So we all knew or should have figured that COVID wouldn’t be magically going anywhere anytime soon and many of us figured there would be a second wave just from seeing that stats during the peak of quarantine and even it being spoken about on the news and media outlets but I think the confusion and disbelief comes into play because if we’re being honest many people didn’t and still aren’t taking this seriously. Many people have continued to be out and about and careless as if this is all a make believe story because many people think that it is and even though we do have these careless people there are also people that thought or hoped this would go away and there would be no second wave because most of us have never experienced anything like this and fear of the unknown is definitely a thing. But I’m here to give you some tips on how you can prepare for this second wave whether you figured it was coming or if you’re just realizing how serious this is or even if you’re scared and don’t know what to think, all feelings are valid to feel.
Things you need to Understand first:
First things first stop thinking this is fake if you think that, this is not up for debate. This is real, people are dying. This may be being called a second wave but it never stopped, people still have been getting sick but the numbers are just getting back super high and this is especially due to the change in weather, it being flu and cold season so people are getting sick easier, people not wearing masks and many moving as if nothing is going on.
Stop emptying the grocery stores, many people lack consideration for others and emptying out the grocery stores and stacking up on all these things you won’t need is unproductive. We will still be able to leave our homes so yes stock up but don’t stock up like the world is ending and keep taking all of the essentials and leave the bare minimum for others especially when we have been dealing with this since March and clearly see that the world didn’t end and you din’t need all that toilet paper and paper towel you stocked up on.
At this point we need to do the simple things properly and stop worrying about everything else. Your health and the people you do and don’t know health is important so stop risking people’s wellbeing just because you want to be selfish. Simply be considerate of others, there is much we don’t know but what else do y’all want to know if the things we do know people can’t even follow like wearing a mask.
This will not just go away by acting like its not happening.
This is affecting everyone differently (in all aspects) and some people more than others so be conscious of that.
How to get Prepared:
WEAR THE DAMN MASK, and OVER your nose. Like I don’t understand what is so hard about wearing the mask. I am really starting to believe people just like to go against the grain even if its in their best interest to just listen and follow the rules
Be responsible. If you are sick stay home as much as possible, if you cough or sneeze do it into your elbow, use hand sanitizer always, wash your hands to get rid of germs, if you need tissue use it and properly dispose of it.
Social distance. It is okay to miss out on events and going out especially during this time. Stop thinking its okay to be in the club. Not saying be stuck in the house but stop going to heavily populated places and remember to social distance. YOU WON’T MISS ANYTHING if you choose to hang up going out for awhile for the betterment of health. The quicker everyone follows the rules the quicker we can get this under control and find some sense of normalcy.
Stop thinking that the shutdowns are some sort of government conspiracy when people are literally dying and its necessary. Even if there were things to raise our eyebrow about so what real people are getting sick and some more than others.
Realize that this is REAL and always has been, it didn’t just become real because now someone you know or that you’re close with has COVID. People are sick, businesses are closing, people are losing their jobs, people are losing their homes, people can not afford basic necessities etc.
Take care of yourself. Make sure that you are taking vitamins, that you’e drinking enough water, that you are eating enough and properly, that you are getting adequate sleep and that you are protecting yourself and staying on top of your health. You want to do what you can to build your immune system before you even get sick. Do your part and be responsible.
It is flu and cold season and this happens every year, not everyone who has a runny nose or cough has COVID, but with the current state of things if you feel like you have more than a normal cold you NEED to get tested just to be on the safe side and make sure you aren’t potentially passing along what you may have to others, don’t have symptoms and be in denial and trying to just ignore it until it magically goes away that’s immature and irresponsible.
You don’t have to be stuck in the house, BUT make sure that if you are going anywhere that there is limited people, that it is social distancing and COVID friendly and that you keep hand sanitizer on you and aren’t touching your face after touching things and that you are wearing a mask. But if I’m going to be honest many things are going back into shut down if they haven’t in your state or city yet its coming so it is definitely best to stay home and if you can’t deal with being at home or by yourself then there may be something bigger that you need to work through. The weather is getting colder meaning more people have the possibility to get sick so just stay home, everything will be there when its safe to go back out.
Stay layered. It is now cold out so make sure you have on a proper coat, hat, scarf or gloves if needed and warm clothes and shoes, because who wants to be sick or cold COVID or not.
Effects on Holiday Season:
SO yes we all know that it is holiday season and Thanksgiving, Christmas, Black Friday and the New Year are right around the corner but this year fallback on the huge family gatherings for safety reasons. You can still celebrate and enjoy yourself but just be safe and take correct precautions and stay away from large gatherings.
It is possible for this to still be the most wonderful time of the year SAFELY. Since the beginning of quarantine in March people have still found safe and very fun and innovative ways to celebrate things, so do the same for the holidays. It is going to definitely be different but none of us could’ve predicted this so just get creative in your celebration ideas to still celebrate with family but safely and in a social distancing friendly way
Love on the people around you a little more. This is effecting everyone and their emotions differently so check on people more often or do nice little things for them to uplift their spirits and especially make sure you are checking on and loving on yourself more. The holiday season can already be hard for many people so just be more kind and patient this season
Gift giving and shopping are a major part of the holiday season especially because of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Support Black Owned and smaller businesses this season because they need it a lot more than big corporations right now and there are so many amazing ass Black Owned businesses to support with great quality products and experiences (holiday gift guide coming soon, but check out my Black Owned business directory)
So much has happened in 2020 in every part of the world so it is important to appreciate, be grateful and thankful for even the smallest things. Even if you can only celebrate the holiday with the people in your home at least be grateful that you still have a home, that you had the money to be able to afford to do anything for the holiday and that you still have your life and made it through the year thus far. You don’t have to physically be around people to enjoy their company, pick up the phone, have a zoom party, group FaceTime etc.
I hope you learned something from this post even if it was just a different way of thinking. Be safe, Be smart, Wear your damn mask and OVER your nose and wash your damn hands. Realize the bigger picture, take care or yourself and be responsible.