Coronavirus Update- 5 Things You Can Do When Under Quarantine

Here are a few things to consider. If you’re not in self-quarantine or isolation, you should seriously consider it. Transmission of the coronavirus is breathtakingly easy, and some medical experts say that the virus can survive on surfaces for up to three days. It needs to be left alone three days to start breaking down without disinfecting measures. This is why it’s important to not provide coronavirus “a ride” to its next vacation destination.

The models for what happened in China and what is happening right now in Italy and Spain are sobering. Social distancing of three or six feet is all well and good, but the issue of coming into contact with a family member or friend who has coronavirus but doesn’t know it (it can incubate up to nine days, experts say, and some younger people might not even be symptomatic but can still transmit it) should be taken very seriously. Plus, just because you are not over 60 doesn’t mean you should go out and potentially expose the elderly or other folks with compromised immune systems to coronavirus.

* Phone a friend

There used to be a Bell telephone commercial jingle, “Reach out and touch someone.” (Hey, it was right after the swinging ‘70s). Instead of that, I’m recommending that you call, text, FaceTime, or Zoom someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. I texted a high school friend yesterday and the jokes picked up where they left off (he's the one responsible for toilet paper being in such short supply). Think of this as a great opportunity to reconnect.

* Work out at home

Can’t go to the gym? Cycle, and do calf extensions on the steps, and pushups and planks like there’s no tomorrow. I already met my fitness goals for 2020, but I guess I’ll be able to maintain them now, too.

* Read five books that you’ve intended to but just didn’t have time

There’s enough time now. Just don’t break your reading glasses, unless you have a backup pair.

* Find substitute TV programming now that all sports are suspended until further notice

Catch up on three, four, or more great shows that your friends have highly recommended. I hear The Good Place is worth a look. I haven’t seen it, but it’s on my watch list. If you’re into sci-fi/supernatural shows? Watch The Expanse (Amazon), The Outsider (HBO), and I Am Not Okay With This (NetFlix). Trust me now, and thank me later. (Have you seen Fleabag? Go to my analysis here to see if you're up to it).

* Cook

Make a great YouTube recipe reality and create a meal to be proud of. It's a good idea to stock up on pasta, rice, canned vegetables, and spices so that more recipes are within reach.