It’s been almost a full year since the world was hit with the COVID-19 pandemic. Two weeks turned into 9 months very quickly. As anticipated, all signs are pointing to another shutdown. Just when things were starting to look up, numbers seem to be spiking again. Being through the initial shutdown and quarantine craziness, we’re in a better mental state to take on this looming second covid shutdown.

The first shutdown taught a lot of us about who we are as people – lots of quarantine time to spend with yourself and your loved ones. The led to plenty of quarantine break-ups (guilty) and some bridges burned from short tempers. But it also led to some really positive self growth and awareness. Knowing the two ends of the spectrum that this eventual shutdown and quarantine can lead to, it’s time to put your best foot forward and make the best of a situation that really isn’t great at all.

Here are a few things to start thinking about before the world turns upside down again – Hopefully together we can all make this next shutdown a productive one.

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Buy What Your Need, Don’t Be a Hoarder.

You heard me. The absolute mayhem that ensued over toilet paper was just pure idiocy. Buy what you need and please don’t create a stock pile. There are many essential business and operations that will stay functioning during a shutdown that will make sure you have what you need to survive and wipe. You will get your toilet paper, please don’t start hoarding it and price gauging on Amazon, that’s just not cool. We’re all in this together.

Make Sure You Have Proper PPE

With the new administration change, it looks like a mask mandate is in our future. Although this is a touchy subject, we have to remember that it is not the business owners rule. Getting frustrated with employees who are working for a living during a crazy time is unacceptable. They are not the one’s who made the rules and are probably just as annoyed as you are that they have to wear a mask all day every day. Being in an establish without a mask can mean high fines for the business you are in. Please look out for those who are doing everything they can and wear the mask. I promise there are other ways to make your point without disrupting day to day business, and i agree that point should be made!

Do Not Become A Hermit

This goes out to all my introverts out there. As amazing as it is not have to deal with human interaction on the day-to-day during a quarantine situation, it really isn’t healthy. Maintain your relationships and friendships. Check in on those you care about. Do not lock the door and throw away the key. Hey, I was lucky enough to meet someone during quarantine the first time and am pretty happy with how things are going. Just because this “new normal” is happening doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold.

Wash Your Hands!

We’re dealing with a pandemic in flu season. Yes, we haven’t heard much about the flu but it is still a thing. Don’t think you are immune to any sickness. Take care of yourself and those around you. Wash your hands!

Please Don’t Make Hand Sanitizer Out Of Tequila or Vodka

I still have PTSD from grabbing some hand sanitizer and upon application think I poured a shot of alcohol in my hands. I don’t want to be reminded of college binge drinking when I am trying to kill any virus germs on my hands. It’s inconsiderate, don’t be that person! Plus after the first lock-down companies doubled down on the opportunity to make hand sanitizer. You can find it everywhere and above the 60% alcohol mark the CDC recommends! I just picked up a large bottle at Target for 4 bucks, they had hundreds in stock.

Don’t Abuse Single Use Gloves

The biggest pet peeve of all of this coronavirus pandemic was seeing people use gloves and touch their face. Or use gloves at the gas station to pump gas, open their wallet with the same gloves, use the credit card with the same gloves, put that waller in their pocket or bag, and drive away holding the steering wheel with the same gloves. The cross contamination that everyone witnesses was really something for the record books. Use your hand sanitizer, wash your hands, and for the love of god please stop spreading germs everywhere with your gloves!

If You Are Not Feeling Well, Admit It.

I’ve heard many people who have not felt well, gone out and interacted with other people, only to find out the next day after a test that they indeed have tested positive for coronavirus. You may think you are fine and invincible but that doesn’t mean that someone else isn’t. Yes it sucks having to stay inside, but doing the right thing really goes a long way, especially during a global pandemic.

It’s A Great Time To Start Something New!

Being stuck in the house and in the house bored, seems well boring. That’s because it is. Flip that attitude upside down and think about all the free time you gain. Think about how much you can gain if you use that time to your advantage. Whether is starting a new quarantine hobby, finishing a household project you’ve been thinking of for months, or even starting a business, just do it! With all this free time at your finger-tips, and no where to go, why not hone in and be productive and work towards a goal! There’s no better time then right now. Why not be the next quarantine success story?

Support Local Businesses

We all learned that local small business will take a huge hit if this pandemic causes another shutdown. Even if they are forced to close their doors, there are ways to support! From buying gift-cards or buying branded merchandise, helping these business stay afloat is imperative to our economy. We are all in this together. I’ve seen some amazing business shut their doors on Long Island and in New York City, it’s a shame that it’s gotten to this point. I hope that this shutdown we all band together to help small businesses!

Don’t Cough In Public

You want a one way ticket to getting dirty looks? Cough in public. Coronavirus has made coughing in public taboo. Don’t be that guy.

Throw Out Your PPE, Don’t Leave It On The Ground

It was so sad to see the amount of masks and gloves being tossed on the ground and not put in garbage cans. Leaving garbage out is so gross and not pretty to look at it. Even if you have using garbage cans, just try to make the world a prettier place when we are all stuck in a pretty sour situation. Just throw out your trash in a garbage can and call it a day. No more dropping masks and gloves on the street!

Schedule Zoom Dates With Friends

Even if you can’t go out to eat or hang out, use Zoom to stay connected. With friends or family don’t just rely on calling. Having face-to-face interaction can help you stay positive, as well as your friends and family. You never know how much a phone call or chat can make someone’s day. Don’t think Zoom is stupid or annoying, it kind of is, but it’s the one of the only things we will have to keep staying close with those closest to us.

Don’t Wear A Mask In Your Car Alone

This may be something that just drives me crazy, but I know I can’t be the only one. You are alone in a vehicle, there is no need to wear a mask. You are by yourself. Unless you work as a ride-share driver or have a medical conditioning that requires you to do so.

Don’t Under Play The Virus

Yes, some people have had no reaction to the disease yet others have lost family members and loved ones. Everyone’s situation is different and assuming makes an ass of you and me. You never know who is truly hurting from the coronavirus. The virus is real and people’s live’s have been effected by it. Numbers and reporting may by inaccurate, but the bottom line is this is real and people have been hurt from it. Remember that before you say anything that could potentially be insensitive to others.

Stay Positive

Going into shutdown again is such a bad thought, but even if it does happen we have to stay positive. Positive that things will turn around and positive that this will not last forever.

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