Self-quarantine

Both of us had the fortune of working in data-driven professions:  Vicky in law enforcement and me in Psychology.

This history does not allow us to form our own opinions about matters based upon how we "feel" about them, or upon how any political figure or celebrity "feels" about them.

The data from the 1918 flu are clear:  communities that restricted movement and connections among people suffered far fewer cases.

So we have decided to go into self-quarantine.

Starting earlier this week, we have adopted the following policies:

1.  We go to no public places

2.  We go outside only to walk, hike or cycle

3.  We touch nothing outside our home

4.  We wash our hands frequently (the evidence is that washing hands is much more effective than using hand sanitizer......and good soap is still readily available)

5.  Last week we stocked up on food.

6.  Anything else we need comes from Amazon deliveries.

7.  Any mail or Amazon deliveries are handled as if they are contaminated, although we trust the USPS and Amazon as much as we trust ourselves to be careful.  So, we let packages and mail sit for awhile before opening them, and then we open them outside, put the trash into our can, and then wash our hands.

Last week we purchased food.  We stocked up, but aren't doing the thing of buying so much that other people won't have enough.  We bought food we know we will use.

Because of our experience camping we have the advantage of knowing we can live for long periods of time without contact with anyone.  At times we have camped in one spot for two weeks and been fine.  We are basically just doing that except in our own home.

We hope everyone will practice social distancing to the extent that they can.  Giving up recreation and social activities is something everyone can do, but stopping work isn't something everyone can do.

What we see where we live is that some people take that idea seriously and others believe that it is "hysteria."

We feel it is doing our part so that those families that depend upon family members continuing to work will be safer, and they can still work.

We feel very helpless, but this makes us feel we are doing something, small as it is, not just for ourselves but also for everyone.

One thing we didn't need to stock up on:  Wine.  We already had enough!