The Corona Virus seems to be creeping into every aspect of our lives. Not only are we vigilantly washing down anything and everything, it seems that we are becoming fearful of our brethren, afraid to touch anyone and everyone. Crowds are disappearing, water and toilet paper on the shelves at supermarkets is disappearing, and now, even closeness is disappearing. It has taken women decades to shake hands with as much purpose as men, and now that skill will undoubtedly disappear, as well. Believe me, I am not eschewing the protocol, I am just lamenting the impact this scary virus has on all of us.
Each morning brings with it another statistic that scares even the most stalwart of us. I suppose we conjure images of people falling down in the street, unable to even make it home, too sick to function. And that may very well be the future. It is so frightening for countless reasons, and not the least is that we live in such a moveable society. Wherever we go, others have been. They have touched and potentially left infectious particles on all surfaces. I worry about my family and friends, the aged and the young. But I have also learned that worry doesn’t protect us. We need to protect us!
In addition to the obvious recommendations about washing hands, coughing or sneezing into our inner elbow makes sense. If someone in our space seems sick, it isn’t wrong to leave and wash hands and face. What may have once been considered rude is now considered smart and pro-active.
We will get through this period, as we have before in times of stress and concern. Be vigilant, be smart, be pro-active, but be calm and watch for guidelines. Avoid large groups when possible, and as hard as it may be, cancel plans if you or others feel threatened in any way.
Many restaurants are following newly created guidelines that include how servers may interact with patrons. Salad bars are deemed safer when new utensils are used regularly. Several dining establishments are using paper packets of condiments and salt and pepper. Paper napkins and placemats are replacing more genteel cloth ones, but that alone is a huge benefit.
Please take as good care as possible, and if you feel sick, please stay home! For Ostomates, please be particularly vigilant…do not allow yourself to dehydrate…put someone close in charge of getting you to the Emergency Room if necessary. Monitor your temperature and blood pressure, and if either seems to be going in a dangerous direction, alert that person that it is time to make that call. Do not be a hero…there are none of those! This is our time to be vigilant and responsible. We will get through this and be able to shake hands and hug again!