Covid-19 Kills - Don’t be stupid
Last Saturday two Tulsa bar owners were cited for violating the mayor’s order for such establishments to remain closed during this crisis. Just after 6 pm, police noticed patrons congregating at the Crystal Skull bar near 11th and Sheridan and found the bar to be open, which is against the law. A few hours later police got a call about another bar being illegally open, this time the White Crow Bar at 4th and Memorial, where a drag queen party was reportedly underway and being live streamed on Facebook.
La Semana has received reports that a number of Hispanic owned beauty salons are still open and booking appointments, the owners expressing confusion over whether or not the closure order pertains to them. It does.
In the past few days La Semana witnessed parents grocery shopping with their children, which while perhaps not in violation of the law flies in the face of reason. When it is necessary to go to the store, leave your kids at home, and that goes for other family members or partners too. Only one person from a household should be out shopping.
Mayor Bynum was quite rightly upset last week over parents allowing their children to play on playground equipment in city parks, pointing out that it is not possible for city workers to sanitize the equipment. The mayor then ordered playgrounds and dog parks closed. Trails and open park spaces will remain open so long as people stop congregating.
La Semana also witnessed people standing in office hallways mere inches from one another, chatting as if these were normal times. These are not normal times, and the world is facing an invisible killer that, despite what the president may have said a few weeks ago, is not comparable to the common flu. It spreads faster and for those most susceptible to its ravages COVID-19 can kill within as little as two weeks of infection, perhaps sooner. Even the young and healthy are not immune.
In the absence of testing for all, people need to assume they are liable to contract the virus anywhere and from anyone, and should behave accordingly. Don’t use “stay at home time” to throw parties for your family or friends, and if you own a business that has not been deemed essential by local or federal authorities, then close up shop and stay home. There is assistance from the Small Business Administration to help your business survive this crisis.
For those who must venture out for work or supplies, it is vital that you practice social distancing. The health, and perhaps the lives, of those you love may depend on it. (La Semana)