My daughter and I happen to work in the same building within the same organization. We were sent home from work early on March 16th, 2020 for an undetermined length of time.
I have been keeping a journal since this - the coronavirus started - widespread, here in the United States of America. This is my entry from, exactly, one year ago today...
“3/16/20
Disneyworld shut down last night due to the threat of the Corona virus. Today, there were 80 more cases diagnosed in New Jersey. The governor put in place a soft curfew of 8:00 pm for people to be home. The casinos in Atlantic City shut down at that time, too. Restaurants and bars are switching over to take out status and closing earlier. There are several closings—come to think of it tonight, at 8:21 pm, my supervisor texted our group saying that if we were, “non-essential” personnel, that we did not have to report to work tomorrow. So, in other words, my job has been postponed due to COVID-19. My daughter and I are off until further notice. When we return is anyone’s guess.
This shutdown makes sense. There are those who feel otherwise, but they are wrong. The best way to contain this is to, “flatten the bell curve” and to practice social distancing (limiting one’s own movement and avoiding public spaces). The spread can be slowed but people must be open to making this happen. The universe has given us time off so that we do not contract and/or spread the virus. Who are we to argue with the universe?”
This shutdown makes sense. There are those who feel otherwise, but they are wrong. The best way to contain this is to, “flatten the bell curve” and to practice social distancing (limiting one’s own movement and avoiding public spaces). The spread can be slowed but people must be open to making this happen. The universe has given us time off so that we do not contract and/or spread the virus. Who are we to argue with the universe?”
My daughter and I now work from home. It is the same with my wife. My wife is looking forward to returning to her routine and her office. My daughter and I, however, are happy working from home. But all that is a tale for another day - a different journal entry altogether.
That journal, by the way, is now over 3,300 pages long. A lot has happened in a year's time. I thought that I would document it as best as I could. You should know, Gentle Reader, that it is not all me and a lot of it is not fit for human consumption. There are hundreds of pictures and articles - all sited mind you - and, of course, there is commentary and observation from yours truly. An everyman's view of this time in history. It has grown long but the work must continue. It will continue until I feel that we have either placed COVID-19 behind us or we have adapted to a "new normal" where COVID-19 remains with us, but due to vaccines and personal responsibility it will be kept at bay. Personally, I believe it will be the latter. There is no magic bullet for the coronavirus. I believe we will have to adapt. When we do, I will call the journal complete.
There are better days ahead. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. We will get there.
Until then, get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing. Be good to each other. Perhaps if most of us can do these simple, unselfish things, I will not have to write another 3,300 pages come this time next year?
Stay safe.
