Opinion

Walking into a big-box outdoors store on a Wednesday afternoon is typically a fairly mellow affair, but this week was a different story. At least in the guns and ammunition department.

At most of the decision points so far in the crisis, governments started in the relatively moderate range of options. Every time they did that, they adjusted to the extreme level quite quickly.

To our readers, advertisers, sponsors and community members: I’m writing this column to let you know that everyone at the Burnaby NOW is aware of the mounting challenges that the current COVID-19 pandemic is creating for many of you.

Editor: It’s time to de-stigmatize the wearing of masks in Burnaby. Wearing a mask in the western world has been an indication of sickness.

Editor: I am so unhappy with the government's 80% effort on Covid-19. Let us go 100% and starve this virus. Let us treat the next two months as one very long Sunday. No rent to pay or collect. No mortgage to pay or collect. Commercial or residential.

Premier John Horgan was more interested Tuesday in pressing Ottawa for action on the economic response to the pandemic than showing his own hand.

Editor: Yesterday, my family encountered shortages of staple foods such as rice, flour, and chicken at our nearest Burnaby grocery store.

A Burnaby steakhouse is in some, uh, medium rare company. Atlas Steak + Fish next to the Grand Villa Casino is nominated for ‘best steakhouse’ for the annual Vancouver Magazine food awards.

Editor: I have seen a lot here and online about employers not allowing their employees to work from home, even if they are equipped to do so.

Former B.C. reporter Shane Woodford is ahead of the story. Eight hours ahead, in time zones, since he lives in Denmark. And Denmark looks to be a few days ahead of Canada in terms of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response to it.