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There are few things more permanent than a temporary government measure.

It’s best to keep that in mind these days as we collectively agree to hunker down at home, avoid crowds and spend our time figuring out if we’re due some new type of cheque, courtesy of Ottawa or Edmonton.

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Because remember, there’s no free lunch. Dealing with the government always has its price. We just need to know if it’s one worth paying. And, if so, how long does this deal with the devil last?

Today, giving up a measure of our personal freedom is the right thing to do, given the seriousness of the health risk we collectively face from the coronavirus pandemic.

The pace at which it is spreading is worrying and hopes it’ll prove no deadlier than the annual flu season are being repudiated each day those infection and fatality numbers are released. It’s in its infancy in Calgary. We might indeed face a long haul ahead.

So, yes, we need to be herd-like in our approach: keeping our distance and, in some cases, virtually locking ourselves away if we suspect or know we’re another virus victim. Doing otherwise would be the actions of a selfish fool.