I wrote a bit about what I’ve learned from COVID-19 last week, and since then the state of the situation has escalated and I feel like I have to write more. I’m not going to re-explain what the virus is, but if you want a good overview, head over to that post. I shared lots of links from WHO and the CDC regarding the virus etc.
Today Governor Herbert addressed the state of Utah along with other state authorities, local health care CEO, an epidemiologist, local university representatives etc. on what measures our state is taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I watched most of it this afternoon and read more about it later. Here are the highlights:
- Social gatherings should be limited to 100 people or less including church but not school
- If you are in the “at-risk” population they recommended gatherings of no more than 25 people
- Local universities have changed all classes to online
- Salt Lake County parks and rec are closed through the end of March (I predict they will stay closed longer)
- One school district (a smaller one) closed due to students and faculty having contact with the virus
- The governor recommended having at least a 14 day food supply but urged people not to over-do it and not to buy bottled water if you don’t need it
- They all urged social distancing! The epidemiologist shared some great info about what is still allowed (and encouraged) during social distancing
- If you have the capacity to work from home, they recommended that you do so
There’s more, but that the big stuff. Things escalated rather quickly. After two Jazz players were diagnosed yesterday (which what the HIPAA?! Who said that they could disclose their private health information?!) people started to realize that this is a real thing.
So what have I learned from this?
1// It was smart for me to be a little bit more cautious in the earlier stages of the virus. I have been stocking up on random things for weeks. I did my big grocery shopping last week, inventoried my household items, etc. I am so glad I did that.
2// People do not know how to handle preparation for a disaster. I went to Winco today as well as Smith’s (Kroger store) and folks were buying…the craziest thing. I saw people with like 5 bags of dried beans in their carts. More oatmeal than they could ever eat, cases upon cases of soda…Just weird stuff ya’ll. My friend Liz has a great list of stuff you could actually use for a quarantine situation. I wouldn’t buy all of this stuff, but certainly some!
3// Self quarantine, social distancing, closed parks and rec… these are good things. I have seen this article and graphic about “Flattening the Curve” a few times and I feel like it really explains why these things are important far better than I ever could. But the basic gist is that we need to delay the spread so that we can space out cases, reduce the number of cases at the peak, and allow for time for treatments to be developed, tests to be available, and beds to free up in hospitals.
4// Avoiding getting COVID-19 is socially responsible. I have medically fragile family members. My sisters and my dad are all diabetic and have other complications with their conditions. Catching this virus will more than likely put them in the hospital, and it would likely be a death sentence for my dad. Possibly all three of them. So I’m going to do my part not to get the virus so that I can remain healthy and able to help them when they need it because they need my social distancing even more than I do.
5// Clearing shelves and over-buying is NOT responsible. Folks…You never would have used that amount of TP in a month or two. Not just that, but there are so many other options to wipe your damn ass than TP! But it’s not just about TP. It’s also about the parents who are without wipes because you bought them all. Or who don’t have diapers because you bought enough to get them through potty training in 2 years. Unless you plan to give those away or sell them at cost or less, you suck. Don’t over-buy!
6// If we all lived more sustainable lifestyles this wouldn’t be such a big deal. I can’t believe the number of paper towels I’m seeing in carts. Why do you NEED paper towels? I have about 20 hand towels and 12 cloth napkins. Done. No paper towels needed. Why do you need 4 cases of bottled water? Get a filtering pitcher (or a huge jug or something) It is breaking my heart to see so many people buying water bottles, especially when the governor stated that our water supply is NOT at risk. Using a menstrual cup means I don’t need tampons. Only washing my hair once a week means my shampoo lasts a long time. Living more sustainably has really put me at an advantage and I wish more people were doing it.
7// You probably have about 14 days worth of stuff in your pantry right now without going to the store. My mom is on a cruise (yeah I know scary) and she texted me and asked me to take care of her prep. Instead of rushing off to the store and buying all the stuff she told me to, I went to her house and I took inventory. She has enough staples to last her probably 2 or 3 MONTHS! She thought that she had nothing. Please, don’t just run to the store. Check your pantry, check your deep freeze, go through you fridge. Don’t go buy 30+ days of food without seeing what you have first!
I could probably go on, but I won’t. Instead, I’m going to say my prayers, go to bed, and hopefully wake up to a better day tomorrow.
Happy prepping America.
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