Last weekend, my son asked if he could go to the beach with friends and then head to one of their houses for a bonfire. When I firmly told him no, he insisted it was okay since our state had lifted restrictions.
I compared it to recovering from food poisoning and immediately returning to the same restaurant just because he felt a bit better. “That would be a terrible choice, wouldn’t it? You probably wouldn’t even want to go back there. This situation is far more serious and impacts more than just you. So, my answer remains no.”
Of course, he wasn’t pleased. But if that means temporarily being the “bad guy” to protect him and others, then so be it.
As all 50 states begin to ease restrictions, it’s natural to feel a mix of hope and anxiety. We crave a return to normalcy and safety. Personally, I miss dining out tremendously. Seeing my favorite restaurants welcoming guests back makes me long for a cool drink and a plate of nachos. However, I know it wouldn’t be right to indulge just yet.
We all yearn to gather our friends for celebrations and toast to the end of this ordeal. But reopening doesn’t equate to a return to normal; it doesn’t mean we should rush into everything. That mindset could lead us right back to lockdown.
NPR reported that “public health experts have cautioned that many states are lifting restrictions without meeting all the necessary criteria.” This makes it clear that I can’t rely entirely on the new guidelines; I need to trust my instincts. And right now, my instinct is to remain home and monitor how this initial phase of reopening non-essential businesses unfolds.
Barbara Ferrer, the public health director for Los Angeles County, emphasizes that it’s not yet safe to gather in groups. I’ll take her expertise over the state’s reopening announcements any day, and it’s essential for me to set that example for my kids.
This doesn’t mean we can never enjoy gatherings, but we must minimize exposure to crowds. The virus spreads incredibly easily, and just one visit to a restaurant or gym can lead to widespread transmission, even if someone feels perfectly fine. There are many asymptomatic carriers who unknowingly spread the virus to others.
We need to be cautious about playdates, social gatherings, and large beach parties. Just recently, a party-goer from a Memorial Day event at Lake of the Ozarks tested positive for COVID-19, validating the fears many had regarding reopening.
Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at UC Irvine, stated that “some states will open too soon while others may be too cautious. It’s a challenging balance.” Experts are warning of potential spikes in cases, especially in the South, and since it can take weeks for symptoms to manifest, the effects of reopening may not be immediately evident.
I choose to listen to the experts. As much as I miss seeing friends and dining out, we’ve been practicing social distancing for more than two months. We have Zoom calls, text messages, and many restaurants now offer curbside pickup, allowing us to enjoy meals safely while supporting local businesses.
If it means a quicker return to normalcy and saving lives, we can endure a bit longer. It’s tough, and my kids struggle to understand why I won’t just let them hang out with friends based on their assurances.
For me, it’s simple: prioritize caution when lives are at stake. I don’t understand why people are diving headfirst into non-essential activities. It’s disrespectful to those who have lost their lives and the healthcare workers tirelessly caring for patients.
A friend recently said, “I’m over social distancing. I don’t want to wear a mask or stay home this summer. But it’s better than being in a hospital bed or losing someone I care about.” He nailed it; there’s a larger picture at play than merely returning to our previous way of life. So let’s not act recklessly.
If you feel the need to socialize or are considering hosting a birthday party for your child, the Los Angeles Times has a useful summary of risks associated with various scenarios, enabling you to make informed choices for your family.
Take the reopening phase with caution. There will be setbacks, but we can mitigate them by refraining from resuming our pre-COVID-19 lifestyles just yet.
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Summary:
As states begin reopening, it’s essential to prioritize caution over rush. While we all crave normalcy, the risks associated with COVID-19 remain high. Trusting public health advice and practicing social distancing is crucial to ensuring the safety of ourselves and our communities.