My Week That Was - March 14

Warning signs about Coronavirus
at each entrance to Oakwood.
3/12/2020 dwm photo

COVID-19 has the world on edge.

The best medical minds are working on a solution and how to treat or respond to the virus outbreak.

Monday, Santa Clara County, California ordered no gatherings of 1,000 people or more.  That means the local professional hockey and soccer teams can't play or play without fans.

I don't understand the number.  If there is danger - isn't it dangerous for groups of 12 to gather if one might be infected?

If you feel like this... Go Home!  3/12/2020 (dwm)

A few places ordered quarantines to keep the virus from spreading.  Some cities are shutting things down for three weeks.  Will things be "better" in a month?  Will we have answers; will things be worse?

More decisions were made Wednesday - the one that caught my attention was that the NCAA Basketball Tournament (March Madness) will only allow a limited number of spectators.

Time will tell.  Some folks might say prayer is the least we can do; rather I think it's the most.  Pray... and wash our hands on a regular basis.

After two very busy days, I concentrated on making phone calls Wednesday.  Out of 30 calls, I reached nearly 20 people and set up 10 visits - a percentage I'll take any day.

COVID-19 changed things mid-week.  Schools started to close or extend vacations.  The NBA suspended its season and other professional sports followed suit.  Then the NCAA pulled the plug on their sports - including March Madness.

I usually take Thursday and Friday off work for the opening weekend to watch all the games.  No basketball and no brackets mean I'll be working.

Increasing concerns about the virus have lead to a variety of changes.  At work, people are discouraged from visiting and anyone who feels sick is asked to stay home.

Waunakee Public Library  3/12/2020
dwm photo

Thursday evening I shared our Covered Bridge collection at the Waunakee Public Library.  Before the program, I was talking to my host about the virus' impact on the library.  She said they have cancelled presentations when it was thought a group of 50 people or more might attend.

My show wasn't cancelled.  Thanks? 

Actually, it was pretty funny.  My crowd was smaller than 50, but they were engaged and asked questions.  One woman, who attended an earlier presentation on lighthouses, said she liked that one so much, she didn't miss this one.  That was very nice to hear.

I've enjoyed all three programs I've shared in Waunakee.  Tuesday we were going to talk about light houses in McFarland, but on Friday it was cancelled.  At work the visitor advisories became rules and everyone will be screened when they enter.

This week, and several to come, are going to revolve around this nasty virus.  Wash your hands, keep your distance, and use common sense - it's a way we all can #flattenthecurve.