We may have to get used to isolation and social distancing

Things have been changing at a rapid pace. But it seems that may be something we will have to get used to. While we have been told we need to practice social distancing for perhaps the rest of the month, and stock up on two weeks of supplies in case of possible quarantines, others are suggesting the time frame could actually be much longer. Infectious disease experts say that without question this virus will not have run its course in a couple of weeks. That it could be months, or even longer, before we can return to our normal lives. We don’t know when schools will be allowed to open again, but it seems unlikely it will be before the planned summer break. We don’t know when bars and restaurants will be allowed to open again, but given the course of the virus, it could be some time. That is already having a ripple effect on our economy. The unemployment rate is likely to soar. The unenviable choice seems to be between damaging the economy and saving lives. These are unsettling times. But we can get through this. This is not a time to panic. It is important to remain calm, and practice good personal hygiene and social distancing. These are our best tools against the virus right now, and it seems more and more, that will be the case for the foreseeable future.