One of my loyal readers posed a great discussion question this morning, so I thought I would share: What are the first things you will do when quarantine is over?
Federal, state, and local governments are working tirelessly to come up with detailed plans to open up up the economy without jeopardizing the safety of citizens. It will likely be a slow process, but I am definitely looking forward to having some semblance of normal life back.
Below is a list of a few things that I am excited about doing when quarantine is lifted. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.
-Going out to coffee
-Hanging out with friends (Little Buddy and I really miss our playgroup)
-Attending church
-Going thrift store shopping
-Taking a vacation (likely still a few months away, but a girl can dream, can’t she?)
Anonymous
See my extended family and friends who I have not seen in months and go to Trader Joe’s for my favorite snacks.
I’m in NJ and we are on lockdown through at least 5/15. Our governor has hinted that things probably won’t start to reopen until June or July.
Ellie
Yes to Trader Joe’s!
Anonymous
Trader Joe’s is open. They were one of the first stores to restrict the number of people in the store at one time, so there’s sometimes a waiting line out front. They have special hours for seniors and medically vulnerable. They hand you a sanitized cart at the door. They’re doing cleaning and distancing. So unless you have some personal reason why you can’t go to Trader Joe’s, other people are going there right now.
Anonymous
I’m 3:34. Both of the TJ’s closest to me often have waits of at least 30 minutes to get in even first thing in the morning. It is not worth the risk to me. I’m juts going to have to wait it out.
Ellyn
Is your Trader Joe’s not open? In Virginia here and ours is open just long lines to get in usually.
Ellie
It is, and I would love to go, but I wonder if it’s worth the risk and the long lines. I stocked up before the quarantine started, and I think I can make it another week or two, and then I’ll probably cave and go to TJ. 🙂 I miss it!
Ellie
A
I just want to be able to go to the two things that have been planned for months:
• anime convention
• My Chemical Romance concert
Ellie
Hope you’re able to do those things! 🙂
A
The convention was cancelled. It will be the first time in over 15 years that I won’t be going. To say I am devastated is an understatement.
Anonymous
Things are not going to be back to “normal” (whatever that is or was) for quite awhile, even if restrictions are lifted. The virus will still be among us. There will still be people walking around (with or without face coverings) who have active cases with few or no symptoms. The spreaders will still be spreading, no matter what your local government decides to do with restrictions. There will still be no proven treatment or vaccine. Scientists are only now discovering facts about the virus, how it spreads and how long it can linger in active, infectious form in a person’s system, or how it can recur. The numbers are surprising. The spread and mortality rates so far dwarf those of other flu strains. The malaria drug the President was so eager to hype? Turns out it’s killing people and several drug trials have stopped due to that.
In six months, seasonal flu season will begin again and those cases will get mixed in with the Covid-19 cases, making for more strain on the health system. People who never got a flu shot before would be smart to get one this year, early, before the supply runs out.
So I’m not looking forward to resuming anything “normal” again for a long time. I will still restrict my trips from home. I will not travel. I will not gather in groups. I will not let up on my prevention hygiene. I can’t – I’ll still be in a high risk group, no matter what the restrictions are or aren’t. I’m counting on the rest of you to be cautious too so you don’t start a pandemic again, and to get the Covid-19 vaccine once it becomes available.
Everything you named in your post could still be risky in the coming weeks and months. It’s not like a light switch will flip, the doors will open, and life will be back to “normal.” Many people have lost loved ones without a chance to say goodbye or to grieve with their families. There may never be the old “normal” again for them. Going out for coffee pales by comparison. Many people and businesses will be ruined financially. Going shopping is the last thing on their minds. Normal? I think the first 2 letters of that word answer that question.
Anonymous
Well said!
Anonymous
I don’t think what’s going on will be our new normal at all. As a people we aren’t going to live in fear and bondage to a flu or virus. Life is full of risks and this virus has been blown way out of proportion. We are surrounded by factories and lots of them are still up and running with all the workers still working and yes without masks on. No one has died in them from this virus. We are crowded as normal in grocery stores and appliance stores, Menards, Dollar stores etc. etc. and very rarely is anyone wearing a mask. So we are either going to believe everything the media says or we are going to open our eyes and look around and see the reality of what is going on in the public all around us. I’m choosing to believe what I’m seeing and I’m not walking around in fear and either are the people in my city.
Regina
Though I’m enjoying catching up sewing and craft projects, I’ll be glad to get back to being able to get out again.
So I’m looking forward to
Going to church
Going to ladies Bible study
Shopping at Hobby Lobby
Trying the local restaurants in our little town.
Ellie
Ladies Bible studies are always a huge encouragement.
Anonymous
I don’t think I’ll go to Hobby Lobby again. They would not cooperate with shutdown rules and some states had to send cease and desist letters to force them to close along with the other stores that did cooperate. Also, they may not be extending their furloughed employees’ insurance benefits after May 1. All in all, I can’t say I’m eager to ever go there again.
Melica
I’m looking forward to going to the library for a book to read! And being able to buy food items in bulk again.
