25 March 2020

Not The Usual Enemy

Monday Washington State received a "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order.  It's less than a Shelter-in-Place order but pretty doggone close.   People are ordered to stay home, work from home if possible, and no traveling unless it is essential, like the grocery store, pharmacy, or medical appointments. It's effective as of tonight at 11:59 and will/can be extended if the need warrants.  OR be strengthened to a Shelter in Place if people continue to make poor choices.

I will say that listening to the proclamation on television was one of those "Where Were You When..." moments. It was disorienting to have the Governor conduct a live broadcast at dinner and to hear that you are hereby ordered to stay home for an indeterminate amount of time.

We are lucky: My home office is 100% set up and I've been figuring out how to work from home.  Kevin's job is categorized as essential so he continues to work. (he does have the option to opt-out at any time)  They are putting many protocols into place to keep everyone safe in the meanwhile.

I am the designated human for the parents from now on. Kevin is worried that he will inadvertently carry something home to them. Whereas I am now home all day by myself.  Even with that, we are limiting interactions to emergencies and IT support.

I *think* I am ready to be home for two weeks. It feels like I have the groceries, toiletries, and supplies we need.  It's not a big deal if it isn't, trips to the store are allowed.  However, it is recommended that only ONE person shop.  This makes Kevin happy because now it's basically The Law that I have to go shopping alone.

It's difficult to gauge how this will go.  The numbers are increasing each day but they are hoping for a plateau soonish as it feels like we were ground zero.  For my mental health, I am focusing on just the two weeks and will figure it out if it is extended.

It is weird to say "goodbye" to friends and coworkers, knowing it could be a while before we actually see each other again.  It feels like we're buckling down for war.  I guess it's not a stretch that we ARE.  It's just not the usual enemy.  It's almost worse.

Because the enemy is almost, simply, us.  We are the carriers. We are solely responsible for ending or spreading this germ terrorism, if you will allow some hyperbole.  So, Stay Home, Stay Healthy
It is 100% on us to fight this in any way that we are able.


I am including Governor Inslee's email below for those who might be interested. I am pleased that he is our Governor.  It could be - and is in some states - so much worse.

To defeat COVID-19, we're hunkering down.

Last night, I issued an order to every Washingtonian: "Stay home, stay healthy" for at least the next two weeks. Let me take a moment to explain to you why and what it means.

Washingtonians are required to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity. All gatherings are banned for social, spiritual, and recreational purposes, and all businesses are closed except for essential businesses.

We made this order to protect our friends, families, and communities from the spread of COVID-19. The more people who stay home, the more lives we'll save. That part is simple and clear.

While this order means we are strictly limiting our physical interactions with one another, I want to make an important point about what you can still do. You can go outside to go to the grocery store, for a medical appointment, or for essential work duty. And because enjoying the outdoors is critical to supporting your mental health, you can still go for a walk or a bike ride or garden in your yard. And this is absolutely the time to call your loved ones or video chat with an old friend.

This is a challenge unlike anything we've ever seen. But we'll persevere together, as Washingtonians, united in the fight of our lives.

Very truly yours,

Jay Inslee

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