This week, my home state of Missouri was added to the list of “red zone” states because of our COVID metrics. Restrictions were re-implemented in some parts of the state, including here in St. Louis, where cases are climbing at a disturbing rate.
Photo by Miguel u00c1. Padriu00f1u00e1n on Pexels.com
Two weeks ago, local school districts released reopening plans, with the vast majority planning to open on a hybrid schedule while allowing parents to choose full time virtual learning if they do not want their students attending in person. Since then, quite a few districts have changed course and decided to start the school year with full time virtual learning instead. Our county executive and county health board have recommended that all districts follow suit. Some groups of parents are petitioning for more in person instruction, and many teachers are advocating for 100% virtual.
Four positive cases prompted the St. Louis Cardinals to postpone a scheduled double header with the Brewers, and there is a lot of speculation that the MLB will not be finishing the already truncated season.
St. Louis has a mask mandate, but the state of Missouri does not. There is still a lot of resistance to wearing masks.
Dr. Alex Garza, head of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, has said that they are watching trends, and need two weeks to see how current mitigation efforts impact the situation. However, he added that, “We are running out of levers to pull, short of a complete shutdown.”
Photo by Expect Best on Pexels.com
Meanwhile, many businesses and organizations have already started having employees return to work, while others (including my own) have been planning to bring people back within the next few weeks. My sister Amy recently began spending a few days a week in the office. My sister Audrey and her husband will continue to work from home for the foreseeable future, but their school district is planning to reopen for hybrid instruction. As of right now, I am scheduled to be back at my desk full time in a few weeks. One of my friends recently changed jobs so he could continue working from home, and several others have stated that they will resign and live off savings for a while rather than return to work. They’re lucky to have that option. Many do not.
I don’t envy those who have to make decisions in a time where every choice has serious consequences. I have opinions, but I don’t have answers. And, like so many others, I’m in a state of uncertainty, and wishing I knew what was going to happen. Meanwhile, I’m taking all possible precautions and trying to stay centered (and, happily, mostly succeeding…so far).
How are you doing? How are things where you live? Any thoughts on the current state of affairs?
Amanda Cade 
The uncertainty in jobs and schools is really hard, especially when it keeps changing. Parents are particularly in a tough spot, because whatever schools decide to do will dictate their work schedule. I think every state is in a similar quandary. As a preschool teacher in Massachusetts, I still don’t know what next year will look like for school. Hang in there!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Things are so difficult for parents right now, and my teacher friends are incredibly stressed. They’re working like mad to get ready for all the options. I imagine you’re in the same situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Amanda. These are indeed troubling times. While our cases are nowhere near those in the U.S., the curve is again trending upward, as more businesses open up and more people grow weary of Covid rules. We live near one of the NHL hub cities and while precautions are being taken for players, coaches and media, fans gather in bars and restaurants. Many do the safely, but others contaminate their bubble. Hot weather is driving people outside, which is a good thing, except when they gather on packed beaches and in packed parks. Edmonton has a mask bylaw, but some surrounding cities do not. Resistance to wearing masks is growing, especially among the younger demographic, who seem to think this is a manufactured disease that will simply disappear after the U.S. election (wonder where they got that idea from). We have another huge outbreak in a care home where 22 seniors have died and there are still 54 active cases. Plans are under way to send kids back to school, but with no masks or class sizes mandated and not enough resources for the increased cleaning requirements each school district has been left to decide their rules. Our leadership here is is trying, but does not wish to take any steps that may lose them votes. Truly sad, when partisan politics come ahead of public safety. As to us, we continue to keep our bubble at 2, wear masks in stores, keep our distance outside, physically distance visit on the back deck, stay out of other people’s homes and they stay out of ours. We are very lucky to have a big back yard and a covered deck. The weather is great right now (hot for here at 30 C – 85F). We do a lot of cycling and exercising Winter will be a different story. Stay well Amanda. Allan
LikeLiked by 3 people
My bubble is a little bigger, but is likely to shrink if I actually do go back to work. I’m uncomfortable with the possibility of bringing the infection to the rest of our family, especially since Audrey is considering having her girls continue full time virtual learning. I haven’t seen Amy or Cat in person since this whole thing started. The family is having ongoing discussions as the time for final decisions draws nearer. We continue to be extremely cautious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just don’t understand why it is so hard to grasp the concept of mask wearing, it appears to help lessen the impact. Every single time there is news of a mass gathering of people not wearing a mask there is an uptick in new cases. It shouldn’t have to be a political thing had our idiot in charge (Trump) been on the bandwagon from the start and taken this seriously, America would not be at the top of the list of worst case scenarios. We only though we lived in a first world country.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am beyond frustrated at the anti-mask sentiments and behavior.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ve had a few flare ups in the UK. I live in Leicestershire and was fortunate that not only is my town outside of the Leicester lockdown boundary that was implemented a month back, but that my town has had really low levels throughout.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We didn’t get hit hard earlier, but it’s a totally different situation now. I’m glad that you’re doing well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really don’t understand the resistance to mask wearing. The UK is very late in this and it only became compulsory in shops near the end of July. The virus concerns me, but the people who don’t appear to be taking it seriously enough concern me more.
