COVID-19 and My Neighbor

My elderly widow and next door neighbor, Teresa, called me last night to ask about getting together this Friday evening for wine and appetizers. Normally a routine request like that would receive a quick, “Yes!” But since Teresa is in her mid 70's, and in the age of the coronavirus, I began to second guess myself. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as the virus spreads in the US and across the globe, it's becoming more apparent that older adults and people with underlying health conditions are being hit hardest by the illness it causes. Nancy Messonnier, M.D. and internist and director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had a suggestion for older adults and their family members and caretakers. Her best advice for people over age 65 in dealing with the outbreak: The greatest risks of infection is among those in close contact with people who have COVID-19. This includes family members and health care workers who care for people who are infected. If you're 65 and older and live where cases have been reported, take action to reduce your exposure. Know what's going on locally. Make sure you have adequate supplies of routine medications, like medicine for blood pressure and diabetes, and household supplies. Older adults can obtain more recommendations on dealing with and surviving the coronavirus by checking the website of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)/Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)/Older Adults.

 I have delivered needed supplies including groceries to my neighbor Teresa over the past few weeks so she can continue to resist from leaving her home. She expressed her boredom of staying home and not seeing anybody, resulting in her call to me to share drinks this Friday. Our patios are next to each other with a short wall separating the two. This Friday she will be in a chair on her side of the patio wall sipping wine while I will be on my side. Togetherness in the year of the virus. Cheers!

~ Robert Bullock