Well done, Fort Garry

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/05/2021 (1789 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Over the long weekend, when I listened or watched the news, the first thing I heard was how people were gathering in large groups, oblivious to the new public health orders.

At the beginning of May, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said:

“I’m saying to those folks, you will pay your fine. And if you do not, you will not be driving your car. We will not issue you a driver’s licence. You can put your car up on blocks and you can leave it there until you pay your fine. And if you don’t drive, we will garnish your wages. You will pay.”

What motivates people to compliance? Reward or punishment?

Research in neuroscience suggests that rewards are more effective than punishment to get people to adopt a certain behaviour. In an article about motivation in the Harvard Business Review, Tali Sharot says that our brains are more adept at interpreting and seeing positive information as relevant to us than negative content. Focusing on and reporting the negative may not be an effective way to motivate assent.

I want to acknowledge the many people who did adhere and are adhering to the public health orders. We went to parks in our area over the long weekend and we did not observe one infraction.

Previously, when groups of five in public places were permitted, cars lined the road in Crescent Drive Park because there was not enough room in the parking lot, and every picnic area was taken by groups of five. Although the weather on the May long weekend was not as balmy as the previous week, it was still nice enough to be outside. No cars lined the road and picnic areas were empty. A few walkers frequented the park.

At La Barriere Park, family groups played Frisbee golf, flew kites, walked dogs, kayaked, bird-watched, walked or canoed and all were well-spaced. People fishing were generously spread out along the bank. Everyone was courteous and friendly and everyone kept their distance. Getting fresh air and exercise is important during this time.

I have not been all around the city during this time of tight restrictions but, from what I have observed in Fort Garry, most people are taking the public health orders seriously and doing their part in trying to keep everyone safe. Thank you and well done Fort Garry, but citizens cannot do it alone.

Vaccinations have proven to keep people safe. Manitoba has been way too slow with its vaccine rollout. Clinics should be open 24 hours here and people should not have to wait two weeks for appointments. Other areas have gone through this and have come out on the other side.

Helen Lepp Friesen is a community correspondent for Fort Garry. You can contact her at helenfriesen@hotmail.com