13 Replies to “Dispatches from CoronaVille – Post #2”

1. To me the silver lining is the environmental benefits like cleaner air and less intrusion on wild space. Yet, in the aftermath it might be business as usual. Can we see this as a lesson for how we treat the planet?

   I’m just praying there is another side for me and my family, a few of whom who aren’t behaving responsibly. Maybe getting outside again.

   Trying to stay positive when a few idiots are ignoring the crisis = stress and depression. Fighting SPMS is easier than fighting ignorance and Covid-19.

   1. Roland, thanks so much for commenting. I’m with you on hoping good things for the environment in the aftermath.

      It must be hard to watch family members behaving irresponsibly. Hopefully you can insulate yourself from those members.

      This whole situation certainly isn’t good for stress and depression. But I am impressed with the creative ways people have found to pass the time. Lots of these are highlighted on TV shows or on social media. Lots of great comedy. I find laughter helps.

      1. Some good news to update my original comment: the grandkid I was most concerned for has decided to act responsibly. Plus, my step-son who had Covid-19 symptoms is clear – a false postive initial test.

2. Love this piece, Mitch! These are scary times indeed. But one silver lining that I have read about is that deaths from car accidents are falling precipitously. In most years, tens of thousands of Americans die in car crashes, but that number should be much lower in 2020. Also, apparently the drop in pollution will cut down on the number of people who die annually from side effects of pollution — there is some way to quantify it and that is also tens of thousands of deaths prevented. Surely this will demonstrate the advantages of pursuing health and safety measures generally, once the economy is up and running again. Stay safe!

   1. Meegan, I’m glad you like the piece. I hadn’t thought about deaths from car accidents relative to the coronavirus. This might be a preview as to what will become of automobile safety when we have driverless vehicles. I like your optimism about the side effects of pollution getting more attention. However, I’m pessimistic.

      By the way, our writing group is going online for a while. Maybe you can join us for those virtual meetings?

3. Great piece, Mitch, thanks!

   Let’s hope they come up with a successful vaccine soon, which will most likely be next year. As I understand it, the virus does not appear to mutate to the same extent as the flu virus, essential for the chances of developing a longlasting vaccine.

   1. Roger, I think that will be the race — can we develop a vaccine before round two of the virus? I hadn’t heard of its non-mutation characteristics. That’s good news. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

4. Maybe we’ll start believing science again, that would be my best silver lining. Unfortunately I tend to doubt it when 40 to 50% of the population believe the federal government is doing a good job handling the Covid pandemic.

   1. Lois, the lack of belief in science by so many of our politicians is indeed frightening!

5. Mitch, it’s interesting to me that you’re looking forward to resuming handshakes and hugs. I have never been a “hugger,” although as an adult I’ve become more accepting of hugs from close friends. (even offering them!) I don’t see myself going back to handshaking, though. I’ve been greeting acquaintances by placing my hand over my heart and bowing a little. I don’t want to touch people who I’ve just met! I do look forward to being able to travel again. Thanks for this thoughtful piece.

   1. Lisa, after I printed that comment I remembered that I can’t actually shake hands anymore. My hands are always balled up like a fist, so I fist bump sometimes. I’ll still look forward to the hugs though

6. A life without human contact is, for me, not worth living. Our civilization is so fragile.

7. Ted, I hear you. I’m quite hopeful that these changes are temporary.

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