It’s been a few years since COVID-19 changed our world. I’m not qualified to say how it will continue to affect us, but I think common sense says to be smart about it and be aware of your impact on others.

Be aware of your surroundings and what you are touching, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer and wipes and stay home if you aren’t feeling well.

So many people are taking sides on this issue, and you can find or support any opinion you want. I would just encourage you to be informed before you take either side and share it on social media.

The scariest part for me is the number of vulnerable people and the impact those of us who aren’t can have on them.

My dad’s nursing home locked its doors for a whole year. Luckily, I had visited him the day before, so I was able to tell him. I appreciate the measure to keep the elderly safe. The flu has been bad that year, too, so even if it wasn’t for the coronavirus, keeping visitors away or masked is a good idea. But it was scary and sad to know we couldn’t visit him, and he was alone.

A relative of mine is fighting Leukemia and has a very low immune system. Something like the coronavirus can be devastating for him. He is smart and takes precautions.

You can read so many stories like this everywhere. And things are changing by the minute. As I wrote this, almost all sports had been shut down or canceled for at least 30 days to reduce infection spread.

With what happened in China and is happening in Italy, anybody who is vulnerable is probably a little scared.

And even if you are not vulnerable, you would be out for two weeks if you were to get this virus.

So as caring, loving, and responsible adults, let’s show some kindness and compassion and be aware of our impact on others.

So much is changing every day around this virus and what I’m about to say isn’t anything new. But I didn’t want to pass it by and not acknowledge that I realize this is what is on everyone’s mind.

What can you do to be aware and reduce your impact on others?

Be mindful of those around you.

Stay away from anyone who is sneezing or coughing. Maybe take a pause from hugging and shaking hands.

Don’t touch what you don’t have to.

Be aware of what you are touching. When I was at the mall the other day, I tried to keep my hands off of most railings. Something I would never have thought of before. Did you ever realize how many times you touch your own face?

Wash your hands.

Obviously. Especially after touching anything that is in a public area. Don’t make a big deal out of it, but just try to keep your hands clean.

Don’t assume everyone is washing their hands.

While I know businesses are doing their best to be extra diligent about keeping everything clean, don’t assume that is happening. Be your own advocate!

Keep your home clean.

Just like you are cleaning up after someone has the flu or a bad cold, maybe take out the disinfectant wipes and wipe things down.

Pay attention to how you are feeling.

Be aware that if you are not feeling well and you are going out in public, you may be putting someone else at risk.

Reach out to others who are self-isolating.

Call your friends, grandparents, parents, or anyone else who may be feeling vulnerable, and say hello. It may brighten their day.

Use the time alone to be creative or do things you love but never have time to do.

Take advantage of being able to stay home and have some alone time! Read those books, paint those pictures, write those essays, dance around your house, finish some scrapbooking, etc. Finish those projects you started last year.

Prioritize your activities.

If you don’t have to go places where there will be crowds, decide what’s best for you. At least have thought about it.

Take care of yourself.

Don’t stop your daily routines. Continue to eat well, exercise, go outside for fresh air, journal, meditate, read, and do anything else you do to keep your mind, body and soul healthy.

Stay Informed.

PBS News

AP News

Just a couple of “unbiased” sites that are following the news of the coronavirus. These sites were taken from this article.

You need to stay informed because we are responsible for knowing what is happening in the world. But, if it negatively affects your daily life, turn it off. Find another way to learn what you need to know.

This virus now has a vaccine, but something else will come along.

Maybe this pause in life for most of us is a good reminder that all humans are susceptible to illness, and it is our responsibility to be kind, diligent, and compassionate to everyone all of the time.

Be aware of your impact on others.

“Follow the 3 RES. RESpect for yourself, RESpect for others and RESponsibility for all your actions.”  Dalai Lama