People need to stop spreading COVID- 19
Here we are going into the last couple of weeks of this historic year and it looks like we are not doing well at all. We were hoping that by the end of the year we would be in a position to ring in the new year with this pandemic behind. But it’s just not going to happen. Not yet.
Most of you know that on Dec. 10 at midnight Yolo County placed additional restrictions specifically directed at slowing the spread of COVID19 by reducing interactions between people of different households.
We are strongly encouraged to stay home as much as possible while certain industries are required to limit operations while others must close again.
COVID- 19 is more prevalent in the community now than ever before and activities that may have previously been safe, now pose a higher risk.
Yolo County aims to lower case rates and lessen the strain on the local hospital system. Without a doubt most of us will be severely affected by these new revisions to prior orders. The Yolo County Health Officer Orders include the elimination of all gatherings with members of other households.
Gyms and fitness outdoors can stay open but with modifications. Face coverings are required with exception of aquatic activities; Hotels and lodging permitted for essential personnel or COVID- 19 related treatment and mitigation measures; offices remote work only but with an exception for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible; outdoor recreational facilities permitted with modifications; houses of worship outdoors only with modifications; restaurants can operate take out or delivery only but no indoor or outdoor operations permitted; retail critical infrastructure, shopping centers, and all retail at 20% max capacity; grocery stores at 35% max capacity, with active entrance metering; sports including youth, adult will be allowed to hold drills and conditioning outdoors only with social distancing but all competitive games are not allowed.
This is the really difficult part of the new orders because all of these business must close completely. This will most definitely be felt by the business owners and their customers.
The bottom line is we must stay home as much as possible and limit our activities which bring individuals into contact with others who are not household members. “Our Yolo County hospitals are running out of ICU beds,” said Yolo County Public Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson. “If more people become infected with coronavirus, we are facing the reality of not having enough resources to adequately treat them.”
She means hospital beds. All this said, it brings me to the point I want to make. Many of you know my wife is a registered nurse who works the night shift at a nearby hospital.
Since the beginning of the spread of COVID in early spring and up to now, I can see that it is beginning to take a toll on her and actually, all of us.
When she comes home from work she strips, throws everything in the wash and takes cleansing shower. She does this to avoid “bringing home” the virus. I may need a new washing machine soon. She then crash sleeps to get ready for the next shift.
She tells me that over the last several months her hospital’s patients struggling with the virus numbered from just a few to maybe 30 in the entire hospital. But during this latest surge the numbers are way up and she means way up. And these are the people who are sick enough to be admitted. Be mindful that just because you are positive for COVID does not mean you are admitted. Even those with some symptoms may be sent home to “ride it out.”
My wife tells me that every night going to work she knows she will be facing an all- out battle to save lives. She compares her work to the days when I was a patrol officer at Woodland PD. Some patrol shifts were easier than others. She asked me how I might feel if I knew that I would be facing a battle on each and every night. This is what it’s like going to work for her.
Here is the real point I want to make. My wife tells me, “you don’t want die from COVID.” She can see the fear in her patients eyes and it weighs on her. She reminds me daily to wear my mask; wash my hands; don’t get too close to people; avoid groups; and for me to do my part. She gets upset and angry with those who don’t understand the seriousness of this virus. If she could just take one of these deniers as a “guest” with her for just one shift perhaps they might change their mind. So, again, I am asking everyone to do their part. I know it’s affecting businesses and restaurants and our jobs. But we’ve got to do our part to slow the spread.
Do your part. Is that really asking too much?