My partner’s parents are hoping for a visit once the school year wraps up. However, the thought of making that drive along the coast fills me with dread, all due to the ongoing pandemic. So, it’s likely that this plan will fall through, and they’ll be disappointed. What about our summer trip to the beach? Nags Head has reopened, and wouldn’t it be okay if we go without stopping at rest areas? Moreover, what does the next school year look like for my partner? Will they be teaching in a physical classroom full-time or part-time? Will masks be a requirement for students? This unpredictability is the hardest aspect of COVID-19 for me. I find myself unable to make any plans. I have no idea what will happen next month, this summer, or even next year.
Vacation Planning Is a Challenge
I want to reassure my children that we’re heading to the state parks this summer. But the truth is, I can’t make those plans. I’m uncertain if people in our area will adhere to social distancing guidelines (they often don’t). I worry that the parks will be overcrowded, and I’d rather not encounter unmasked individuals while navigating the trails. The idea of simply visiting a nearby park to launch our kayaks is daunting due to the potential for crowded conditions at the boat ramp—let alone planning a trip across the state.
Our beach vacation is also in limbo. We typically enjoy a summer getaway, and while the house appears to be available, I question whether we can trust that everyone will follow safety protocols during travel: avoiding gas station handles, steering clear of public restrooms? I can’t plan for the behavior of others, and the uncertainty surrounding adherence to safety measures is overwhelming. Studies indicate that restroom areas can be high-risk, making it hard for me to feel comfortable using roadside facilities.
I can’t assume that others will share my views, no matter how much scientific evidence I present. Thus, I’m hesitant to commit to our beach trip. I refuse to risk exposure to COVID-19 after months of isolation just to enjoy a day at the beach.
Facing Unanswerable Questions
When my son asks when he can see his friends again, I suppress my urge to laugh. “One day,” is all I can muster as a response. Because we’re homeschooling, I have the power to decide when they can interact socially again, but honestly, I’m at a loss. I don’t know if that will occur in August or September. I’m unsure if they’ll be allowed to play with others while wearing masks, or if they won’t have the opportunity to mingle until a vaccine is developed (considering children often struggle to follow rules). I even question whether we’ll be able to shop at Target before a vaccine is available.
I can’t even think about Halloween costumes because I have no idea if my kids will be able to go trick-or-treating. How will people handle social distancing—will they toss candy from a distance? Do Halloween masks count as “real” masks? Perhaps I should consider dressing them as medical professionals.
I can’t make plans for any future events or emergencies. I don’t know where we’ll be for Christmas—my in-laws still have gifts waiting for us from last year. I’m uncertain when I’ll be able to visit my grandfather, who resides in a nursing home and whom I haven’t seen in over a year and a half. I can’t realistically plan for a visit until a vaccine is in place, and there’s no telling when that will be.
Moreover, I dread the thought of not being able to attend funerals for any of our older family members should they pass. Both of my partner’s grandfathers are quite ill, and we are left with the knowledge that we may have seen them for the last time, and if they do pass, our attendance at their funerals seems unlikely.
Everyday Decisions Are Uncertain
I can’t even finalize a date to get our puppy spayed. While it’s necessary, making that appointment is a hassle, and our vet is often unreachable. I have to leave messages and wait for their return calls.
Regular medical appointments are also up in the air. My children’s physician can manage ADHD prescriptions through telehealth, but my primary care doctor insisted I visit in person during a pandemic when masks weren’t a requirement for patients. When I expressed my concerns, the receptionist’s response was dismissive, causing me great anxiety.
My calendar is completely blank—what would typically be filled with playdates, vacations, and school start dates is now empty, with no foreseeable activities on the horizon. This uncertainty is the most challenging aspect of COVID-19. While I don’t mind the isolation or spending time with my kids at home, the inability to plan is frustrating.
As Tom Petty said, the waiting is truly the hardest part.
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Summary
The uncertainty brought on by COVID-19 impacts every aspect of life, from family visits and vacations to simple everyday tasks. The inability to plan for the future creates a persistent sense of anxiety, as individuals navigate their children’s social interactions, holiday celebrations, and healthcare appointments during this unpredictable time.