covid journal

This may now become, for a time, a journal of living in the time of Covid-19, in Nevada.

It is almost the end of March, and most of us are taking this virus seriously. I still have friends who believe it is no big deal. I don't understand how they could reach that conclusion. I think they simply do not believe the numbers. But why would so many institutions lie about them?

In my 74 years I have never been in a situation remotely like this. There have been other epidemics, other pandemics, but nothing like this. I worry, I get scared at times, a feel a loneliness I did not know I could. Having always been on the outside, content to watch and contemplate, I surprise myself. I want that human contact. I tell people I drive through Starbucks to get that short bit of visible contact and those brief friendly interactions.

Will Starbucks have to close?

How much more needs to happen?

We aren't entirely shut down yet. The flights are still coming in, there are cars on the road, unrestricted. A lot fewer, yes, but many. There are parking lots full, people in the grocery stores. Some stores are restricting the number inside at a time, but that makes outside questionable. 

Many people walking in parks. The majority seem to be dog walkers. That's as it should be. Still some gathering in basketball courts, although the City of Henderson has taken down the hoops.

The big worry is the lack of protective devices for our healthcare workers, and the effect of bottom-line administrators on their health. The frequent re-use of masks means more people are getting infected. Making the situation worse.

I have made one cloth facemask. It's a simple one that does not have a nose wire, so when I wear it it fogs up my glasses. I have another one, different, cut out, but not sewn. I still need to find some kind of suitable wire for it. I know that these masks are no good for healthcare workers but they can provide some protection for the rest of us. We should be wearing them.

I am in physical therapy. The office is serving far fewer patients and the equipment is spread apart more. They are taking precautions but I suspect not really enough. These therapists put their hands on us as part of their job but they are not wearing gloves or masks. Everyone uses hand sanitizer and they wipe down the equipment after each person, but is it enough?

I need that therapy. If I didn't I would postpone it. I am diligently doing the suggested exercises every day at home, which is honestly a new thing for me. I always mean to do them but so rarely do. If they were fun it would be easier, but obviously they aren't fun for a reason. The reason is that I need them.

The parking lot at my apartment complex is full most of the time. That is, the cars associated with the apartments are there most of the time. Once you get a space you pretty much keep it because so few cars are moving. I lost mine and now I have a new one that is holding.

We are not starving. I can't get many food items that I normally buy but there is food. We don't have a crisis that way. I am anxious, though, for the items to come back, the hoarding to slow down.

It's quiet. The air is clean. The lake is clean. The birds at Cornerstone Park are starting to give birth.