Keep Calm
Hello everyone, I am writing from the comfort of my home, a rarity these days. However, for the foreseeable future, it is the new normal. I am on day ten of a new social construct in society- social distancing.
Let me go back and recount the last two weeks. I believe it was Monday March 9 when one of the school districts in Indianapolis was closing for three weeks to prevent the spread of the virus. Two days later, Wednesday March 11, my library branch had a two hour meeting about COVID19, the corona virus. Thursday March 12 the largest school district in Indianapolis closed to prevent the virus. The next day, Friday March 13, my library announced that it would be closing for three weeks, a preventative measure which could be extended if need be. The last day the library was open was Saturday, March 14.
On that Saturday I decided to go out and get some groceries. I also went to my favorite pizza place and got a pizza. It’s a small, local restaurant, with no delivery and carry out options. After that, I was home for the duration. I did venture outside the home two times that week, for brief shopping excursions, utilizing a grocery pick-up service. Both trips out were ten minutes in total, round trip.
In those brief windows of time that I did venture out of the home, my major metropolitan city, the largest city in the state, was a ghost town, completely void of human life. It was like living in a dystopian future where all of humanity has been eradicated by a nuclear bomb or natural disaster. I half expected tumbleweeds to go tumbling through the streets.
In those brief windows of time that I did venture out of the home, my major metropolitan city, the largest city in the state, was a ghost town, completely void of human life. It was like living in a dystopian future where all of humanity has been eradicated by a nuclear bomb or natural disaster. I half expected tumbleweeds to go tumbling through the streets.
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In the days that followed, things progressed quickly. New York which is the epicenter of the virus in the United States, began closing many public spaces, including libraries, museums, and restaurants to dine in customers. Restaurants could remain open for carry out and delivery options. Many places of worship began to close their doors to prevent the spread of the virus. Mere days later, the protections were accelerated at great speed; the state issued a "shelter in place" order, which mandates that everyone stay at home. Essential trips out of the home are permitted, which include going out to buy food, groceries, supplies, medicines, etc. Every public establishment is closed to the public, save grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. One day later, Indiana followed suit. As of this writing, half of the United States is under a "shelter in place order.
That's it, everyone is home, the country is closed. Many are working for their employer while at home. Many more were let go from their jobs when the small businesses they worked for had to close. There are many others going to work every day because their employer doesn’t offer sick time. The change in the economy in the United States have already been devastating. It's been said that unemployment rates will top out at 13%.
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So where do things stand now? In Indiana, there have been 259 cases of COVID-19, and 7 deaths. In the U.S., as of today, there have been 49,159 cases, and 613 deaths. Globally, there have been 576,617 cases, and 16,588 deaths. (Statistics form Johns Hopkins/NBC News), March 24, 2020, 1:04pm.
While the numbers of cases are concerning, and in fact can be all encompassing and terrifying, it is important to note that 85% of people that get this virus will survive this virus, having experienced have mild symptoms, or no symptoms whatsoever.
It is also important to note that the numbers of infected are not an accurate representation of the pandemic. As many who are infected have no symptoms, they would not know they had the disease. The numbers of cases reported are those ill enough to be tested.
To date, tests for the virus have been sparse. In Indianapolis, there are tests for first responders and medical workers, not the general public. Many who believe that they have the virus are opting to not be tested. As the tests are sparse, they'd rather that the tests be saved for those who are seriously ill.
There are two criterion for those who should be tested for the virus:
While the numbers of cases are concerning, and in fact can be all encompassing and terrifying, it is important to note that 85% of people that get this virus will survive this virus, having experienced have mild symptoms, or no symptoms whatsoever.
It is also important to note that the numbers of infected are not an accurate representation of the pandemic. As many who are infected have no symptoms, they would not know they had the disease. The numbers of cases reported are those ill enough to be tested.
To date, tests for the virus have been sparse. In Indianapolis, there are tests for first responders and medical workers, not the general public. Many who believe that they have the virus are opting to not be tested. As the tests are sparse, they'd rather that the tests be saved for those who are seriously ill.
