Last weekend, my son wanted to hang out at the beach with his friends and then head to one of their houses for a bonfire. When I firmly said no, he insisted it was fine since our state had begun reopening. I likened it to recovering from food poisoning and immediately returning to that restaurant just because he felt slightly better. “That wouldn’t be wise, right? It probably wouldn’t even cross your mind. This situation is far more serious and impacts more people than just yourself. So once again, the answer is no.”
Naturally, he wasn’t pleased. But having your teenage son resent you for a while in the name of protecting him and others is a small price to pay.
As all 50 states start to lift restrictions, it’s both hopeful and daunting. We all crave a sense of normalcy and the comfort that comes with it. I miss dining out terribly. The thought of sitting in an air-conditioned restaurant, ordering nachos, and enjoying unlimited soda refills is tempting, but it doesn’t feel right just yet.
We all long to gather our friends for a big celebration, clinking glasses and proclaiming that this is all behind us. However, reopening does not equate to a return to normalcy, nor is it a race to resume all activities. That mindset could easily lead us back into lockdown.
Public health experts caution that many states are easing restrictions without meeting necessary benchmarks. When I see statements like this, it becomes clear that I can’t just rely on official guidelines – I must listen to my instincts. Right now, my instincts urge me to keep my kids at home and wait to see how this initial round of lifting restrictions unfolds.
Barbara, the public health director for our county, advises that it’s still not time for social gatherings. I trust her expertise over the state’s reopening announcements any day. It’s my responsibility to model this behavior and explain it to my kids.
This doesn’t mean we’re never allowed to gather; it simply means we should minimize contact with crowds. The virus spreads easily, and it only takes one visit to a restaurant or gym to potentially infect many people – whether they feel sick or not. Some individuals carry the virus without showing symptoms, unknowingly spreading it to others.
We need to slow down on playdates, gatherings, and large parties. Take, for instance, a recent case where a participant from a Memorial Day party tested positive for COVID-19, highlighting the very fears experts had about reopening.
As Andrew, a public health professor, pointed out, some states may open too early while others may be overly cautious, creating a challenging balance. Many epidemiologists are already seeing warning signs of a resurgence, especially in the South. Since it can take weeks for symptoms to emerge, the effects of reopening won’t be immediately apparent.
I trust the experts. While I miss seeing friends and dining out, we’ve been social distancing for months now. We can use technology to stay connected and many restaurants offer curbside pickup, allowing us to support local businesses while enjoying a meal in our cars.
If maintaining social distancing now means a quicker return to normalcy and saves lives, it’s worthwhile. I understand my kids are frustrated that I won’t let them hang out with friends, even if they claim they’ve been isolated.
To me, it’s a no-brainer: prioritize caution when lives are at stake. I don’t comprehend why some people are rushing back to their pre-pandemic routines. It feels disrespectful to those who have lost their lives and to the healthcare workers tirelessly caring for COVID-19 patients. A friend recently remarked, “I’m tired of being socially distant, but it beats the alternatives of hospitalization or losing someone dear to me.” He hit the nail on the head; there’s a bigger picture beyond just wanting to go back to our old lives.
If you feel the need to socialize or are considering hosting a birthday party for your child, the Los Angeles Times has a helpful summary of the risks associated with various scenarios, enabling you to make informed decisions for your family.
So, take the reopening with caution. There will be bumps along the way, but we can minimize them by not rushing back to our old ways.
In summary, while the reopening of states brings a sense of hope, it’s crucial to approach the situation with caution. Prioritizing safety over socializing will ultimately lead to a faster return to normalcy and save lives.