It has been said that, in moments of historical significance, one should frequently notate their thoughts and observations. Herein this blog series, I will state my thoughts on what is happening as I experience, potentially adding in some helpful information in relation to my studies/research at Harvard.
The second week of my personal “social distancing” is now coming to a close, and so I am sharing my experience of semi-isolation.
March 22nd: A seemingly normal Sunday morning arrived, we awoke and ordered a take-out brunch special: hush-puppies, two deluxe breakfast sandwiches, a quart of orange juice, and a bottle of champagne for $30! We arrived to the restaurant turned take out stand and our order was not ready yet. The company had already laid-off half of it’s employees and we felt happy to support the remainder while we could. Forced to wait at least 6-feet away from anyway and to ensure no more than 9 people were in the establishment, we went for a walk, with a $1 beer poured into a translucent to-go cup and served with a straw. The had risen beautifully over the Potomac, though the number of people outside was akin to a heavy snow-day. Cherry blossoms were in full-bloom, however the best we could do is look across the water and see some of the specimens on our side of the river. We returned home, brunch in tow, popped our cork and had full bellies and joyous spirits.
This elevated mood came to a halt as we approached the grocery store for a few light supplies. As we walked up, a somber line stretched around the parking garage. People standing with ample distance between parties, awaiting an opportunity to enter the store. A quiet, morose sense overcame us. The bottle of sparkling wine seemed rather indulgent at this moment. A sign read of rations at the entrance while a cleaning detail made sure to sanitize all of the returning carts. Melancholy gave way to anger as we watched MANY people attempt to walk directly into the store, seemingly unaware of the queue of faces painted against the wall and team of staff posted at the door. Several of the non-observant had air-pods in-ear and talked loudly about “what’s the big deal,” seemingly upset when interrupted by staff that they must go to the back of the line. In one of the most affluent, well-educated communities in our country I did not anticipate such ignorance from people walking from their million dollar row-houses or stepping our of German vehicles with Ivy League stickers. That is when it hit me: America is blind to the reality of the situation and is seemingly at-odds culturally with personal sacrifice. Weeks old videos of Italians warning of their dead family members laying in their homes because there are no resources to remove or cremate them could not be further from the American psyche. We have a long road ahead.
March 24th: Awaiting a mandatory “stay-in-place” order from our governor, I decided to mobilize my staff and self to get as much site investigation work done as possible. My coworker and I headed to Roanoke, VA to take measurements for a proposed roadway there. On our way, we stopped at a gas station (gas was incredibly cheap) and I went in to use the restroom. The two employees spoke of how the governor hated churches because gatherings of 10+ people are not allowed. In Roanoke, many people were waling about and driving. It became apparent in our venture down south that the rural communities did not seem to be heading the warnings of the government.
March 25th-27th: Our governor has mandated that all non-essential businesses be closed for 30 days and that restaurants may only serve take-away/delivery meals. To be honest, the situation still seems surreal. Time has begun passing more quickly, days are indistinguishable. We have continued to purchase many meals from local restaurants while we can. Yesterday I found out one of our favorite restaurant groups has over 200 employees furloughed, only 3 remain working to over 3 stores. As I write this, the US has surpassed any other country for number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, still I see people in the park playing soccer, driving to work, etc. Harrowing days and a test of American hubris are ahead.
Turning lemons into lemonade, I have worked with Dr. Carmine Gibaldi to devise a survey to track global productivity and opinions on virtually working (telework):
Click HERE to take our Virtual Working Survey
I hope the information gathered will be helpful in a post-Covid19 world.