Social distancing - what are you allowing, and tell me your reasoning.

[Anonymous]

College kids: they do the grocery store. They can see one friend. Unfortunately I have had urgent medical problems and have had 5 doc visits. Unrelated to COVID. I can’t imagine being shut in since March.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The goal was to flatten the curve. We have done that. Mission accomplished.

It is not going to be just another six weeks of this virus. Probably a year or more. So we will need to relax the social distancing policies to survive, politically, emotionally and emotionally.

People keep saying we've "accomplished" the goal of flattening the curve, so we're "done."

That's literally not how this works.

It's flatter than it would be BECAUSE WE ARE STAYING AT HOME. Once we resume anything even vaguely resembling normal life-- without heavy testing and tracing-- the curve will shoot up again.

Like-- what do you think we have PERMANENTLY accomplished at this point? Not much. It sucks, but I cannot fathom why people think we actually squashed the virus in any meaningful way at this point. We made it so most hospitals aren't overwhelmed-- that's why you flatten the infection curve. We haven't defeated the virus-- there are many more people infected now than there were on March 10 or 15. If we are talking about the risk of illness and death, we are in worse shape to interact with one another than we were in March 15. We are MORE likely to get the disease now.

We’re fine with the STAY AT HOME part. That was never about elimination of the virus or the risk. It was about protecting our health care systems, many of which are now do empty they’re going broke.

It’s time to move on, risks and all. I’m will to continue some social distancing but will no longer stay cooped up, locked away from friends and family. We’re planning and outdoor BBQ for next week for example, for a small group.

So the rules just don't apply to you. Awesome.

Wow! You are so selfish. People like you are going to drag this out and put even more people at risk. If you were in NJ where I am, the police would break up your party and your name would be posted on nj.com for all to see. I am not joking. People have been publicly shamed for having weddings, parties, and surfing at the Jersey shore. The police broke up a child's birthday party in my town the other day, because there were 30+ kids and their parents and an ice cream truck in someone's front yard. The ice cream man will most likely face charges, because he is not an essential business and is not supposed to be working at parties during this time. This social distancing sucks for everyone, but it is necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The goal was to flatten the curve. We have done that. Mission accomplished.

It is not going to be just another six weeks of this virus. Probably a year or more. So we will need to relax the social distancing policies to survive, politically, emotionally and emotionally.

+1. The virus could stick around, it could be less of a problem in the summer and come back in the fall like other viruses do, it could burn out like SARS did, we could get to a point where we have herd immunity. We don't know. But at some point we're going to have to weigh economics, education, civil liberties, etc. with the risk. I'm happy to see that in the reopening guidelines for governors (no, not the reopening plan from the White House, but one put together by the Association of Governors, led by Hogan and Cuomo) includes balancing medical/hospital resources is part of the plan. With Maryland re-opening Laurel Hospital to accept COVID patients, that's a big help in the balance. Flattening the curve was never meant to prevent everyone from getting COVID, it was to try to prevent everyone from getting it at the same time. The curve doesn't come to a complete stop, it just flattens and lengthens.

Of course. We know all of this. Don't you think it's best to then wait for the data driven plan instead of everyone just doing what feels best right now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The goal was to flatten the curve. We have done that. Mission accomplished.

It is not going to be just another six weeks of this virus. Probably a year or more. So we will need to relax the social distancing policies to survive, politically, emotionally and emotionally.

+1. The virus could stick around, it could be less of a problem in the summer and come back in the fall like other viruses do, it could burn out like SARS did, we could get to a point where we have herd immunity. We don't know. But at some point we're going to have to weigh economics, education, civil liberties, etc. with the risk. I'm happy to see that in the reopening guidelines for governors (no, not the reopening plan from the White House, but one put together by the Association of Governors, led by Hogan and Cuomo) includes balancing medical/hospital resources is part of the plan. With Maryland re-opening Laurel Hospital to accept COVID patients, that's a big help in the balance. Flattening the curve was never meant to prevent everyone from getting COVID, it was to try to prevent everyone from getting it at the same time. The curve doesn't come to a complete stop, it just flattens and lengthens.

Of course. We know all of this. Don't you think it's best to then wait for the data driven plan instead of everyone just doing what feels best right now?