Anonymous
We have “Little Free Library” boxes here. Look up that program if you’re not familiar with it. There are little libraries all over the country. It’s a curbside free book swap. People donate books they’re finished with and you can take the books out with no return deadline. My neighbors have been using this service since the libraries closed. Neighbors are also swapping books with each other during the shutdown.
What I was sad to see canceled was our library’s annual book sale. I always came away from that with a suitcase full of books.
Vicki
You already wrote my EXACT list…especially meeting my friends for long lunches and thrift stores
Anonymous
I don’t think think things will ever get back to “normal” again. I’m still going to try to stay at home as much as possible until the coronavirus is under control better, or there’s a vaccine for it.
Anonymous
Their won’t be any concert for a long time because you can still get virus at a concert.I think all concert will be on tv and not crowds.
If they open places to soon the virus will be back. It’s to be bad again around flu season in October tell Flu season ends. So their will be no Thanksgiving with family and Christmas either. And no New years with friends either.
I enjoy this this quarantine. I hope it last forever . It’s nice and quiet with no one out not shoots ,no fights, no cars on the roads.
Anonymous
You want this to last forever?! Try saying that to the 26 million Americans or so who are out of work!
Anonymous
I think what the person was meaning, that perhaps they have learned a thing or two about a different rhythm to life that perhaps is working better for them.
On the balance of probabilities, i’m guessing nobody wants a permanent shut down economy. Hopefully, there are silver linings for everyone. I’m glad that the one person might have found theres. Here’s hoping that universal health care gets put on the agenda and this way if people get sick, they don’t need to worry about a copay, or huge bill.
Anonymous
I am glad you don’t have to worry about a thing, but please think before you post. So MANY are struggling and need to go back to work!!!!
Denise S.
I have a convention in July I hope to attend, but I think it will be cancelled. We ( my husbands family) had booked a big lodge for July, but we changed it until next July..so looked forward to it. Would love to be able to go to the Amish country this year. As of now I am off work until at least June 1st, but we are still working from home. Have been able to work on my quilting. I did make over 200 masks to donate to our local hospital and family who work on the front lines.
Ellie
That was so kind of you to make masks, Denise! Bummer that you had to postpone your trip.
Savanna
I’m looking forward to spending time with my friends, going to church, and going to the library!
Ellie
Yes, library time has been greatly missed!
Jen
Thrift store shopping because everyone is cleaning their closets!!! And my kids keep growing!!
Ellie
Agreed! I haven’t been able to do my consignment shopping this spring for Little Buddy, so I ended up having to order some items from Carter’s new. Not terrible prices (and super cute stuff!) but not consignment prices, either.
JenniferH
Your list could have been my list haha 🤣 I, too, was looking forward to going to a consignment store to buy clothes for my young children, my oldest (5yo) in particular who needs everything summer related. So, I resorted to target and Walmart for just enough items for when the weather breaks. Definitely essential if you ask me haha.
My oldest keeps asking to see grandma and his cousins. They will be first on my list of who to visit 🙁
We were extended like some others to May 15.
Ellie
That’s rough! Tennessee is starting to open up, but it will be very slow. Still a lot of regulations, which is good from a health perspective but still unfortunate. Hang in there! Things will be back to normal soon.
Ellie
Anonymous
Last month was at my local thrift store that closes at 5 pm, at 4:30 pm. I saw what I wanted, but then left before buying. To decide, get the cash out and go back the next morning. So next day, I was there before the store opened. Then some one came and told me they had closed down due to safety regulations. I’ve been thinking about those things and wondering if they will still be there when the store opens!
Ellie
That is SO sad! I suppose if no one has been in, the items should still be there. I wonder if it’s worth trying to get in touch with the owner to see if they can save them for you. If they are nice people and it’s a small store, they might do that.
Ellie
anonymous
I did awhile ago and just got a generic answer from a real person. It is a fairly large charity thrift shop, uses volunteers and some well paid managers.
Ellie
Sorry to hear that. Hoping you are able to find the items. 🙂
Lori
I want my stress and anxiety to go away.
We own our own business and had to furlough most of our employees. It was terrible but things are getting better so hoping to bring them back in a few weeks.
Our son works for a cruise line so every day that he has a job is good.
Our daughter is a nurse working with covid patients and her co workers are starting to test positive.
We have had 2 vacations cancelled, not a big deal right now, but I need a great escape.
I want to go out to eat!!
Ellie
That sounds difficult, Lori. Hang in there! Be sure to pass on my thanks to your daughter for working on the front lines.
Ellie
Anonymous
I would just like to be out and see people
Diana
Me too!
MarriedUK
I am so looking forward to meeting up with friends and seeing my sisters/ niece/ nephew. I want to go back to work. I want to go swimming. And I want to have a meal I haven’t cooked myself!!!
We have been in lockdown for six weeks. I’m a career woman with three kids- who are usually taken care of by a wonderful nanny. She can’t work because she is isolating so I am suddenly a sahm, who has to homeschool one whilst caring for a 4 and 1 year old. I also have to cook so many meals! I’m proud to say that I am coping – who knew I could? Not me!
