By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau
EDMONTON (Eagle News) — Canadians from all walks of life are beginning to adjust to the new realities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For some, it has been the loss of income. Many people were laid off. Others who are still working have reduced hours.
Commission sales people are the hardest hit. Floor traffic is almost non-existent and sales are rare.
Parents are scrambling to provide care for the children now that schools and day cares are closed.
Social distancing has forced people into isolation, taking away recreational activities, social interaction and even religious services.
Here is a look at how the pandemic has affected a few sectors in Canada.
– Changes in health care may close doctors’ doors –
You would think people working in health care would be safe from the economic impact of the pandemic. However, family doctors in Edmonton say tele-medicine could force them out of business.
Tele-health has become commonplace as in-person visits to clinics are being discouraged to maintain social distancing. But family doctors in Edmonton say they may face bankruptcy, claiming the provincial government doesn’t pay them enough for virtual visits.
In a news release, the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association said the government is paying physicians less than half of what they would get for an office visit. The fee for a virtual visit is 20 dollars, the lowest in Canada according to an association survey.
“If the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many doctors will face the reality that $20 per call will close their doors,” according to the association.
“This is a time to focus on providing patients with virtual care,” reads the release. “It is not a time to add the stress of a pandemic by forcing practices to close.”
A number of businesses in Edmonton are closing their doors due to the lack of customers.
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is offering a free webinar this week to help businesses cope with the impact of COVID-19.
– The challenge in real estate –
Real estate agents not only have a slowdown to contend with, they also have lost a valuable sales tool — open houses.
Sellers are reluctant to have people touring their homes. And social distancing is also a problem when several prospective buyers arrive at the same address.
The Real Estate Council of Alberta advises agents to assess their own risk when dealing with clients.
– Supermarket concerns –
At least one large supermarket chain in Canada s is adding protective measures for its employees and customers.
Galen Weston, chairman and executive officer of Loblaw Companies Limited, says his stores are putting in protective measures at the checkout counter.
“As part of our ongoing effort to protect you and our colleagues, we have acquired plexiglass shields for the checkout counters and we’ve started installing them in stores,” said Weston.
As well, Weston said they are continuing to secure medical grade masks, hand sanitizer and gloves for store workers.
“We are making progress and are sending them directly to stores as we get them,” said Weston. “But, for a little while longer supply will be inconsistent.”
– Funeral homes look for government recognition –
Funeral directors fear their workers may be at risk because of a lack of safety equipment.
The Alberta Funeral Service Association said it is struggling to get items such as masks and gloves.
It also wants recognition from the government.
“We are also engaging all levels of government to have funeral service providers across Canada recognized as front line workers in the fight against COVID-19,” said the association in a release.
Through all of this, people are being encouraged to maintain their hope.
There are stories of local heroes — stories of people being good neighbors and helping others through this difficult time.
At the end, people will emerge stronger. And because they had to set aside, what on a world scale is a prosperous lifestyle, hopefully they will have a better understanding of their purpose in life.
(Eagle News Service)