Discussions

It has been amazing how society has changed when we are told to change. In some ways I like shopping now over before. I am still not a fan of bagging my groceries but it is what it is. I enjoy not having a million shopping carts left all over the parking lots because of the excuse they cannot leave their children unattended or some excuse. At first with Covid there was slight uproar on having to limit the amount of family members shopping. Somehow to this day we are still surviving on limited shoppers and very little children in the stores. Maybe it is just me but I have seen a reduction in items randomly placed in shelves where they do not belong. I don't know if it is related to one of those "Can I have this" moment and when told no just randomly placed on a shelf instead of putting it back. Seems most are compliant with sanitizing your hands. One guy in Cabela's had to be chased down and yelled at to get his attention, then proceed to seen annoyed when everyone in the store heard this lady except him and all eyes were on him. It has been quieter in the stores and overall my shopping experience has increased.

People need to remember they still need to social distance while in stores and out and about. And please, don’t complain about having to sanitize your hands when you go into a store. It’s for everyone’s protection. We have had so few cases because of the precautions we take.

I love the idea of hand washing before entering a building and I don’t see what the big deal is about it but her there are those who get upset when told to do so... Canadian tire here had the stations outside but no one is enforcing it so that is annoying as there are people who just walk right by it... wait till September when/if the government enforced masks in public spaces. People will be really upset then

I walk by the hand wash stations too. But I use the hand sanitizer inside their lobby.

I much prefer the handwash stations. Soap & water had been proven to kill more germs (not just this virus), does not contribute to superbugs (remember all those warnings in past years not so long ago?), and actually takes those dead things off of your hands.  
 
I don't want sanitizer on my hands. I don't want to breathe in the fumes either...they do have them. I would gladly wash my hands at a station, however! I am not against safety nor cleanliness, but I want a choice of what to use, and there is a much better alternative available to sanitizers! Soap is cheap & so is water...and proven more effective...and healthier in so many respects.  
 
Some sanitizers have (and may still have) had dangerous chemicals in them, many have perfumes, they dry out your hands, and some people are chemically sensitive to them. We notice it affects us through headaches & congestion after a time of shopping in Brandon.  
 
As far as masks, if they become mandatory, I will not be allowed to go out. I am not against them fully, I just cannot wear one. I am one of those (I understand, its few) who cannot wear one due to an experience that I had when younger. This caused PTSD that doesn't allow me to have anything over my face. I panic terribly. I cannot "just get over it" either. It is well known by mask fitters that some people cannot wear masks. Does that mean that they & I should be discriminated against? That we/I have to be isolated/punished because we/I can't wear one and stay secluded? What about mental health in that case? What if this was you? Could you handle it over an undefined period of time?  
 
As far as no kids in the store, how are these kids going to learn how to properly shop for anything? How are they going to learn how to respect others in regards to space & noise tolerance while shopping & follow even the strangest of rules (like we are) if asked to? Yes, it is quieter, but families have children. It is how it is. Sometimes they are noisy. Sometimes busy. But they are a very important part of our society. I, for one, can't wait until we are allowed to be normal again.  
 
I find it sad how society has changed. This is not normal at all, but all these things are now accepted as such because there have been enough days to recondition most peoples' thinking. It has caused stress, hate & mental health issues. It has caused unnatural divisions. The health sector will benefit from the ill effects for a long time to come. As a society, I certainly hope we can recover from the damage that has been done.  
 
Edited by Flutterby, 2020-07-14 09:27:56

Flutterby, I hear you on the PTSD thing. I typically get very panicky if anything covers my face or restricts my breathing in any way (I don't know why specifically, I've just always been like that). The few times I've had a mask for surgery for gases etc, I've panicked and tried to get up and leave. I warned them the last time and they were ready for me LOL.  
 
That being said, have you tried wearing one? I'm only asking because I thought I would have trouble with it, but it turns out I'm fine. I think because mentally it's a protection thing that allows me, psychologically, to do it. I practiced wearing it around the house first. I think too because I'm controlling it, it's easier. It took a bit, but now I'm quite comfortable wearing one.  
 
I also sewed my own masks. I think the process, from beginning to end, also helped. Again, I was in control. It's for my protection and the protection of others. It's something safe. I can do this.  
 
But yes, we need to remember that at least some of the people out there who aren't wearing masks are doing so for legitimate reasons. We need to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, just like when we see a out-of-province license plate. We need to assume those people are following the rules, and then follow the rules ourselves.  
 
I agree with you with kids in stores, but I think in the short term it's important to keep numbers as low as possible in stores. This will become more important once they start restricting numbers again, which I expect they will once flu season rears it's head. My children being in the store forces someone else to wait outside. My kids understand this, and accept it as a temporary measure. We did bring them the other day because both my husband and I needed to be there for something and we have no child care, but it was literally the first time since March I had them in. They know it was a one-time deal.

