Dear COVID-19:

    I need a vacation. Away from the bustle of day-to-day duties, the stress of home-schooling, the constant emails and phone calls, and the never-ending laundry. Is it just me or has laundry doubled during the pandemic?
    Yet I can’t help but wonder: am I allowed a vacation? The media and health officials are pushing for staycations, despite the reassuring numbers these past few weeks, because so much remains uncertain. Festivals have been cancelled. Many parks are closed. Camping sites are limited in number. It would make sense to just stay home and enjoy some downtime. However, what about those of us who can’t actually relax or have official time away unless we physically leave our town? Can we go camping? Can we go visit family at their cabins in a nearby province? Can we stay in a hotel? Or Airbnb? And even if we can, should we?
    The worry of harassment if you’re pegged as a tourist resounds with many of us, especially after all the stories of others being threatened for having out of province license plates. Some provinces, like Manitoba and Nova Scotia, still require visitors to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. PEI and Newfoundland still have their borders closed to access, even by other Canadians. Doug Ford told Quebec that they love them in Ontario, but to please wait before they visit their neighbours.

    How could we vacation during the pandemic and do our best to stay safe? Here are some suggestions:
• Well, the borders remain closed to unnecessary travel at this time, so Canada it is, eh?
• Start planning and keep track of what’s currently happening with outbreaks and numbers in the areas you’re considering visiting. Make sure to check the rules from the province before you leave.
• Outdoor vacations are your best and safest option. For those of you with an RV, you’re in luck because you have full control over that space, keeping it clean, and restricting access to others. Camping can also be safe, but the struggle becomes communal areas, such as common bathrooms for those of you who usually tent.
• Keep numbers low. If you do plan to visit family or friends, be selective. The fewer people, the lower the risk of exposure.
• Hotel vs Airbnb? Both will have to adhere to strict cleaning protocols; however, a house rental is limited to just you and your own. You can easily go in and clean it on arrival, controlling the disinfection of each area, versus managing the hygiene of a hotel and the other patrons coming-and-going.

    As I write these suggestions, I find myself anxious and discouraged, rather than excited to getaway. We may be itching to get out of town, but all the rules and restrictions put too much of a damper on a holiday. Is it worth it? Or should we just wait?

Dear COVID-19 is a weekly column supplied by
Drs. Rithesh and Veronique Ram

    Drumheller Titans alumni are turning heads on the field as the next generation head up to the next level of play.
    Last week it was announced standouts Connor Enns and Braden Mazereeuw were selected to play for the junior Valley Huskers. The Huskers are based in Chilliwack and play in the BC Football conference. Tye Sparvier was also signed for junior football playing for the Calgary Colts.     
    Enns has played in the Drumheller Community Football program from the Peewee Terrapins up to the Senior Titans. The DVSS graduate also played for the Airdrie Raiders.
    “They checked out my Hudl (video highlights) tape from last year with the Titans and they liked what they saw and reached out to me,” said Connor. This was not his only offer, but found the Huskers were a great fit.

    “I wanted to go to junior because my bothers also went there as well, and the team that I joined gave me a huge opportunity,” said Enns.
    He still has his sights on university and would like to play in British Columbia.
    Mazereeuw will be joining Enns as a Husker.  The St. Anthony’s graduate played as full-back and halfback for the Titans. He has played with the squad for 8 years.  He selected the Huskers because of the connection he made with the coach
“I liked the way he talked to me, he made me feel like he really wanted me to come to his organization,”’ said Mazereeuw.
    He explains he can play up to two years at the junior level without it affecting his eligibility at university.
    With the Calgary Colts selection of Tye Sparvier, he brings size to the squad. The 6’ 5” Titan has signed up to play on the Offensive Line for the Colts.
     Sparvier has played three years with the Titans, in a number of different positions. He is grateful for the instruction he has received from the Titans and has progressed quickly through his high school career.

    He tells the Mail, he chose the Colts because of location. He will be attending SAIT this fall studying new media production and design.
    “It is pretty exciting, it will be a new interesting chapter,” said Sparvier.