How To Not Be A Dick About The Coronavirus

I'll admit I've made a few jokes about being in quarantine- and I probably won't stop- but I want to take a moment to really make sure that you guys know how serious social distancing is when it comes to fighting the coronavirus. If you're local to NC then you know that Gov Cooper has closed all restaurants and bars, leaving takeout and dive through as the only option for dining out. Limiting the virus's exposure to other humans is, for now, the only way to flatline those confirmed case numbers. LISTEN to the CDC and follow the guidelines of your local government. For some people (looking at you medical professionals, grocery clerks and delivery drivers) staying at home isn't an option, and those who are at home will eventually have to wander out for gas, groceries, takeout, fresh air... so we need to do our best to keep ourselves socially distanced from other people when out in public. As always, I'm here to give you advice that not one single person asked for- keep reading to find out if you're being a dick about the coronavirus.

Let's start with the grocery store! Keep in mind, people, we are NOT going through a shortage of goods right now. The warehouses that supply our grocery chains are massive and stocked- did you hear about how many jobs Amazon is offering because of the increase in online sales? We absolutely do not need to be stocking up on more than a couple weeks of items from our brick and mortars. Most of us will be there again at some point or two before this is all over and it's up to us to keep it safe. With that in mind, SELF CHECKOUT ONLY if you have the option. Bring a pocket lysol/wet wipe with you to wipe down the keypad, touchscreen and bagging area. Yes you'll look incredibly ridiculous but the person behind you will both thank you and admire your tenacity! Unless of course you are hoarding all the things- that's a classic dickweed move. As always make sure you wash your hands before you leave the house, sanitize them back in the car and do your best to clean off as much of your grocery supplies as you can.

Traveling via communal transportation is both irresponsible and almost impossible nowadays. How long do you think it will take for airlines and rails to start shutting down? I've seen a lot of people post things along the lines of 'travel is cheaper than ever, I'm young, I wont get infected and I need to take advantage of this opportunity...' and I can't get over it. Social distancing is not about fear of infection, it's about preventing the virus from growing. By isolating ourselves and elevating our hygiene practices, we will literally suffocate this virus until it dies a lonely, cold death. Or scientists will create a vaccine and/or cure- either way, social distancing is the key to preventing this disease from growing right now.

This actually leads me into my next point- DO NOT go to the hospital without calling your doctor first. While we do have enough food, water and butt wiping products to last us a while, we do not have the medical supplies OR personnel needed to admit hundreds of cases into the hospital. Make smart decisions about medical care- your doctors are ready to give you advice on how to stay safe and stay in quarantine if need be. DO NOT go to the hospital without their guidance. The panic, rush, and empty shelves of the grocery stores is a great example of what we are trying to avoid in our ERs across the country.

I need to take one last moment to remind you all that while some of us are getting paid time off for our Coronacations, others are facing hunger, abuse and unyielding boredom. Not everyone has food security. Many women and children are now being forced to stay in the house 24/7 for the forseeable future with their abusers. Some won't be able to pay their internet, power, water bills... you see where I'm going with this. Below is a list of resources for those in need or those who want to donate. Stay safe, and as always when it comes to a life threatening pandemics like the coronavirus... don't be a dick about it. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)- It's important to stay informed on facts vs fears when it comes to this virus

Feeding America- Their website directs you to the ways you can help and the steps they are taking to feed communities in need because of the coronavirus

Save The Children with No Kid Hungry- These two organizations have partnered to provide meals, entertainment and educational tools to those affected by the coronavirus

National Domestic Violence Hotline- If you or anyone you know is being quarantined with their abuser PLEASE reach out. This is a very dangerous time for them.

CALL 1 800 799 7233

TTY 1 800 787 3224

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