I wear a face mask, sanitize and/or wash my hands.. as well as social distancing. Shopping in a face mask is challenging it is difficult to communicate and sometimes the mask fogs up my glasses. However, I wear a mask to keep my germs to myself protecting others if I’m asymptomatic. For those people who cannot wear face masks, my heart goes out to you. I hope you are able to socialize virtually by phone or video, get your essential supplies and are not too lonely. This is a very stressful and scary time for everyone. Please be kind.

I don’t know why the case number and death number is low in Manitoba - but I don’t think it’s because we are better than following guidelines. Talking to friends in other provinces they are doing the same things. Even friends in the states are doing the same guidelines. Daily I see people here who don’t so if that was all it took to pass the virus it would be higher transmission here. God only knows why the number is low here

I think the fact that MB here got on top of COVID quickly, along with the population went along with what was asked of us. I also think a big factor is obviously the population of the area in question.

And the day you posted this there were five new reported cases in Manitoba.  
 
As for the thread topic, I too prefer the shopping lately. It is much quieter (less children), less clogging the aisles (chatters) and more organized (less randomly discarded items on the shelves ). Now.......if we could just find a way to teach others what the confusing arrow symbol means we'll be set.

If you are out shopping. Not always convenient, but necessary. Keep Manitoba’s numbers down.

last time shopping there i couldn't get soap out of the dispenser so there i was touching it and not being able to get any soap so i could wash my hands! just had to run water over my hands, don't think that got rid of any nasties!

Most of my experiences shopping haven't been too bad . As time went on, its actually became easier for me getting in and out smoothly. Its usually the elderly that are wearing masks which I respect their decision. I don't wear a mask and respectfully don't think its needed at this stage (maybe 5 months ago I would of said differently).  
 
People just need to follow the arrows, no ifs or buts about it. Its as bad as going as driving the wrong direction. Canadian Tire and Superstore are worst for people not following the arrows, people not following social distancing. I complained last week at Canadian Tire to a person working there after the 5th person was going the wrong direction and try to get past me, the 5th person was a stock person. The person just shrugged their shoulders .

I was in one of our larger Stores yesterday shopping for my groceries.  
This Store is trying hard to keep us all safe from the Covid Virus. They have a Greeter disinfecting the carts, the have 2 large bottles of hand sanitizer and paper towels to wash your hands when you enter & leave the Store. They have arrows on the floor of every aisle to only go one way or the other. They have marks on the floor to stay 6 feet apart.  
I had my mask & gloves on & obeying all the rules like  
social distancing & following the one ways marked on the floor.  
This one selfish, rude older female was coming down my aisle the wrong way. This was very upsetting to me.  
I politely said to this person, Oh you are going the wrong way. She rudely says to me, I’m quite aware of that! I asked her if she knew there are fine? She rudely says to me, are you going to arrest me???  
What are we to do with people with this kind of attitude? People that think it can’t happen to me.  
Is it to much to ask people to Social Distance & obey one way aisles when grocery shopping?

It is much easier for all (or at least the majority) of us to be wearing masks indoors without question than it is for the employees at stores to wear them for several hours a day.  
 
I wear a mask every time I go shopping because I personally want store employees to feel as safe as they can given that they need to go to work to support themselves. Even as a fellow customer I am uncomfortable when people encroach on my space when they aren't wearing a mask.  
 
I'm more convinced that our numbers are low out of nothing more than sheer luck considering the way I've seen people acting out in public.

When I see someone wearing a mask I think that they are hiding something. Just like in all the old bank robber movies the bad guys would wear a mask of some kind. Also it might give someone who actually had Covid a sense of being bullet proof so they could go out and about. I stay 6 ft away from everyone I can. No mask for me.

Most stores are doing the same things you mentioned in your post, it is definitely not exclusive to shoppers drug mart. Also, there is no fine for not obeying the one way arrows on the floor, that’s ridiculous. It is disrespectful? Absolutely. Worthy of a fine? Um, no lol

Walmart and Costco in US have compulsory mask requirement for all customers and staff. The huge spike in covid numbers in some states has led to this. Walmart just announced this. If and when our hospitals are filled to capacity and temporary morgues are necessary, I wonder if then the covid-naysayers will have a change of opinion. It might be too late for those with compromised immunity.

Based off the covid19 numbers in Manitoba, the answer is no. If we continue to social distance, wash the hands and be intelligent, masks won't be needed minus seeing your dentist. Having said that, I wish Pallister would hold off in opening up our province for another month or so and restrict air travel if anything.

You do realize that wearing a mask is for the health and safety of others right? You could be spreading it all over the place by refusing to comply with the newly accepted social norm. You may want to check out the new info being released regarding aerosols.  
 
Someone brushed right past me in a store today and I keep the six foot distance. It happens all the time. Just like you feel you have a right to not wear a mask they feel they have a right to walk wherever they want. People need to be asked to leave the store.

I have no difficulty telling people when they are going the wrong way. Many still seem surprised and turn around but lately have noticed responses like "it's to far to go the right way" or "so?"  
 
Something so simple as following the arrows, yet many feel so entitled and are convinced they are not the ones to worry about.  
 
Mask, distance, washing. These along with following some very basic rules will allow Manitoba to continue in the enviable position we are at.  
 
