WHY IS COVID-19 DIFFERENT THAN INFLUENZA AND WHY IS SOCIAL DISTANCING IS IMPORTANT?
Some thoughts / tips to understand facts and see how I’m handling this as a mom, fire family and business owner:
NUMBERS AND MATH DON’T LIE
I say this to my kids and clients all the time. There is no emotion in numbers. This medium article is the best truthful, non-sensationalized representation I’ve seen of models that show how deadly this could be and why social distancing is necessary. Read it here: https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca
In short: social distancing even one day sooner can have significant, positive impact
DEFINING SOCIAL DISTANCING FOR YOUR FAMILY
My kids wanted to hangout at a friends house last night. We decided to keep ourselves isolated until there are a few more days of data. While we know the friend, we don’t know where her parents work, who they have been exposed to etc. The kids disliked me for a bit but got over it. We will re-evaluate in a few days.
IF YOU ARE IN THE FIRST RESPONDER / HEALTH CARE PROFESSION….
Based on the math, this is going to be rough. We made a decision for the kids to not see their dad for a few days until we have more info. As a firefighter / paramedic, he is in a high risk area, major emergency plans are already being put in place and frankly…. I have no idea how first responders and health care will operate because it’s inevitable for there to be not enough workers in some models of spread.
Basically we expect him to be exposed and have COVID at some point. That’s basically what their medical Directors are telling them. There are simply not enough health care workers, supplies and beds to treat this. And THIS IS WHY WE ALL NEED TO HEED TO THE SOCIAL DISTANCING. (Again – Read the article linked above.)
WE ARE STILL NOT FREAKING OUT
The kids and I have a plan for school work, routines and fun together at home. I did freak out on my mother a bit asking her to stay home earlier this week. I do think for most people this is not a big deal health wise but for her and others like her it really could be.
MAKE SMART FINANCIAL CHOICES
You guys remember…. the math doesn’t lie. There will be major financial impact here on everyone.
Example: daycares closing but still charging people to hold their spots and so they can pay their employees. What’s the right thing to do? Tough to say but I’m hoping everyone does “the right thing”. It’s going to take compromise and team work here.
Businesses will close. Jobs will be lost. Families won’t be able to pay their mortgage.
I predict in the days to come FB will be full of hurt, upset people over financial issues (non refunds etc). I have $1800 in airfare to Europe I think should get refunded but I’m not calling about that right now. Because those lines need to be free for people trying to get home to loved ones.
It’s all going to work out as it should. Period.
WHAT I AM DOING IN MY BUSINESSES
For our fire families…. continuing to be the relatable, understanding, helpful encourager in our social communities. While still pressing forward with big projects like Commitment Weekend and (well there’s more but I can’t spill yet and I’m being cautious considering the current economy).
For my consulting business (LoriMercer.com). Advising my clients how to authentically, genuinely and in a helpful way communicate to their audience about their expertise and anything relevant to corona.
AS A BUSINESS OWNER, IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING HELPFUL HERE, YOU HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO HELP AND DO THE RIGHT THING. BUT DON’T HEARTLESSLY MONETIZE IT. (That’s so insensitive. Be smart. Give discounts. Don’t go broke but don’t go for bank. You don’t want customers attracted from fear based marketing. Ever.)
FREE / REDUCED PROGRAM COSTS.
I am deciding which of my Virtual Professional trainings make sense to give for free and / or deeply discounted.
Lots of extra time on your hands with cancelled events. Time to reflect on big things in life. I have complete training programs to become work from home professionals (Virtual Assistants, consultants, developers, Shopify vas, freelancers, etc). Now is a great time for us to pull together and learn something positive. Tell me if there is one you’d like to have access to!
FREE WORK FROM HOME EFFICIENTLY TRAINING.
I’ve physically distanced myself working from home for 5 years now – but I’m still social and connected. I have a video dropping in the next day or so with tips on how to work from home but stay well connected and get results.
For many people, work from home is brand new in this corona season and can take some adjustment.
That’s enough for now. I’m not even sure how many days we are into this. But I feel strongly to keep sharing and supporting each other in whatever ways we can. And we continue to pray for all the first responders and families for protection, strength and health.
Jessie -
Latest posts by Jessie - (see all)
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