Castlebar native David Ryan is a doctor on the front line working in Canada dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic first hand. He caught up with the Mayo Advertiser this week and told us about how things are in the 'Great White North'.
He told us: "I’m a GP over in Alberta, Canada. We have very similar public health restrictions as Ireland, except no restriction of movement of more than 2km yet. As a doctor seeing patients with suspected and diagnosed Covid19, it is quite stressful as you worry about infecting your own family while trying best to care for your patients in the community; and also you worry about risk of self infection.
"We have had really cold weather where I am, it's been around -25c the past few weeks, so that is helping with the social distancing.
"Albertans have been quite vigilant in carrying out the public health measures advised with some major effects on the local economy. As a physician, those patients in hospital or in nursing homes or cocooning are feeling the effects, they are fearful and lonely."
As for how things are for businesses there, David added: "They are finding it hard, but know it is for the greater good. Also, the local economy is suffering with the closure of business. Most people are agreeable to these measures to protect themselves and others."
Like many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals abroad, David is ready to do his bit for Ireland if needed, he added, saying: "I have signed up for Ireland on Call and renewed my membership to the Irish medical council to cover both ER and general practice if required - and of course I'm missing all my family and my parents - Tom and Nancy Ryan, at home in Castlebar."
