Last weekend, my teenage son asked if he could join his friends at the beach and then go over to one of their homes for a bonfire. When I told him it was a definite no, he argued that it was fine since our state has started reopening. I compared it to recovering from food poisoning and then returning to the same restaurant too soon. “That’s not a smart move, right? It’s like that but a million times more serious, affecting not just you but everyone around you. So, once again, my answer is no.”
Of course, he wasn’t thrilled with my decision. But if being disliked by my son for a few weeks—or even months—means keeping him and those around him safe, then so be it.
As all 50 states gradually open up, it can feel both hopeful and frightening. We are all yearning for a sense of normalcy and security, missing the simple joys like dining out. I find myself longing to enjoy nachos in a cool restaurant, but I just don’t feel comfortable doing that right now.
We all dream of hosting friends and celebrating together, but reopening doesn’t imply a return to normalcy or a race to resume all activities. We risk sliding back into lockdown if we act hastily. NPR highlights that “public health experts have cautioned that many states are easing restrictions without meeting all necessary criteria.”
Reading such warnings reinforces my belief that I can’t blindly trust every new guideline; instead, I must listen to my instincts. Right now, my instinct is to stay cautious, keep my kids at home, and observe how this initial reopening of non-essential businesses unfolds. Barbara Flynn, the public health director for San Francisco, has stated that now isn’t the time for social gatherings. I’ll heed this advice over any state announcement about reopening. It’s crucial for me to set a responsible example for my children.
This doesn’t mean we should avoid gatherings entirely; it’s about minimizing exposure to crowds. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and a single outing can spread the virus widely, even from asymptomatic carriers.
We need to be more restrained with playdates, gatherings, and beach parties. A recent incident at a Memorial Day party in Lake of the Ozarks resulted in someone testing positive for COVID-19, demonstrating the very real dangers that many had anticipated. Andrew Mason, a public health expert at the University of California, Irvine, noted, “Some states will reopen too soon, while others may be overly cautious. It’s a tricky balance.”
Caution is critical, especially since it can take weeks for the effects of reopening to manifest. I trust the experts’ assessments. Although I miss socializing with friends and dining out, we’ve been practicing social distancing for over two months. We have virtual calls, texts, and many local restaurants now offer curbside pickup, allowing us to support them while still being cautious.
We can endure this phase of social distancing if it accelerates a return to normalcy and saves lives. It’s tough, and my kids don’t always grasp why I won’t allow them to hang out with friends, even if they assure me they’ve been isolated.
To me, it’s a no-brainer: prioritize caution when lives are at stake. I struggle to understand why some individuals are jumping back into non-essential activities so aggressively. It’s disrespectful to those who have lost their lives and the healthcare professionals tirelessly working on the front lines.
A friend recently remarked that he’s tired of social distancing and doesn’t want to wear a mask anymore. But he added, “It’s far better than ending up in a hospital bed or losing someone I care about.” He’s absolutely correct; there’s a much larger picture at play than simply resuming life as we knew it. So let’s avoid reckless behavior and not go rogue.
If you feel the need to socialize or are considering hosting a birthday party for your child, the Los Angeles Times provides a good overview of risks associated with various scenarios, so you can make informed decisions for your family.
Take the reopening with caution. Though challenges lie ahead, we can navigate them by not reverting to our pre-COVID-19 lifestyle just yet.