COVID-19 Update: Being Safe When You Are Not At Home

Hi Everybody.

It's still a marathon, not a sprint. The churches will not be filled by Easter, not by anyone who is intent on loving their neighbor. 

The only way to prevent our hospitals from collapsing is by practicing extreme social distancing.

It's not my favorite term either, social distancing, but it's the term that's been handed to us. In actuality, we're keeping our distance from each other as a radical act of love. We do this because we don't want to get sick ourselves, yes, but we're also doing this because we don't want those we love to get sick. And that love extends outward, aware that we're all connected.

When I practice good hygience, wash my hands for twenty seconds, cough into my elbow, and stay inside, I help keep the virus from getting to you and your loved ones.

But at some point we need to go outside.

It's healthy to breathe fresh air. The weather is getting warmer and soaking up the sun, getting that extra dose of Vitamin D, will certainly lift our spirits and boost our immune systems.

When you go out for walks, we still need to keep at least six feet apart. Trouble is, the sidewalks are only five feet wide, so be ready to walk in the street, particularly if you're ambling about with a companion.

I'm going grocery shopping soon, for the first time in over a week. I'm not taking it lightly. I'll be wearing a bandana around my face in lieu of a mask. I'll look like a bandit, so please don't shoot me, those of you who  have been so frightened that you went out and purchased a gun!

I'm wearing this mask because it's possible that someone could inadvertantly cough or sneeze in my direction. I'll also be wearing gloves.

And I don't care if I look ridiculous.

When I get home, I'll take my shoes off on my front porch, remove my outer clothing and place those in a paper bag, and bring my grocery bags in. I'll place the bags on my kitchen counter, and begin santizing every item and every container. Then I'll sanitize the counter. I'll wash my clothes in warm water, not cold, and then disinfect my shoes before bringing them into the house. Lastly, I'll take a shower.

I'm going to imagine the virus wants to kill me and the people I care about. That it wants to kill you. And since I care about you, I'm going to do everything in my power to keep it from infecting me.

I hope you'll do the same, because that's how we defeat this virus.

Be safe. Be well. Be kind.

With love,

Tag

P.S. Here's an excellent video on YouTube about how to safely procure sustenance, either thru grocery shopping or carry-out from restaurants.