This year has been challenging, no doubt about it.
As a public health professional, I know that we have asked a lot of all of you. We’ve asked you to stay home, stay away from family and friends, change your daily routines and adopt new “normals” when out in public.
Specifically, in Wellington, Dufferin and Guelph, we asked you to be leaders in the community and be the first public health region in Ontario to wear face coverings in most indoor commercial establishments. Please know, we haven’t taken these decisions and recommendations lightly.
We also know these public health guidelines have and will continue to make a difference in the fight to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Moving forward
“Pandemic fatigue” can occur when people get tired of the pandemic measures and become less likely to follow public health practices or simply begin to drown out those messages. A natural sense of burnout can happen since we’ve had to stick to these public health measures for such a prolonged period of time.
Pandemic fatigue can be experienced differently for everyone but often presents itself as feeling restless, irritable, lacking motivation, and difficulty concentrating on tasks. You may even notice yourself withdrawing from socializing with others or physical symptoms such as changes in eating and sleep habits.
Pandemic fatigue may be experienced more by youth and young adults whose social circles are not as clearly defined yet and socializing to build friendship networks and romantic relationships are an important focus in this stage of their life.
So unlike their parents or younger siblings, who may be okay with sticking within their immediate social circle, youth and young adults may be tempted to break the rules as they perceive their risk of COVID-19 harms to be low.
Remember that our actions impact a greater number of people than just ourselves and our immediate social circles. Realize that each interaction can have a ripple effect to spread the virus. Respect that everyone is going to “return” at their own pace.
Choose activities/locations that will make it easy for you to continue to follow public health guidelines. For example, have a picnic in the park with friends or family where you can maintain physical distancing rather than meeting up for a meal inside a restaurant.
Try to become more self-aware and recognize possible feelings of pandemic fatigue. Practice self-compassion, it’s okay not to be okay. Reach out for support if you become overwhelmed.
Being social and going out
The Public Health Agency of Canada released some helpful suggestions on how to go out safely during COVID-19. They recommend you should avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact.
They also provide examples of low-, medium- and high-risk activities.
Low-risk activities include: ordering takeout/delivery from a restaurant, socially distanced picnic at the park, and backyard barbecue with social circle.
Medium-risk activities include: going to your local public pool to swim; climbing on play structures at the park; and eating on the outdoor patio at a restaurant.
High risk activities include: dining inside a crowded restaurant, attending an indoor house party with people outside of your social circle, and going to bar to watch a sports event on TV.
Factors that can decrease your level of risk include:
– follow public health guidance (physical distancing, wash hands, wear a face covering);
– gather outdoors whenever possible;
– gather in smaller groups, preferably with consistent social circle;
– gather for shorter durations of time (especially if a larger group and indoors); and
– stay home if you are feeling ill.
By Lindsay Cline,
Health promotion specialist with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health