Ryan Lythall
Before the pandemic happened, I had a very busy life. I was always out with friends or active in the community.
When the pandemic hit, this changed. Suddenly, my world became scary and my anxiety level was at an all-time high. I’ve been on high alert for the past two years. Now it seems my anxiety is about to get worse, for me as well as others who are deemed vulnerable.
Recently, the restrictions imposed for the last two years are being lifted. Almost all places (e.g., restaurants, grocery stores, other businesses) have increased their capacity. Vaccine passports are no longer mandatory, although some businesses are still requesting them. Soon (March 21) masks will no longer be required.
For me and others like me, this news is borderline terrifying. While I agree that we need to move forward, for those of us who are vulnerable, this will be a step back, perhaps, more than one. The more I think about removing COVID-19 restrictions, the more questions I have and the more anxious I become.
First, we are all aware that many people haven’t been vaccinated or haven’t worn masks either by choice or due to medical reasons.
Second, when this all started, I intended to just “put up” with wearing a mask for a few months, thinking it would be over soon. I was wrong. When the mask mandate ends, I’ll probably still wear a mask at least in indoor spaces.
As time goes on, fewer and fewer people will wear masks. Eventually, only the elderly, the immunocompromised and certain people with disabilities will continue to wear them, that is, those deemed frail and often frowned upon by society. This means we will be stared at even more often and it will add even more to our mental stress.
I should also mention that I have a much harder time speaking and being understood whenever I wear a mask. Not being able to communicate well affects me socially but it could also quickly become dangerous.
I’m hoping that events like Bluesfest and other festivals will have some type of safety measures in place. What will they be? Will they consider others like myself?
What will Para Transpo and OC Transpo do to make riders like me feel safe? How will rules change from place to place, or will they?
I have missed my old life. I have missed my connection with the city and regular interactions with my friends and strangers‒seeing smiles and laughing freely. But getting back to that place, I will need to feel safe and not on edge when I go out.
The struggle for persons with disabilities, and possibly for others, in returning to life without COVID restrictions is going to be difficult.
Follow Ryan on Twitter: @rolling_enigma