We are in the middle of a pandemic right now, and things are crazy. So, about a month ago, a new virus called Covid-19, surfaced in China. It started in animals, then mutated to humans, and now it is spreading around the world.
This virus is kind of like the flu, but it attacks the lungs and is really hard on the elderly, the immunocompromised, and people who are not very healthy. For most healthy, young people, it presents like a flu with a temperature, a dry cough, and possibly shortness of breath. The scary thing, is that people can be carriers of this virus and have no symptoms for up to 2 weeks, and the virus can live on surfaces for 48 hours. So, it is spreading very rapidly. Everyone is trying to follow social distancing (which means you don't go to places with more than 50 people, and stay 6 feet away from people), stay home if you are sick, hand washing, and no touching your face, eyes, or mouth.
The major problem with this virus, is that it attacks people's lungs and many of the severe cases need to be on a ventilator. In some countries there have been so many of these patients that they run out of ventilators, and then have to decide who they are going to treat, and the ones who can't be helped end up dying. They are trying to prevent that from happening here. So, things are shutting down, and people are isolating themselves, and hoarding groceries, and panicking.
We are trying to adjust to a new normal around here. Everything is pretty much shut down. There are no sports going on right now. The NBA and NHL are suspended, the MLB is delayed, the NCAA Tournament was cancelled, all the activities, concerts, gathering, have been cancelled. All the public schools in many states (including here) are cancelled. Basically going to work, getting groceries, and going back home are all that are allowed right now. It's so crazy.
Emma has been out of school all week, and she has no school this next week. For this current week, Emma and Elliott are out at Jim and Barb's house all week. It's been hard to be away from them, but there is really no other choice since John and I are still working. John has been working from home all week, which will continue for the foreseeable future. For this next week, Emma's teachers are making packets for her to complete at home since we are missing so much school. So, between the working and the craziness, we have full days of school work to get through.
Another thing that has been different is church. Basically all church activities have been cancelled, except for actual church. So, no bible class, Sunday school, meetings, or any of our usual church activities, which is a big part of our social lives.
As far as my job goes, we have still been having surgeries at the ASC. But, starting tomorrow, all elective surgeries are cancelled, and we are only doing necessary surgeries. So, this is really going to cut down our surgeries and we are going to start being mandated more often. I am going to start working in other areas and departments where there is a need for nurses. For example, they are screening people that come into the hospital for symptoms of the virus, and there are call centers to call patients with their results. These are places that I will be working when the ASC is too slow to support all the staff. These are crazy times. We are basically just taking things one day at a time at this point.
I am looking forward to seeing the kids this weekend. I miss them a lot. They are having a great time, and have been helping Grandma in the greenhouse. We are excited to take them back home for a few days this weekend, and then assess how we will handle things next week. We may also help work in the greenhouse this weekend, which would be a nice way to stop thinking about this virus.
It's a scary time right now. There are a lot of uncertainties. Many people are being asked to stay home from work. There are financial worries, and health concerns, and just overall stress. The news and social media are full of updates, some that are true and many that are false and cause more panic. I really miss normal. I miss having boring, everyday complaints. I miss our normal weekday busyness and hustle and bustle with the kids. I miss going out and doing things. I want to be able to watch sports and stress over this certification exam I am prepping for. But right now, the only thing anyone can think about or talk about is the Coronavirus. It's stressful and tiring.
At this point, all we can do is be cautious, listen to what we are supposed to do, and live our lives the best way we can. Also, putting Jesus at the center and praying is helping as well. I am hoping that in a month, or two, we are over the hump and getting back to normal. Until then, we will keep taking things one day at a at time, and put it all in God's Hands.
Stay safe and healthy everyone.
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