"Honey I Shrunk the Pets, COVID-19 edition!" - Miniature Pet Photography Project

Like most of us, I’ve had to stay home to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.

Even with pantries full of food, movies-on-demand and my loved ones in the next room, I find it hard to figure out what to do with my new free time other than fret about the pandemic.

So I started this creative project to help me shake off some cabin fever and get my mind moving by using items I have around the house.

I wanted to create a way to document this historic moment in our lives in a way that would bring smiles to peoples faces.

I hope everyone is staying sane and healthy!❤️

Beth

#STAYSAFE

*This series was also featured on Bored Panda.

COVID-19 TIME CAPSULE

Physical distancing

All of Canada was asked to practice physical distancing by staying at least two metres away from anyone outside their household. We were told this would reduce our exposure to people who might be unknowingly carrying the virus and to help “flatten the curve” for healthcare workers.

Gatherings of five or more people were not allowed and a full shutdown of non-essential businesses was ordered. Some businesses were still allowed to operate but only with online sales or curbside pickup operations.

Employees of essential businesses were set up to work remotely from their homes. Traffic congestion ceased and the air was free from pollution.

The Canada/USA border was closed for the first time ever to all non-essential traffic.

Everyday actions

To reduce exposure to the virus it was recommended that we wash our hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water was not available.

Among the many essentials that were being sought to aid in the fight against COVID-19, hand sanitizer became a precious commodity.

self-isolation

We were asked to self-isolate, which meant staying at home and avoiding contact with other people to help prevent the spread of the virus. Travellers returning to Canada were also subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine in their homes.

Schools were closed and many classes were moved to virtual classrooms using video-conferencing software.

Bylaw officers were instructed to issue fines to anyone using closed trails, parks and facilities or anyone who was congregating in groups larger than 5 persons.

Face coverings and face masks

Face masks were in huge demand across Canada, with many seeking them as a helpful way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when social distancing wasn’t possible. With the demand for reusable and affordable protective gear, homemade non-medical face masks became a popular option for Canadians who wanted protection, but didn’t want to deplete the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for our front-line workers.

Due to the worldwide shortage of PPE, the Canadian Government asked manufacturing companies to re-program their production lines to now produce N95 medical masks, gowns, face shields and respirators for our Medical front line staff.

hoarding

The pandemic created panic and people started hoarding toilet paper, hand sanitizer, flour, yeast, frozen and canned vegetables, milk, bread and eggs. Retailers started limiting the number of these items that could be purchased in one trip.

Security Guards were hired at each store to ensure all customers followed social distancing guidelines while waiting outside in line, and to control the number of customers allowed entry to the store.

You can find up to date COVID-19 information & recourses on the Canadian Government website by clicking here: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)