Canadian Government Executive - Volume 26 - Issue 05

6 / Canadian Government Executive // November/December 2020 I have COVID fatigue. Perhaps you do too. In the interests of self-preservation, plus concern for others, in the spring I went into a period of deep hibernation, not that there was much choice as most venues—restau- rants, galleries, libraries, cinemas, museums, even parks—were closed. COVID-19 By Hugh Stephens COVID and What’s Around the Corner? T hen we started to “flatten the curve” (at least in my neck of the woods) and a gradual re- opening occurred—until the “second wave” arrived that is. Libraries and museums cautiously and partially reopened (with a limit of just six people at a time in all our local library branches). Parks reopened, outdoor res- taurant patios sprang up and spread into adjacent streets that suddenly became pedestrian precincts, and even cinemas reopened with limited seating. But the lo- cal symphony hasn’t been able to perform, live theatre productions for the coming winter season have been cancelled, book launches are virtual only, and just about the only live music one hears comes from the occasional busker and street musician.