Canadians are isolating themselves and practicing physical distancing. But what does that mean for people with visual limitations?

Diane Bergeron, President of CNIB Guide Dogs and Vice President of International Affairs for CNIB, says these uncertain times require additional mindfulness and empathy from all Canadians.

While people who are blind and partially sighted are practicing social distancing and isolating themselves, these practices come with additional challenges, according to CNIB.

"The problem is that often if they're living alone, they don't have someone to take them out to get their groceries, do their baking, go to the pharmacy and so on," says Bergeron.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has recommended that everyone keep a distance of at least two metres from others at all times. For Canadians who are blind or partially sighted and require assistance from a sighted guide for their urgent needs, especially those living alone, this can pose difficulties.

Volunteers and family members are stepping in to fill needed roles as sighted guides for people with visual limitations, but further obstacles imposed by physical distancing restrictions are making daily life an even bigger task.

"You cannot effectively guide a person from six feet away," Bergeron says.

Consequently, some businesses only currently allow one person at a time be admitted into stores. This means people who are blind or partially sighted are, in some cases, being separated from their sighted guides.

For those who are entering two at a time, there can be verbal consequences.

"We're being ostracized and comments are being made because we're not staying six feet apart," says Bergeron. "People talking about how we should be staying further apart.

Bergeron usually relies on her guide dog for assistance in public but says she, too, is opting for help from a human guide during this time.

"I don't think people totally understand the need to have someone as a sighted guide ... my dog doesn't really understand social distancing so she isn't going to keep me six feet away from other people."

People who are blind and partially sighted also don't have many options to use online shopping for their day-to-day needs, says Bergeron.

"A lot of times, the online websites are not accessible for people who are using screen readers, so it completely keeps us out.

"We have no other choice than to go and physically get our items."

During these difficult times, Bergeron says the most important thing is to ensure people are taking time to be courteous, kind, and empathetic towards others who may be struggling.

"If you see somebody who isn't using a sighted guide ... make sure that you give them space because they won't be able to see you to give you space," Bergeron says.

Bergeron also recommends politely identifying where you are standing and asking people around you if they need any assistance while out.

"Provide some verbal direction to help them find things. I think that that would go a long way to helping us know that we can be safe and help keep others safe during this virus pandemic.

"Let's just all help each other," says Bergeron.