Around 29 local businesses and organizations signed in to the second Cortes Community COVID-19 Response Conference. This session was more topical: front line services like medical response and stores, off-island traffic, and enforcing the provincial guideline.
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The Bird’s Eye Suspending Business
One of Quadra Island’s foremost local news outlets is suspending publication until further notice. “The Hungry Eye” was originally an advertising and events sheet. Quadra Island news items started appearing after it was rechristened “the Bird’s Eye” in 2013. Amanda Smith brought 26 years of experience to the periodical when she took over as Publisher/editor four years ago. She is a former reporter, and editor, of daily newspapers in the UK and Calgary. In the Bird’s Eye’s March 25th edition, Smith announced that as a consequence of the “huge drop in advertising revenue due to the closure of businesses and cancellation of events … we cannot cover the costs of printing and Canada Post distribution at this time.”
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A Remote Island Prepares: Can Cortes Self Isolate?
Regional Director Noba Anderson invited many of Cortes Island’s key businesses and community groups to a Zoom conference call to explore responses to COVID-19. Thirty-nine people connected by phone or computer and a second person appeared on several computer screens. Many embraced the idea that we should act as if the virus is already here. In-so-far as is practical, most attendees appeared to want to see Cortes self isolate.
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March 23 COVID-19 Update
The most encouraging news item for the March 23 COVID-19 update comes from Vancouver, where local residents have embraced a new tradition. At 7 PM every night, they step outside, on their balconies, patios, rooftops, or sidewalks to applaud the city health care workers who are fighting the COVID 19 virus. This idea is believed to have originated in Europe, where the inhabitants of cities like Rome, Madrid, Paris, Athens and Amsterdam devote at least a minute every night to such pubic expressions of gratitude.
COVID-19, Emissions & Global Economics
In the midst of all the reports of closures, cancellations and global economics, I heard a very reassuring rattle coming up from the government wharf below me. Someone was tightening the bolts on the east float’s new light. Squirrel Cove’s dock restoration is proceeding. I found the Harbour Authority Cortes Island’s wharfinger, Don Tennent, lying in front of the light. His hands were extended below the deck, presumably holding the bottom of a bolt, while his helper made the final adjustments with a wrench.
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