It was raining when I arrived at the store. I chose the rainy day to do my shopping since I believed the lineups to get into the store would be smaller, and I was right. I was lucky enough to be under the awning while I patiently waited for a safe distance behind the person ahead of me. I was wearing my Clifford the Big Red Dog mask that I had made with a filter inside the two cotton layers. It made me feel protected and safe.
Once I got into the store I was told that all of the carts had been disinfected and that we were to follow the directions the store had laid out.
I could feel my heart rate rise when I noticed the same person who walked to close to me walking the wrong way down all the aisles. At one point I thought of abandoning my cart and going back home after he passed me in the aisle for the 3rd time.
In my anxious state, I wasn’t trusting anything or anybody… and I had forgotten what I tell others.
Trust yourself first!
I didn’t feel safe and I should have left.
Trusting yourself doesn’t mean you don’t pay attention to the experts. Only a fool thinks they’re an expert in everything. Know who the experts are and, if you’re not sure, look at the World Health Organization, the CDC and, in Canada, check with the Federal and Provincial Chief Medical Officers. Don’t look to someone’s Uncle Bob who gives you “it’s just the flu” talk. There is a reason why this pandemic is shutting down the world and it’s not just another flu.
Trust your gut if you’re feeling nervous about going out. Then ask, “What is my body telling me?”
Look around. The expert guidelines around the world are pretty much the same.
- Maintain good social distance (about 6 feet). This is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.
On websites around the world, these are consistently listed as precautions we can trust. Right now, it’s more important than ever.
Do you trust you are safe?