So, we are officially in the midst of a pandemic. What that means is that a disease has reached a greater geographical reach. So, basically, it just means that it’s all over the world, as opposed to in one state or one country.

And that’s kinda terrifying, I know. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and the response from state governments doesn’t always match the response from the federal government, which just breeds more confusion and panic. People are hoarding toilet paper and guns – I assume thinking they might need the latter if they run out of the former.

But here’s the thing: we need to stick together on this one, and look out for other people. I’m not saying to ignore the call for social distancing; it really does help reduce the risk of transmission, what they call “flattening the curve.” Still, there are some good neighbor things we can all do to help one another.

Wash your hands

Wash them with soap and hot water. Wash them often. Wash them to whatever song you want to sing to yourself. Personally, I mix it up between “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weekend and “Don’t’ Stand So Close to Me” by Sting because it makes me laugh when I do it. But you can choose any song you want.

Help for high-risk groups

The elderly, the ill, the immunocompromised – they’re all at risk. Isolation will keep them physically well, but it can wreak havoc on their mental health. So, what can you do?

  1. Call, text, or video chat with your loved ones, instead of visiting with them in person. This can help stave off loneliness while also keeping everyone at a safe distance.
  2. Order extra supplies, or pick up extras when you shop. I have these 80-something-years-old neighbors, and they can’t be running around in COVID-19 conditions. So, I’ve been picking up extra supplies when I can and dropping them off. If you have people in your life who can’t leave the house, consider making the run (or placing an order for them).
  3. Make a contingency plan if they live alone. Do their pharmacies deliver? Is there a list of emergency contact numbers written in giant print up on the fridge? Do they have cell phones? Does anyone else know that these people exist? Is there a clear path into and out of the house, in case EMS has to come? These are things you can probably take care of for them.

Looking out for homeschooled kids and their parents working from home

Governor Hogan has shut down Maryland: schools are closed for two weeks, and so are the gyms, movie theatres, and restaurants. That’s a LOT of kids at home, with a LOT of parents who may or may not be home with them, without the ability to get a stiff martini when the day is done.

  • For Parents. You can try a virtual field trip with your kids, to give them (and you) a little break while still feeding their minds. Remember that school gives kids more than just a place to learn: it provides social interactions, hot meals, and access to the arts that they could be missing at home.
  • For Teachers. Remember that your students’ needs may be different now that they’re at home, so if there are ways to make your life and their lives easier, you should do it. Maybe that means allowing kids to submit work later in the evening, or on weekends. Maybe it means having them participate in online discussions or make videos. Maybe it means setting up time for one-on-one instruction, instead of group settings. Do what you can when you can, and don’t beat yourself up too much, okay?
  • For Administrators. If you’re going to enforce online classes, make sure your students AND your teachers have access to the tools they need. Who knows what everyone’s data or WiFi situations are, you know? You’re gonna have students in homes where there is no set place for them to do their homework, or dealing with siblings or other family members. You’re gonna have students who are hungry and who feel unsafe at home. A little leniency can go a long way in helping protect your students while still providing them with a quality education.

Protecting the food insecure

The Maryland Food Bank says 1 in 9 people in our state is food insecure. That includes more than 204,000 kids. Just because you and your kiddos have a safe environment to live in and food in the cupboard doesn’t mean all of your neighbors are in the same boat.

So this is the time to help, because not everyone is going to be working, which means even less money will come in. And we still don’t really know what kinds of funds are going to be available to combat this, you know? You can donate food or money, host an online food drive, or schedule a pick-up if you have at least two large boxes of food. You can also give to any of these organizations which run food drives and food pantries here in Annapolis:

Heritage Baptist
(410) 263-6680

Holy Temple Cathedral
410-266-7946

Iglesia Hispana Emmanuel
410-295-5003

Food Link
410-268-7853

First Baptist of Eastport
410-268-7378

Cecil Memorial UMC
410-266-5651

Beacon Light 7th Day Advent
410-268-8436

Annapolis Spanish Church
410-626-1700

Asbury Broadneck UMC
410-757-2995

Asbury UMC
410-268-9500

Centreville United Methodist Church
(410) 758-0868

We’re gonna make it through this. Let’s not lose sight of what makes out community strong. I have faith in us.