So, if I get exposed and need to be quarantined for 14 days does a solo canoe trip count????
All joking aside heading off on a long trip might be a good way to
avoid exposure, but if you actually think you have been exposed probably not a great idea. If you have any underlying health issues, respiratory issues or are immunocompromised in any way heading off after exposure would definitely be a bad idea.
I’ll go paddling or tripping, but I won’t be attending any mass event gatherings, no movies, concerts or sporting events, but didn’t do much of that anyway. Not planning to fly anywhere, and there never was enough money in the world to get me on a cruise ship. I don’t attend religious services, but regular Church goers may need to consider their own exposure and elderly congregations.
I am taking Covid-19 seriously, much the same as when NOAA predicts a hurricane. Although I’m usually not driving into a hurricane (well, once or twice), and had not considered border closings, or issues with quarantined areas/cities.
I have been under quarantine four times, for 14 – 17 days each time; vaccine or challenge studies for Cholera, E.coli H10407, Swine Flu and H1N1 A. Victoria.
It was fun; I was 18 years old and it paid $22 a day to live on a locked isolation ward with 20 other ne’re do wells. Three squares a day delivered, snack stocked kitchen, lounge with TV, pool table, ping pong table and a private “meditation room”. It was coed, so sometimes the meditation room didn’t see much Om Mani Padme Hum. Met some memorable characters, and saw some shining examples of human ingenuity, but that’s another story (someone please ask).
The only unusual precautions/preparations I have taken is putting a bottle of hand sanitizer in the truck, to use after library visits, newspaper runs, hardware or grocery store, and checking our food stocks, if only so I am grocery shopping every two weeks and not needing to go out for this and that every three days.
We usually have a couple weeks supply of food in the house but, should we feel the need (or are forced to?) self-isolate I stocked up on some assorted dry goods and cans so it isn’t all beans, rice, oatmeal and leftover Mt. House. As a boatworker I am well set with masks, respirators and gloves, and have largely become a hermit in any case.
The government, media and public response to this pandemic has been fascinating for personal history reasons. I’m not a doctor, and don’t play one on TV, but I spent my entire 35 year University career working with virologists, a decade at the Center for Vaccine Development and 25 years with the Medical Biotechnology Center and the Institute of Human Virology. I only
look like an old dumb hillbilly in overalls and crocs.
I know several of the doctors now seen at every press conference; first met Anthony Fauci back in the ‘70’s when I delivered specimens to his labs at NIAID and spent nearly two decades with CDC Director Bob Redfield, who was then the Clinical Director at the IHV.
Hell, the Duckheads canoeing group originally formed around a core of young infectious disease research investigators and post docs. It is funny to now see some of them, respected Department Chairs and emeritus Professors, and think back to when we left them passed out drunk on a dock surrounded by empty beer cans.
That’s my two cents and 500 words. I’d treat it like a pending Cat 5 hurricane. Can’t hurt to be prepared.
