social distancing

The twenty seventh of March 2020

pigs

I suppose given the day’s events we can justifiably say, avoid shaking hands with one another for the time being. Although I hate to wish the virus on anyone, it seems somewhat fitting that after defying world health experts that some people ended up with the virus in the end after all. I would recommend taking different actions like elbow bumps; however, maintaining six feet or two metres distance precludes that as well.

So, for the weekend, perhaps plan the ultimate staycation. Please note, it’s ok to snuggle with those who you live with, although avoid touching anyone else and keep washing your hands!

The twenty sixth of March 2020

pigs

It may seem like a strange thing to say, but during this time of social distancing, isolation and lockdowns make sure to rest. It is easy to think now that you are bound inside that you can get loads of work done, learn new things, and accomplish all sorts of things when the outside world was accessible. All of that is great, and I encourage you to challenge yourself, just so long as you take care of yourself as well. Keep washing your hands and stay safe.

The twenty fifth of March 2020

pigs

Although you may be stuck inside, we are fortunate enough to live in times when we can still connect with one another. Maybe everyday take a moment to send a message to someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile, just to say hey. Cultivating connections will help us all get through this.

The twenty first of March 2020

pigs

Of course, we were warned that something like this was looming on the horizon. It was long the subject of board games, movies and conspiracy theories. And now here we are, many of us are confined to our homes for the foreseeable future while heroes are called upon to care for the sick and deliver supplies to the isolated. It is quite extraordinary. In the UK, if this week were a chapter of the story of the time of COVID, it would be titled “The Scramble.” It is the period of gathering supplies, fretting over school closures and transitioning large portions of the workforce from offices to homes while figuring out what to do about all the people doomed to lose their livelihoods while we hibernate from the invisible enemy.

However, there is hope. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Dr Larry Brilliant, an epidemiologist who helped eradicate smallpox recently said in an interview, this is an opportunity for humanity. It is ok to be afraid, but perhaps this is the giant push we need as a species to realise that there is more that unites us than divides us. Maybe this is our big opportunity to put profits and personal opinions aside and come together. Maybe, in the wake of the crisis, we will emerge to a world that is better than the one we are leaving behind.

The twentieth of March 2020

goats, pigs

Sometimes it is hard to keep to a safe distance. Take Pam, Angela and Ellen here for example – they are not keeping a llama distance apart! With the first day of spring upon us, it can be hard to not get out and about as the world comes back from winter.

However, The Haven Zoo has created an opportunity to spend some extra time with their menagerie! For $5, you can book an enrichment with the animal of your choice! The Haven will send you a video of our furry friends engaging in a special activity or treat, personalised just for you. They also have virtual tours and other opportunities for socially distant, remote activities during social distancing efforts, click here to book.

The nineteenth of March 2020

goats, pigs

We are going to pause our March of Pigs for an opportunity for some quarantine fun and fundraising.

Cooped up inside, being socially distant, canceling plans, routines and holidays can be a huge bummer. Take a break from the chaos and enjoy a virtual tour of The Haven Zoo!

Just like everyone, the Haven is doing its part to support social distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus, and have closed their gates to in-person visitors. However, the Haven relies on donations to keep the animals healthy and fed. So you can support the Haven AND continue to practice good social distancing by booking a virtual tour of the zoo plus a special viewing of feeding time! Book your virtual tour here.

Scientists and public health experts have asked that we all keep at least six feet or two meters apart from one another. That can be a bit difficult to visualize. Perhaps some of our camelid pals from the Haven can help us out – a llama is about six feet long, so maintain a llama distance apart to stay safe and stop the spread! And of course, keep washing your hands.

The eighteenth of March 2020

pigs

Social interactions are a little weird lately. The very few times I have ventured out, I have made sure to keep a safe distance, even from my good friends. These are simple adjustments we all have to make to stay safe. Social distancing supports your community and keeping that 2m or 6 foot distance will help stop the spread. We will all be able to share in an epic high five and hug eventually, but for now keep your distance and wash your hands.

The seventeenth of March 2020

pigs

So here we are. There are a lot of terms being used by the government and world science officials like “self-isolation” and “social-distancing” to describe behaviors we can take to limit the spread of coronavirus. As both require adjusting our social schedules and withdrawing from many group events it is easy to get both mixed up. Here is a friendly definition of both.

Social distancing refers to choosing to work from home whenever possible, refrain from taking unnecessary travel especially on public transportation, and avoiding public places like restaurants, cinemas and bars.

Self isolation requires completely cutting yourself off from the outside world. You might be asked to self-isolate if you start experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, or have close contact with someone experiencing symptoms of coronavirus. In self-isolation you don’t leave your home for two weeks and avoid all face to face contact with the outside world.

Both can be quite lonely, but try not to worry too much. This too shall pass, and there will be wonderful things on the other side.

The sixteenth of March 2020

goats, pigs

It seems strange to keep writing little things and posting pictures of pigs and then goats, but here we are. I assure you, I fully intend to carry on; however, at some point, I may run out of photographs. So, please send me your goat photographs, pig photographs, and whatever else you got to goat.of.the.day.blog@gmail.com

That said, I have been told to limit all non-essential social contact for at least three months. It is really hard to have to stop going to work and doing a lot of things I love to do out and about and in the community, BUT maybe something wonderful will come out of all of that. Maybe, with all of the time I will create something beautiful, or develop a new skill, or read and learn about fantastic things. And most importantly, I will be doing my part to stop the spread of the coronavirus. What a time to be alive.