There are remarkable signs big and small that Edmontonians are together in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
The volume of traffic is down, way down. The pic above of what used to be automobile traffic was taken at 4:40 pm on Wednesday, March 31, on Wayne Gretzky Drive.
Pedestrian traffic is down in some locations, too.
Feeling cooped up
Edmontonians are heeding the call to stay home if possible.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of staying at home if you can,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “I know it’s inconvenient. I can speak from personal experience that feeling cooped up is uncomfortable. But by staying home we are, each of us, saving lives.”
There are other signs that Edmontonians are in strange times. City of Edmonton leaders are giving unprecedented advice.
“Only travel when you need to,” said Eddie Robar, Branch Manager, Edmonton Transit Service. “Stay off the buses unless it’s an essential trip for yourself.”
“I think the service is really there…for those who truly need that service as a lifeline for them in the city today,” said Robar.
Edmontonians are hearing what Robar is saying. Weekday ridership is down 72 per cent, he said.
“It’s the only time you’ll hear a transit guy say that’s a great thing, but it certainly is a great thing in this respect,” said Robar.
No sign of kindness is ever thrown away
There are other signs of the historic times Edmontonians are in. Smaller signs.
“Whether it’s starting a front yard dance party, at a distance, of course, or kids drawing pictures that people can see along their walking paths, all of these little things add up to one big virtual hug,” said Mayor Iveson.
No kind gesture is a throwaway. Even the ones that go out with the trash.
Like this one that thanks City of Edmonton waste management workers for “keeping us safe.”
Or this colourful sign from a young citizen named Jacob:
“Thank you for going out at least every day. You are a super hero.”
Stay safe, everyone.