Don't be greedy, we do not want to end up like the states, and it only takes one to make it so.

I do shopping at different times (Generally after 8pm) but almost no one is wearing masks at Walmart when I go, you’re the odd person out if you are wearing a mask. I ran into superstore during the day on tuesday and everyone was wearing a mask It was entirely different from what I was used to seeing. Went last night again to superstore but after 830 and almost no masks again. Seems like different crowds wear masks.  
 
I did go to a salon last tuesday, they said on the phone to wear a mask etc. When I arrived i was the only person wearing a mask besides the workers. No one enforced the clients to be wearing a mask when they entered without one. I was even asked if I wanted to remove my mask, I declined as I’m pregnant and less fumes anyhow. Was very strange though.

What kind of reach do you have to make to come to the conclusion that the people wearing masks for everyone's safety have something to hide? I actually laughed out loud at this. People aren't going out wearing balaclavas LOL. Though I guess you're not entirely wrong: the people going out wearing masks are trying to hide their germs to keep others healthy.  
 
Every day I see a weirder excuse for people to not wear a mask. At this point I wish someone would just own up, be honest, and say that they aren't wearing a mask because they just don't care if they or anyone else gets sick.

We don't have rights. If you are out in public right now it is socially responsible and necessary to stop infection by wearing a mask and washing hands. Masks should have been mandatory here long ago regardless of the number of cases. Also, if you want to force people to follow arrows speak up. You see people disregarding arrows, tell them. Also make sure to take a cart when shopping. If you stop in an isle turn the cart sideways and do no let anyone pass you....AT ALL! You have a voice and a right to personal safety. Use it! Otherwise stay home. I will say some stores are better than others and to me this is a product of management. We will only beat this by keeping vigilant and have a caring attitude. Our case numbers are a fluke because I hardly see anybody following protocols. Wait until September when it begins to cool off and we start congregating indoors again. With how we have let our guard down, we will be in trouble.

ram her cart with the front of yours and tell her to turn around. Loudly!

I agree with the public health recommendations and try to follow them the best I can. At the same time, people have different levels of risk adversity and that means some take more or less precautions. So we need to respect one another and not expect everyone to be exactly as worried as we are.  
 
Also we need to understand what public health is trying to achieve. Here's a quote from MB Health's COVID-19 transmission page "The virus can be spread through close contact (within two metres or six feet) with an infected person who is coughing or sneezing." So first, if you are sick stay home. Second, if you feel comfortable wearing a mask to catch your droplets please do so. Plus hand washing and trying to break a lifetime habit of touching your face with your hands.  
However, my momentarily passing you in the aisle while you read all the ingredients is not the problem. I'll say excuse me, like normal, and I won't cough on you. Nor will I shout at you or bash your cart. If you feel more worried than I do then please turn away from me and let me pass quickly and politely rather than engaging in conversation. Next time you might be the one wanting to pass me.  
And think of your own actions to regards to others. We will all find ourself entering other's 6 foot circle when its convenient or necessary for us because it's natural to take more risk when we feel more benefit from the action.  
Everything we are doing to limit transmission is helping and making the economic costs worthwhile. We still need to function as a society so a little give and take will be easier than fighting over 'rights'.

Tiger barb, I just read your rant and spit coffee all over when I got to the caring attitude part! I think you and I disagree on what caring attitude means.  
 
So, we do have rights, go ahead and look it up.  
 
I have a right to not wear a mask, you have a right to wear one. And if you chose to ram me with your cart (as you advised in another post) I can charge you with assault.

The Covid thing is starting to lose me because of some attitudes. Yes, we have a virus and need to be careful. I try to respect everybody’s space, there will be times it may not work very good. But, I am not going to wait six feet from you while you leisurely shop. When I go into a store, I have a list, in and out, done. I let people know I coming by. If you are that freaked out, put your face down your shirt. Ramming me with your cart would not be a recommended action towards me. We all do things at a different pace and if you are holding people back, you need to have some respect for their time as well.

It is amazing how many flies I can catch with one off the cuff loud comment meant to make a point. I am not ramming people in stores. Honestly. I will make a scene. You may get red faced when I tell you to turn around in front of the entire store. But some people need to be told.  
 
Turning the cart sideways to protect your space works.  
 
Wearing a mask is socially responsible. To protect others not yourself. Following arrows on floors and all safety protocols in society is socially responsible to protect others not yourself.  
 
I want to see everyone being responsible for caring for everyone else and doing their part in that equation.  
 
Edited by Tiger Barb, 2020-07-16 17:15:25

Turning your cart to purposely cause congestion in a store is counter productive and causes people to be in more close contact. I will scoot by you while you stand there selfishly to read ingredients while everyone waits to go past you. If you’re purposely blocking me with your cart i’ll also move it. Don’t care. You blocking traffic forcing people to cluster behind you in line, or try and slowly squeeze past your cart is more problematic- and hindering social distancing more than letting someone quickly sneak by. Cause a scene I’ll just keep walking on my way while not blocking the flow of ‘traffic’ intentionally.