DEALING WITH LOSS AND GRIEF CONNECTED TO COVID-19

Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer this week. She is joined by Dr. Steven Taylor, a professor and clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia and Grief counsellor Dr. Darcy Harris, who is a Professor of Thanatology at King’s University College at Western University.

You’d be hard pressed to find an individual who was not affected in some way by COVID-19 since it first emerged in Canada about 16 months ago. More and more, we are hearing the stories of grief from people who have lost loved ones directly from the virus whether it be a parent in long-term care, or a child, a close friend, sibling or even partner. And, as the province and country as whole navigates through some kind of reopening plan and restrictions are eased, some sense of normalcy is regained but for those dealing with loss it is likely a much different experience. So, what are the tools and resources available to those in need and what are some strategies we can implement to cope? Also, in what other ways has COVID-19 impacted Canadians’ mental health? Our experts weigh in.

FITNESS CENTRES/GYMS TO REOPEN THIS FRIDAY

Jane Brown is joined by Perry Tucciarone, Treasurer and member of the Board of Directors of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada and Andy Hvizd, Director of Fitness and Aquatics for the Schwartz/Reisman Centre and Prosserman JCC.

As part of the province’s stage three of reopening, gyms and fitness centres are set to reopen this Friday, July 16. The new guidelines allow for indoor operations to resume at 50 percent capacity. So, what are managers and owners of gyms doing to ensure that their patrons are safe as we continue to navigate the pandemic? And, how will they be operating differently in this new reality?

ARE YOU READY TO GO BACK TO THE MOVIES?

Jane Brown is joined by Daniel Demois, Co-owner of Fox Theatre-an independent cinema located in the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto.

Movie theatres will also be able to reopen as part of Ontario’s stage three of reopening this Friday, July 16 with a 50 percent maximum capacity in auditoriums. But, are the new guidelines good enough to help this sector get back on its feet and we ask you, our listeners, about whether you plan on returning to the movies any time soon. Daniel also details the COVID-19 precautions his business will be taking to ensure patrons feel safe.