Lately, getting a good night’s sleep is nearly impossible. I have coronavirus on my mind. I try not to watch too much television coverage on it or follow social media feeds that do nothing but talk about the current status and how many are infected. Unfortunately, it is omnipresent and has infiltrated my mind to the point that without thinking about it, I am thinking about it.
As R.E.M. prophetically sang back in 1987, “It’s the End of The World as We Know It”
The lockdown:
No socialization.
No going to work.
No going to the gym.
The little slice of life that once was uniquely ours has ceased to exist. Consider the current scenario:
- Limited hours at stores
- Many restaurants and bars closed, no more dining room
- No more movies at the theaters
- No more quick or long vacations
- No more going to the gym
- No more getting haircuts
- No more beauty salon visits
- No more going to work
- No more shopping in home stores
What to do during a lockdown
So what could we do? We wait. Until the curve has flattened. Until the virus is better understood and we build immunity or they find a way to cure it, capture it, contain it; until this is gone, we cannot live the way we used to.
News announcers repeat: If we want to quell this situation, STAY HOME! In some states it has been mandated to stay home.
What is so hard in that?
We can’t live the way we used to but we can still live.
If you have a roof over your head, warm, clean bedding, cupboards stocked with food, fresh running water to take a shower with and wash clothes and dishes in, electricity, a television to watch your favorite shows to escape, books to read, the internet to buy whatever you want, whenever you want it. Why do you need to go out?
We have so much to be grateful for. These are the things we take for granted, like going to the movies and eating out. I am hopeful that this is not our new norm. We can definitely get through this by staying cognizant and grateful.
The main thing you can do is STAY INSIDE. This will help protect yourself and others. The World Health Organization reports that this virus lives on surfaces from a few hours to a few days.
How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).
If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Here are some things you can do to pass the time:
Take a long shower. Call a friend or family member. Write a letter and send it. Make something you haven’t made in a long time. Kiss your loved ones. Cuddle your children or pets. Eat some good food. Read a book. Write a book. Take a nap in the middle of the day.
Take this as a time to enjoy the little things. This may be the end of the world as we know it, but tomorrow could be a whole lot better, with a good night’s sleep.
