I think it has been almost two months that we’ve been sheltering in place? I could be wrong. The weeks really blend together these days. I do know when it is Monday and Thursday because that is when I go to the office.
The stay at home extension was extended right before April ended. There were several people who weren’t happy about this decision because a couple people attempted to sue the governor, saying he was overusing his power… But truth be told – the virus is still here, and it will still be here until a vaccine is created or there is a medication that can treat COVID19 well…
With the stay at home extension (through May 29? or 30?), people can venture out to designated state parks that have been reopened. Retail stores can do telephone and curbside pick up or online orders. Students here will be wrapping up their school year on May 15 and the district is trying to figure out how to honor their seniors in a creative yet memorable way… Large groups are still not allowed to meet as long as COVID19 is here.
People are getting restless. There are some attempting to sue their governors for abuse of power, many are protesting that their businesses be opened back up, others are protesting that their freedoms are being taken away… Sadly, employees and security guards are being shot for enforcing mask use and social distance regulations… People are not only getting restless, some are downright angry.
There’s a battle going on throughout the U.S. At first, I had hoped that in some positive light, this virus was bringing us together… We were staying at home, posting jokes online and dancing to TIK TOK videos… There was even a stay-at-home concert broadcasted on TV and online. It had seamed there was a bit of a light shining between the curtains. But now… people are tired. Someone I know put it best when they said that the battle was between the selfless and the selfish.
People won’t wear masks because it is their freedom being taken away from them. People won’t use social distancing because it is their freedom being taken away from them. All the suggestions put in place that was used for keeping us safe, people now protest…. And it worries me, because it seems that now, people only worry about themselves and not the health of others. It is scary to me because I am one (of many) with underlying health conditions. I guess those people don’t want to help protect the elderly, immune compromised or have other health conditions. Some have even quoted… “The elderly, sick and immune compromised can stay inside while the rest of us live our lives.” …. So – I guess that means those who aren’t “the rest of us” are supposed to stay locked inside until…. (when?)… We really don’t know how long it will be when a vaccine will be created (or if?). People are selfish enough to set the elderly, immune compromised and “the sick” aside for their own agendas… It’s so sad.
Businesses are hurting because they have been closed for so long. Families are losing money. Families are hungry. Many who had savings – it is running out. There have been food drives and other charity fundraisers to help some of these families, but many are stuck between endangering their health and going to work because they need to provide for their families…. It is definitely a hard fine line to walk upon.
A couple days ago, our governor did come up with a regional plan on reopening the state. There are five phases that are a part of the reopening. The last phase is “going back to normal” after there has been a vaccine, herd immunity or some type of medication that can treat the virus.
Right now, we are in phase 2, and possibly by the end of May, there’s a chance some regions might be able to move into phase 3. It is really hard to predict, as each day is different with this virus. But , each region is different when it comes to hospitalizations, new cases and deaths…
Most of us are still trying to live a day at a time and move through our “New Normal” which may also include new schedules and just a little bit way of living life. I know many of us are learning the hard way – do not take anything for granted…. So many of us don’t get to see our family and friends, although we can talk to them. Many of us can’t hug the ones we love – so that we can keep ourselves safe… We are missing social gatherings, family gatherings, going to church, and just doing all the things that we always considered “normal…” Perhaps after all of this, we all will cherish the things in life just a little bit more. But I also hope, that the anger that is treading through our world right now, simmers some…. Anger leaders to danger …
Our summer may look different this year. To protect our town, fireworks were canceled, because it is known for bringing around 20-30,000 people into our town. Other cities have canceled fireworks. The state fair probably won’t happen… and other festivals and concerts have been canceled. This summer, we will need to become creative in how we spend our times with our families.
People might be disappointed about events being canceled, but at least we can say, “We woke up this morning healthy. We get to be in a house with people that we love. We finally get to spend time with the people that we love, because our schedules aren’t so busy or we aren’t on the roads as much.” This is the year that a virus changed our lives, but it is also a year, that we got to know the people that we live with much better and we also got to learn to think creatively….
Times are tough, some have lost people that they love, we may have searched high and low for toilet paper, farmers and businesses are hurting and financial hardship as hit families… But in the end, we have each other to hold on. And with some hope and faith, we will get through this…
Ariana R. Cherry: Poet & Artist 