There are times when an editor truly struggles to find not just the idea for an editorial, but then the right words that will add something of merit to the conversation on the topic chosen.
This week the topic was obvious. COVID-19 is now the biggest story in terms of the world as a whole since the events of World War II, and to not write about it here would be to shirk the responsibility a weekly newspaper has to comment on the things that matter most to our readers.
But, what can be written that has not already been covered by national media with updates on cases and the growing shutdown of business and services in an attempt to at least slow the spread of the disease?
Certainly there is an impact locally. This edition has reports and stories on closures of schools and city facilities, the local casino, and the cancellation or postponement of shows and events in our community.
It also has a rather foreboding and draconian feel in light of only a handful of cases in Saskatchewan so far.
But these are efforts recommended by experts in the field as measures to slow, or stop the person-to-person transmission of the disease, and if we do not follow the best suggestions of science we risk falling into a new dark age.
But, we can’t let the situation, and unknown as it is, leave us cowering in fear either.
As Councillor Aaron Kienle wrote on Facebook Monday; “we’re heading into some unknown and very strange times.”
Kienle went farther in writing “I want to encourage people to make decisions based out of love not fear. There’s no need to freak out but there’s also no need to be stubborn and make no changes ... Be informed on what’s happening in our Province and Country.”
Kienle has it right. What we need now is a good dose of good old Canadian resolve to do what needs to be done for the broader good of all us.
Again, as Kienle noted; wash your hands often.
Stay home if you’re feeling ill.
Continue to support our local businesses while practicing safe social distancing.
Moving forward call the Healthline at 811 if you have symptoms, don’t head straight to the ER.
Be a good neighbour to our elderly residents as they are potentially at the greatest risk, check in on them and see if they need you to pick them up something when you head up town.
Consider dropping off food donations at the Salvation Army Food Bank for our residents that are unable to buy extra groceries.
“Let’s be our best selves through these uncertain times,” wrote Kienle. “Yorkton is a great community filled with great people let’s focus on being positive and supportive towards each other.”
Sometimes the right words need not be from the editor, as long as they say the right things, as Kienle so aptly did on this occasion.
