I know I’ve said before that I won’t push my agenda too much, but I’m going to put that soft rule aside for this one because it hits too close to home.

As states are beginning to re-open, we are testing the waters on how these actions will impact infection rates not only within states and the U.S., but globally.  Schools are slowly re-opening in places like Germany with students being required to take Covid swab tests regularly.  Various business are re-opening with required social distancing measure hopefully in place.  So, does this mean we are going back to normal?  NO.  NO.  NO.

Life is not going to return to normal for quite some time.  I am not trying to be Debbie Downer, just realistic based on facts from respected medical professionals.  A few points to consider:

• Other than practicing social distancing measures, we have no proven medical treatments formally approved to treat the corona virus; yes, there are treatments having some impact on potentially minimizing the duration of the virus, but no vaccines are anticipated to be widely available and proven for maybe 12 – 18 months;
• Specifically in the US, corona virus-related deaths have NOT peaked in most, if any states;
• Still a dramatic shortage of testing kits, PPE and other required equipment to accurately represent who has been infected and open up economies safely;
• While antibody tests are starting to become available, doctors are not sure the presence of antibodies in your blood proves you are immune from the virus (to note, in Asia certain patients have tested positive after having recovered from a first infection);
• Many people can be carrying the virus and not know it – they can be asymptomatic. And let’s be clear – asymptomatic individuals can spread the disease just as easily as symptomatic carriers

So, why are certain states re-opening?  As you can fully understand, people need income and need to get back to work.  Also, people have cabin fever and want to reintegrate with society.  People need money to support themselves and their families.  A one-time stimulus check of around $1,500 is not sufficient to provide even basic necessities to people for the duration of this situation.  And, there are others that feel it is their right to move about freely and not be told by the government to shelter in place any longer.

I’m calling BS on people who think this is over or feel that because they’re healthy its completely fine for them to be out and about in society again.  BS.  Here’s why:

• Myth:  we’re getting through this now, the curve is flattening, and we’re heading back to normal.  BS.  This virus is not gone.  We have no treatment or cure for it. Respected and high ranking medical professionals, including Dr. Fauci, are anticipating a tough Fall and Winter with a resurgence of the corona virus;
• Myth:  I’m young and healthy, so even if I get the virus, it will be mild.  BS.  Even if you are young and healthy, you can get very, very sick.  While maybe the death rate % of this population category isn’t as high as older folks and those with pre-existing conditions, there are countless reports of younger people dying from this disease;
• Myth:  I feel great, so what’s the big deal?  I just want to get back out into society!  BS.  You could be an asymptomatic carrier and infect more people and not even know it.  This is where it parallels certain anti-vaxxers views…what’s wrong even if I do get it?  That’s my right.  Counter argument – you’re hurting others.  If you are carrying the virus, you will most likely infect others – children, elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, etc.  This isn’t just about you.  This is about potentially infecting countless others by your actions.

Here’s my view – while states are re-opening, and I continue to see bad behavior in terms of no social distancing, crowding beaches, not wearing masks, etc. I will stay at home with my children.  I cannot control what others do, but I can do everything in my power to keep myself and my children safe.

While we are not through this by any means, please focus on what’s important – safety and health of you and your family.  If this means sheltering in place for longer, please do it.  If you absolutely have to leave your house, do so with a mask on and practice social distancing.

Maybe you haven’t known someone who has this virus, but I do.  It’s brutal, it’s not like the average flu, and it can be destructive.  When someone you know has had it, it hits a lot closer to home.  I do not want to make this a political debate, rather a factual one based on science and recommendations from top medical professionals.  We are all in this together, and we need to act together to ensure we minimize the toll this virus has on society.  Let’s look out for each other and do the right thing.  We are resilient and will make it through this.

Stay safe; stay smart; stay informed.

The Almost Green Mom