In his latest column in the Miami Herald Dave Barry writes:
Anyway, I think now we’re supposed to wear masks. When I walk my dog, Lucy, around my neighborhood I’m seeing more and more people in masks. We all keep our distance, of course. We eye each other warily, like gunslingers in a Western, ready to react instantly if the other person draws a gun, or — much scarier — coughs.
But I think I’m getting eyed more warily lately because I’m not wearing a mask, and neither is Lucy.
If I could, I would buy a mask, but that is of course ridiculous. It’s like saying “If I could, I would fly like a bird†or “If I could, I would buy toilet paper.†So I thought maybe I could make a mask. It would be something to do, and I’m desperate for things to do. Several days ago, when our bank statement arrived in the mail, my reaction — seriously — was “All RIGHT! Now I can BALANCE THE CHECKING ACCOUNT!â€
I’m thinking of taping a spatula to my forehead in solidarity. Read the whole thing. You can probably use it.
Humor is helpful during circumstances being experienced today.
I can relate to Berry’s observation about being eyed warily on walks. It’s the same reaction I get when walking, except most of the time people try not to make any eye contact, nor acknowledge the existence of another, as if such awareness would provide another source of contagion.
Weird reactions, though, are taking place…everywhere. One friend has resorted to “ironing†their mail. Another ends every correspondence with, “wash your hands,†versus the usual “love,†followed by their name. Neighborhood blogs have become PA systems in ratting on those who they see as not following guidelines. Some of these people even posit walking alone, outside your home, as being “selfish,†exposing others to possible infection.
In the meantime, CA has so far experienced a 4.25% of CV cases, with a 3.2% rate of fatalities. In comparison, combining NY & NJ, they have 47.4% of all CV cases, with roughly 54% of all US fatalities. The hot spots I can see having tight enforceable restrictions in place. However, in areas having marginal CV numbers, I question how balanced it is to shatter everyone’s livelihood for such an extended period of time.