Thoughts on Moving Forward in the COVID Era

I get it.

Nobody likes staying home forever.

And I understand that the purpose of the stay at home orders was to flatten the curve and make sure that the healthcare system can handle the COVID-19 cases. If we are to that point and can remain that way, then we should certainly be moving towards reopening businesses and our economy.

But it doesn't mean that the threat has passed, and it doesn't mean that we should move forward without caution. The coronavirus is still active, can still be spread by people without symptoms, and can still be fatal to a significant portion of our community. To move about without taking precautions is foolish. It shows a lack of caring or ignorance (and often -- both).

To be fair, some people genuinely believe that there is no real threat to them, and that they are no threat to others. If that's you, know that there are people that are legitimately threatened by people that are unmasked in public. They may have asthma or COPD, or another condition that compromises them. Or they may live with or care for someone that is compromised.

Be respectful of their concerns.

While I don't agree with people that choose to ignore recommendations of wearing masks and social distancing, I do get that there will always be people that think differently than I do. But there is no need to mock people that practice caution when in public or to be assholes to businesses that choose to protect their employees and customers by using safe practices. 

If you don't like it, shop somewhere else.

If you need something from that business, honor their restrictions.

If you see someone wearing a mask or deliberately distancing from people, give them space.

Personally, we will continue in relative isolation for a while. We are both retired and afforded the privilege of only needing to go out for food and supplies. And I'm a bit anti-social to begin with so the isolation isn't a big deal for me.

It may seem like an oxymoron, but we can disagree in harmony.

Of course, if you are just dead set on being a hateful asshat I've got nothing for you. Just go ahead and live your miserable asshat life and I'll do my best to avoid you. As an added bonus, I'll continue to avoid you long after this pandemic has passed. 

John