March 15, 2020
Thoughts on Covid and Self-Isolation
As a small business owner who recently shut down his online venture, I’m OK to admit that I’ve been ‘self-isolated’ for nearly two years. There have been moments of mind-shattering boredom, but I also consider myself an ‘expert’ on the matter.
That said, here are some thoughts for everyone as Covid spreads:
1. Covid is real. Self isolate if you can afford it. It’s easier to do than you think, but some – especially ‘social animals’ – will find this to be a challenge.
2. Use technology to share updates with friends and family so that they know you are safe on an ongoing basis.
3. GOVERNMENTS: keep the lights on, water running and focus on the health of front-line workers. If the power goes out, this will get worse as people wander around looking for something to entertain them.
4. Support your front-line workers, restaurant owners, small businesses, artisans, performers and local shops as best you can. Order in from these people using and get food delivered to your step. Buy their music, art or give donations to them to keep them afloat.
GOVERNMENTS: we need a STRONG action plan to protect small businesses and to keep our downtown areas from eventually being ghost-towns because restaurants, small shops and other folks couldn’t stay afloat. Help cover rent and expenses, especially those related to additional staff and their benefits. We need to keep people liquid. Shopping a Costco may help some of these people in the short-run, but all you’re doing is encouraging the giant cash vacuum that’s killing our economies.
5. Try to show restraint and respect when buying and share what you have to spare. Sure, buy a little extra than you normally might, but don’t be a fucking leech.
6. If you’re a billionaire, step up. Lead the world through this shit or risk complete boycotts when this blows over. Don’t sit in the sidelines while this thing pulls the world apart and definitely don’t expect anything back beyond the herd returning to our mindless daily routine. The world needs you to invest in treatment and temporary facilities to care for those who will need it the most. Work with governments, collaborate. Don’t add fuel to the fire like Trump is in the US.
7. GOVERNMENTS: create an action plan for researching, sharing and developing a treatment process what will be MANDATORY public domain when created. If you’re a pharmaceutical company, donate facilities towards the research and don’t expect a rate of return on this. Us getting out of this alive will be your reward, not siphoning off needy governments and desparate citizens.
8. I can’t say this enough: be a decent person. Survivors don’t tolerate douchebags and profiteers.
9. Last thought: try to do something ‘special’ every day. Write, do gardening, sing, play an instrument, go for a walk, stretch, do yoga, engage in other physical activities, etc, etc, etc. Our minds and bodies need to be kept active, even when in self-isolation.
I’m sure I’ll think of many more ways we can move forward on this. Feel free to share your thoughts when you have a sec.
ALL THE BEST!!