I just read several projections related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as so many know, those predictions are daunting.
The only answer I can think of with regard to this situation is to create safe zones for your own life and the lives of those you love. We're all going to have to make some tough decisions about our lives going forward--what will we do and how will we do it? What chances will we take and what chances won't we take?
What about school?
The first priority is to keep children and families safe. I'm not sure how we'll do this with school as we know it. To prepare, however, I'll put together plans that will meet learning both for real time interactions and for online learning. I'll be ready to be flexible in order to support the young learners and their families.
What about family?
I want to talk seriously to my elderly parents about this and find out what they want going forward. We could all be tested and they could move in with us, or if they choose, they may have to ride it out in their own home. As for my own children if and when they visit, it would be great if we could all be tested to see if anyone has or has had the illness--that will help us make safe and healthy decisions.
What about entertainment?
I think that we're all going through withdrawal right now. There's so much that we enjoy doing that we cannot do at this time for fear of this highly contagious illness. There's lots that we can still do such as go for hikes, watch movies, read books, take a drive, and visit with friends in socially distanced ways outdoors. None of us will be getting together in tight spaces for a while which rules out many of the enjoyable events we've done in the past.
What about community needs?
First, we can't have people go without food or adequate shelter. That's a number one priority. We also have to take care of people's mental health as well. There needs to be positive ways to take care of children, the elderly, the vulnerable, and the rest of us.
No one would choose this event, and few of us have found peace with it. We have to be appreciative of all the scientists, doctors, and leaders who are working around the clock to research, care for the sick, and find a cure or, at least, something to mitigate the devastating worldwide affect this virus is having on people. While we wait for this resolve, we simply have to be smart and patient.
