We washed our hands…now what?
Please don’t call it the ‘new normal.’ There’s nothing normal about the situation we’re in. It’s not something to accept as routine or expected or get used to. Deal with it, sure. But fight like hell to make it as abnormal as possible. Be smart. Stay healthy. Donate. Volunteer if you can. Overtip at the drive-through. And please, stay those six feet — hell, make it seven — away from me. I won’t take it personally.
And while on the topic of generic, overused cliches, include please ‘We’re in this together.’ Which now in a self-isolated world should at least be, ‘We’re alone in this — together.’… On the Bingo card of Working From Home, is your center square Wash Hands Again, Murder and/or Divorce, or Dinner at 4pm?
The federal “Anyone who wants a test can get a test” spin is a myth, according to the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center. The fact is, writes Chief Medical Officer Carol Ahern, “Coronavirus testing capabilities remain limited in California and in Sonoma County. We understand many of you are concerned regarding your personal, family member, and community risk for the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide screening for asymptomatic patients or community members at this time.” Things change rapidly, so check Svchc.org. Another good resource for updated info: Socoemergency.org.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, working without a live audience, voted to suspend evictions for non-payment of rent for reasons associated with the coronavirus. The law is effective immediately and will be in effect for at least 60 days. “This is an important step in protecting public health and the well-being of community members who may be experiencing a loss of income or increased medical costs associated with the coronavirus,” said Supervisor Susan Gorin.
Irony, symbolism or sheer bad luck? The County has closed all the parks, even Sonoma Plaza and the Overlook Trail. The health department decided the one place that seemed safe — outdoors — suddenly wasn’t. As much as we need it, getting away from it all is much harder than it sounds. Try the garage.
Granted, Social Media sites are rife with bad info and weird rumors (“my cousin’s friend knows a pharmacist, and he heard that….”) but lately can also offer neighborly comfort, quarantine hacks and useful info. Example: a Facebook bulletin board of What’s Open in Sonoma. Check it out at Facebook.com/groups/whatsopensonoma/about/
Already cranky without his barstool from which to pontificate, Springs John misses baseball. “I’ve rooted for some pretty crappy teams over the years,” he mused, “but never has ‘Wait Until Next Year’ been so literal.”
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I’m almost 69 and work for Sonoma county on my 3rd week of dialing in from home (I’m an analyst) on a five week lockdown. Wife is a super at whole foods and required to go in. All our siblings and their children in the medical field. I feel in danger and must make an altering decision. Problems is from experts/scientists that the worst is to come vs POTUS giving little hope that things to keep family and me safe are being taken seriously. Since we live in a coastal, diner state we are ‘well off’ and most likely will receive ZERO relief in this relief package as we make too much: not a big deal we’ll be ok. But decisions. Do I retire effective tomorrow as I can do and her or roll the dice. We are NOT getting a cohesive approach. Vote next election your life depends on it. BTW, our grocery markets SHOULD ROTATE openings like pharmacies used to do to give relief to workers, supply chains etc. Honestly, do we need four major markets all having suppliers shorting one over the other with overkill of personnel?! No. BUT THE CITY COUNCIL SHOULD STEP UP AND MAKE IT EASY ON THEM AND MANDATE. Want to know what to do? Take a national lead by example for an over 50-plus population.