Shop Hours During a Pandemic

It's official. This is not just a mild flu. It is pernicious, highly transmittable and potentially deadly, especially for older and those with health concerns. Mitigation is needed to slow the spread and reduce a medical surge in our community. We've decided for the sake of our immune-compromised parents and my niece (and myself, as my dear husband reminds me),  it's time for us to start reducing shop hours.

Anticipated Hours this Week

Thu 3/12  CLOSED

Fri 3/13   REDUCED 10-1

Sat 3/14   REDUCED 10-1

Sun 3/15  REDUCED 10-1

3/16 - 3/22:  ??????? TBD

The situation is fluid and changeable. 

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Prudence dictates everyone takes this seriously. We are in a Mitigation stage now. This  means spreading out the curve of outbreak in our neighborhoods as to not tax local hospitals and resources. Over the next few weeks it's time for suspension of activities where we risk exposure. The more we do this the better. This virus is here. It's been here probably for weeks. Right now we must prevent it from exploding as witnessed overseas.

Time to practice some Hygge and recognize it's not so bad being an introvert!

Important Links:

CDC Covid-19 HQ

Calaveras County COVID-19 

What to do?

• Wash hands properly and frequently: This is key
• Practice Social Distancing: Essential outings only-especially if high-risk
• Extra vigilant when out: wipe carts, cover cough.sneezes, tissues to use to touch handles etc...
• Don't touch face (easier said than done)
• Monitor your symptoms: fever spikes, dry cough seem the first symptoms
• Self-Quarantine if ill and contact your doctor by phone before going to office.

In my family I'm lovingly called Chicken Little (The Sky is Falling!). Mom says it's because I was born on a Wednesday (Wed Child is full of woe). The Ennegram claims it's because I'm a Six. Lately I'm feeling my Greek Archetype is more like Kassandra, Prophetess of Doom.

Today I feel less foolish and more confident that my little niggling inner voice these past months was right. This is not just another flu.

Since late Jan I've watched the progression of this epidemic. At first it was from the vantage point of a historian, watching unprecedented measures taken in China, which seemed so far away. Early Feb I'd switched to quiet mental preparation. What items would we'd need as a family if this virus reached the US? It was unlikely but hey, my efforts would make us prepared for any future earthquakes, fires or other power outages. How would we handle closing the shop? What could I do now to prepare for what may or may not happen?

Late Feb I kicked it up a notch. My weekly shopping products to replenish our medicine chest, shelf-stable pantry items, cleaning and paper goods. Fortunately our local grocery store did the same. With each visit items on my list were well-stocked and on sale (Thank you Sierra Hills!).

Early March I watched heartsick as northern Italy was brought to its knees by this invisible demon in just days. Saturday night I knew my innate sense to prepare was no longer silly when my husband turned and said, "Let's make a Trader Joe's run to stock up on groceries we might need in next month."

Monday morning was surreal. Italy....the entire country....was closed down. Two weeks ago things were normal for Italians. Today not so much. My chest tightened reading pleas from the Italian medical community for other nations to seriously ramp up preparations for this incoming virus hurricane. Today reports show Spain, Netherlands, France all seeing rapid rate of spread.

I pray our local authorities heed the Italian Doctors' advice. Today I breathed sigh of relief: Murphys Irish Days is cancelled (that's 11,000+ less people in our tiny town that day). County schools are still in session except for one district. But for how long? Who knows. It's a fluid situation. Unfortunately this Chicken Little Six was right. This flu was more than just a flu. It was a pandemic.

I am confident we can weather this if we all hunker down, practice superior hygiene and make good choices these next upcoming weeks. Part of me is nervous but not panicked. As a community we must stretch the infection curve over the next two months. Take care of yourselves. Take care of your loved ones and neighbors.

As I did with the Butte Fire I intend to do more updates in upcoming weeks. If anyone is worried, has questions, needs a delivery of books, yarns, teas.... don't hesitate to email me: maisieblue@gmail.com

Stay safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.