nationals from Wuhan WHO changes risk to ‘high’
Mexico confirms first case
Ivory Coast is dealing with a suspected case of coronavirus.

27 JANUARY 2020
Sri Lanka reports first coronavirus case
Spain and Portugal are the two new countries after the US and France that are looking to evacuate their nationals from Wuhan city

28 JANUARY 2020
Japan, Taiwan and Germany confirm their first cases of domestic transmission of coronavirus.
Air Canada and Finnair have cancelled some flights to China.

29 JANUARY 2020
Finland has confirmed its first case.

30 JANUARY 2020
President Trump bans foreign nationals from entering the US if they were in China within the previous two weeks.
US reports first domestic case
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US has confirmed its first case of person-to-person transmission

31 JANUARY 2020
Death toll hits 213; WHO declares global emergency
First death outside of China is recorded in the Philippines.
UK confirms first cases.
NHS England chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty confirmed the first two cases of coronavirus in the UK.
First coronavirus suspect in New Zealand announced

01 FEBRUARY 2020
Death toll hits 259; Coronavirus reaches Russia, Spain, Sweden

02 FEBRUARY 2020
First coronavirus patient outside China dies in Philippines

03 FEBRUARY 2020
Australia brings back 243 citizens; Hong Kong medical staff on strike
A Qantas aircraft carrying 243 Australian citizens and permanent residents, including 89 individuals aged under 16, from Wuhan has landed at RAAF base Learmonth in Western Australia.

04 FEBRUARY 2020
Malaysia, Belgium confirm first case
Hong Kong has reported its first death case

07 FEBRUARY 2020
Chinese whistleblower Li Wenliang dies.
US citizen dies in Wuhan, first death of an American citizen. 

08 FEBRUARY 2020
Death toll in China surpasses that of the 2002 2003 SARS epidemic with 811 deaths recorded.

10 FEBRUARY 2020
UK declares imminent threat as four more cases confirmed

11 FEBRUARY 2020
WHO announces that the new coronavirus will be called COVID-19.  Coronavirus cases start to spike in South Korea.

12 FEBRUARY 2020
Iran outbreak begins

13 FEBRUARY 2020
Japan reports first COVID-19 death

14 FEBRUARY 2020
Passengers on Westerdam cruise ship disembark
Westerdam cruise ship, which docked in Cambodia after being turned away by five countries over the fear of the coronavirus, has received permission to disembark its guests after 20 samples taken onboard tested negative.

15 FEBRUARY 2020
Egypt reports first case
France reports first COVID-19 death
US to airlift Americans on board Diamond Princess; India making efforts

19 FEBRUARY 2020
Italy outbreak begins
Passengers on Diamond Princess disembark
Passengers who have tested negative started disembarking from the cruise ship after a 14-day quarantine period.

21 FEBRUARY 2020
Diamond Princess update
The flight carrying around 200 Canadian citizens has taken off from Tokyo airport. After landing in Ontario, Canada, the passengers will undergo additional 14 days of quarantine.

24 FEBRUARY 2020
Iraq confirmed its first coronavirus COVID-19 case in Najaf city.

25 FEBRUARY 2020
Algeria reports first case; second African country with confirmed cases. Kuwait, Bahrain confirm first cases
Iran’s neighbours close borders
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Turkey and Afghanistan imposed travel and immigration restrictions on Iran, which was the first to report deaths in the Middle East region.
Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Armenia also closed their borders with Iran.
Jamaica and the Cayman Islands denied entry to Meraviglia cruise ship as it carried a sick crew member who travelled to countries with confirmed coronavirus cases.

26 FEBRUARY 2020
Greece, Pakistan, Norway, Georgia, North Macedonia, Romania reports first case
Diamond Princess cases rise to 705

27 FEBRUARY 2020
UN to provide sanction exceptions to N Korea
Northern Ireland The Netherlands, San Marino, Estonia, Denmark  report first cases
Australia says pandemic inevitable
US confirms first case of unknown source
India evacuates citizens on Diamond Princess and Wuhan

28 FEBRUARY 2020
– WHO has raised global coronavirus outbreak risk to ‘Very High’
NZ confirms first case; temporarily bans Iran travel
Nigeria reports first case
Fifth Diamond Princess passenger dies.  Another passenger from the Diamond Princess cruise ship has died due to coronavirus. The patient was a Japanese woman in her 70s who tested positive on 6 February and confirmed to have pneumonia on 12 February.