Thank you!

Despite what y'all's grey roots might suggest, it has not been that long!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The goal was to flatten the curve. We have done that. Mission accomplished.

It is not going to be just another six weeks of this virus. Probably a year or more. So we will need to relax the social distancing policies to survive, politically, emotionally and emotionally.

People keep saying we've "accomplished" the goal of flattening the curve, so we're "done."

That's literally not how this works.

It's flatter than it would be BECAUSE WE ARE STAYING AT HOME. Once we resume anything even vaguely resembling normal life-- without heavy testing and tracing-- the curve will shoot up again.

Like-- what do you think we have PERMANENTLY accomplished at this point? Not much. It sucks, but I cannot fathom why people think we actually squashed the virus in any meaningful way at this point. We made it so most hospitals aren't overwhelmed-- that's why you flatten the infection curve. We haven't defeated the virus-- there are many more people infected now than there were on March 10 or 15. If we are talking about the risk of illness and death, we are in worse shape to interact with one another than we were in March 15. We are MORE likely to get the disease now.

We’re fine with the STAY AT HOME part. That was never about elimination of the virus or the risk. It was about protecting our health care systems, many of which are now do empty they’re going broke.

It’s time to move on, risks and all. I’m will to continue some social distancing but will no longer stay cooped up, locked away from friends and family. We’re planning and outdoor BBQ for next week for example, for a small group.

So the rules just don't apply to you. Awesome.

I have followed "the rules," more or less to the letter. We have achieved our mission in flattening the curve. Yes, I think it's time to start loosening up. If you disagree, that's fine. You don't have to attend my BBQ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The goal was to flatten the curve. We have done that. Mission accomplished.

It is not going to be just another six weeks of this virus. Probably a year or more. So we will need to relax the social distancing policies to survive, politically, emotionally and emotionally.

People keep saying we've "accomplished" the goal of flattening the curve, so we're "done."

That's literally not how this works.

It's flatter than it would be BECAUSE WE ARE STAYING AT HOME. Once we resume anything even vaguely resembling normal life-- without heavy testing and tracing-- the curve will shoot up again.

Like-- what do you think we have PERMANENTLY accomplished at this point? Not much. It sucks, but I cannot fathom why people think we actually squashed the virus in any meaningful way at this point. We made it so most hospitals aren't overwhelmed-- that's why you flatten the infection curve. We haven't defeated the virus-- there are many more people infected now than there were on March 10 or 15. If we are talking about the risk of illness and death, we are in worse shape to interact with one another than we were in March 15. We are MORE likely to get the disease now.

We’re fine with the STAY AT HOME part. That was never about elimination of the virus or the risk. It was about protecting our health care systems, many of which are now do empty they’re going broke.

It’s time to move on, risks and all. I’m will to continue some social distancing but will no longer stay cooped up, locked away from friends and family. We’re planning and outdoor BBQ for next week for example, for a small group.

So the rules just don't apply to you. Awesome.

Wow! You are so selfish. People like you are going to drag this out and put even more people at risk. If you were in NJ where I am, the police would break up your party and your name would be posted on nj.com for all to see. I am not joking. People have been publicly shamed for having weddings, parties, and surfing at the Jersey shore. The police broke up a child's birthday party in my town the other day, because there were 30+ kids and their parents and an ice cream truck in someone's front yard. The ice cream man will most likely face charges, because he is not an essential business and is not supposed to be working at parties during this time. This social distancing sucks for everyone, but it is necessary.

The situation in NJ is much worse than it is in DC. I know because I have family there and we have discussed at length.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The goal was to flatten the curve. We have done that. Mission accomplished.

It is not going to be just another six weeks of this virus. Probably a year or more. So we will need to relax the social distancing policies to survive, politically, emotionally and emotionally.

People keep saying we've "accomplished" the goal of flattening the curve, so we're "done."

That's literally not how this works.

It's flatter than it would be BECAUSE WE ARE STAYING AT HOME. Once we resume anything even vaguely resembling normal life-- without heavy testing and tracing-- the curve will shoot up again.

