Due to the Covid 19 virus, we are changing many things that we have taken for granted all our lives. At home, at work, and in public some things are now taboo. This event like many others touches so many areas of our lives that it causes a major paradigm shift.

We have gone from a hug, kiss, handshake, fist bump to “social distancing” of at least six feet with a wave, head nod, or a short conversation and eye contact without touching or getting close enough to whisper sweet nothings to your partner if you are still just dating.

There are no more going to meet at Starbucks for coffee time, or lunch at your favorite restaurant, not out for burgers or beer in town, and no romantic dinners at an upscale restaurant. Sorry, kids, no spring dance or prom until further notice.

Shopping has changed-Many have started shopping online and getting everything delivered. However, I hope you don’t need toilet paper, eggs, bread, butter more fresh fruits and veggies. Some have resorted to panic hoarding of these things.

Panic stockpiling -How much toilet paper do you really need to last until you shop again in a week or two. Are you really going to eat all of that fresh produce before it spoils? What about all of those eggs, bread, and butter. If we stick to shopping for what we really need, that will give your market time to restock and you won’t need an extra refrigerator!

Only essential staff are still working in their places of employment: Hospitals, Grocery stores, Gas stations, Fast Food (only to go), and don’t stop just to go to the restroom, (you can’t go in). Freight and Produce Truckers, Police, Fire Department, Ambulance staff as well. This is not a complete list. We salute all of these people that continue to serve, putting their own health and their families’ health on the line. You had better not be sick! Some doctors’ offices are doing online or phone visits. (Are you tech-savvy?)

I needed to be seen by an on-duty doctor at my doctor’s office for a sore throat, stuffy nose and cough There was no fever, so not Covid-19!  After checking in I was told to wait in my car and the nurse would come out to get me when it was time for me to be seen. The nurse came to lead me in a back way. She was wearing a medical mask to take my vitals and explained that the doctor would come into the room only long enough to check my throat and retreat to the hallway to give me her findings and recommendations for treatment. I only have a cold or allergies causing the congestion and sore throat. I need to get a cough remedy and nasal spray.

If you only need to stop to pick up a specimen cup for a urine sample,  you can’t enter the building without telling the reason for your visit, receiving a little round sticker to show you are ok to enter and go to your designated area. Back at the Lab area,  you verbally check-in with staff and I was allowed to go to the window where the receptionist nodded to a helper to get the specimen bottle in a plastic baggie with personal info on the bottle as requested by the doctor. It was placed on the counter for me to pick up, so there would be no accidental personal contact.

Effects: Feelings of isolation-some people live alone, feeling cut off can lead to depression. Some people have medical conditions which can seem much worse at these times. Fear or Panic causing anxiety can magnify problems. Stress and short tempers can make things seem out of control. However, some people are open to helping their neighbors in the middle of the same situation. These are truly “Good Samaritans”. Some look for humor in the situations, Their motto must be”Laugh or go Insane”.

Education-school across the country are closing.  There are more online classes offered by teachers in K-12 and higher education than before this time. Alternate solutions for the needy children that count on a wholesome meal at school are still being supplied in many areas on a take-out basis.

People’s reactions range from helpful shopping for those who can’t get out, to caring-through a thoughtful phone call for a check-in instead of a welfare visit. Families must now spend more time together. Maybe this is a good time to get to really know each other better.

Government and Industry Responses: Democrats and Republicans can actually agree when a dragon is breathing down the necks of both equally. Many industries are donating time and money to see that all kinds of supplies reach their final destinations. The National Guard has been called to duty to assist in transporting critical medical equipment.

Again it proves true that Necessity is the Mother of Invention. Just since 2001, there was 911 with the assault on the Twin Towers. Everyone started looking for ways to work together to find unusual solutions to unexpected problems. Black, White Hispanic all working to find victims that may still be alive. Schools and Churches were used as extra places to assess the needs of the injured after the field triage.

2003, hurricanes Katrina and Rita, new friendships were forged because of temporary relocations, working together clearing debris, hospitality, and kindness ruled.

National disasters are a time of coming together in unity. We tend to forget the petty differences and can work for a common goal. We are all children of God. He gives us unique strengths and talents that we are to use to benefit each other.

God always takes us through the storm to the other side. When we also become like the Good Samaritan, God can use us to make this world a much better place. If we work to stay in His will, we can have more love and compassion for ourselves and others.