Coronavirus Musings and Advice

I suppose there's a fine line between getting people to take something seriously and inciting panic. Setting aside the silly self-aggrandizing that was no small part of his initial statement about this virus, seems like Pres. Trump was trying to reassure people. And subsequently they are TRYING to take all the right steps. I highlighted trying because I don't think anyone knows just exactly what all the right steps are. The press and his political opponents have been inflammatory. I'll give the press the benefit of the doubt and say it's been for ratings, not political. Trumps opponents, not so much. But when you have quarantined cruise ships, cities, regions, and now entire countries worldwide under quarantine, when it's reported, people are going to freak out to some extent.

And it comes back to not being stupid while this is going on. Wash my hands? Trying. Probably not as often as I really should, but then again being retired and all, I'm not out in public all that much. We've got hand sanitizers, and Caroline may even make some with aloe vera and rubbing alcohol. Avoid big crowds? Easy for me again. We cancelled our cruise this summer. That means no flight, no ship for us.

Last but not least, elderly people and people with compromised immune systems: if it's you, be doubly and triply careful. If it's your mom or dad, remind them, help them out. Be gentle but firm, "No, mom and dad, you really mustn't go on a 14 day cruise right now with 10 hour flights to and from the ports or departure and arrival. Mom, you're 80 and your medication compromises your immune system. Dad, you're 85 and prone to pneumonia already. Both of you need to be super careful till this all passes. Why not come visit with us for a week or so? I'll drive over and get you, and we'll give you a ride back after you visit." Be specific, be firm, offer a (hopefully) pleasant alternative.

It's not time for panic. It's time to take things seriously. It's time to be especially helpful and considerate. And if you're sick or thinking you might be getting sick, stay home! If you're a boss, and someone needs to stay home for this reason and you decide it's unacceptable, you've got a business to run, etc., if the person is an otherwise excellent employee especially, and you're going that route anyway, look in the mirror. See that? That's an asshole. See it winking at you? That puckered asshole winking at you means that you know you're an asshole, too!