There are two criterion for those who should be tested for the virus:
-if you have recently been in a country that has had the virus (China, South Korea, Italy, etc.)
-if your spouse, significant other or family member has been to one of those countries and you have a secondary exposure
Of course, first responders and nurses and doctors on the front lines of fighting the disease are also being tested.
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Again, it is said that 85% of those that get the virus will have mild symptoms to no symptoms at all. That is an insidious component to this disease. If you don’t know you’re sick, you can unknowingly spread the virus to someone else.
In the meantime, we find ourselves, sheltered in place, with the gift of time. It has also afforded the gift of being still, in solitude and peace. Many are having trouble adjusting to this new normal. Many cannot be still. Many hate the solitude. Many are having trouble finding peace.
Stillness is a blessing. Solitude is a blessing. Peace is a blessing. Health is a blessing. Life itself is a blessing.
In the meantime, we find ourselves, sheltered in place, with the gift of time. It has also afforded the gift of being still, in solitude and peace. Many are having trouble adjusting to this new normal. Many cannot be still. Many hate the solitude. Many are having trouble finding peace.
Stillness is a blessing. Solitude is a blessing. Peace is a blessing. Health is a blessing. Life itself is a blessing.
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As for me, I have a job that I cannot do from home. As such, my library has given everyone three weeks off with pay. I have been home for one week, and have two more weeks to go. Well, I should say "as of now." The number of cases of COVID-19 will undoubtedly rise. As such, the stay "shelter in place" order might be extended. I am extremely grateful to be receiving a paycheck at this time. I am fortunate, and I know it.
I am also fortunate in that I have not contracted this disease. To my knowledge. I could be one of the 85% that contracted the virus but did not experience symptoms. I remember having a bad headache with sinus pressure while working on Friday the 13th; that could have been the virus in my system. Or it could have been just a bad headache. Since then, I have been in the home for ten days, with brief exceptions to purchase groceries and supplies. I am beyond fortunate, and I know it.
I am also fortunate in that I have not contracted this disease. To my knowledge. I could be one of the 85% that contracted the virus but did not experience symptoms. I remember having a bad headache with sinus pressure while working on Friday the 13th; that could have been the virus in my system. Or it could have been just a bad headache. Since then, I have been in the home for ten days, with brief exceptions to purchase groceries and supplies. I am beyond fortunate, and I know it.
I am thinking of it as a paid three week vacation, a time to rest and relax and get things done, to keep anxiety at bay. I am social distancing, which is keeping me safe, as well as countless others. I am taking advantage of this time to do give my home a thorough cleaning, as well as completing small projects around the house. I am also taking time to relax and binge watch streaming content (TV shows, movies, etc.) on streaming platforms.
image source: Chibird
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It is clear that there are uncertain times ahead. That's where anxiety comes from, for many people-fear of the unknown. I have have some concepts and practices that might prove useful to you in this time at home:
Wash your hands-washing your hands thoroughly, for 20 seconds or more, can kill the virus. Protect yourself and everyone you come into contact with-wash your hands. Thoroughly.
*Important note: To conserve water, turn the water off for those 20 seconds and then turn it back on again
*Important note: To conserve water, turn the water off for those 20 seconds and then turn it back on again
Artist: Sara Shakeel
Utilize grocery services-Many stores order pickup in store, or drive up services, for free. At my local Target, I can get supplies and groceries that are non-perishable. For example: garbage bags, paper towels, cat food, soda, crackers, pretzels, cereal, shampoo, make-up, lotion, batteries, coffee, facial tissue, toilet tissue, soap, etc. This service, at Target, is completely free.
Other stores offer full grocery services for a small service fee. There are two stores nearby that offer grocery delivery to your car for $4.95. Another store nearby offers delivery service to your home for only $10. (Prices and services will vary by store.) Please remember to tip your shoppers generously.
