Coronavirus Diary Day 6: March 18, 2020
Philly Police Suspend Arrests, Montco is Rife with
Coronavirus, Live Streamed Everything is a Thing
First, here’s an update on Dad. According to Mom, who now
admits to feeling a little “grippy” herself (she really said “grippy”), Dad
feels the same as yesterday. He doesn’t have a fever. He enjoyed his Saint
Patrick’s Day. And also, she makes the best corned beef and cabbage on the
planet, better than mine, better than anybody’s (she really said that, too). They
have succumbed to the social distancing recommendations and claim they will not
leave the house for any reason. So, they’re adults.
Philadelphia Police are delaying arrests for many non-violent
crimes. These include petty theft, burglary, marijuana possession, other
narcotics activity, vandalism, and get this, prostitution. Instead of
arrests, offenders will be issued tickets. Warrants will come when the COVID-19
outbreak is under control. If you don’t live in Philly, I will not entertain
your opinions about this. Personally, I don’t have an opinion either way, so
carry on, prostitutes!
I would like to applaud the Philly School District, though,
for telling their teachers to halt remote instruction for equity concerns. I’ve
been saying this to my dog for the past two weeks. First of all, I mean, how
can you take online courses if you don’t have a computer and/or Internet
access, and you can’t go to the library or your school computer lab, because everything
is closed? I say, end the school year. End the school year now. Let all
the parents and children and teachers deal with Coronavirus, first and
foremost. Take care of your family, your health, your mental wellbeing, your
body, all of that. Fuck school. (I never thought I’d say that, but for
real, when is the last time you used Algebra?) It’s just not that important
right now. Next year, give families a choice to send their children to the next
grade level or to hold them back. My dog, by the way, seems to agree.
There are 152 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Pennsylvania
(1 death), a 38% jump overnight. Of these, 42 are in Montgomery County, and of
these, 2 are under the age of 3. I’m only telling you this because I live here.
I don’t think we’re unique, though. This shit show is playing out everywhere,
and it’s coming to a local news station near you.
According to Johns Hopkins:
Worldwide Confirmed Cases = 214,894
Italy = 35,713
USA = 7,769
Total Deaths = 8,732
Now for the fun stuff. Humanity has gotten quite crafty
during this global lock-down. It started with Instagram posts of Italians
singing from their balconies, and morphed into all kinds of displays of
solidarity, appreciation, and empathy. We’re stuck in our houses. Recognizing
that, rock stars are giving us free concerts on YouTube Live. Miley Cyrus harnessed
the power of IGTV to teach me meditation techniques today (Thanks for that,
Miley). Tomorrow, I’m live streaming a 45-minute quarantine workout class - with
my friends - for free: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUoDVmLvA85FFm43M6VCGBg
Ryan has been Skyping with his old schoolmates in Paris. Let
me tell you something, that has given him so much perspective. Do you
want your kids to really understand a quarantine? Buy them some friends
in Europe.
Technology is saving our asses, people. (Well, if you
have access to a computer and the Internet).
But also, weather. In a few days, it’s officially
Spring. Today, Ryan and I took the dog for a walk in Valley Forge Park. This is
something I’ve done religiously for a long time, but to have Ryan with me is a
real treat! All the people are outside, pushing their kids in strollers,
walking their dogs, exercising and enjoying fresh air, all the while keeping a
very respectful distance from one another. The smiles are contagious. I have
never waved at so many strangers while walking outdoors. I really hope this is one
thing that sticks, when all of this is over.
Most of us are truly good people. I know there are a few prostitutes
criminals among us, but according to Philadelphia, even they deserve to find
joy in the Coronavirus.
Stay healthy, friends!
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