My Thoughts on COVID-19 as the British Virgin Islands Records Third Case

COVID-19 or the Novel Coronavirus evokes different emotions for people all over the world. It has made me shift the way that I interact and now, even the way I work. People have different conspiracy theories as to what is really happening and what may have caused the outbreak. Of course, there are many theories on the cure and preventative measures.

There is one constant in all of this - the people of the world are hurting for each other. As I look at the current global death toll from this virus, the numbers - 30,000 plus would equate to the population of the Virgin Islands where I live, where I love and where I have grown up. This is truly staggering and my heart goes out to the sick persons, their families who must isolate and also to those who are grieving.

We are not in the world we used to be in anymore. Travel was everybody's great dream. People would brag about being to Australia or to France or to my Virgin Islands. Promoters would rant about the numbers of persons who attend their events. Educators would brag about graduation rates and the numbers in attendance. Politicians would gladly share how many people attended their rallied. Pastors would brag about their lavish sanctuaries and the numbers filing in weekly.

Today, we stand still. We stay at home to save lives. We wash our hands like we always should have and we keep our hands from our faces - like we always should have. Many complained that we were not social enough because of social media. However, social media just enhanced our communication - we were still social. 

Now we are practicing social distancing, which I think is an oxymoron. People are all stressed about being at home and I smile at their concerns because I love being at home. I can garden, play music, watch videos and be creative in the kitchen or with crafts. My children have their school work and other activities that we can do together. The place is peaceful and the close neighbor hails out like they always did.

I watched the ocean this morning from my porch and said to myself that the ocean animals must be happy. I don't know if I was influenced by various reports that the ozone layer was healing. I'm not even sure if that is true. I even heard that as we were getting close to lock-down in the territory, that people were purchasing seeds and garden implements. I'm very happy for that.

From last year, my children encouraged me to start a garden. I had gotten frustrated because of the issues we have with loose livestock. However, we persevered and I am proud of our progress. I share my progress on Facebook with my friends and in the groups dedicated to this cause. I would love for people to become jealous of me and my yard work because I want them to be inspired to outdo me. If we plant more food, while we know we won't have ideal food security, we will be one step closer. We would be healthier and 'less bored' in times that call for us to stand still.

COVID-19 is very serious and nothing to joke about. Regardless, of our various thoughts and ideals, the facts are clear - people are getting sick and are dying. Therefore, this is the ideal time for us to:

1. be our brothers' and sisters' keepers by heeding the guidelines given in our respective countries
2. wash our hands and keep our hands out of our faces
3. stay at home if we are sick and call our healthcare providers
4. eat healthy and exercise
5. plant one thing that your family can use - herbs are a great way to start
6. stay in contact with friends and family - they need us more than ever
7. be good to others as you would have them do for you
8. heed what your government has asked - social distance, stay inside etc

Ribbon