Cleaned up doors, rooms overwhelmed with the smell of alcohol. Every bite of food I take smells like soap from my freshly washed hands. The coronavirus has put us all in a cleanliness overdrive, which isn’t bad, but we aren’t used to this. My moms and my schools have been closed for more than a week now. We are all under house arrest and socially distancing ourselves from others. Many of my friends are posting pictures of family walks and hikes. These activities keep the mind fresh and rejuvenated. Of course, no one can go out with their friends or any peer outside of the family. Feeling trapped inside our house, we spend quite some time looking outside where we see a few cars, possibly out to restock groceries, or people walking their dogs. We have restricted ourselves a little more, as both my parents fall in the risky category — either due to existing conditions or age. We do not take walks outside due to the physical challenges my father has. But that does not stop us; we still go on refreshing outings to recharge ourselves. Instead of hiking, we take a short drive with closed windows. While driving along the streets, we were looking at what used to be crowded areas now empty with rolling tumbleweed. The formerly crowded restaurants have their restaurant seats stacked up on top of each other. The schools are vacant. Schools, which used to be packed with kids scrambling to get to their next class, kids trying to catch up on every drop of gossip circling the school, are no longer the same.
This is also a time of realization. By social distancing, we realize the importance of meeting people in person and the value of a life that is not virtual. We learn a lot about ourselves we never knew before.
But in all seriousness, we all also realize the importance of our role in this crisis. Staying isolated at home is the best possible way one can contribute. That way, you can neither receive nor spread the virus. We need to ensure that our fears do not override our common sense. This is the time to buy supplies rationally and not hoard. This way, everyone can be safe and take care of themselves. This is the time to do things at home that consumes fewer resources so that there is less need to go outside. This is the time to show extra compassion to seniors and physically challenged people so that they can acquire their supplies easily. Spending time to read that book, create that drawing, learn that song, or just getting to know your family better.
♿️ Tips for a wheelchair users ♿️
- Remember to wipe your crutch or mobility scooter handle or the wheelchair wheels every time you go outside
- Do not leave your items unattended.
- If you are using a grocery store scooter, use wipes to clean the common areas like the handles and seats.
- Seek help at the gas stations to fill gases
- Call before you go to the grocery store. They may be able to fast track your grocery shopping – check this link for new grocery hours SF Bay Area- https://sf.funcheap.com/city-guide/grocery-store-senior-hour/?fbclid=IwAR3jrswp3kyfz8DbLhgUrdnnWSFpOEZVM4QKmMn5D3EKOHPXcRsGe6auvd8
- When receiving online grocery delivery, make sure to stay inside. Let the person leave the groceries on your doorstep.
- If the package has non-perishables, then you may want to leave the box in the garage for 24 hours. In the absence of a garage, do not touch the package for 24 hours.
- Keep all the important numbers handy so that you are not scrambling at the time of need.
