Well, the proverbial human waste has hit the fan.
As I write this, I have not read of any confirmed cases in our area, although one person told me there were some people who were tested in Dixon and are under quarantine while awaiting final test results.
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Well, the proverbial human waste has hit the fan.
As I write this, I have not read of any confirmed cases in our area, although one person told me there were some people who were tested in Dixon and are under quarantine while awaiting final test results.
As an older guy, this is scary. I admit, I did not t take the stay at home suggestion as seriously as I should have. I went out to the store, twice.
Then I began reading personal accounts from Italy and I realized I should not be among other people. I should follow the new mantra of shelter in place. Why? Because I am over 70 and my wife has a compromised immune system.
But most importantly, I don’t want to be a carrier and spreader of COVID-19. I don’t want to come in contact with someone who is infected and become infected myself.
I don’t want my friends and family getting it from me, and I don’t want me getting it from them.
I am lucky because I have younger family and friends who have offered to pick up groceries or medicines. I realize many of our local seniors don’t have those options so here is my request. If you are younger than 60, with no compromised immune systems, then contact an elderly person you know from the neighborhood or from your church or social group.
Ask if they need anything from the store. Make the time to talk with them on the phone, or even do a video chat.
My wife and I are now sheltering in place. We are watching TV, reading, sleeping...and I just ordered online a 500 piece puzzle.
I miss seeing real people. I miss my coffee from Cypress House. I miss being out and about.
But I know staying inside is best for all of us.
My heart aches for small business owners. This shutdown could possibly drive some of them out of business. When the time comes, I hope people make an effort to stop in some local shops and spend some money.
Should government help? When the auto industry was bailed out a few years ago, lots of people yelled “socialism.”
But if that’s what it takes to keep small businesses going, I am all for it because they are not just businesses…they are our neighbors and friends.
Terry Dickow is a retired elementary school teacher with lots of opinions, some you will like, some you won’t. He can be contacted at terrydickow@gmail.com.
