March 25, Covid - 19 Pandemic

I wish I could say things have changed, but they really haven't. We're still only leaving the house when we need to. I went to the grocery today to get groceries for the week. The good news is, they had most everything someone would need. The meat case wasn't completely filled, but there was still plenty to choose from. There were lots of fresh fruits and veggies. They even had some toilet paper. And I was able to get another container of Clorox Wipes - they are limiting these to 1 per customer.

We've been taking care of Emma's friend, Lily, on Monday's while her parents work. They own a Physical Therapy Clinic. This shut down is extremely difficult for them. As of now, they are only allowed to provide services through telehealth - over devices and the internet. Tonya said their clients' appointments are dwindling as people are less willing to participate online.  We did allow Emma to go visit Lily on her farm this afternoon. While we probably shouldn't, we're all limiting our exposure to one another and our world is smaller. Lily is the only friend Emma has seen in nearly 2 weeks. When they play they help each other with their homework and actually get outside to play.  It's helping us get through this.

My parents have finally stopped running all over town and doing unnecessary shopping. This is such a relief. I know my dad is very upset - he believes the government doesn't have the right to order private businesses to shut down and that he should be able to go wherever he wants. My poor mother keeps trying to tell him that this is for his own good. He still grumbles and complains, but he's staying indoors. I'm not sure how long we can keep him there though.

The government has waived all standardized testing for the end of this school year. Our governor, Andy Beshear, has ordered the schools remain closed until April 20. I'm somewhat concerned that we won't be able to finish the school year with our students. I don't know what that might look like, but I know this isn't how I want to finish this year. I miss my students. Tomorrow I'm having my first video conference with one of my classes just so I can see some of their faces and hear their voices. I never imagined I'd really miss my students. A month ago if you'd told me I could work from home and teach my kids remotely for a month, I would have asked - begged - for it. Nope!  Lesson learned. Seeing them in person is MUCH better than trying to teach them remotely. Thankfully I am in communication with many of them via email, text, or through the digital classroom we use. But it's not the same as seeing and talking with them.

So it seems we're in this holding pattern for a while. The number of cases in KY is climbing - as expected. Not sure when it will peak.  Hopefully soon.  Today's KY Covid count: 198.