Look at me - Look at you

Most people try to keep a certain distance from others in this fourth week of government-regulated-behaviour in public areas. Much of this change in behaviour is fear-driven, as we want to avoid being infected by the potential virus-carrier approaching us. To do that, we need to actually look at who is sharing the pavement that we are walking. Total absorption with earphones, whilst watching a video or writing a message, are difficult.

As a result, we seem to be more aware of each other than we were before this pandemic befell us. A by-product is that more people are also smiling at strangers, making way for others to pass, thanking each other for acts of consideration and thoughtfulness. It even pays off, as such simple civility normally makes us feel good about ourselves.

This new empathy is unlikely to last but one can enjoy it whilst it does.

Ballo in Maschera

The situation for oldies like myself is tough: not many really consider us to be golden-oldies, to be treasured and cherished.  We are not far from the point, I believe, that the patience of the younger generation will run out. “If you are afraid of dying, stay at home – but don’t tell me not to cough or sneeze in the supermarket” is not here yet, but will come sooner rather than later.

An important means for preventing the spreading of the virus seems to be compulsory across-the-board wearing of masks. For oldies who do not want to be locked-up until vaccines are available, such a step, could be helpful.

For some reason there is still a shortage of masks. Is it so difficult to manufacture these rather simple products here and now? Do they have to be sourced in China, only in order to have them stolen by by black market operators? We are not talking vaccines, sophisticated scientific equipment, ventilators, or pharmaceutical products. These are just simple bloody masks.

Here's an original mask made by my good friend Genevieve: 

The Panic

The general view seems to be that the virus on a personal level is not that dangerous, but that rapid contagion would collapse the health systems around the world.

Personally, quarantine at home, would be ok, even useful. The only thing is timing – could it be timed so as not to interfere with my travel plans? Having said that, with the collapse of the stock exchanges, can I still afford the travel?