Today marked one week that we’ve been “Shelter in Place.” It feels like it has been a really long week, but I think it is because we are living day to day. I’ve been trying to work on projects and begin working on some of the things that need done to get my mind off things again. This week, I also decided I’d start documenting this time in history as well. I’ve been out taking photos of our downtown and how it has become pretty quiet. I also took photos of our play ground with the closed signs. Once this is said, done and over-with, I will publish a small book/journal about this. It also will include some doodles and poetry too. I’m thinking it will be a really “raw book.”
Both yesterday and today, (not combined), Illinois reported a little over 400 cases. Sadly, they reported the death of an infant from COVID19. It was the first infant death in this state. This virus can attack any age- any race…. it does not discriminate…
It is changing so many aspects of our lives. The kids are wondering if they will even see their classmates again for the rest of the year…. High School seniors are being robbed of their last year of high school experiences. While all of these are very sad situations, this is for our own safety and well being.
I only go between my church office and home now. We do not have any visitors into our home. I made phone calls last night to family so that I could speak with them and see how they were doing. It was nice to hear familiar voices and to talk to my family. Basically, the phone and Internet is the only interaction I have with others now, but of course – that is the whole purpose of Shelter In place…
Today, the FDA announced that they have created a test that is supposed to have positive results of the CORONA VIRUS within 5 minute sand the negative within 11-13 minutes. Once these are made available, it will make conducting tests for the viruses easier.
New York City has become the epicenter within the United States of the virus with over 50,000 some cases. The United States itself has now become the epicenter in the world, as we have surpassed China and the U.K in cases. Our healthcare systems in some areas are beginning to become overwhelmed… And there’s still a long journey ahead according to the health experts.
President Trump I think it realizing we can’t open up the economy by Easter now, since we have so many cases.
After a week being “Shelter in Place,” I know I am not sleeping many hours, but I have been trying to cook more, I have been a bit of a worry-wart, but then I’ve taken walks to counter-act that… I think having a project to focus on will help during this time…
On the news, some districts from Wuhan, China are getting to go outside for the first time in 63 days. Temperatures are being taken and then they wear wristbands to show that they are healthy. There aren’t really any businesses open, but this is their way for some fresh air. Although, many are still afraid to go outside just yet, so they stay indoors. Some are even still practicing social distancing because they are scared. I can’t say that I blame them….You would want to know that the virus was for sure gone. These poor people had been sheltered in since January….
We don’t know if our Shelter in Place will be extended after April 7 yet, but I am guessing that it just might, since positive cases and deaths continue to rise. The Bishop in our church conference also told us that none of the Methodist Churches in our conference will be holding Easter Worship services in our churches. It will be an odd feeling not being in church on Easter… Although, I believe our area pastors are trying to put their heads together (while being socially distance), to figure out how we can make it special while still being apart….
I am happy that we’ve made it through one week, but I do believe, there is much more bumpy roads to travel down yet…. We just hope that one day, we will awake to a bright sunshine day that will be full of new possibilities as we all will get to gather together once again…
Ariana R. Cherry: Poet & Artist 