This is a scary and uncertain time. Whenever I go online, COVID-19 is everywhere I look. Companies are sending the same email about their response to the virus, employees are being told to go home, and stores are shutting down. There’s a lot of talk of social-distancing and flattening the curve. But what does that mean and what can we do?
Flatten the curve
Let me start off by saying this pandemic is bigger than all of us. It’s bigger than me, bigger than you, bigger than all of our plans. “But I’m not immunocompromised,” you declare. “I would be fine if I caught it!” Sure. But what about every person you come in contact with? What about their elderly or already-sick family, friends, and co-workers? Exposing others has a huge potential ripple effect.
Yes, it totally sucks that fun stuff is getting cancelled. But big picture: the goal is to hamper the spread of the virus so fewer people get it over a longer period of time. That means being respectful of others and acknowledging that not being able to go to a concert sucks really bad, but possibly infecting someone else is worse. This is all temporary, and life will go on after this if we are diligent and work together (but, you know, separately).
Don’t panic, and know where your towel is
All of this overwhelming? Bad news at every turn and you feel helpless? There are things you can do to feel better.
- Don’t panic. Stop reading articles if they stress you out. Put your phone down. Block your crazy aunt on Facebook. Also, put the toilet paper down; I promise you do not need all of that toilet paper.
- Don’t be “that guy.” Think of what you have, versus what you actually need, and ONLY get what you actually need. I flirted with the idea of grabbing formula because what if by some act of God I could no longer breastfeed, and used up all of my freezer stash? Then I saw that there are parents who NEED formula to feed their baby, period, and were struggling to find it in stock. I quickly tossed out that idea.
- Wash your hands. You guys, I shouldn’t have to say this. Wash your hands, for at least twenty seconds. Yes, hand sanitizer seems easier and quicker, but save it for when you can’t get to soap and water (which is more efficient at removing germs anyway).
- Cover your cough. This is another thing that should go without saying. Cough into a tissue or the crook of your elbow; hands are nasty and touch all kinds of stuff (that’s a fact).
- Practice social distancing. This is not a time for playdates or coronavirus parties. This is a time for letting your Introvert flag fly: catch up on streaming, finally read that book, clean the house, or pick up a new hobby. For my fellow Extroverts: call your mom, video chat with your BFF, or use other ways of staying sane if you’re feeling stir crazy. I’ve compiled a short list of activities here.
Special note to parents who now have kids at home: YOU CAN DO THIS. Juggling childcare and work is rough, but this is temporary. No one will judge you if your kid watches Moana or Frozen 2 for the fif(tie)th time.
Be kind
We are all in this nerve-wracking boat together. If you do have to venture out to the store for vittles, diapers, or toilet paper, be nice. Don’t assume every cough is infected, or that everyone is ready to rip the coveted Charmin from your desperate grasp. Thank the worker who is helping you; they are braving the crowds just like you are, but for a much longer duration. Check in with friends and relatives, and reach out if you need help. We can get through this, and it will be so much better if we do it with kindness and empathy.
My Darling Evergreen 