As I
predicted, June would be the month we'd experience a sense of normalcy since
lockdown in my Northern California tourist town, in America, and around the
world. So, how does it feel? Well, it’s kind of is liberating, sort of. After
all, we’ve been cooped up inside our homes like birds in a cage. We wanted to
go outdoors and enjoy the fruits of freedom like we had before the COVID-19
pandemic.
But the protests for
re-opening -- perhaps too soon – adds fuel to the hope, hype and hysteria fire.
Worse, during the pandemic, the loss of George Floyd gained even more protests
and riots (against another pandemic of racism and police brutality). Despite
the danger of mass gatherings and tear gas (which causes coughing to spread the
virus) people march. In San Francisco to New York City, Seattle and Atlanta and
dozens more cities, even around the world people (some wear masks, others do
not) gather in crowds to fight for civil rights amid a contagious virus that is
still spreading around the world. And medical experts are concerned.
Politicians and
epidemiologists are worried about a new spike. But health workers were worried
about new spikes during “lockdown fatigue” (due to loss of jobs and freedom)
protests. So, the questions remain: Is there hope the virus will fizzle --
and the hype and hysteria fade like in the ‘80s during the HIV/AIDS epidemic?
Or will a second wave of the deadly virus revisit like in 1918 during the
fall-winter?
HOPE
Every day we hear news about therapeutics and a vaccine by the end of the year.
And now, with relaxed restrictions paired with people who fought for going back
to work, getting a haircut to a beer – we’re seeing hope of saving our economy.
However, there are more spikes in virus outbreaks. Still, people are divided on
believing the virus is big and bad. Others say we’re in between a rock and a
hard place – we choose between making money or taking chances with our health? So,
life goes on and we hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Since the pandemic began in my town, I've noticed two
groups: The Cautious Cats, or the CCs and Freedom Fighters, or the FFs who are
the folks who say the virus is just a cold. Locals and tourists want to pack
the casinos, hotels, vacation home rentals, restaurants and beaches. But the
CCs know our hospital has a mere 60 beds and being a tourism hub, we could get
overwhelmed like we watched on TV – New York City, the epicenter of people
dying. We hope it won’t be like that here.
As the sibling, dog, and I drive around town it is
different. The Lake is quiet and campgrounds are empty. The grocery stores are
filled with people--half with masks, half without. There is controversy about
the good of wearing a mask. I feel
better wearing one. I do it like wearing a protective condom. And I hope the
cotton cloth helps me stay well or if I am a carrier, I hope it keeps me from
infecting someone.
The locals have a different vibe. Half the folks still believe
there is no virus and refuse to wear masks. The other half know we are like a
petri dish – and hope we don’t get sick. Our hospital, food, and supplies will
not be able to take care of our own – and interlopers. We hope we stay at zero
deaths. But many locals are hungry and fed up. We want to go back to
pre-pandemic days – a time of no fear of people and a contagion. Both locals
and tourists complain about shut down businesses, lost a job or endure a pay
cut and wonder if a Great Depression is in the works. Is it hope or hype since
the news is inconsistent and trust is shaky?
HYPE
Life during the new normal is abnormal. Skyler, my beloved Aussie got his nails
clipped. The protocol is to drop off the dog to a vet tech at the car. No pet
owners are allowed inside the office. The techs wear masks and gloves…
Next, I kept my dental cleaning appointment. It was a very
sterile experience. At the dental office I announced my arrival via phone in
the car. I used a paper towel to open the door. Walking into the vacant waiting
room I was wearing a mandatory mask. Then, my temperature was taken. I was
asked if I had been sick, in contact with anyone sick or if I had traveled.
After rinsing twice with peroxide, I sat down in the dental chair. Everything
was wrapped in plastic. The hygienist wore a face shield and gloves. No hazmat
suit, just scrubs. I removed my mask and the procedure began. And it was done.
Can I get my roots done yet? The pricey light brown
hair powder I bought online hides the grays. Three months without a hair
appointment, I called a salon and was greeted with price gouging. Uh, more than
300.00 for a root touch up and a few highlights? And yes, both stylists and
clients wear masks – and temperatures will be taken.
HYSTERIA
The media has kept us abreast of the different re-opening phases. Once Nevada
opened their golf courses and restaurants, my brother raced across the state line
for a taste of normalcy. The next day, I soon learned he golfed with a
buddy. No separate cars and no masks at the burger café. So, due to an
abundance of caution I put us on the new anti-virus plan: masks, gloves and
social distancing for 14 days. Repeat as necessary. It is self-preservation
because I do not want to get sick.
I'm not ready for pools or indoor dining. The word is, most
of the country is still too skittish to hit crowded bars, restaurants, theaters
or gyms in June. It doesn’t matter if state and local officials are giving us
the green light.
Each time
I go to the Delta airline website to book a fall flight to Alaska, the prices
are either low or sky high. Virus cases in Anchorage (now the busiest airport
in the world) and Fairbanks are spiking. Will it be safe? I have flight miles
saved up and want that human connectedness and adventure I get when traveling
out of my comfort zone. FFs say, "Go!" but CCs say, "It’s not
safe.” Some airlines are packing in people on those 737s -- and to full
capacity. Worse, I discovered if I go to Alaska tomorrow a 14 day quarantine is mandatory. So, that would be almost 1000 for the dog kenneling and more than 3000 lodging -- and no northern lights this time of year. All alone in a room in Fairbanks. Not in the stars.
During the fear of COVID-19 spreading and finding a cure, will
there be an “I Am Legend” vaccine backlash turning people into zombies? The
unknown is haunting virology and vaccine experts about releasing the miracle
shot too soon. Scientists caution there is no wiggle room for mistakes. Vaccines
take time to make to lower the risk of side effects that can be more deadly
than the disease. But there are those people who will wait in line for the shot
-- and the anti-vaxers (like me) who will use social distancing, bolster the
immune system, naturally, with vitamin D, C, and zinc as well as a
nutrient-dense diet, healthful lifestyle and a bit of luck. And then everyone
will hope for the best during hype and hysteria.
The final word: The world is still living
and dying in a pandemic – and new hot spots are popping up every day – Brazil
and Latin America are the hottest ones and there are spikes in the South and West
due to the protests. But we can learn to live with the novel virus – with the
promise of therapeutics and a healthy lifestyle -- as we have done with
HIV/AIDS. And, of course, another superbug will pay us a visit. Hopefully, humanity
will blossom and we will work together to fight the enemy – with or without a
vaccine. Meanwhile, I am preparing for Lockdown II -- 80 percent odds we will see it in California this year.
-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an
author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar,
Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and
Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good
Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com.
The texture is super smooth and super creamy complemented by
a nice crunch from the two types of nuts. Savoring a piece with fresh
raspberries or strawberries is sweet, naturally. One square is perfect and will
provide you with a feel-good jolt. And note, dark chocolate contains
mood-enhancing compounds, including caffeine, endorphins, and serotonin. Go
ahead -- pair a square or two with a cup of hot java in the morning or iced
coffee (or tea) in the afternoon. It’s not Hawaii but it will transport you there in
flash without a long flight or jet lag – just happy.
