Tonight we watched as the Democratic primary between former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders took place in an empty CNN auditorium with podiums set 6 ft. apart. The two touched elbows in lieu of shaking hands. As momentous as it is to be down to the final two candidates in the running for the democratic ticket, the bizarre, unprecedented nature was oddly normalized by the events of the past several days.
As the debate took place, we were alerted that the CDC had put out further guidelines regarding social gatherings. No more than 50 people in any one place at a time. It goes without saying that many historic events such as Lenten Mass in the Vatican City, St Patrick's Day Parade, and other global events were canceled in a finite way for the time foreseeable future. In our region, bars and restaurants were all mandated to close by 9 P.M. this evening and have been assured that workers will have immediate access to unemployment benefits as a temporary solution to feed families and provide for basic necessities. Clearly this was not an easy call as it impacts many working families who may live paycheck to paycheck. I am hoping that our resources are enough to provide for everyone who is being displaced financially or otherwise by these necessary precautions to keep down the spread of the virus.
I am grateful to those who have to make these tough calls as many nations have waited too long before imposing such strict regulations. Most nations have only taken these measures once healthcare systems are already inundated. By taking measures like this before the hospitals are full and overfilling, there is a much greater likelihood of spreading out the infection rate over a longer period of time so everyone can get good quality of care by the time they are infected with the virus. As a nation we have been told to "hunker down." Most likely, a lockdown order will follow as it has in other countries, but we will see how the coming week plays out. Speaking of playing, one of the ways my cousins and I are thinking of spending our time is by playing an online Dungeons and Dragons game with my uncle. We are all excited to try out some new things on this...extended, mandated holiday. Until then, I am going to take a leaf of out the Disney book and keep trying as many new things as I can find to keep up the positive vibes in our house.
Prepare, don't panic.
-Allison
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