‘A different world’: How COVID’s arrival 5 years ago changed these people’s lives [Video]

If you think back five years, what do you remember? 

It’s been that long since much of Canada — including Ontario — shut down on March 13, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only days before, Ottawa had confirmed its first official COVID-19 case, but health officials now believe he wasn’t actually the first.

For some, the last five years may seem like a bit of blur. But for others, the pandemic — especially the first few weeks and months — are locked in their memories.

Here’s what some local people remember. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Brianne Quarrell 

What …