Stay home

Update after a little thought...I just wish the government would keep it simple, and tell us something very basic!

Just tell us what we need to know: the virus is out and about, it's out among us right now - don't share your germs!!!!

• But I digress...

Governor Tim Walz issued a "stay at home" order in today's COVID-19 press conference. That was one executive order, but another executive order put in place "Distance Learning" for K-12 education from March 30 through May 4.

I have a lot to digest on this one.

Today, the Minnesota Department of Health reported 25 new cases of COVID-19 to get to 287 cases. Our state remains at just one death from this virus.

We have over 5 million people living in Minnesota, but that's not the whole picture. The full picture says that the virus will permeate throughout the countryside. (I believe it's been doing that for months) The virus is especially tough for senior citizens and children and adults with breathing problems. If you know a child with asthma, it can be deadly.

The virus is out! We have to learn to live with it. We are all germaphobes now. Social distancing, social distancing, social distancing. Be courteous. Be respectful. Be mindful. BE WELL and STAY WELL.

Until they develop a widely-available treatment, this virus is something we all have to live with. We have to pound on this first wave of infections, and then we will have to have a very good discussion how to live with this virus in our country. Society has to continue, and we have to put our brains to work figuring out how to effectively get people back to work. This cannot go on indefinitely. Society won't stand for it.

What did Governor Walz decree in his Executive Order (No. 20-20)
On Wednesday, the governor issued an executive order that asks Minnesotans to stay home except for essential needs and services starting at midnight on Friday for at least two weeks.

(MY TWO CENTS: we don't need to wait on government, we can do everything in our power to limit what we do, and for the love of God - don't share your germs!!!)

Minnesotans may leave their residences only to perform any of the following activities, and while doing so, they should practice social distancing:

·         Health and safety activities, such as obtaining emergency services or medical supplies;

·         Outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, running, biking, hunting, or fishing;

·         Necessary Supplies and Services, such as getting groceries, gasoline, or carry-out;

·         Essential and interstate travel, such as returning to a home from outside this state;

·         Care of others, such as caring for a family member, friend, or pet in another household;

·         Displacement, such as moving between emergency shelters if you are without a home;

·         Relocation to ensure safety, such as relocating to a different location if your home has been unsafe due to domestic violence, sanitation, or essential operations reasons;

·         Tribal activities and lands, such as activities by members within the boundaries of their tribal reservation.

Bars and restaurants in Minnesota are already closed to dine-in customers through at least May 1 under a separate executive order from the governor. Under the new order, restaurants can still serve delivery and take out.

Once you're done reading this, please go say a prayer for our world, and please cheer for humanity. We need to ROOT and CHEER for one another, all countries, all over the world.