Closed Again Because of COVID-19

Summary

The author is refraining from visiting bars and social gatherings despite the reopening of businesses, due to the ongoing risk of COVID-19, particularly to protect vulnerable individuals and following the advice of health professionals.

Abstract

The article reflects on the author's decision to avoid social hotspots like bars, despite the initial temptation to join the festivities following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The author notes the varying degrees of adherence to safety measures, such as mask-wearing, across different political and social demographics. Acknowledging the presence of the virus and the importance of protecting at-risk populations, including the author's own family and patients at a long-term care facility where the author's ex works, the author chooses to remain cautious. The article concludes with the author's hope for the recovery of those affected and a return to normalcy, while maintaining a commitment to safety by avoiding large gatherings.

Opinions

The author is critical of the mixed messages from federal authorities regarding COVID-19 and the politicization of public health measures.
There is a sense of disappointment and restraint in not being able to partake in social activities due to the pandemic.
The author expresses concern over the lack of mask-wearing in certain areas and its implications for public health.
The author believes that the public is closely monitoring the behavior of healthcare workers and expects them to set an example by wearing masks.
There is a recognition that the desire to socialize must be balanced with the responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The author emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in protecting vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
The author's decision to stay home is influenced by the reports of bar and restaurant staff becoming sick with COVID-19, reinforcing the ongoing threat of the virus.

I drove by a couple of hot spots since bars reopened somewhat wishing to stop and join the party, but am now glad I didn’t

My state has been reopening somewhat since the time that the federal folks started yapping about “sacrifice,” “lazy unemployed people who think work is uncool,” and “the virus can be cured with a light bulb inserted into body cavities.”

A state close by went hog-wild when their State Supreme Court outlawed public health measures and let people do whatever they wanted. Bars over in that state filled up with people partying and drinking. It set off light bulbs in the minds of people here.

I must admit, part of me wanted to run out and join a celebration just to be around some people.

My state is reopened for the most part. Some people are wearing masks. Others aren’t. I noticed in the “bluer” precincts of my area, people wear masks. In the more individualistic “red” areas where people have “machine gun family” stickers on their SUVs (oh, look, the baby is a handgun — cute), masks aren’t seen as much.

I have noticed bars have been busy in my area since reopening. People are gathered on sidewalks in front of the bars. They can be seen through the windows gathered around tables and the bar itself. It looks like a great time.

I really do wish I could stop and join them for a drink or two. Back in the old days in the fall, I loved to go to my local LGBTQ friendly place and have some inexpensive beer, hang out with folks, and watch the late-night drag show and dance afterward until the staff threw me out because they wanted to close up the joint.

But, I can’t. COIVD-19 is still out there. My ex still works at a facility that has been spared COVID-19 infections because their staff has been taking precautions and no new patients have been admitted to their long term care facility.

My ex advises that the public is watching. She always wears a mask. She said her facility director gets reports from people out and about when they see staffers without masks in grocery stores and other places. It is a reminder that even though there is a push to make mask wearing political, it is designed to protect people.

Today, I read in the newspaper that two restaurant / bar places I routinely drove by and witnessed huge turn outs to eat, celebrate and have fun are now closed because the staffs have become sick with COVID-19.

I still wish I could go out.

I don’t want people to get sick.

I know I’m at risk myself because of my age and underlying conditions.

Also, my son’s grandparents are in their 70s, so they must be protected as well which means keeping our bubble small.

And, my ex must protect her patients since they cannot protect themselves if other people aren’t wearing masks and PPE.

I hope the staffs who have gotten ill recover. I want our economy to get back to normal as well. I want to go out to party every so often. I want to hang out in groups of people where we can yell, laugh and have a great time without fear of the virus.

But, until then, I’m staying in my bubble. I’ll wave as I drive or walk by. But, I am going to maintain my routine of not venturing out into large groups of people for any extended period of time, especially when I know risky activities — such as drinking and eating with others — are involved.

Lots of love to everyone.

Wishes for health for you and your loved ones!