Another grocery option: Amazon Prime. With a Prime membership, members can have groceries delivered to their home in a matter of hours or days. Prime has a cost of $120 a year, or just $12.99 a month.
amazon.com/amazonprime?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0
amazon.com/amazonprime?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0
It is said that surfaces and items can have the virus on it for up to a day. Open all groceries a day after receiving them. Or, open boxes and bags with gloves. Another option: sanitize all boxes and packaging with hand sanitizer or disinfectant spray or wipes.
Clean your home-take this time to clean and disinfect your home. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to clean your home. Use a cleaner with bleach for surfaces. When using a disinfectant spray, spray surfaces and let it air dry.
Go through closets, drawers, clothes and purge things you no longer want or need. Box them up for donation. Save them until it is safe to donate household items again.
Use the Marie Kondo method to declutter your home. Does an item spark joy? If yes, keep it. If no, put it in a donate pile. Release anything and everything in your life that does not bring you joy.
Throw away trash. Deposit recyclables. If you have pets, take dogs out often. If you have cats, keep their litter clean.
Cut the cord-In these uncertain times, it's a great time to look at your finances to see what costs you could eliminate. One of the easiest ways to put cash back in your pocket immediately is to cut the cord with cable. I cut the cord 3 years ago; doing so put $150 a month back into my pocket.
*Important note: individual savings will vary on contracts, termination fees, and tier levels.
If you have been meaning to cut the cord with cable, or are contemplating the idea, now is the perfect time. Providers know that people are under "shelter in place" orders and are spending their time at home; as such, many providers are offering great deals on trials of service. For example, one service that once gave new subscribers a 7 day free trial is now providing an entire month!
*Important note: individual savings will vary on contracts, termination fees, and tier levels.
If you have been meaning to cut the cord with cable, or are contemplating the idea, now is the perfect time. Providers know that people are under "shelter in place" orders and are spending their time at home; as such, many providers are offering great deals on trials of service. For example, one service that once gave new subscribers a 7 day free trial is now providing an entire month!
If you want to cut the cord with cable, here’s my advice: call your cable provider and cancel your landline (if you still have one) and cable. With that cost savings, bump up your internet speed. If they don’t offer you that option, see what the can do to sweeten the deal and keep your business.
*Important note: if you are under a contract for phone, internet, and cable TV, you will have an end date to the contract. Changing your contract before the end date could result in early termination fees.
If you cut the cord and find you want antenna channels, there are two options:
1-buy an antenna for local channels-$20 and up-this is a one time fee
2-Get a streaming service that offers antenna channels, such as Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Fubo TV, Sling TV
Hulu Live: https://www.hulu.com/live-tv
YouTube TV: https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/
Fubo TV: https://www.fubo.tv/welcome
Sling TV: https://www.sling.com/
Hulu Live: https://www.hulu.com/live-tv
YouTube TV: https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/
Fubo TV: https://www.fubo.tv/welcome
Sling TV: https://www.sling.com/
If you do not have a smart TV, you will need an Amazon Fire Stick, Roku player, Chromecast stick or the like. I have used both Amazon and Roku, and I prefer Roku. Whatever streaming platform you choose is up to you.
There are other great services out there for a monthly fee, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video. Up to four people can have a profile on Netflix, which makes it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/
Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/
For those who are looking to stream cable channels, my favorite is Philo. Subscribers get over 50 channels for only $20. There is unlimited DVR service included for 30 days as well as on demand content, all included in the price. Another amazing feature: like Netflix, Philo offers 10 different user profiles.
Philo:https://try.philo.com/
Philo:https://try.philo.com/
Many public libraries offer streaming services that are free with your library card. My library offers three different apps for smart TVs: Hoopla, Kanopy, and Acorn through the RB Digital service, which offers British TV content. Check with your public library to see what streaming services they offer.
Hoopla: https://www.hoopladigital.com/
Kanopy: https://www.kanopy.com/
RB Digital: https://rbdigital.com/home
Stay informed-Check in with your local news and national news. Listen to the doctors and scientists on news channels and press conferences.