Like-- what do you think we have PERMANENTLY accomplished at this point? Not much. It sucks, but I cannot fathom why people think we actually squashed the virus in any meaningful way at this point. We made it so most hospitals aren't overwhelmed-- that's why you flatten the infection curve. We haven't defeated the virus-- there are many more people infected now than there were on March 10 or 15. If we are talking about the risk of illness and death, we are in worse shape to interact with one another than we were in March 15. We are MORE likely to get the disease now.

We’re fine with the STAY AT HOME part. That was never about elimination of the virus or the risk. It was about protecting our health care systems, many of which are now do empty they’re going broke.

It’s time to move on, risks and all. I’m will to continue some social distancing but will no longer stay cooped up, locked away from friends and family. We’re planning and outdoor BBQ for next week for example, for a small group.

So the rules just don't apply to you. Awesome.

Wow! You are so selfish. People like you are going to drag this out and put even more people at risk. If you were in NJ where I am, the police would break up your party and your name would be posted on nj.com for all to see. I am not joking. People have been publicly shamed for having weddings, parties, and surfing at the Jersey shore. The police broke up a child's birthday party in my town the other day, because there were 30+ kids and their parents and an ice cream truck in someone's front yard. The ice cream man will most likely face charges, because he is not an essential business and is not supposed to be working at parties during this time. This social distancing sucks for everyone, but it is necessary.

So, you are one of the absolutists. Awesome. Stay home, stay safe. No one is going to drag you outside to talk to others or barge into your home.

Our stay at home order is until May 15. May 16, I plan to have a birthday party. Socially distanced, outside, 4 couples. We'll all be 10 or more feet apart, bring our own food and drinks.

And start to feel a bit more normal, safely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The goal was to flatten the curve. We have done that. Mission accomplished.

It is not going to be just another six weeks of this virus. Probably a year or more. So we will need to relax the social distancing policies to survive, politically, emotionally and emotionally.

+1. The virus could stick around, it could be less of a problem in the summer and come back in the fall like other viruses do, it could burn out like SARS did, we could get to a point where we have herd immunity. We don't know. But at some point we're going to have to weigh economics, education, civil liberties, etc. with the risk. I'm happy to see that in the reopening guidelines for governors (no, not the reopening plan from the White House, but one put together by the Association of Governors, led by Hogan and Cuomo) includes balancing medical/hospital resources is part of the plan. With Maryland re-opening Laurel Hospital to accept COVID patients, that's a big help in the balance. Flattening the curve was never meant to prevent everyone from getting COVID, it was to try to prevent everyone from getting it at the same time. The curve doesn't come to a complete stop, it just flattens and lengthens.

Of course. We know all of this. Don't you think it's best to then wait for the data driven plan instead of everyone just doing what feels best right now?

Well we may be waiting for a LONG time as the data keeps changing. Remember how we were told wearing face masks was useless? And now we're told to wear face masks with the Surgeon General giving us a cute little youtube tutorial.

Remember how asymptomatic carriers were contagious? The latest is they aren't.

Remember how mortality rates are changing practically daily?

And it's understandable that the data will keep changing. That's how science works. But we may never have this completely figured out, heck we can't even get a completely effective flu shot (I say this as someone who gets one every year and makes my kids). So for the data to be set in stone and not changing, we're going to be waiting a long time.

[Anonymous]

Well, I'm the "BECAUSE WE ARE STAYING AT HOME" lady and this has been fun, as usual, DCUM. Great reading comprehension all around. Certainly no one putting words into my mouth, like pretending I told everyone to STAY AT HOME FOREVER OR UNTIL THERE'S A VACCINE OR WHATEVER.

I was going to present a bunch of points about infection rate (even 1.5 new infections per person is exponential-- ever increasing-- though it's much lower than the 2.5 expected with zero social distancing measures). Or mention that hey, in the DC area and many others, infection rates are continuing to increase even with social distancing! Hospitals may not (yet) be overwhelmed here, but we haven't (yet) flattened the curve at all! Yes, let's relax things now, while we are seeing a rising hospitalization rate every day. Oh, it's not affecting you so much in Nebraska yet? Cool, that couldn't possibly mean that you started out with fewer cases or you have yet to see your peak or anything. It must mean that you did something right, and now your job is done.

Great job, everyone! It's definitely not super early in the game, with loads of possible effects we haven't yet seen. We've done it! Time to have that barbecue that "no one here is saying" we should.

