The easiest and most responsible thing to do right now.

On March 12, I posted Coping with COVID19. Unfortunately, the world has changed rapidly in just over a week and while the sentiments in that post remain true, they are no longer timely. Words like ‘social distancing’ and ‘self-isolation’ were only just beginning to find their way into the dictionary and some people were still departing on their vacations.

But 1 week later, honestly…I am feeling quietly terrified. A week ago I was “a little anxious”, now I am waking up every morning worrying about the capability of this virus.

My kids’ lives have been upended. They were abruptly removed from life at University, College, & high school. They are no longer working. They can’t see their friends. They are unsure of the future. As an adult, I am struggling with the magnitude and meaning of this, so I can only imagine what it is like for them. Never ever thought that I would be so grateful for gaming and screen time but this has been an effective way for them to maintain contact with their peers!

My husband has been in ‘Survivor-Man’ mode for the last 2 weeks. He has prepared our house for this pandemic, without becoming a candidate for A&E’s ‘Hoarders’. He has been the one to bravely step into the grocery store to make sure that we all have healthy food, our favourite snacks, and of course a reasonable supply of the ever-elusive toilet paper.

My parents are 82. They have significant underlying health issues which make Covid 19 a grave concern. They are staying inside and staying safe. Our daily chats are great but I can hear sadness in my Mom’s voice. Isolation is hardest on the elderly. Our sisters and brothers and their families are all in self-isolation, by choice. We are all anxiously awaiting for my niece to safely make her way home from the UK where she has been working as a teacher up until a couple of days ago.

My friends are all dealing with their own crazy world right now and connecting online or by phone is very helpful. Two of our friends have had the virus and are now recovering at home after what I’m sure has been a terribly frightening time.

Finally, because I have Parkinson’s Disease, I am considered ‘high risk.’ I didn’t know this for sure a week ago. Now I do. I am susceptible to complications from contracting this virus.

I don’t want it.

I hate it.

It’s so simple. We are in self-isolation and everyone else should be too. When you HAVE to go out, practice social distancing.

If you don’t think YOU need to stay home, please re-think that plan because your recklessness can have brutal consequences for others.

PLEASE STAY HOME.

“The UK government has published a list of those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 which includes all people over the age of 70, and people under 70 with a chronic neurological condition such as Parkinson’s. This means people with the condition are considered at a higher risk of having severe symptoms or complications if they are infected by the virus.” (Coronavirus and Parkinsons – What you need to know.)