We've done okay for the past ten days, getting in a rhythm at home. Work is barely getting done between taking care of the kids and the dog but they're not expecting us to make a full day of work.
The rules are getting tighter every three days or so, depending on the numbers and how the spread of the virus is developing. It appears that it is worldwide the same thing:
- not so strict ruls
- people going out in droves, endangering each other
- stricter rules
- people still ignoring stricter rules
- fines
We're currently at not going outside unless absolutely needed. Stay 1.5 meter (6 feet?) away from other people AT ALL TIME. All meetings and gatherings are off until at least june 1th.
I went to the supermarket yesterday. Upon arrival there are wipes and gloves to clean the cart handle and protect yourself. Then the nearly impossible task of staying 6ft away from other people while shopping. During my time there, a message was played reminding everyone to keep a distance and the other rules. At the check-out, there were lines made with tape on the floor, signalling the 6ft distance when you queue. The cashier is behind a flap of see through plastic and wears gloves, we are encouraged to not use cash at the register. It is kind of crazy, but necessary. The next week will tell if the IC's will overflow or not.
Something a lot of people haven't grasped is that in the next two years, IC capacity need to be managed. If all the beds are filled with COVID patients, they can't help car crash victims, heart attacks, and other things.
We're doing video calls with family and friends to stay connected. Tomorrow I'm starting with an online streaming belly dance class through Zoom, and five of my students look forward to the class. It's not that we don't have things to do at home, but I like to go out, spend time with friends and do fun stuff together. It's quite a luxury for us that we can both work from home and we still get paid. Our energy and water bill will be through the roof, but we're not spending money on gas.
We have to go out three times a day to walk the dog. it's surprising how quiet the world is. Are the birds getting bolder or is it just me? When there are less people outside, animals get out of hiding more often. Last week there were a lot of people outside for recreation but that is also coming to a halt. It is allowed to go outside for a run or a walk, if you stay 6ft from other people. In reality this is very, very hard. Maybe the next rule is limiting recreational use too? They already closed parking at beaches and forests, as it was too busy to maintain a distance. It is also not allowed to bring your children shopping unless there is no other possibility. Supermarkets have opened up a special hour for the elderly so they can shop without coming into contact with the younger population.
Some tangible ways that this situation affects us: we booked a holiday home for a week in May, which has to be cancelled. I got booked for two performances that can't happen, E was rehearsing for performances with the Big Band and orchestra's. We booked belly dance workshops with my troupe. We're lucky though because those are things we can go without. It's much harder to not see my mother every week, or visit the Nonna and Nonno in Katwijk.
On the 6th of April, we will hear if schools can be reopened. Final exams have been cancelled by schools but if the schools are open it will be easier for parents to be productive when working from home. We're facing a huge recession and we don't know what will happen next. We can make it on one salary if we need to, for a while at least.
To end in a positive note, we're all healthy and have enough food, a roof over our heads and enough ideas to keep us busy. It's like running a 21 day parenthood marathon and the kids and E are the best people to spend it with.
Stay safe every one!
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