In conclusion:

[Anonymous]

Kids - twins 13 & twins 11. Have a yard so after school work til dinner time they play outside (weather permitting). Sometimes that is playing a board game on the back porch, other times it is more active. Twice a week we go to a state or local park to hike/walk for a couple of hours. No stores, no friends. Screens available after dinner.

Though I wouldn't mind my kids playing with the next door neighbor kid only because I know she is as strict as we are with the kids going out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids - twins 13 & twins 11. Have a yard so after school work til dinner time they play outside (weather permitting). Sometimes that is playing a board game on the back porch, other times it is more active. Twice a week we go to a state or local park to hike/walk for a couple of hours. No stores, no friends. Screens available after dinner.

Though I wouldn't mind my kids playing with the next door neighbor kid only because I know she is as strict as we are with the kids going out.

I'm letting my tween play with the kid next door ("next door" where I am is 1/3 a mile away) for that reason. And I've let my teen DS shoot baskets on our driveway with another neighborhood kid.

[Anonymous]

My 13 yo DD is seeing friends on snapchat, originally distancing, now hanging out together in their neighborhood (we live in a different one). My 16 yo DD is showing me photos of the same with some of her friends and classmates. So people do seem to be lightening up on their kids' restrictions, whether we like it or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The goal was to flatten the curve. We have done that. Mission accomplished.

It is not going to be just another six weeks of this virus. Probably a year or more. So we will need to relax the social distancing policies to survive, politically, emotionally and emotionally.

People keep saying we've "accomplished" the goal of flattening the curve, so we're "done."

That's literally not how this works.

It's flatter than it would be BECAUSE WE ARE STAYING AT HOME. Once we resume anything even vaguely resembling normal life-- without heavy testing and tracing-- the curve will shoot up again.

Like-- what do you think we have PERMANENTLY accomplished at this point? Not much. It sucks, but I cannot fathom why people think we actually squashed the virus in any meaningful way at this point. We made it so most hospitals aren't overwhelmed-- that's why you flatten the infection curve. We haven't defeated the virus-- there are many more people infected now than there were on March 10 or 15. If we are talking about the risk of illness and death, we are in worse shape to interact with one another than we were in March 15. We are MORE likely to get the disease now.

We’re fine with the STAY AT HOME part. That was never about elimination of the virus or the risk. It was about protecting our health care systems, many of which are now do empty they’re going broke.

It’s time to move on, risks and all. I’m will to continue some social distancing but will no longer stay cooped up, locked away from friends and family. We’re planning and outdoor BBQ for next week for example, for a small group.

So the rules just don't apply to you. Awesome.

Wow! You are so selfish. People like you are going to drag this out and put even more people at risk. If you were in NJ where I am, the police would break up your party and your name would be posted on nj.com for all to see. I am not joking. People have been publicly shamed for having weddings, parties, and surfing at the Jersey shore. The police broke up a child's birthday party in my town the other day, because there were 30+ kids and their parents and an ice cream truck in someone's front yard. The ice cream man will most likely face charges, because he is not an essential business and is not supposed to be working at parties during this time. This social distancing sucks for everyone, but it is necessary.

i would love to see the news article about this party. I am picturing Aging Jersey Shore parents in tacky clothes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids - twins 13 & twins 11. Have a yard so after school work til dinner time they play outside (weather permitting). Sometimes that is playing a board game on the back porch, other times it is more active. Twice a week we go to a state or local park to hike/walk for a couple of hours. No stores, no friends. Screens available after dinner.

Though I wouldn't mind my kids playing with the next door neighbor kid only because I know she is as strict as we are with the kids going out.

I'm letting my tween play with the kid next door ("next door" where I am is 1/3 a mile away) for that reason. And I've let my teen DS shoot baskets on our driveway with another neighborhood kid.

+1. My kids are playing basketball, yard football and riding bikes with the kids across the street. No big deal in my mind. No one is going into anyone else's house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah it's sustainable in my house/yard too. I realize not everyone has a home with privacy and a yard, but if you do, suck it up buttercup.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s “sustainable.” It’s necessary.

My kids haven’t left the house since March 16 and will continue to stay at home for as long as necessary.