Last March I didn't expect that we would still be experiencing pandemic days in December 2020. I thought we'd be back up and running by September 2020, but that's not the case. A lot has happened since March, and we have had to thoughtfully navigate this pandemic path for ten months now. Throughout those ten months, we have relied on information from multiple news sources and local health professionals and community leaders as well as conversations with our loved ones when making decisions about our work and family life.
In March, family members and colleagues physically distanced with remote teaching and learning as well as social events outdoors or via ZOOM. In early April, we began wearing masks in public places. The little travel we've done has been thoughtfully planned with physically distancing, mask wearing, and lots of cleaning and good hygiene. Family members have been tested everytime they've made a big transition as one more way to stay safe from the spread. Few to no close family members have had the virus yet, however, recently many of my cousins and acquaintances have contracted the virus--it does seem like it is closing in at this time with greater spread.
What does this mean for December and the pandemic months ahead.
Stay safe
As we've done so far, we will limit our outside-of-the-home activiites and connections. We'll continue to wear masks when physical distancing is impossible such as in the grocery store, and we'll limit the holiday celebrations to those in our pod which include less than 10 people for the most part. Our visiting relatives will be tested before they arrive home, and when here they will limit their activity outside of the home. In our home we'll also continue to physically distance with more space between us, opening windows more often, and using care when sharing spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms. Further, with those outside of our pod, we may get together for outdoor activities such as hikes.
Get vaccinated
We'll keep our eyes open about vaccination schedules. I hope that I'll be able to get a vaccination with my 90-year-old parents sooner than later. Since I care for them often and we are all somewhat vulnerable due to our health conditions, I'll try to schedule our vaccinations sooner than later. In fact, I'll send an inquiry to their doctor today about that.
Don't give up
Hopefully, by summer, we'll all be vaccinated. With that in mind, it's important that we don't give up and continue our pattern of staying informed, physically distancing, wearing masks, and limiting close exposure to others to our small pods. Our lives are worth these efforts. Onward.