COVID week 3
Hello beautiful people. How are you? How are things? I truly hope you are home and doing well and are virus free. I am writing you on day 20 of being at home, week three of sheltering in place. Nothing has happened here, and that is a wonderful thing. I remain virus free, and I’m happy to report the same from all friends and family.
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On the work front, the my library was to open on this coming Monday. Since then, the library declared that it will remain closed until further notice. There has been a "shelter in place" order for my state for 10 days or so. Just today the Governor of Indiana has declared a state of emergency for the state, and has extended the "shelter in place" order two more weeks.
Personally, I am doing fine. I am still trying to think of all of this as a vacation away from work. But make no mistake,
I am worried and concerned about this global plague. While I am home I am writing, binge watching TV, coloring in a coloring book, and doing small projects at home. I am cleaning surfaces weekly, and being ever vigilant when going out for groceries and having groceries delivered to my home. In addition, my cats Jazz and Blues are keeping me company, and are blissfully oblivious to the health emergency just outside our door.
I am worried and concerned about this global plague. While I am home I am writing, binge watching TV, coloring in a coloring book, and doing small projects at home. I am cleaning surfaces weekly, and being ever vigilant when going out for groceries and having groceries delivered to my home. In addition, my cats Jazz and Blues are keeping me company, and are blissfully oblivious to the health emergency just outside our door.
In the midst of such stress and anxiety, I find myself thankful. This virus isn't airborne; as such, I can take a walk in my neighborhood. The time I spend outdoors is both calming and refreshing. I am also thankful that this virus isn't more deadly. 80% of those who contract this virus survive it. Infection is not a death sentence. There is hope.
The numbers of COVID-19 cases is on the rise. In my state of Indiana, there have been, as of this writing, 3,039 cases, and 102 deaths. In the United States, there have been cases 226,734, and 5,310 deaths. The number of deaths is almost double to the number of people killed the September 11th terrorist attacks, September 11, 2001. Globally there are now over 1 million cases with over 50,000 deaths.
*johns Hopkins university April 2, 2020
In the past three weeks the bravery of essential workers has been in the forefront of the news, similarly to the time after the September 11th attacks. At that time police, fire fighters, emergency services personnel, nurses, doctors, and more were lauded for their dedication and bravery in performing their jobs in such dire circumstances. In this current health emergency we need to add grocery workers, delivery drivers, gas station workers, pharmacy workers, all essential personnel. They too are risking their lives to keep others safe.
With everything that these dedicated professionals are doing to save our lives, many are being under served. Hospitals around the country are dangerously low of supplies-gloves, surgical masks, respirator masks, face guards, surgical gowns. These basic supplies are meant to keep everyone safe, yet are in short supply. The normal standard for use of these items is to dispose of them after seeing every patient. In this current pandemic, medical personnel are wearing these items for an entire 12 hour shift. A photo went viral this week of nurses in New York City wearing garbage bags to protect themselves in the hospital.
America learned about the potential about a global pandemic in January and February. At that point, it was too late to shore up supplies for our healthcare system. Yet hospitals are doing the best they can. There is such a shortage that states are buying these supplies at top dollar, often having to out bid other states. The healthcare system is already overwhelmed, and is straining to stay afloat. I think all can agree-wearing garbage bags to save your life, and the lives of your patients, is unacceptable.
Lisa Ling, a journalist in the U.S., made the following comparison:
“We have the most well-equipped Army on Earth-or military-on Earth. We would never let our men and women in uniform go into battle unprepared, and that is what we’re doing right now...”
As the number of those that have COVID-19 continue to rise, it has been reported that 25% of cases are health care personnel.
But there are good things happening in such dark days. Companies that normally make cars are now making ventilators. The Hanes company, which makes clothes and undergarments, has stopped their production to begin making masks for hospitals. Fashion designer Christian Siriano, known for making unique designer couture for each of his clients, has stopped manufacturing his clothing and is now putting his staff to work by sewing masks for hospitals. In fact many Americans across the country, who have a sewing machine in their home, are now making masks in an effort to help.
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I thought this would be a good time to share some more helpful hints during this time, information on how you can help, followed by some inspirational/humorous images and music.
Continue practicing self care- Make sure you keep up with your self care routines. Brush your teeth every day. Comb your hair every day. Wash your hands often! Wash your hair as often as it needs it. Wash your face every day. Bathe and shower according to your normal routine. Use lotion on your dry hands. Moisturize your skin as it needs it. Drink water every day. Get enough sleep.
Make a mask-the Center for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends wearing a face mask while in public. You can make your own mask with any piece of cloth-a pillowcase, tea towel, an old t-shirt, etc. I made mine using a basket liner, 2 hair ties and 2 rubber bands.
I wore this mask when I ventured out to the store this week. It worked quite well. Sew and no sew face mask tutorials can be found on Pinterest, YouTube, and more.
Empty your mailbox daily-While the majority of the country is now sheltering in place, postal workers are still delivering mail. Check your mail every day-wear gloves to get the mail. If you forget to wear gloves, wash your hands after handling mail. When bringing mail into the home, let it sit in your garage or entryway for a day before opening. When sending mail, do not lick the envelope to seal it. Instead, use clear tape, labels or stickers.
Complete your census-If you live in the U.S., now is the time for the census. It’s the perfect time to complete yours, to make sure everyone counts. If you haven’t completed your census, now is the time to get it done. Take 10 minutes and ensure a better America.
Feed your soul-Whatever your soul needs, do it. Take a walk. Take a luxurious long hot bath. Meditate. Pray. Color. Sing. Dance. Create music. Write. Read. Learn to knit. Paint your garage. Journal the events of these times; you will read it in the future and marvel at your resiliency. Get a decent night's sleep. Binge watch the TV shows and moves that you’ve been meaning to watch. I highly recommend Oprah Winfrey’s “Oprah Talks: COVID-19.”
Donate-There are countless Americans that need your help right now. There are also, thankfully, countless ways to help. Find a way to give back that feels right to you. Order a carry-out order from your favorite restaurant. Donate to a local food bank. Donate blood. Sew masks for medical personnel. Donate to a fund for retail workers or restaurant workers that are out of work. Donate to a fund for Broadway actors that are out of work. Donate to your city’s police and fire, and emergency medical personnel. Tip your delivery drivers. Donate to local homeless shelters that have had to close, yet are still caring for their clientele. Consult local news outlets to find organizations that need help.
Here are some organizations that need your help:
American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/
America’s Food Fund-an organization in partnership with Feeding America and chef Jose Andres and his charity, World Central Kitchen. With so many Americans out of work, America's Food Fund is working to provide meals in need.
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/donate
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We're all in this together, beautiful people. I wish you peace, health, and happiness. Stay home, stay tuned in, and stay well.
With love,
-E
With love,
-E
Anthem for social distancing:
Chef Jose Andres, who is working with America's Food Fund:
Another social distancing anthem:
A song with a reassuring chorus:
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