29 FEBRUARY 2020
US reports first death on American soil.  
Italy places all 60 residents on lockdown.

01 MARCH 2020
The US reports second death
Australia and Thailand report first deaths

02 MARCH 2020
Cruise ship faces protests in Reunion Island
The Sun Princess cruise ship, owned by Princess Cruises, faced violent protests when it docked at Reunion Island over COVID-19 fears.

03 MARCH 2020
WHO states COVID-19 mortality rate increased to 3.4%
Portugal, Canada and Qatar report rise in cases
Two more people have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total to four.
Canada has confirmed three more cases in British Columbia, bringing the country’s total tally to 33.
Qatar has announced that the total cases has increased to eight, including the one new case confirmed.
Spain confirms first death
US deaths increase to nine
The death toll in the US has increased to nine, with additional deaths reported in the state of Washington.
All the deaths so far have been reported from Washington; eight from King County and one in Snohomish County. The total cases in Washington stand at 27.
Total cases in the US stand at 124.

05 MARCH 2020
Japan says Diamond Princess cases 696
Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess is being held off the California coast due to fears that passengers and crew members developed coronavirus (COVID-19).

06 MARCH 2020
21 people on Grand Princess ship test positive
21 people aboard Grand Princess ship, which was denied entry at San Francisco Bay, have tested positive.
Out of 46 people, 19 crew members and two passengers were found to have contracted the virus.
The ship will be taken to a non-commercial port and all passengers will be tested.
First school closed in Australia after student tests positive
Australia closed its first school – Epping Boys High School –  in Sydney after a 16-year-old student tested positive.
The pupil is believed to be a case of local transmission.
The total number of confirmed cases in the country stands at 60, including deaths of two elderly people.

08 MARCH 2020
WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic
US cases near 550; Grand Princess quarantine
The number of cases in the US have neared 550, including 22 deaths.
According to health officials, Grand Princess cruise will be allowed to dock at a terminal near Oakland, where passengers will disembark. The passengers will be sent for quarantine elsewhere in California.
US Army restricted travel to and from Italy and South Korea.

09 MARCH 2020
First death reported in Canada
British Columbia in Canada has reported its first death, a man in his 80s who is reported to have other health issues.
Five more cases were also reported in British Columbia, taking the province’s cases to 32. Total cases in Canada stand at 77.
Canada to repatriate citizens onboard Grand Princess 
Canada has arranged a flight to repatriate its citizens onboard the Grand Princess cruise ship.
The passengers will be taken from San Francisco to the Canadian forces Base Trenton in Ontario and put under quarantine.
Wuhan closes 11 makeshift hospitals
Wuhan has closed 11 of 14 makeshift hospitals as the number of new infections decline, reported state broadcaster CCTV.

10 MARCH 2020
Spain ramps up measures to prevent spread
Spain has closed schools in some parts of the country and stopped all flights arriving from Italy to ‘avoid Italian scenario’.
The total cases in Spain stand at 1,695 with 35 deaths so far.
Couple on Grand Princess sues cruise line
A couple from Florida, US quarantined on the Grand Princess filed a lawsuit against the company Princess Cruises.
The lawsuit stated ‘lackadaisical approach to the safety of the plaintiffs, its passengers and cre

11 MARCH 2020
President Trump bans all travel from 26 European countries.
The US has restricted travel from Europe for 30 days in an effort to control the rapid spread of coronavirus.
President Donald Trump said that the restriction, which will come into effect on midnight Friday, does not apply to Britain.
The country has 1,322 confirmed cases and 38 deaths so far.
A US national emergency is declared over the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Italy tightens lockdown
Italy has tightened its nationwide lockdown to include shutting of bars, hairdressers and restaurants.
The number of cases on the country have raised to 12,462 and death toll  increased to 827.
UK Health Minister tests positive;  sixth death reported

12 MARCH 2020
Scotland, Trinidad & Tobago confirms first case
Chinese medical adviser Zhong Nanshan says coronavirus outbreak could be over by June if countries take firm measures.
Canadian Prime Minister’s wife tests positive
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife tested positive for coronavirus after returning from London.
Trudeau has no symptoms but will be in isolation for two weeks as a precaution. The number of cases in Canada reached 142, including one death.
Actor Tom Hanks and wife test positive


13 MARCH 2020
First cases in Guinea, Sudan, Mauritania
Canada boosts measures
Canada boosted measures to fight the outbreak, including emergency measures such as half-point interest rate cut.
Ottawa asked citizens to avoid non-essential foreign travel.
The total cases in the country neared 200, including one death.
A leaked US federal plan warns the new coronavirus pandemic will last “18 months or longer” and may come in “multiple waves” of infections.
Boeing official said that more than 50% of flights have been cancelled in Asia Pacific over coronavirus fears.

