First of all read this article: How Canceled Events and Self-quarantines Save Lives, in one chart.

There is a lot of information floating around about the pandemic. The article linked above provides a good overview, from interviews of experts and links to advise on practical concerns generated by all these closings.

I a big believer in:

1. Don’t panic
2. Get educated – read everything you can, BUT consider the source – and find the experts
3. Take Action – comply with guidelines, take reasonable precautions, help others cope

So I am minimizing my contact with others and sending love and sympathy to those already feeling isolated.

But my heart breaks at the thought that no one will be allowed to visit any people in nursing homes until this epidemic runs its course.

There are three nursing homes that I know of within a mile from my house. Therefore I am donating a case of my book, Flirtation on the Hudson, to each nursing home and volunteering to host a video chat (I am sure a staff member can arrange the technological aspects of this) with each home to interact with anyone interested. It could be a reading group interview with the author — Or It could be a live “listen to the author read her book.”

I’ll let you know how it works out.

Now is not the time to worry about the economic costs of this decision, and the long term ramifications of large gathering and sports cancellations on the global economy. We can deal with that later. (Start thinking!) It is the time to try to keep ourselves employed while minimizing the spread, and therefore the health toll of this disease.

You have read it before:

1. Wash your hands and try not to touch your face
2. Do the ‘elbow bump’ instead of a handshake or hug
3. Keep an arms-length distance between yourself and others
4. Avoid crowds as much as possible; work from home if you have that luxury
5. If you know someone you had contact with tested positive for the disease – self quarantine

We must get the disease contained, so we can get back to the life we knew.

Stay healthy.

© Jane F. Collen March 13, 2020

IndexCardCure.com™ little steps (wash your hands) make big changes