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Randy Tarkington

My Thoughts on Coronavirus

It is rare that I am at a loss for something to say.   For the last week, I have found myself there.  I have also been working non stop so the combination of the two left no time for a work life balance last week.


I have been trying to think of some words that might comfort and encourage.  Honestly, that has been really hard too.


I am watching all of us concerned if we have been exposed to the coronavirus.   We are checking on family and friends all across the world as we see numbers rise.   We watch as cities shut down and wonder if that will be us soon.


I see my friends in the hospitality industry and see their fears as doors are closed or business limited.  To those who opened and own the businesses,  I know they are asking themselves if they will make it through these next few days, weeks or months.  For many of them, they are still trying to manage the impact of the tornado.


I keep coming back to a word to describe it - surreal.  This is a reality we have never experienced.


For now, we all need to follow the lead from those who know best.  We need to social distance.  We need to limit being in any groups.   We need to utilize other safety practices.  I know you have heard them:


• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.


I don't want to be an alarmist, but we should all probably prepare for a time when we might not be able to leave our home for a period of time.  I talked today with a friend in California and that is his life currently.


For those who can, we need to find ways to support those businesses being devastated by this.  If somewhere is offering pick up or delivery food service, think of that as a choice. If you have safety concerns, there is a lot of information out there to educate us how we do this more safely.   There are go fund me pages set up to provide resources for those not able to work while businesses are closed.


I want to send out a big thank you to those who work in the medical field treating and caring for all of us.  We should be checking in with them, saying thank you and asking what we can do to support them.


I also think we have to keep loving each other, supporting each other,and even making each other laugh.  Some friends and I have a check in each day using Bitmoji or gifs or other fun things to remind us that we will get through this.   Or it might a phone call, text , or virtual happy hour to remind us we are not alone in this and that we are all loved.


And, of course, we need to stop buying all the toilet paper!!


We will get through this.   Though I am older, I am not wise enough to predict what things will be like in six months or this time next year.    However, I know our resilience as people.  We have been through really tough times before.   There was nothing more challenging than 9/11.   And those of us who are old enough remember the way we united and responded.


So once again,  I hope very soon that I will be back listing all of the amazing things for us to do in this wonderful community in which we live.  Until then, take care of yourself, each other, and stay safe!

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