14 MARCH 2020
Uzbekistan, Rwanda, Seychelles, Congo Republic and Central African Republic report first cases.
Denmark has reported its first death due to COVID-19 and has closed its borders for foreign travellers for one month.
Europe now epicentre of outbreak, says WHO
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern asked everyone entering the country from midnight Sunday to self-isolate for 14 days. All cruise ships will also be denied entry until 30 June.
Australia bans public events

15 MARCH 2020
Equatorial Guinea confirms first case
Slovenia, Hungary, Bahrain report first deaths
First case in Delhi, India recovers
Australia imposes self-quarantine for people arriving from abroad

16 MARCH 2020
Liberia, Tanzania, Somalia, Benin confirm first cases
First death in Portugal, Dominican Republic, Bahrain
Cases and death tolls continue to rise in Europe.
Braemar cruise ship to dock in Cuba
New Zealand has banned gatherings of 500 people or more
China boosts quarantine for international arrivals
Canada imposed tougher screening measures for visitors as the number of cases in the country increase to approximately 320.

17 MARCH 2020
Gambia, Barbados, Montenegro and Montserrat report first cases
Brazil, Malaysia confirm first deaths
Italy reports 475 COVID-19 deaths the highest single-day death toll for any country since the outbreak began.
EU to close external borders
Spain deploys troops to help in lockdown
Nearly all US states declare a state of emergency
Australia declares human biosecurity emergency

18 MARCH 2020
Kyrgyzstan, Djibouti, Zambia register first cases
Moldova, Pakistan confirm first death
Portugal declares emergency
Study says initial infections on Diamond Princess came from food worker

19 MARCH 2020
Croatia, Mexico, Russia,  register first deaths
Chad, Mauritius reports first cases

20 MARCH 2020
Cape Verde, Madagascar confirm first case 

21 MARCH 2020
First death in Singapore, Israel
Papua New Guinea confirms first case
US vice president’s staff member tests positive
According to the CDC, the US has 15,268 cases and 201 deaths.
China’s Wuhan reports no new cases

By MARCH 19, 2020
Italy repots the two highest single-day death tolls for any country: 626 on March 20 and 793 on March 21 surpassing the number of deaths in China
About 1 in 3 Americans are under lockdown as 12 states issue stay-at-home orders.
Cases and deaths around the world are increasing.

22 MARCH 2020
New York City confirms 21,000 cases making it the biggest epicentre of the outbreak in the US.

23 MARCH 2020
Globally authorities report more than 375,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with about 258,000 being active and ongoing cases, roughly 101,000 recoveries and 16,370 deaths.

24 MARCH 2020
Entire India under lockdown for 21 days from midnight of 24 MARCH, says PM Modi
UK Government announces closure of non-essential businesses, pubs, cafes and bars.
University of Queensland (UQ) receives more funding for Covid-19 vaccine
The regional government of Queensland and the federal Australian Government have pledged a total of $13m to University of Queensland (UQ) to support the development of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate.
UQ’s Covid-19 vaccine was one of the first three candidates to receive funding from the Norwegian non-profit Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) in January. This partnership was extended to include California-based Dynavax Technologies in March.
The coronavirus pandemic has compelled the Olympics, which was scheduled to begin from 24 July and end on 9 August this year, to be postponed for the first time in its 124-year modern history.

I am so far behind in keeping this blog up to date it may appear as if I have forgotten all about it.  That, however, is not the case.  I just don’t know what has been going on to keep me from at least doing a little bit of updating.  I haven’t even put in the cruise to Bermuda in October but I will be adding to that in another posting.  I have kept a few notes on just what we did while we were there.


