It is frightening. I realized today that out of my Mothers seven children we all have friends that have passed or have been hospitalized with this virus. It is not some abstract or phantom threat. These are co-workers, family friends, ex-boyfriends, the kind nurse who made my Mother comfortable during her last hospital stay, the sweet little waitress at our favorite diner, and my neighbors Mother-in-law.
Locally initially very few people treated Covid-19 seriously. That is why we have such a large outbreak in this area. They thought it would pass in a week or two. Although they were advised to follow social distancing protocols they were going about their business as usual.
My family was took the precautions because of my Mother‘s and my brothers long term health issues. Frequent hand washing and avoiding people with symptoms is just second nature. When you have family members with fragile health you are fearful of exposing them to illness.
Friday my brother R called his friend K because he was unable to reach his friend T. That call also went unanswered. Later that day another friend called and was surprised my brother was so calm. He was shocked since he knew my brother, T, and K were so close the friend said he thought my brother would have been more upset to find out T was in the hospital and K was deceased. Both tested positive for Covid-19.
My brother D has lost one friend and another is hospitalized with the virus. He has also been notified of 3 colleagues that have tested positive. He is a program director at a college. They will not have live classes until September at the earliest. Even the summer sessions will be online.
I understand the need to get back to work. My fear is that people will return to work and return to business as usual and that will lead to deadly consequences. In my area of New York they have been forced to close parks and beaches because people were having large gatherings. My fear is their reckless behavior will lead to unnecessary loss of lives.
