As COVID-19 continues its rampage across New York State, and everywhere else, a slow resonance is setting-in, maybe even overdue complacency.   The pattern of insanity in recent days with people engaged in hoarding the basic needs of living now is taking on an almost eerie pattern with the realization that we are all caught in the web of this viral assailant and, for now, there is little which any of us can do.  The game plan is well in place.  Wash your hands, keep absolute social distancing in force, self-quarantine, shelter in place…we know the drill.  Those fortunate, can work from home.  Others aren’t as lucky with their employment status coming to an abrupt halt and they now face survival through the next weeks, even months of this damn pandemic.

I’ve joined the ranks of the latter after an executive order was issued by the governor of New York State, closing down all non-essential businesses on March 21, 2020.  In that directive, hair salons, facilities where there is no acceptable safe distance from person-to-person and…I fully understand the importance of abiding by the safety measures that are crucial in working to stop the further spread of this virus.  Aside from what may be deemed “frivolous” in the salon industry, hair color, blow-drys, and other non-essential services that clients can certainly live without for the time being, there are hair replacement services which must be managed or there are serious bacterial complications.  And then, there are cancer patients who may be in need of a cranial prosthesis; the salon I work at is one of very few licensed facilities with the proper credentials to provide support to women dealing with cancer.  We are well-prepared to provide essential services on a one-to-one basis, observing and maintaining strict disinfection procedures while wearing sanitary apparel when in the company of any cancer patient.  Sadly, that door is now closed and there are no options in place for those in need other than to stay at home and weather this nightmare of a viral storm.

The crowds at the supermarkets here in New York have now moved onto our local Home Depot’s and Lowe’s, in a fairly orderly fashion, as shoppers seem focused on doing all that home “stuff” to occupy their time off from their jobs.  Neighbors are helping neighbors, people are keeping in touch through social media, dogs are getting walked, almost to the point of exhaustion, parents are home-schooling with great gusto, knowing that the liquor stores are not being closed down.  And, there are reports of lines going into local gun shops where legal gun owners are stocking-up on ammo, others legally purchasing firearms, all fearing that some won’t have any sense of lawfulness anymore.  Many are concerned that the virus could lead to a breakdown of public order, with looting and robberies as so much of daily life is shutting-down.

Whatever the scenario, here in New York and elsewhere, we will run this Coronavirus gauntlet for however long it holds us hostage and get through it. 

We will survive.

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop…It’s been another week. Share an update about how your city/state is reacting to the Coronavirus.