I usually write about family members who are, in most part, deceased, so as to not jeopardize any privacy concerns. But, this week, I am writing about something that is happening right now, not only in our home town, but all over the world.
Tarrant County Judge B. Glen Whitley signed an Executive Order,
"Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency on March 13, 2020 due to imminent threat of widespread illness from COVID-19. Among the Recommendations for businesses and for Schools Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) is currently recommending schools to extend their Spring Break for 14 calendar days beginning at the end of their currently scheduled Spring Break. Tarrant County Public Health will be working with schools on further guidance and evaluation of their situation."
So, closings began and with each additional Order on March 17, 18 and 21, more and more restrictions were placed on businesses, schools and churches.
As a follow-up, on March 23, 2020, Judge Whitley signed another Executive Order. This newest Order stated that everyone in the County "shall stay at their place of residence, except as allowed by this Order". Here are the details:
Executive Order Stay at Home - Amended Signed (posted March.24, 2020)
Gatherings of more than 10 persons, including schools, churches, businesses, restaurants, clubs, theaters, etc. MUST close and cease to meet. Restaurants are able to remain open but can serve only through drive throughs and deliveries. No one is allowed to go into a restaurant to eat. Nursing Homes and Extended Care centers closed their doors to outside visitors - even family members! In addition to the closings, anyone who was out of their home - for an approprite reason - was required to maintain the prescribed distance between them and any other person the encounter. This is called "Social Distancing" and is described as:
"Social Distancing means maintaining at least 6 feet distance from other individuals, frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not the hands), regularly disinfecting high touch surfaces, and not shaking hands."
All kinds of events are being cancelled including Broadway productions, school plays, concerts, professional sports, even the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo have been postponed to 2021.
As many people are being required to stay home from their jobs, schools, events, there is often a sense of isolation and loneliness. Many persons, who are able, are working from home on their home computers and cell phones. Most schools are providing on-line learning to their students, so they can continue learning, since there is no assurance that they will be able to go back to school this school year. I have seen FaceBook posts from seniors in high school who are quite concerned about graduation ceremonies, proms and other celebrations.
This is a world-wide phenomenon. The illness began in China, with the first reported cases were in December 2019. And it has spread all over the world at an incredible rate. As of this moment, there have been 660,468 confirmed cases around the world resulting in 30,646 deaths. Globally, 141,464 people have recovered and all of these these numbers change hourly.
This is a very uncertain time. My wife and I are both retired and we are pretty much home bodies. We really "stay at home" most of the time, without any Executive Orders. But, at this time, there are times I feel like I'm going stir crazy simply because I "can't" go anywhere. It's ridiculous!
But, when I think about it, I realize that I have nearly forgotten how REALLY BLESSED we are in the 21st century. We have the internet that allows us to access "up to the minute" information about the world. It allows teachers to teach without being in the same room. The internet allows for workers to work from home, and people to share photos, stories and just stay in touch, even if they can't be together. We can watch our church service and have business meetings and socialize online. And we have an incredible medical field with amazing knowledge, commitment and courage to face ANYTHING that comes our way. And so much more to be GRATEFUL for.
I am going to try to remember these blessings in the uncertain days ahead. Yes, even this blog is a blessing, because it allows me to organize my thoughts - about family, genealogy, relationships and my life in general. I look forward to sharing more in the weeks to come about this unprecedented event in our world and some Family Stories along the way.
'Til Next Time!
#52Ancestors
CORONAVIRUS - 2020
Tarrant County Judge B. Glen Whitley signed an Executive Order,
"Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency on March 13, 2020 due to imminent threat of widespread illness from COVID-19. Among the Recommendations for businesses and for Schools Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) is currently recommending schools to extend their Spring Break for 14 calendar days beginning at the end of their currently scheduled Spring Break. Tarrant County Public Health will be working with schools on further guidance and evaluation of their situation."
So, closings began and with each additional Order on March 17, 18 and 21, more and more restrictions were placed on businesses, schools and churches.
As a follow-up, on March 23, 2020, Judge Whitley signed another Executive Order. This newest Order stated that everyone in the County "shall stay at their place of residence, except as allowed by this Order". Here are the details:
Executive Order Stay at Home - Amended Signed (posted March.24, 2020)
Gatherings of more than 10 persons, including schools, churches, businesses, restaurants, clubs, theaters, etc. MUST close and cease to meet. Restaurants are able to remain open but can serve only through drive throughs and deliveries. No one is allowed to go into a restaurant to eat. Nursing Homes and Extended Care centers closed their doors to outside visitors - even family members! In addition to the closings, anyone who was out of their home - for an approprite reason - was required to maintain the prescribed distance between them and any other person the encounter. This is called "Social Distancing" and is described as:
"Social Distancing means maintaining at least 6 feet distance from other individuals, frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not the hands), regularly disinfecting high touch surfaces, and not shaking hands."
All kinds of events are being cancelled including Broadway productions, school plays, concerts, professional sports, even the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo have been postponed to 2021.
As many people are being required to stay home from their jobs, schools, events, there is often a sense of isolation and loneliness. Many persons, who are able, are working from home on their home computers and cell phones. Most schools are providing on-line learning to their students, so they can continue learning, since there is no assurance that they will be able to go back to school this school year. I have seen FaceBook posts from seniors in high school who are quite concerned about graduation ceremonies, proms and other celebrations.
This is a world-wide phenomenon. The illness began in China, with the first reported cases were in December 2019. And it has spread all over the world at an incredible rate. As of this moment, there have been 660,468 confirmed cases around the world resulting in 30,646 deaths. Globally, 141,464 people have recovered and all of these these numbers change hourly.
This is a very uncertain time. My wife and I are both retired and we are pretty much home bodies. We really "stay at home" most of the time, without any Executive Orders. But, at this time, there are times I feel like I'm going stir crazy simply because I "can't" go anywhere. It's ridiculous!
But, when I think about it, I realize that I have nearly forgotten how REALLY BLESSED we are in the 21st century. We have the internet that allows us to access "up to the minute" information about the world. It allows teachers to teach without being in the same room. The internet allows for workers to work from home, and people to share photos, stories and just stay in touch, even if they can't be together. We can watch our church service and have business meetings and socialize online. And we have an incredible medical field with amazing knowledge, commitment and courage to face ANYTHING that comes our way. And so much more to be GRATEFUL for.
I am going to try to remember these blessings in the uncertain days ahead. Yes, even this blog is a blessing, because it allows me to organize my thoughts - about family, genealogy, relationships and my life in general. I look forward to sharing more in the weeks to come about this unprecedented event in our world and some Family Stories along the way.
'Til Next Time!
#52Ancestors
Comments
Post a Comment