Every province in Canada is doing what they can to be safe. For Nova Scotia, that means everyone should "stay the blazes home." The folksy quote has since become a trend among residents of the Atlantic region. The phrase came about in an April 3 news conference from Premier Stephen McNeil, who was emphasizing the importance of social distancing. "We don't need online graphs to tell us what we need to do," McNeil said, "we need to stay the blazes home." The premier referenced data projections from Ontario that show how many people could lose their lives if public health protocols are not followed. "I'm not trying to scare you but part of me wishes you were scared," McNeil said, making reference to seeing crowded parking lots at places like Walmart and Tim Hortons even after putting social distancing rules in place. "To the reckless and selfish who are gathering, I'm talking to you," The premier said, issuing a stern warning about the consequences of ignoring rules meant to flatten the curve. The call from McNeil to "stay the blazes home" has since become something of an unofficial rule among Nova Scotians, who began sharing the premier's original hashtag on Twitter. #StayTheBlazesHome. pic.twitter.com/otCRit8NoU— Stephen McNeil (@StephenMcNeil) April 3, 2020 "As Premier @StephenMcNeil stated #StayTheBlazesHome only leave if it's an essential necessity. During #COVID19 I've learned that some people really have a hard time listening to simple rules, but want things to get better smh🤦🏾♂️...But the Only way for that to happen is to LISTEN!" wrote @mrstopviolence. "#StayTheBlazesHome is becoming the Premier’s “Shawinigan Handshake” identifying moment ;-) #nspoli" tweeted @KirbyMcV. As Premier @StephenMcNeil stated #StayTheBlazesHome only leave if it's an essential necessity. During #COVID19 I've learned that some people really have a hard time listening to simple rules, but want things to get better smh🤦🏾♂️...But the Only way for that to happen is to LISTEN!— Quentrel Provo (@mrstopviolence) April 4, 2020 #StayTheBlazesHome is becoming the Premier’s “Shawinigan Handshake” identifying moment ;-) #nspoli— Kirby McVicar (@KirbyMcV) April 4, 2020 Today I'll be traveling from MBR to KIT with a stopover in BTH. #IMissTraveling #StayTheBlazesHome pic.twitter.com/XGb3GxmiAS— Laura Snow ✈ (@mylifeinthesunn) April 4, 2020 #StayTheBlazesHome ...not so bad on a beautiful day! pic.twitter.com/DkuYecbMqw— leeann meredith (@LeeannMeredith) April 4, 2020 There are several homes on my street that have signs of encouragement - love it. The first pic is of my neighbors, always writing beautiful things on the side walks too. The third pic is of my house, the Premier encouraged me to write it. Haha. #COVID2019 #StayTheBlazesHome pic.twitter.com/kmaG1blUXn— Trevor © (@TSanipass) April 4, 2020 #StayTheBlazesHome - had to break out the paint brush for this one ! pic.twitter.com/Loq9vtuLKU— Deja vu Decor (@dejavu_decor) April 4, 2020 We hear you loud and clear @StephenMcNeil @StrangRobert! #StayTheBlazesHome pic.twitter.com/sYN1zP5AFq— seandmcmullen (@seandmcmullen) April 4, 2020 Disappointed Papa McNeil sez:“You must abide,Please stay inside.”#StayTheBlazesHome pic.twitter.com/LAgGOzfqrr— Andy Bowers (@evilpez4) April 3, 2020 Please don't make us Maritimers have to swear like this. #StayTheBlazesHome https://t.co/RGFKErirr8— Chris Miller (@NSwilderness) April 3, 2020 #staytheblazeshome is what Nova Scotia Pandemic Twitter has been waiting for.— Krisp of the Careful Many (@krisp131) April 3, 2020 If you don’t stay the blazes home, Bubbles will unload one on ya! #staytheblazeshome pic.twitter.com/3wzcZMdc37— Dave Heintzman (@HEINTZMANEWS957) April 3, 2020 You heard Angry Nova Scotia Dad - #StayTheBlazesHome— Girl “Social Distancing” Friday (@girrl_friday) April 3, 2020 Twitter user @AdamNFaber took things a step further by making a song to go along with Premier McNeil's message. Stay the blazes home Canada#staytheblazeshome pic.twitter.com/wTSAUNg6gv— Loud AF (@AdamNFaber) April 3, 2020 One thing is for sure: even in the midst of a pandemic, and a major health crisis, Canadians are still able to hang on to their signature sense of humour.
