Coronavirus

COVID-19

That stands for “Coronavirus Disease 2019.” It began at the end of last year in China, and has since spread west to the U.S. The entire world is in this surreal state of concern, worry, fear, and the unknown.

Health

Most at Risk

The population most at risk with this virus are the older folks, those who have respiratory issues or immune system issues, as well as pregnant women (I’ve learned today). Truthfully, though, we all feel like we can potentially catch it, even the healthiest of us.

Here in N.C.

There’s something like 75 cases of people in N.C. who have tested positive for COVID-19. None have died. Governor Cooper has, long ago it seems, declared a state of emergency for the state and just about closed down the restaurants. We can still get take-out or delivery, but cannot dine in any longer.

Economy

As you can imagine, the virus is causing havok on the world economy. The markets all across the globe are down and sending most of the economies into a recession, or so it appears. Governments of nations are trying to provide help to keep businesses from folding, but it’s very difficult. I am fortunate: I work for an employer which can allow me and my coworkers to work remotely and still get paid our full salaries. My niece is in the cosmetology business, and her hours have been cut severely. Another niece was working in a job at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and has been told to return home, as they’ve shut down the theme parks. Scores of people are either working fewer hours or are losing their jobs.

Schools

They’re closed. Closed at least for the next week-and-a-half, but many expect it to last through the remainder of the school year. The boys are doing a little homework and studying each day, but it can’t compare to getting a full day’s education from great teachers. There are meals going out to those students who need them, but I do wonder how long that will last.

Social Distancing

Six feet

That’s the boundary you’re supposed to give yourself and others to keep the virus from spreading via water molecules from coughs or sneezes or whatever else. At a restaurant I visited today for take-out lunch, the workers there had taped onto the floor lines which demarked six-foot boundaries. I practically had to yell to the cashier my order because I was about 10 feet from her.

Personally

I am a touchy-feely kind of guy. I like hugs, and like giving them. I probably get too close to people at times. It’s very strange for me to walk around now and keep a minimum of six-feet distance between myself and other humans. But that’s okay. I know that each of us has to do whatever we can to slow down and eventually stop the spread of this horror. Too many people have died, too many are sick and are still dying. It’s a very strange time in the world…