Letters From Lockdown (2) – Coronavirus Life-Saving Courtesy

My husband, Chris, and I went out for a walk yesterday.  It was a beautiful day.  We live in a fairly rural area and didn’t expect much bobbing and weaving around people.  

We found that it was difficult to keep a social distance.  Many people are on holiday.  Some groups filled the entire footpath. Going around them meant stepping into the road or into thick grass — which we did.  That’s not easy with a cane and being slowed by, in my case, Parkinson’s.

Besides, many of us still feel awkward about moving away from others.

It occurred to me that we could use a set of coronavirus courtesy guidelines to save lives.

Here are a few:

If you come across an older person, whether silver-haired or not, try to subtly step aside and let them pass or go around them from a distance — even if you’re asymptomatic.

Don’t take up the footpaths or sidewalks with your family and friends as people approach.

Don’t stop to admire babies or pet dogs. A greeting from afar and a smile will do.

Wave and smile from a distance with elders, especially those who are becoming isolated and could use a sense of connectedness.

Try adopting the perspective of those cultures that intensely value seniors. A friend of mine said yesterday, “This is all we need.  Older people are already seen as an annoyance.” Hey, they raised us, loved us, contributed to society.  Let’s get a grip here.

If you are senior, be appreciative of gestures made to protect you with a nod or smile. If at all possible, isolate. Have food delivered to your door without you being there to chat. Express gratitude from a window and do not answer the door.

We’re living in a different world now and for the foreseeable future. Courtesy of this new type can save lives and still allow us to be both civil and caring.

We simply need to be mindful.  Some types of courtesy save lives.

That’s it for today. Kathleen