We met up with Kay and Andy at Texas Roadhouse. The restaurant was doing its best to make it a safe place for patrons. One person in a party could come inside and put a name on the waiting list; everyone else had to stay in the vehicle until the restaurant host/hostess called. The tables being used were set well apart from any other occupied tables. The employees all wore facemarks and disposable gloves. Nothing was left on the table from previous patrons; if we needed to use salt, pepper, sugar or sweetener, a freshly disinfected container was brought to us. And the only menus were photocopies, which were immediately discarded after our use (however, they were printed in really small font, which neither Kay nor I could read - haha!).
We all felt like birds released from a cage! It was such a blessing to see and talk with our good friends once again. Kay and I even sneaked a couple side-to-side hugs.
This feels like the year there was no Spring. We started isolating just before the beginning of Spring, and now we are just a couple weeks from Summer. The virus is still a threat, and there is a lot of controversy about the benefits vs the downside of "social distancing." Dan and I are still being very cautious, which is why last evening's outing felt so strange.
Our congregation will begin meeting in person again this coming Sunday, but we have chosen to continue the live-streaming for awhile yet. Our building will have been professionally disinfected. Everyone (or each family) will be spaced at least 6' apart. Facemarks are optional, but advised. People who wish to hug or visit in closer proximity will be encouraged to do that outside the building, following the service.
Here are the current statistics from Bell County:
*Total cases - 367; 206 recovered; 4 dead
*Ever hospitalized - 57
*Ever admitted to ICU - 35
*Temple - 129
*Killeen - 140
*Belton - 39
Harker Heights - 26
Other - 33
Nursing homes are now being hit hardest. One Temple long-term care facility is reporting 27 people infected as of yesterday.
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