"Washing hands, not touching face - that is part of it. But since this virus can survive airborne, proper social distancing will increase our odds of not catching it. But social distancing is antithetical to the way we live. And that be the challenge. Good luck to us all."
Last night, the news was coming at all of us fast and furious. It was almost too much to absorb. But at the rate this new virus is spreading, to hesitate would be to turn us into a country like Italy. In case you have not noticed, Italy is a real mess right now. So much so, the entire country is on lock down. No travel anywhere, and the only stores which are open are pharmacies and food marts.
President Trump had his no nonsense demeanor on last night. No flights from Europe for thirty days? Wow! That is a kick in the gut. My guess? Thirty days will just be a starter. According to the experts, this thing will be far from over in thirty days. Universities all over the country are cancelling formal classes (hello, on-line classes), the NBA has called off the rest of their season, and the NCAA final four will be played in front of empty seats - if at all.
Anything else? Plenty - just not announced as yet. Plus, welcome to the world of social distancing. Not something to practice for the future, the medical experts are saying to start NOW. Especially if you are over 60 or 65. Ireland has cancelled all St. Patrick Day events, but St. Paul is still going full steam ahead with theirs. So far. But in this world where things can change on a dime, you might want to keep that blarney stone in the closet up until the parade happens (if it does).
What do I think is next for social distancing? Buses. Trains. Church. To really curtail the spread of something this infectious, we need to practice social distancing like, okay - this s**t is for real. Again, to not take it serious, will allow us to fall into a total lock down posture like Italy is.
These are the days the history books will write about. These are the days which will define us. In my book, there is a bright side to the darkness of COVID-19. We WILL learn how to deal with infectious diseases once again. So when the next one comes, which might have a death rate of 20%, we will be better prepared.
Washing hands, not touching face - that is part of it. But since this virus can survive airborne, proper social distancing will increase our odds of not catching it. But social distancing is antithetical to the way we live. And that be the challenge. Good luck to us all.
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