I'm hyperaware that I am a target for this virus. I'm in NYC, 62, a heavy smoker with COPD. I live alone, with family in NY and Jersey and Florida, none of whom I can see.
Therefore, I've only left my apartment twice in the last month. One walk outside, one crucial grocery trip. Mask and gloves and hand sanitizer, then wiped down everything with disinfectant. I'm not sick now and am doing by best to stay that way. Take my temperature twice a day and remain shut in. Cancelled newspaper delivery. Only get the mail every four days.
Although it's excruciating to not see another person, it's the only way to stay safe. IMO my mayor took too long to close the schools and too long to recommend covering the mouth and nose outside. It's been obvious for quite some time that this virus was exploding exponentially, long after everyone knew to wash our hands for 20 seconds and avoid people who were sneezing and coughing.
My main point is for all my fellow Americans and Websleuthers who live where currently the virus is not rampant. You may feel, or your governor may feel, that since there's no or little virus near you, it's too encumbering to isolate. It certainly is destructive for people's jobs. But as a reminder, Wuhan is far from NYC, but the virus is here and destroying us.
Yes, it's to be expected in NYC that people from around the world will come here, and hence we are the epicenter for a virus from the other side of the world. But please, don't take chances where you live. You've had the common cold, you know that viruses travel in unknown ways.
My parents are elderly Floridians. We have been arguing with them constantly for going on numerous errands which are not life and death. It was hard to persuade them, when Florida was still bouncing around.
Thank God their state is finally sheltering in place.
Today I found out that a cousin-in-law's sister died on Long Island, from Covid. Her sister in Florida cannot come up for the 5 person graveside service that will be held. One of my best friends on the Island, whom I used to see weekly, was one of those who pooh-poohed this whole thing as overblown. Now he's forced to confront reality.
NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS! NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE! It goes without saying that it's more comfortable to be isolated at home than isolated in the ICU.
Again, remember all those colds you've had, that you have no idea from whom you caught it, or maybe even the flu. This pandemic is a virus that is airborne and dangerous because asymptomatic people are still shedding heavy viral loads. Stay home! Cover your face if you must go out! Don't wait for an elected official to mandate it, because by that time it's always too late.
