Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 26

Monday evening we got a call from our every-other-week housecleaner. She called to inform us that she also works at a child care center, and that two of the children she has been caring for have been in contact with an aunt who has tested positive for COVID-19. This was disturbing news, since she had been in our house on Wednesday to clean. Most likely nothing will come of this, since as of this date the children haven't shown any signs of sickness. But it made us even more aware of our need to be vigilant about isolating ourselves.

On a lighter note, we went through a drive-through to pick up a meal last evening, and this is the logo that was on my cup! We had a good laugh. I'm pretty sure that company wishes it had a different name right now.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 24

As of midnight last night, until at least April 3, Bell County is under a mandated "shelter in place" order.

Residents will only be allowed to leave their homes to perform essential activities. Residents may engage in outdoor activity, as long as social distancing requirements of six feet are in place.

Essential businesses may remain open, but must practice social distancing guidelines. Some of the essential businesses include healthcare facilities, grocery stores, restaurants (drive-through, pick-up and delivery only), laundromats and gas stations. Essential service providers, such as mail and shipping services, plumbers, exterminators and electricians may also remain open.

All businesses that are not considered essential are required to cease all in-person activities. Operations can continue if employees work from home.

It's becoming more difficult to purchase groceries. I've been placing orders on-line, and then requesting curbside pick-ups at the next available time slot. More and more items are now labeled "not available." But so far we are doing okay.

I'm grateful for our back yard patio, where I can privately enjoy the sights, sounds and fresh air of this spring season. Getting outside of the walls of the house is a blessing.

The Lord's Day

This morning we "gathered" with many others, via a live-streamed worship service from the Memorial Church of Christ. In this time of isolation, it was refreshing. The sermon, which drew from the writings of Paul when he was in prison, was encouraging. The singing was uplifting, and the communion thoughts were inspirational.

I appreciated the closing comments from the brother who led the final prayer. He said that he is a tired of being told we need to practice "social distancing." Instead, he encouraged us to practice "social connections" even though we must exercise "physical distancing."

How to Assemble Together When We Can't Assemble

This word came to us on Tuesday (3/17): “We, as the elders of the church, have made the decision to cancel all assemblies of the church for the next two weeks, or until further notice.” 

We are not alone. Since receiving that message, both state and local government have banned meetings of more than ten people. In my lifetime nothing like this has ever happened. We, as Christians, are having to re-think how we will remain a united family, a strong body, an obedient church, even while distancing ourselves, physically. 

Many churches will be live-streaming their Lord’s Day worship service, which will give members the chance to hear the same message, pray, sing and take communion, all of one mind and all at the same time, though in their individual homes. Our congregation will be providing a pre-recorded sermon, though not live-streamed.

Dan and I have decided to participate in the live-streaming worship service of the Memorial Church of Christ, in Houston, which is Chris, Kelsey, Clara and Robert’s home congregation. In an unusual sense, we will be worshipping together with our kids and grands as they, too, participate in the same service.

I can’t help but believe that Jesus’ words from Matthew 18:20 - “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” - is a promise to us, no matter how we manage to gather together in these strange and difficult times.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 20

In this morning's newspaper, a "Clarification" was printed. It said that they had misstated a component of the state of disaster declaration issued by Bell County. The clarification was that the County "strongly urged - not required - the area's most COVID-19 susceptible residents to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people."

But that became a moot point yesterday, when Texas Governor Greg Abbot issued an executive order requiring all Texans to avoid gatherings with more than 10 people. He also ordered schools closed statewide until at least April 3, banned dine-in eating at restaurants, shut down gyms and bars and restricted access to nursing homes. Most of these measures had already been addressed by most county and/or city governments.

Governor Abbot emphasized, "This executive order is not a shelter in place order. It does not prohibit people from doing things like going to the grocery store, gas stations, parks or banks."

Springtime!

We know it's springtime in Central Texas when the wild bluebonnets return.

After dinner this evening I went for a drive. COVID-19 can't keep me from that! And, sure enough, while we've been stressing over the world situation, God's creation has continued to show His glory. "Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Luke 12:27 (NIV)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 19

Today we moved to Stage 3 of the COVID-19 Action Plan for Bell County, after a 4th and 5th case have been verified in the county. Stage 3 allows the county to issue other "orders restricting and/or prohibiting mass gatherings and/or movement of people." and such an order has been made. This new order requires that individuals at high risk of the virus - including all people over age 65 - cancel, reschedule or not attend events with more than 10 people. It does not apply to grocery stores, medical centers and a few other essential establishments. 

Dan and I, because of our age, are under this restriction. According to this morning's newspaper (Temple Daily Telegram, Thursday, March 19, 2020), breaking this order could result in a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 180 days in jail! Until today limiting gatherings was recommended; now it is required for our age group. I have copied, below, the County Action Plan.



