Just like everyone else, I have had my ups and downs with wading through all the noise about our pandemic, coronavirus, Covid-19. There is soooo much information, most of which contradicts itself a day or two later.  It is difficult to know who to believe. I had a day or two of uncharacteristic anger over apparent hypocrisy and untruths in the media.

The uncertainness is the most frustrating, and the most fear inducing, part of this. Where did this come from? Why is it here, now? When will this end? What will the future be like? Who can we believe?

There are no solid answers to any of this.  But, I feel like I have waded through the storm of noise and had arrived at a place of… not really peace….but resolution. 

There are two things I have come to understand:

1. The Coronavirus is a novel virus and that means no one has immunity to it.
2. The Coronavirus is highly contagious.

So….what does that mean?

With no natural immunity, a lot more people are going to get Covid-19. Some will have severe symptoms, some will have mild symptoms, some will not even know they are infected, and some will die. But people will get the virus, no matter what we do. By practicing social distancing, all we are doing is spreading out the timeline of the illness… not preventing it.

And, spreading out the timeline is a good thing.  It has worked in most places to prevent an over-taxing of the hospitals. It is a good thing that, in most places, adequate ventilators and beds have been available to treat the most ill.  But it is not over.

Maybe, after someone has had the virus, they will have immunity.  Of course, we all hope so.  And of course, we all hope there is a treatment or immunization before too many more people are infected….and certainly, we hope that is before I/you have contracted this new, novel virus.

The likelihood of contracting coronavirus, if we are mingling in public as we were accustomed to, is great. It is very contagious. With limiting interactions, with practicing social distancing, we are limiting our exposure and reducing the likelihood of becoming ill. By wearing a mask, we are limiting us infecting others in case we are asymptomatic.  But only by staying away from infected people will we be protected.

So, with getting through the noise and coming to an acceptance of the current, new reality, here is what I am doing:

• Limiting where I go, especially avoiding large stores and busy times.
• Carrying a mask, hand sanitizer, and sterilizing spray in my car and using them liberally. (The mask, to be compliant and to make others feel protected.)
• Creating an awareness of myself in space.  (i.e. staying 6 feet away from people I don’t live with)
• Being very intentional about the opportunities/needs I have for human interaction. As a Realtor, only showing vacant homes. As a volunteer, limiting the number of people who are sorting food for delivery. As a friend, maybe, in the future, on a warm and sunny day, a walk in the woods or a chat at the park, but maintaining some distance.
• Eating very healthy to keep my immune system as hearty as possible.
• Getting exercise daily, preferably an outdoor walk along with online yoga.

It is smart to be careful.

It is good to be informed.

It is not healthy to live in fear.

Wading through the noise has been exhausting. But I am settled into a place of peace. I can go forward with intention and resolve.