THUNDER BAY – Stay at home, and stay safe. It’s a simple message delivered by a number of familiar faces, in a short video they hope will get through to those who need to hear it.
“We’re asking you to listen to the advice of experts,” say a roster of well-known Thunder Bayers in the clip, produced by Shaw Spotlight. “Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds, practice physical distancing by staying six feet apart – and above all, please stay home.”
It’s all about showing people they’re not alone despite the need for physical distance, said Nancy Freeborn, a popular local musician featured in the video.
“I think it was important to help get that message out, because I believe when people see others in the community are following the guidelines and taking things seriously, they may be more inclined to follow suit.”
“It enforces the idea that we’re all in this together, making these changes and sacrifices,” she added. “People need to know that they’re not alone and they’re not ‘overreacting.’”
Sarah Love, the creator of the video, echoed that sentiment.
"To have people you either know or hear and see everyday following the Stay at Home direction lets you know that you’re not alone and that others have sacrificed to help flatten the curve.
Greg Chomut, a teacher who helps lead the Wake the Giant initiative, said he was happy to participate in a video that reinforced key messaging from public health officials.
“It’s important to take the advice of experts,” he said. “A lot of people are following the directions and staying home. If some people aren’t, then this will probably last longer and I think we all want to protect our loved ones and get back to normal as soon as possible.”
Freeborn said she can relate to the difficulties many are facing through the pandemic. She and her husband have lost their jobs, and are working to keep their child engaged at home, with school shut down.
“Things are uncertain, money is tight, and anxieties are high,” she said.
Along with the challenges, she’s also trying to embrace the positives, like having more time to connect as a family.
“We’ve been given the opportunity to spend some real quality time together, and we’re grateful for that,” she said.
Chomut agreed.
“It helps me to focus on the time I’m getting to spend with my family and to see it as a chance to slow down a bit,” he said “A lot of people don’t have the option to stay home whether they are nurses, doctors, grocery store or other essential workers. I’ve got to be thankful for what I have and thankful for the sacrifices that others are making.”
For Gord Ellis, a local CBC radio personality and avid outdoorsman featured in the #StayAtHome video, physical distancing has reinforced just how precious our everyday connections are.
“I know many of the things I've taken for granted – like a hug from my kids, or playing music with my friends – I won't ever again.”
The video concludes with an affirming message from all participants: "We love you, Thunder Bay."
"We may not be able to see our friends and family at this time," Love said, "but we take solace in knowing that together we can beat this. Thunder Bay is known for its giant heart and our community will come out of this even stronger! I have no doubt about that."