Just to give a quick run through of what has been missing in the past several months:
October: 7 night Bermuda Cruise.
November: Booked a 15 night back to back cruise to East and West Caribbean, booked air flights to Miami for cruise.
December: Heather and Hareth had a baby boy, Rakan, on 07 December.
Heather’s birthday
Adrian’s birthday
Novel corona virus detected in China
January: novel coronavirus in China spreading rapidly.. 
more on corona in March and up to date stats at bottom
Hareth’s parents arrive from Abu Dhabi
Wendy’s birthday
February: Mieka to France on school exchange
schools in Ontario closed for an additional 2 weeks after March Break
cancel cruise and air fare
WHO renames novel coronavirus to COVID-19
March 11: WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic
US bans flights from Europe
Canada closes border except to Americans and returning Canadians
Canada/US close border except for essential travel.
Restaurants and bars closed except for take out, drive through or delivery
Prime Minister is in self-isolation because his wife tested positive
All sports are put on hold or cancelled
Royal Caribbean cancels all cruises 
Air lines beginning to stop overseas flights
Prime Minister Canada telling overseas Canadians and‘Snowbirds’ to get home, some evacuation flights
Most countries are locked down
Ottawa universities and community college telling student residents to move out.
Self-isolation is the word and social distance
Tokyo Olympics suspended until 2021
That kind of wraps up in a very small nutshell what has been happening since last October.
We are all practicing self-isolation which is not to hard for Wendy and I as we kind of self-isolated as a normal part of daily life.  I think that kind of goes along with being retired.
Heather has been off work, on maturity leave, since Rakan was born.  So there were the four of us hanging around.  We each had our own things that kept us busy outside of the home but now they have all been cancelled.  Hareth is still going to work.
With Mieka coming home early and having to self-isolate she is staying at “The Farm” with Shereene while Don and Adrian have moved in with us for the 14 days.  Luckily we have the room to accommodate everyone.
Both Don and Shereene can work from home so that is good for them.  There are so many businesses that have closed down and people are out of work.  The criteria for obtaining Unemployment Insurance has been cut to zero days if the cause is COVID-19.   While I am not much of a fan of either our Prime Minister or Premier of Ontario they both have stepped up to the plate to try and get a handle on what is happening.  They seem to have taken a page out of China’s notebook by implementing social distancing and border closures.
That is much different than what is happening south of the border.  President Trump was denying the existence and devastation that COVID-19 is causing.  Even now he wants people to get back to work to save the economy!  He is more interested in the sinking economy that he is in the health of his people.  And the economy is really taking a hit.  The stock market is tanking so there goes most of the savings in my RIF.
I have been trying to get out for a run on a more or less daily basis.  If I don’t get a run in I do try and do a walk.  What we all have noticed is it seems as if there are more people out walking or running than before.  If they are in groups it seems to be a family and not just a random group of friends.  Although, some groups seem to be well separated.
One of the major down sides of this pandemic and being told to self-isolate at home is the number of people hoarding food and supplies.  For some reason people have been stocking up on years and years supply of all things; toilet paper.  This virus does not cause diarrhea so why are people hoarding that?  Herd mentality?  That seems to be about the answer.
There is also so much false information floating around - even from the President of the US.  POTUS gives an update, and not very often, and then an expert is on next and contradicts what Trump has just said.  Trump does not seem to take any notice of the experts he has around him and comes up with his own spin on the situation.  But, that is no different than what is his usual modus operandi.  Even though doctors are saying to keep things closed down and locked up Trump wants everything back up and running full steam by Easter!
Mieka departed in February for a 9 week student exchange in France to enrich her French language.  She would be living with a family, going to school and commuting only in French.  Sadly, because of the virus she had to return early and arrived back home on Saturday 21 March.  When the PM was telling people to return to Canada several of the other students decided to come home early but Don and family decided that it may have been just as safe for Mieka to stay as come home.  However, when the airlines were saying they were going to cancel service that was the notice to get Mieka home.  She is going to be missing her new friends.

STATISTICS FROM covidly.com AT 16:00 EDT 24 MARCH 2020. 
This website seems to be keeping a very accurate and timely update on the current number of cases of COVID-19 world wide. ​

TOTAL CASES: 414,422  +42,440 DEATHS: 18,545 +2,224 
RECOVERED: 105,543 +4,217 TOTAL ACTIVE: 290,334 +37,076
AFFECTED REGIONS: 196/255 
CANADA: TOTAL CASES: 2,578 DEATHS: 25  TOTAL ACTIVE: 2,441 
47.9% increase in the past 24 hours.  Ranked 15th world wide
ONTARIO: TOTAL CASES: 588 DEATHS: 7 TOTAL ACTIVE: 581
38.3% increase in the past 24 hours.  Ranked 2nd in Canada, Quebec 1st with 1,013 cases.
OTTAWA: TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES: 25  At least one under the age of 18.
U. S. A.: TOTAL CASES 51,898 DEATHS 672 TOTAL ACTIVE 50,857
23.5% increase in past 24 hours.  Ranked 3rd world wide
CHINA still ranked 1st world wide with 81,242 cases, 4,806 active and a -7.7% decrease in number of new cases in the past 24 hours.