If we were having coffee… I’d tell you that my boyfriend received a presumptive positive COVID-19 diagnosis on Wednesday. Presumptive, as there are no rapid screenings around where we are in rural Georgia, but he tested negative for both strep and the flu. (He’ll receive an official diagnosis after the weekend.)
On Tuesday, we spent two hours on the phone trying to find a testing center that was accepting patients, within two and a half hours of where he lives, and had an appointment available before next week. He started having symptoms on Monday (although in retrospect, can track symptoms as early as Friday) and is continually getting worse.
He’s currently stable, but that doesn’t mean he’s asymptomatic. Quite the contrary, actually. Stable doesn’t mean that he isn’t getting out of breath just sitting on the couch, wheezing in his sleep, or struggling with constant nausea, headaches, and joint pain. We are following doctor’s orders and are quarantined for at least another week. If you’re the thoughts and prayers sort, they are greatly appreciated.
If we were having coffee… I’d tell you that I am feeling both guilty and grateful that we had a socially-distanced camping trip last week.
On one hand, I am grateful to have had almost a full week with limited cell service. We camped off the Gulf of Mexico, where I woke up every morning less than 30 yards from the ocean and we were never within six feet of other people. (There were only a half dozen groups at the campground during our time away.) I disconnected from work and spent a few days reading, writing, and collecting shells in the ocean waves.
On the other hand, while the doctors are 90 percent certain he contracted COVID-19 while at work (one of his employees tested positive for COVID earlier this week), there is still that 10 percent chance it happened while we were away — or there’s a chance that that he/we unknowingly transmitted it to someone else while traveling to/from the campground.
I think these mixed feelings illustrate the challenges we all face in decision making during these uncertain times. How can one truly know what decision is the responsible one — or the outcome, even with taking all necessary precautions?
If we were having coffee… I’d tell you that in rural Georgia, the current response to COVID-19 appears to be lax until someone they know contracts it. Masks and social distancing are not mandated and adhering to CDC guidelines is not the norm. Approximately 5 to 10 percent of residents around here are wearing masks or social distancing, whether that’s in stores, at restaurants or bars, or at the lake.
On one hand, a local grocery store has gone as far to make announcements declaring that masks are not only not required, they’re not even recommended. A local brewery has a sign posted on the door stating: “If you would prefer your server to wear a mask and gloves, please let them know.”
City-wide Fourth of July festivities were canceled, but residents still flocked to the lake, local parks, and private parties in large numbers to celebrate. Georgia’s governor has made an executive order that strikes down all local mask-mandate ordinances and is currently suing the mayor of Atlanta.
On the other hand, Walmart has made masks mandatory for both employees and patrons in all of its stores nationwide and is still offering contactless pickup. Patrons are seen social distancing on their own accord in gas stations and other small stores, even without tape marking distances six-feet apart.
Some stores are enforcing their own mask-wearing and capacity protocols, which are often more strict than what is required by the state. One business has in their window: “Capacity is limited to no more than 8 people, including staff. Masks are required.” At a local pay-scale medical clinic, they are requiring both masks and appointments — and turning people away who refuse to wear a (or purchase a $1) mask.
If we were having coffee… I’d tell you that next week marks a full year on the road with We the Voters — and that milestone is blowing my mind!
I’ll wax poetic about it more next week, surely, but I truly cannot believe how much things have changed in the past year. When I set out on the road last summer, I could not have anticipated all of the blessings (and challenges) this past year would bring. I’m still figuring out how year two of We the Voters will look, but I’m excited about what’s ahead. I know that it will only get (even) better from here.
Onward.
