A recent report found that adult Canadians reported the world's third-highest levels of stress, anxiety and sadness over the course of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Similarly, a poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute found one in three Canadians reports having a “poor” or “very poor” social life, whereas in 2019 just 14% did so.
And isolation plays a significant role in worsening mental health issues among Canadians, particularly for those that live alone.
In an update to its Safer Social Interactions page on Jan. 2, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) notes that "social interaction and getting together with others in person and online is important to our wellbeing."
While the Provincial Health Order on Gatherings does not permit people who live with others to visit anyone outside of their household, it makes a couple of exceptions, and one of them is for individuals who reside on their own.
For people who live alone, a core bubble is a maximum of two people you see regularly.
Despite this exception, a recent thread on Reddit shows that many people who live alone are confused about the rule, or are concerned about seeing anyone at this point--which means that some people are staying alone by choice.
"If I could bubble with one or two people, I'd gladly do it."
But as Reddit user u/grahamyvr explains, it isn't easy or possible for every person living alone to have one or two individuals to spend time with safely: "If I could bubble with one or two people, I'd gladly do it. Problem is, my friends are married with children (and grandparents helping with daycare) or living with their 70-year-old father (and understandably concerned about any risks to his health)."
Another person, u/Leeopoldd, says he knows someone whose philosophy seems to be 'You should be happy to catch COVID-19. If I had it, I'd spread it to everyone I know!' The Reddit user describes that friend as: "The guy I used to hang out most often with 2k20, who continues to see every person he can throughout all of this and can't be arsed to wash his hands even after a [expletive]."
The problem? "I live alone and am pretty much alone too. The only people I know who also live alone are... Unfortunately, that guy," writes u/Leeopoldd.
"I have friends who are scared and single and prefer isolation only."
Another person asks if people are actually not seeing anyone, despite the exception to the order. Reddit user u/big-shirtless-ron says that "Yes, people are, and they are acting like martyrs because of it."
Elsewhere on the Reddit thread, u/ynosleepscreams notes: "I have friends who are scared and single and prefer isolation only, and already know the rules. They aren't comfortable meeting, and I ain't forcing them. I am mature enough to know we are still friends. I call and talk to them regularly instead."
Similarly, r/MogamiStorm writes: "Many who live alone realize it. They are just unwilling to contribute to be one of the statistics that end up on bc’s daily update infected."
Confusion regarding the PHO order – Gatherings and Events (PDF)
Of course, a few people seem to think the order on gatherings is merely a "suggestion" or an advisory, rather than an official rule.
"I have family that are doctors and nurses and like mentioned before, they don’t follow protocols strictly. They say that we just need to use our common sense. Majority of Vancouverites are doing just that. The internet is filled with the worst people," writes u/Worried-Towel-3951.
The PHO on Gatherings states that social interactions and close contact between people are associated with significant increases in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and increases in the number of people who develop COVID-19 and become seriously ill.
As such, following the rule on social gatherings is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to keep you and your loved ones safe.
The order is in effect from Nov. 19, 2020 at midnight to Feb. 5, 2021 at midnight.