My family has actually had cv about 6 weeks ago. No one went to hospital but my son (4) is still fatigued and not quite fighting fit.
Ellie
I’m sure you’re doing an awesome job, MarriedUK. 🙂 Does the UK expect to lift the lockdown soon?
Ellie
Amanda
I worry about the states that are starting to open back up now. It’s too soon, and I fear that caving to political pressure is going to cost lives.
I know it’s hard. I live alone, and am going into my 9th week of lockdown. It’s intense spending such a long time at home alone. I am also essentially out of business now, and with so many in the same boat as me, and so many out of work, I think a lot of people will need a lot of help. I’m in the process of expanding my garden to 15 beds (only 2 left to go!) and am focusing on growing as much food for as many people as possible, which seems like the best way for me to help my community and myself right now.
I’d love to get back to doing work that I get paid for, but I’ve survived running out of money before, and I will this time too, and yes, it will suck, for lack of a better word, but my neighbors lives matter more than my financial security.
I don’t think this disease is going away any time soon, no matter how much I wish it were otherwise.
MarriedUK
I think the lockdown will be lifted piecemeal and we will have to live with social distancing for a long time. I am really trying to appreciate this time. My little man has just started to speak in full sentences and I am teaching my 4yo to read! So it is an opportunity. I hope they will remember this as a halcyon summer! But my oh my- it’s exhausting! I miss my cleaner…
Anonymous
I’m absolutely sick and tired of all this nonsense. I’m not saying the virus is nothing, but to potentially destroy the economy over a virus?!! I was scared at first and took tight precautions. Now? I want REAL numbers. I want truth. I want fairness, equality and freedom. This virus isn’t going away. So hiding from it is nearly impossible, unless you don’t want to live your life. 98-99% of the people will survive, up to 50% or more may not show any symptoms. Life needs to go on without all this political nonsense. Thousands of people vaccinated for the flu die from the flu. We do NOT need more vaccines. And the malaria drug? I know from a loved one that it works, and works fast. Don’t ban peanut butter because there are negative effects on a smaller number of people. I know this post may cause a lot of negative comments, but this is my voice.
I’m looking forward to:
Being able to go to church again and worship as we always have
Getting together with dear friends
Not having to double think about whether I should help someone in a store who just knocked over a display of seed packets because I’d be closer than 6 feet and might offend him. I’ll be SO happy if this “new norm” of being rude and snarky to one another could come to an end.
Once again seeing lots of cars in the empty parking lots of stores and restaurants.
Anonymous
I can’t even….your first paragraph…don’t know where to start…too much misinformation…god forbid you or anyone you know becomes one of those negative statistics…you might then change your thinking though…meanwhile a friend is in a coma on a ventilator as of the weekend…not even in a “risk” group…exposed who knows where or how…the economy is the last thing on anyone’s mind…this is death passing among us…
Katherine
Unfortunately this is the view we are getting of some Americans at the moment and it is a sad and sorry tale of selfishness and ignorance (I’m sorry to say that but it is true). The truth is that the more cases there are, the more people will die through lack of space in hospitals. I read today that 50,000 Americans have already died, which is a tragedy that could have easily been avoided with early social distancing (especially for the vulnerable). All that is being asked of you is to respect social distancing until your states have prepared a valid and sensible system for avoiding contamination, such as obligatory masks and testing for those with symptoms and their entourage. Europe is starting to re-open, under very strict rules and if everybody follows them, whilst thinking about how they can help others then we will all be better off for it. the malaria drug is extremely dangerous for people with heart conditions, do you have one, do you know for sure? The virus has already mutated several times, and we don’t know if you can even become immunized against it. Did you know that in the UK children can now get a form of it? I honestly get the impression that certain Americans prefer spouting about ‘liberty’ and getting their hair done, than saving the lives of their families and friends. It is incredibly disheartening and decidedly unchristian.
E.
I’m a nurse working on a covid unit and I have to tell you you are wrong about the malaria drug being successfull. My hospital has stopped administering it because it had too many side effects and too little effect on the virus.. about the rest of your post.. I for one am so tired of people not working in the medical field thinking they know better.. you should follow me around for a day at work and you would not be saying these things.
Anonymous
I don’t what you mean by, “I want freedom.” We still have freedom. We still have free speech, we still have the right to protest, we still have the right to bear arms. I live in one of the bluest states in the country that has some of the strictest gun control laws, yet gun stores are still open. My state also has one of the strictest lockdowns and we can still walk or bike ride outside as long as we practice social distancing.
Candi
Interesting Ellie you opened up this question to everyone and I’ve enjoyed reading the responses. 🙂 You mentioned thrift/consignment store shopping. Yes!! One of my fave things to do I’ve missed so much! Just even yard/garage sales…hope we can see them popping back up here and there. And it looks like maybe our church will resume this coming Sunday. Not sure yet on all the particulars. And I’ll be very glad when I can go to TJ Maxx again…maybe they’re opened up already here in TN!?
Ellie
Things are starting to open back up in Tennessee, including clothing stores. 🙂
Ellie