BELL COUNTY COVID-19 ACTION PLAN
Stage 1 (no confirmed cases of COVID19) • Stay home if you are sick • Avoid contact with persons who are sick • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue away • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a disinfectant • Don’t travel to areas with active community spread of COVID19 • Wash your hands with soap and water regularly and use hand sanitizers with at least 60% of alcohol content when soap and water are not available.

Stage 2 (a confirmed case of COVID19) • All of Stage 1 measures • Actively practice ‘social distancing’ … whenever possible maintain 6 feet distance from other persons • Avoid physical contact with other persons in social and workplace settings • Recommend all gatherings of 50 or more persons be canceled or postponed.

Stage 3 (community spread of COVID19) • All Stage 1 & Stage 2 measures • Bell County &/or BCPHD may issue orders restricting and/or prohibiting mass gatherings and/or movement of people.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 18

After that shopping expedition on Monday, Dan and I talked about the situation. We had been reluctant to over-react and had attended worship service on Sunday (about half of our regular folks were there).  I had said "yes" when asked if I'd be coming to ladies' Bible class on Tuesday, and was also prepared to go to our Bell County Genealogical Society (BCGS) meeting on Tuesday evening.

However, President Trump's press conference Monday afternoon convinced us to reconsider our stance and follow his guidelines, including his advice to self-isolate. The guidelines included limiting the size of any groups to under 10 people, and maintaining a minimum of 6' distance between people. I made the decision NOT to attend ladies' class on Tuesday, nor to go to our BCGS meeting Tuesday evening. In fact, we would try, as much as possible, to avoid contact with others.

Not long after that decision, everything seemed to shut down, anyway. Ladies' class was canceled. Our BCGS meeting was canceled. Most restaurants have now closed their dining areas, but are still offering take-out meals. By Tuesday evening our elders notified us that there would be no church services or meetings until further notice. My exercise class first announced that it would be canceled this week (and since then has said the Sammons Community Center, which houses it, will be closed for the next eight weeks). I've never in my life seen such a shut-down of our society. The economy is really suffering, but hopefully, if everyone complies with the guidelines, this will come to an end soon and life can return to normal. One suggestion I read, for helping businesses with their immediate need for cash flow, is to purchase gift cards from businesses we often patronize and use them later.

There are no restrictions on going outside - for walks, for drives, for yard work - so I intend to do some of those things to keep from going stir-crazy. But I am totally avoiding any shopping or meetings.

The good news is that spring is here, and the earth is coming back to life. Our trees have new leaves and our flower bed plants are looking healthy and putting on new growth. It's heartening to walk in the yard and see and smell these signs of normalcy.

Coronavirus 2020

Dan and I have tried to keep a level head about all of the craziness happening around us. We're trying not to over-react, and yet to be safe. I really want to responsibly do my part to end this epidemic as soon as possible.

On Friday I went to our local H.E.B. supermarket. I didn't even need any groceries, but wanted to pick up a couple of birthday cards. While I was there, though, the empty shelves and cases shocked me into the realization that this is turning into an emergency situation.

I read yesterday that the grocery store is changing its hours to an 8 a.m. opening and an 8 p.m. closing. Since I always do my weekly shopping on Monday, I decided to show up a little before 8:00 this morning to buy just what I needed for the week. I thought I was so smart, showing up a bit before the doors opened - but everyone else in Temple is every bit as "smart" as I am, for here was the line of people waiting to get in when I got there.

Once I made it into the store, I was grateful to see that there were carts still available, and that they had done a lot of re-stocking over night, so the shelves, although not fully stocked, were no longer bare.  I had my list and calmly made my way through the store, selecting the groceries I needed. I had to make some odd substitutions in a few cases, but the important thing is that I was able to purchase food for the entire coming week.

I was impressed by two things. First, the shoppers were considerate, often grinning and shaking their heads, and didn't seem to be hoarding. Secondly, the store management and employees were doing an outstanding job of accommodating everyone. They had put purchasing limits on a lot of items, which was a good thing. And they had people working every single register. The lines were a bit longer than normal, but not ridiculously so.

Later this morning I did sit down at the computer and place an order for next week's groceries, using the "Curbside Pick-Up" service they offer. In that order I included more staples and items with shelf-life, but still avoided stock-piling. I will feel better picking up my groceries at the curbside rather than  mingling with the crowds inside the store. My philosophy is "Don't panic, but be wise."

John 14:27 - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Capture 52 - Week 10 - EGGS

The only requirement for this week's challenge is that your image includes a bird's egg. Here's mine, for a little whimsey this time.