AlyssaBusinesses are closed, citizens are asked to stay indoors, and the numbers for the virus continue to rise. When I began this blog, I never imagined I would have to write a blog post about a super virus infiltrating our planet. Well, guess I should have watched Bill Gate’s TED Talk.
Last night, the City of San Antonio initiated the Stay Home, Work Safe Order. When I heard about this, my eyes closed and I took in deep breaths. This was a far better reaction than when I realized just exactly how bad COVID 19 was and how much it was going to impact our everyday life. That was about 10 days ago. That day I cried as I tried to process the news I was reading and the statistics that were coming in regarding the virus.
“Today (March 23, 2020), Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Judge Nelson Wolff issued separate but joint Stay Home, Work Safe Orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The order is effective beginning at 11:59 p.m. on March 24, 2020 and if approved by City Council at this Thursday’s meeting, will last until 11:59 p.m. on April 9, or until it is either rescinded, superseded or amended.
Beginning at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow, March 24, 2020, Mayor Nirenberg and Judge Nelson Wolff are ordering all individuals living within the City of San Antonio and the suburban cities within Bexar County to stay home and only leave their homes to perform allowed activities. There are four categories of allowed activities:
1. Activities related to maintaining the health and safety of their family and their pets. Examples are seeking emergency services, obtaining medical supplies or medication and visiting a health care professional. This includes caring for a family member or pet in another household. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2. Activities to obtain necessary supplies for themselves, their family and household, including groceries or food (such as from curbside or drive-thru pickup from restaurants), pet supplies and pet food, supplies needed to work from home and consumer products, such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
3. Working for an exempted business or government that is providing services needed by the public during this crisis, which is explained in detail below.
4. Outdoor activity, such as walking, running or cycling, but only if they maintain social distancing, such as staying six feet away from other people.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“As you know, and as we expected, the number of positive cases is growing. We need to take additional steps now to slow the spread. The actions I announced today can be summed up as short-term pain in exchange for long term benefit,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
The City of San Antonio has been updating its website every evening with an updated chart of the coronavirus outbreak. As of this blog, we’ve had 84 confirmed cases and three deaths.
I hope that you and your family are doing well during this time. While this is a precarious time for all, I have found solace in returning to life’s simple pleasures. Once this is over, I hope I come out with a newfound understanding, gratitude, and respect for life.
