Thoughts on the virus
A few posts ago I talked about the ongoing pandemic coronavirus/COVID-19. Since then not only has the city been on lockdown, the Governor went ahead and issued a shelter-in-place decree. This whole situation has been a mess to watch. On the one hand, there's the part of me that worries for those I may encounter who may be more susceptible to the effects of COVID. On the other hand, there's the part of me who worries for the financial and mental health of others who are losing jobs, healthcare, homes, food businesses and more due to things like the shelter-in-place. My brain is swirling and so am I. I am not generally an anxious person but I can't tell which way is up right now and I can't help but wonder if my actions have or will lead to the ill health of another. Have I been outraged enough? Have I helped enough? Am I being thoughtful? Empathic? Selfish?
Today during a briefing, the Governor claiming to rely on a team of medical and other experts has decided that the shelter-in-place directive he gave less than 2 weeks ago (after a month & a half of rapid spread and new cases) will expire for the entire state on April 30. In addition, businesses can start to reopen on April 24th. He's essentially stated that because the state can test for more cases, we can move in the direction that allows certain businesses to reopen. He also stated that the businesses that reopen must still continue to follow social distancing guidelines.
Here's where I question this directive...among the list of business allowed to open are hair salons, nail salons, massage therapist, bowling alleys and movie theatres. I'd really like to see my favourite bowling alley clean each ball after use, keep the number of people at the bowling alley at a 6ft apart distance (though I heard it will depend on the square footage of the building i.e. larger square footage more people allowed in), have additional handwashing areas and test the temperature of workers. I'm really just trying to figure out the financial bottom line: if businesses can afford to implement all the new measures, still pay employees, have a steady customer flow and help to ensure the health and safety of those who patronize and work there...do they still need a SBA loan? Also, I wonder about employees of these businesses that furloughed their staff, if an employee decides it's in their best interests to not return to work, are they no longer allowed to receive the unemployment insurance?
I've never considered myself very versed in the political world and the repercussions of things like elected officials and the effects of those decisions on my life but right now I am worried. And anxious. And concerned. Whatever happens next I just hope we as a country, people, world make it through with a little less name-calling, bickering, hate, distrust and finger-pointing and a bit more empathy.
Today during a briefing, the Governor claiming to rely on a team of medical and other experts has decided that the shelter-in-place directive he gave less than 2 weeks ago (after a month & a half of rapid spread and new cases) will expire for the entire state on April 30. In addition, businesses can start to reopen on April 24th. He's essentially stated that because the state can test for more cases, we can move in the direction that allows certain businesses to reopen. He also stated that the businesses that reopen must still continue to follow social distancing guidelines.
Here's where I question this directive...among the list of business allowed to open are hair salons, nail salons, massage therapist, bowling alleys and movie theatres. I'd really like to see my favourite bowling alley clean each ball after use, keep the number of people at the bowling alley at a 6ft apart distance (though I heard it will depend on the square footage of the building i.e. larger square footage more people allowed in), have additional handwashing areas and test the temperature of workers. I'm really just trying to figure out the financial bottom line: if businesses can afford to implement all the new measures, still pay employees, have a steady customer flow and help to ensure the health and safety of those who patronize and work there...do they still need a SBA loan? Also, I wonder about employees of these businesses that furloughed their staff, if an employee decides it's in their best interests to not return to work, are they no longer allowed to receive the unemployment insurance?
I've never considered myself very versed in the political world and the repercussions of things like elected officials and the effects of those decisions on my life but right now I am worried. And anxious. And concerned. Whatever happens next I just hope we as a country, people, world make it through with a little less name-calling, bickering, hate, distrust and finger-pointing and a bit more empathy.
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