From Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu, Canada/
Canada has joined other affected countries in taking drastic steps towards stemming the tide of the novel coronavirus with a declaration of emergency to last for two weeks.
The Ontario province enacted the declaration of emergency to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public. As a result, all public establishments are shut. These include bars and restaurants, except such facilities provide takeout and food delivery, all facilities providing indoor recreational programs, all public libraries, private schools, all licensed child care centres, movie cinemas, theatres, including those offering live performances of music, dance and other art forms, including concert venues.
“Additionally, all organized public events of over 50 people are prohibited, including parades, events and communal services within places of worship. These orders will remain in place until March 31, 2020, when the province will reassess for an extension or end the closures.”
Prior to the declaration of emergency, the daily advice at the Centre for Security & Management Training was: “If you have the symptoms, please don’t come to school, seek immediate medical attention…”
The CEO always addressed the students on how best to be safe from the fast-spreading coronavirus, which has claimed thousands of lives across the globe. The students, though aware of the danger the virus posed outside the school, felt secured within the walls of the school that was being disinfected almost every minute. They always applied the preventive measures outside the school as taught them by the security expert, Chief Executive Officer, Steven Reesor. To them, the virus has been arrested in their world. So, their syllabus could be worked- through unhindered.
Though expected, as others around them have shut down businesses, some of the students were still surprised when Reesor breezed into Class B and without mincing words, announced: “I’ve got news for you…the school is shutting down for two weeks…if the situation improves, to be reopened on April 6…if otherwise, we will get in touch with you…”
“I thought we arrested this virus at least in our world…” a student said.
The 66- year-old CEO Reesor, however, apologized to the students, saying,” I don’t want to shut down, we just have to follow suit for the good of everyone… I’ve got to pay rent… I just laid-off two of my staff…this is the worst crisis since World War 2…
“The school is just one out of many cases of business shut down in Toronto, Ontario. Public and private establishments, schools, worship centres etc are closed. However, people jostled for space in the shopping malls in panic-buying of foodstuff and drinks.”
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