I am self-employed and always work from home. I have a couple of adult learner students who are actively looking for new jobs, and homeworking is right near the top of their essential criteria.
Stay safe 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’ve made my peace with the idea of going back to work (at least for now, when it’s still several weeks away), but I completely understand why others are choosing to leave their jobs. I will freely admit that the thought of being unemployed has always terrified me, and I’ve never left a job without having another one. I also love where I work now (fifteen years and counting), so I don’t want to go anywhere. It will be interesting to see how things go…I’m sure I’ll be posting about the return to the office in the future.
LikeLike
Yes, I’ve never left a job without having another one, apart from when I left to set up my own business. I’m not sure how it is there, but with government support reducing now, there are concerns about a rise in unemployment, so it’s definitley something to think about.Also, some jobs are easier to do from home than others, and some employers are more open to discuss and negotiate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are low here in NYC but there are little bitty upticks followed by little bitty down turns. Overall infection rate still low. BUT the recent cluster in New Jersey is a harbinger, as some still refuse to follow the warnings and the science. It was already expected that there would be another wave in the fall and as the normal flu season approaches, should that happen, there will be more strain on the medical facilities, which for the most part here have returned to almost normal. I expect a second wave but my hope is it will not be as drastic. Most people in the city (excepting places like Astoria) have been wearing masks and distancing without much complaint. I have yet to encounter any grandparents sitting on a Trader Joe’s floor refusing to mask up. But I have seen footage of violence against mask requesters. I am filled with anxiety riddled hope.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Like everyone else, I’ve been watching the situation in New York closely. I sincerely hope it stays under control.
LikeLike
It’s all a bit nerve wracking at the moment. In Belgium, they’re doing everything they can to get the virus under control again without another full lockdown — we will have to wait for another week or so before we know whether it’s been successful.
It looks like schools will re-open — one way or another — in September, but I doubt very much that I will see the inside of the office before next year.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad you’re able to stay home and stay safe. I hope the next week brings good news.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the update on St Louis, which is not far away from Madison. I think the mask wearing in indoor public places rule here is helping a bit, but we still have 30–50 new cases per day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m really hoping the increased mitigation efforts here turn things around.
LikeLike
It’s scary times. Stay safe.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Doing my best. I wish there a more consistent focus on precautions across the board (or even just across the river, as that next county-a 15 minute drive from where I live-has no mask mandate and very spotting masking/social distancing), but ultimately I can only control myself.
LikeLike
That’s all you can do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks to Covid, I’m still furloughed from my job. But I decided to start blogging to keep me busy and my mind distracted from all the negativity in the world. It’s been hard making routines and I miss seeing people. But you have to make the best out of it.
Here’s my latest post 🌿⬇️
https://mindbeautysimplicity.wordpress.com/2020/08/12/what-truly-makes-you-happy/
Take care.
– B 🌿
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you and yours stay safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re trying. Same to you.
LikeLike