I feel it is necessary to say a few things about the recent COVID-19 outbreak and the impact it has on all of us...
1. All of these posts about social distancing are not a joke. This is not an extended spring break for your kids. It is not the time to fill up your van with the neighborhood kids and go get dessert at the local ice cream shop.
2. Any exposure to other people is putting you, your family, friends, and me at risk. Social distancing does not just mean avoid concerts, malls, and other crowded venues. This also refers to small gatherings, pajama parties, and dining out.
3. Just because your friend or your children's friend seems fine and does not have symptoms, does not mean they cannot spread this illness. COVID-19 has a lengthy incubation period, meaning you can spread the illness without even knowing it! Even worse, we are learning that some people are asymptomatic carriers-- spreading the illness without ever showing symptoms themselves.
4. Lastly, don't be a jerk. If you have a mother, father, grandparent, elderly family members, or know someone with a chronic disease such as asthma or diabetes, you are putting them at risk by not social distancing and following the CDC's recommendations. Close your eyes for a moment- picture your elderly grandmother being wheeled into the hospital, gasping for air, only to be turned away because the ER is overrun and they need to pick and choose who to treat due to lack of bed space and resources.
Please, I beg of you. Be smart. Don't go out if you do not need to. Let us flatten the curve while we still can.
If you aren't doing it for you, do it for me.
Thank you.
