Thoughts in the Times of Corona — V (Panic Buying)
Uncertainty and fear are the new normal.
Our office opened again today. Our team is working in three shifts, to ensure social distancing in the office, and to facilitate colleagues who need to take care of children; schools have been closed.
I have observed that It is almost impossible to keep six feet of distance in the office environment.
The number of the people on the train station in the morning was lesser than usual. More masks were visible. There was a sadness in the compartment. I don’t remember seeing anyone with a smile, or a laughter. Worried faces; some more than others.
Near the office, I saw a long line of people outside the Trader Joe’s store in Court Street. People were standing there, despite the drizzle.
During lunch break, I stood outside our office for 10 minutes. A lot of people were walking in the streets, almost everyone carrying bags of groceries. Some were wearing gloves, while others were wearing masks too.
Most of the restaurants are closed, by order of the city government. I was able to buy coffee at Starbucks; you can’t sit in the joint, only grab and go!
On personal level, I have been trying hard not to touch my face. But it is so difficult. Involuntarily my hand moved to touch my face, leaving me with a guilt. Paranoia is probably setting in.
Anxiety levels will increase in the days and weeks ahead, if confinement is enforced for longer periods of time. I hope, against hope, that it doesn’t come to that.
There are reports that the White House (govt) has decided to launch an economic package, worth $850 billion, to help the economy. I’m not currently sure what that means for individuals and families. There are talks about each adult $1000 directly from the government; if true, it will help a lot of people, especially the daily wagers who have lost their jobs, due to closure of malls, restaurants, parks and several other businesses.
I have also been anxiously following reports about research, with the hope that a vaccine will soon be made available. I trust science completely. I am sure that there will, eventually, be a vaccine for the pandemic. I hope that it comes sooner.
