We, collectively the United States of America, are in limbo. It was probably tolerable when we were initially told that social distancing, school closings, restaurant / bar closings, would last about two weeks. Not bad I thought…we can do this.
In the last four days, five states have ‘closed’ as well as beauty salons, tattoo parlors, nail salons, massage parlors, dentist offices, health clubs, and any other business that has ‘intimate’ contact with the public, are closed with reopening ‘to be determined’.
Self-quarantine is being suggested to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Again, we can do this. I am noticing fewer cars on the road going to and from work as the company I work for, a construction company, is still operating.
Today is Saturday and to get out of the house, I took a short drive. Grocery stores, big box stores, drive-thru’s, etc. are still bustling. Looks like ‘social distancing’ doesn’t apply to everyone.
How about those thousands and thousands of college students that flooded the beaches of Florida for the last few weeks for spring break. The crowded beaches that were on the news meant that the college students weren’t taking this seriously. Now that a lot of the spring breaks are over with, the college masses are going to be headed home only to bring back anything they caught while drinking in groups, sunbathing in groups, and Lord only knows what else.
Today it was announced that at a minimum our new way of life may last at least another four months. Weddings have been canceled and funerals are non-existent except for the deceased because of social distancing.
Have we become so selfish in our lives that we cannot give up our way of life for a few weeks to try and get this under control? I’m a home-body so this hasn’t really affected me negatively. I’m looking to get some spring cleaning done by cleaning out closets and dressers, and might even tackle painting the basement walls. This morning I made some soup and baked some muffins. There is always something to do.
The longer we dig our heels in and not cooperate with the CDC, law enforcement, and follow health care suggestions, the longer we’re going to be going through what could be nothing more than a minor hiccup in our lives. I personally would like to see the entire country locked down for two weeks and anybody caught breaking the law will be penalized to the fullest extent of the law.
Harsh? Yes. I was unable to go to Florida to see my grandson last week and I don’t want to have to wait another six months to go just because some people think that all of this is a bunch of hooey and that the rules don’t apply to them. Right now they’re suggestions…in another week or two they could become law.
On a positive note, some folks are helping the healthcare providers by making face masks that are so greatly needed, celebrities are giving free mini concerts or reading children’s books online, people are sharing their suggestions for keeping the kids busy, and maybe a few folks have just gone a bit out of their way to be a little bit nicer.
I think this is a wake-up call in many areas of our lives and at least deserves some consideration on everyone’s part to make this work.
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