Is truth stranger than fiction?

The last few weeks in the United States of America have been quite the adventure.  Burgeoning pandemic, stock market instability, suspension of NBA basketball games, no spectators other than family for NCAA events, schools closing, universities going to all virtual instruction, absolutely a departure from our normal.

Most of us have read a book or two about a global pandemic and the post apocalyptic world that said pandemic would leave behind.  It is hard to not compare what is happening in 2020 with one or more of those books.

But, from what I have read, COVID-19 is not the apocalypse.  It is a very serious situation, which, if the transmission curve is not flattened, has the potential to overwhelm our healthcare system, and lead to a high mortality rate.

There is debate at this point as to whether actions taken now are timely or too late.  We'll know that answer when it is over.

I have profound sympathy for the leaders in business, education and government who have to make difficult decisions in a time like this.  If the curve is flattened, and we do not see extreme societal disruption, they will be accused of flaming panic and damaging the economy.  If the pandemic overwhelms our systems, they will be accused of acting too slowly, and responding in an inadequate manner.  Just a really tough place to be.

The best post-apocalyptic fiction I have read focuses on the good.  The good people who triumph over the disease, and the anarchy that follows.

So the simple maxim that I am living by as this situation develops is "Be the Good".  Be kinder than usual.  Be more patient than usual.  Be tolerant of different viewpoints.  If someone thinks differently from you about what the right actions are, let them. You can limit your exposure to people you feel are taking unnecessary risks, and you can just feel empathy for people who feel the need to self-isolate.

Remember that people who are at high risk may be experiencing extreme loneliness in their isolation.  Phone or text people you know are in vulnerable populations as much as you are able.  If you believe in a higher power, it is a great time to increase your prayer life.

We don't know how this will all play out, and we don't know what personal impact we will feel.  But we can control our interactions with each other, and we can all try to make certain that when we interact with someone we don't make the situation any worse for them.