A Different Kind Of Layover In Montreal (YUL)

@Erick’s understanding and empathy have reminded me that yes, Lucky and Ford were over-prepared, and in a way over-responsible. And, if only for this moment, I can say that their travel was (Self-, or some other way) justified, then job well done.

But as much as they knew, and as much as they may know, there are tens of thousands of people out there far less travel-literate just “going to go.” There are probably a hundred thousand behind each of those that want, and would venture out.

And from what I’ve read on this forum the past days, the articles/posts and comments, there is only a minority willing to stand up and be an example of sacrifice for the greater good as opposed to rationalizing your own selfish actions for your own shallow gains.

Again, I am a front line worker, and I see people like you all every day I report to work. I do my job to get where you think you need/make it clear you want to be. I’d just like to hear for once that more people are taking a responsible approach to how you endanger my life.

I do have to say that Canada's travel ban seems petty and based on paranoia. Infection rates in the absolute sense are low and vary by region on both sides of the border.

What really gives it away is that the travel ban sits ON TOP of the quarantine requirement. That shows that the travel ban portion is mainly political pandering and not science-based.

Going back to the travel report, I think we can consider Lucky as a "front line" worker conducting an "essential" task to keep the rest of us stay-at-home folks sane during this time. Also, I find Lucky's blogs about industry trends to be lacking depth and insight - however, trip reports are his forté. So kindly stay in that lane, and bring us more please. Thank you!

@Rob
I simply fully agree. I do hope the best for your future and the future of so many others in a very similar position.

Your words about the "Me first, me best" resonate very well to me. Unfortunately this is not just the US. Maybe the only exception are some Asian countries. I could see that first hand late February in Hong Kong. Very disciplined. Masks. Everyone .. well except for the "white" tourists. I knew Europe, the US would not follow. Different values obviously. Most people in Europe will not wear a mask if they are not obliged to. Same probably in the US. Until maybe someone close gets sick and possibly dies. In most cases total lack of true empathy. This is well reflected in some comments here.

Sad to see how the initial reaction/communication from experts (in Europe, in the US), i.e. to deny the obvious benefits of wearing masks, is hitting back. Whatever the real motivation back then was (maybe effectively securing FFP2 or N95 masks for health care workers?) this provided self-centric people a fantastic opportunity to not wear the so uncomfortable masks. Even justifying them when making fun out of people wearing masks (I speak out of experience). From some comments above I see this is used as a very poor justification and a fantastic opportunity to now blame these experts advocating for people to wear masks. Despite the obvious. Despite the facts. Kindergarten. Sad.

Obviously some governments are managing the crisis better than others. In Europe Angela Merkel in Germany is doing a fantastic job. Certainly not an easy task. Too much for weak and unfit governments obviously.

Now back to Ben's travels I believe that what really matters is to comply and over-comply with all security and precautionary measures. I truly believe that if everyone would do so (and/or be in a position to do so) wherever we are the virus would be kept under reasonable control... well unless it further evolves to be even more contagious and dangerous of course.

The big issue is that a) most people in "developed" western countries don't spontaneously and consistently take the appropriate precautions and b) mass transportation makes it difficult to force the social distancing measures (not even talking about economic reasoning)

But the "Me first, me best" is the true foundation of the chaos when facing pandemic. Unlike natural disasters we can't see viruses... and what we do not see is hard to believe or can be easily denied. Until a loved one dies... or until we get sick...and maybe die.

Sorry just getting way too old obviously. Blabbering as Mark would probably say ;)

@Pete, wow! Sounds like your beef is really with the politicians who you’ve elected to represent and therefore, decide for you. Or are you cheesed off because your politicians are dithering, refusing to make any decisions because they don’t have the mental acuity to choose a rational course of action much less the integrity and backbone to stand by them?

But if you have a true difference of opinion with the experts, then bring some facts of your own to present, instead of just bullet points from “oppo-research” memos.

You know what they say.... one shouldn’t bring a Q-Anon mug to a debate.

Politicians blindly following “experts” into economic collapse - what a brilliant idea! Who elected these “experts”? How do I become one? The people who claimed masks didn’t work at the height of the epidemic, and at the end suddenly decide they’re vital? The people who claim Cuomo did a good job? The people who said aerosols didn’t matter? The “expert” with decades old incoherent Fortran code producing non-reproducible estimates? At best, these “experts” are giving an educated opinion.

Now let’s wait for the politicians to throw these “experts” under the bus. Already happening in Holland and the UK.

I'm an American, living in Canada.
If it weren't for my mother's terminal illness and subsequent passing, there would be no reason at all why I would be in the States right now. In fact, I would have brought my mother up to Canada to stay with me, had she been healthy.
Sure, we've got some of the same libertarian bs up here with anti-maskers, but for the most part, Canadians are wearing their masks; socially distancing; following rules; and listening to public health experts (who are the ones leading right now - the politicians are taking their cues, making their decisions, based on the guidance of medical and public health experts...something a certain American political party just can't seem to wrap its head around...). The hospitals haven't been overwhelmed and there's been a very reassuring - even heartwarming - sense that we are all in this together, and that we will all get through it together. Very similar experience to what my colleagues in Thailand, France, Norway, Germany, the UAE, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand report. Oh, and look at their curves...