Stay tuned in to your mental health. If you find that the news giving you anxiety, turn it off. Go for a walk, read a book. Take a luxurious bubble bath. Do what makes you feel calm and relaxed.
Hoopla: https://www.hoopladigital.com/
Kanopy: https://www.kanopy.com/
RB Digital: https://rbdigital.com/home
Stay informed-Check in with your local news and national news. Listen to the doctors and scientists on news channels and press conferences.
Stay tuned in to your mental health. If you find that the news giving you anxiety, turn it off. Go for a walk, read a book. Take a luxurious bubble bath. Do what makes you feel calm and relaxed.
Reach out-social distancing could be called "physical distancing." It doesn’t mean complete lack of human contact; it just means being physically separate from one another. It’s important to reach out to others in this time. Friends and loved ones are a seconds away, through text or phone call.
Face Time or Skype your friends and family. Call friends and family to check up on them. Send them a photo of you and your pets practicing social distancing. Here's a photo of my cats and I while sheltering in place:
If you have fear or anxiety after watching the news, reach out to friends and loved ones. If you have friends and relatives that live alone, reach out to them to see how they’re doing. If you have symptoms, share that with people, if you are symptom free, share that too.
Lookout for yourself in this time and your mental health. If you have fear and anxiety, fill your time with things that fill your spirit. Read a book. Write a book. Knit a scarf. Take up a new craft. Watch TV shows, movies, music videos that bring you comfort.
An unfortunate aspect of the social distancing and "shelter in place" order is that it puts the LGBTQ communities in greater danger. If you are LGBTQ and need help and support, please reach out to the Trevor Project: 866-488-7386
Face Time or Skype your friends and family. Call friends and family to check up on them. Send them a photo of you and your pets practicing social distancing. Here's a photo of my cats and I while sheltering in place:
If you have fear or anxiety after watching the news, reach out to friends and loved ones. If you have friends and relatives that live alone, reach out to them to see how they’re doing. If you have symptoms, share that with people, if you are symptom free, share that too.
Lookout for yourself in this time and your mental health. If you have fear and anxiety, fill your time with things that fill your spirit. Read a book. Write a book. Knit a scarf. Take up a new craft. Watch TV shows, movies, music videos that bring you comfort.
An unfortunate aspect of the social distancing and "shelter in place" order is that it puts the LGBTQ communities in greater danger. If you are LGBTQ and need help and support, please reach out to the Trevor Project: 866-488-7386
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What's happening now is unprecedented. We have never seen anything like this in our lifetimes. This is a new virus for humanity; as such, we have no immunity to it yet. That's what makes this virus unique and dangerous. We need to stay at home to protect ourselves and countless others.
In thinking of this pandemic crisis, I thought of images of strength an unity in the past. I remembered the classic British ad campaign: Keep Calm and Carry On. It was used in World War II in Britain, to boost morale.
This poster is one of my favorite examples of iconography. I even created a board on Pinterest to collect similar images:
pinterest.com/esperanzah/keep-calm/
For the next few weeks I will be at home, keeping calm and carrying on. I will be doing my part not to infect myself or others. I hope you are lucky enough to do the same.
I leave you now with some images of inspiration, as well as some music that gives me strength and hope.
God bless the scientists, doctors, nurses, first responders, EMTs, firefighter personnel, Red Cross workers, grocery workers, pharmacy workers, delivery personnel. We could not get through this without you.
Take care my friends. Stay home, stay safe, and be well. We'll get through this, together.
I leave you now with some images of inspiration, as well as some music that gives me strength and hope.
God bless the scientists, doctors, nurses, first responders, EMTs, firefighter personnel, Red Cross workers, grocery workers, pharmacy workers, delivery personnel. We could not get through this without you.
Take care my friends. Stay home, stay safe, and be well. We'll get through this, together.
by Kitty O'Meara
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