Emotions are running high.
As we all delve into the next round of self-quarantine, self-isolation and otherwise unheard of measures prior to the past month, the doom and gloom of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has begun to set in.
That’s not to say everything associated with the recent pandemic is negative.
Here’s a look at some of the good, the bad and the ugly of life since COVID-19 became part of the national consciousness.
The good: People are reconnecting with their families – Prior to stay at home orders, life was moving at a breakneck pace. Not just in Highlands in July, but across the region and the country. Over the past few weeks, and in the coming month, families are getting to know each other again. Life slows down with no extracurricular activities, and kids and parents being at home at the same time has provided a chance to reunite. Parenting is not an easy job, and its certain to get harder the longer the pandemic lasts, but there’s no replacement for quality family time.
The bad: Boredom is coming – There are only so many hours that playing board games, doing chores or watching television or online programming can fill in the day. The longer the stay at home orders and subsequent pieces of legislation stay in place, the more likely people are to violate those orders to break from cabin fever. It’s important to fight the urge to go out and socialize.
The ugly: Rumors and misinformation are everywhere – Because the landscape of the pandemic is changing at a rapid pace, there are ever-evolving regulations regarding what types of travel, recreation and entrepreneurship are allowed. One unfortunate byproduct of the sudden changes associated with federal, state, county and town proclamations, declarations and announcements is that new requirements tend to get mangled via social media. Outdated information, incomplete information, and just flat out incorrect information are all over the place, so be sure to verify what you see before taking any action.
These are unprecedented times, and no one really knows what will come next. Lets keep making the most of each day