The Pole People Are Prepared

The Pole People, as they have become known locally, were preparing for some social distancing. They are all geared up to protect their neighbors and passersby. I had to stop and say hello on my way to social distance on a deserted beach. You can still go out and about easily enough and avoid contacting people.

DSF … Just wanted to stop in and see how you three are making out.

Mr. Pole … “We sit here day after day, our health isn’t the best living on the edge of route 9. The wife has COPD issues, and I am asthmatic. The little one is just fine though.”

DSF … What are you doing to protect yourselves from the Corona-virus?

Mr Pole … “We have these masks to help keep others safe in case we are infected. I doubt we are but one never knows. We don’t want to spread this to anyone passing by. We are dressed for the holiday we can still have fun, we are just staying put.”

DSF .. Any advice for everyone worried about this?

Mr Pole … “Yes, stay home if you can, social distancing is important for those you could infect. Keep the kiddos close by if you do go out in public, they like to touch everything in sight. Every time you are exposed to more people, you create more risk and reset the time line to the two weeks you should avoid people.”
“We have seen many out of state cars driving by loaded with luggage, bikes and everything for vacation. This is not the time to go on a vacation, we love the tourists, but now is not the time. Our resources here are limited especially the medical facilities. Beebe Hospital only has 210 beds and are usually at more than half capacity already.”
“The point of closing schools and telling folks to social distance was to slow the spread and flatten the curve in your area, not to move around.”
“I’m just a dressed up utility pole and I know how to be cautious for my friends and family. Despite the fact we live on the shoulder of route 9, but then again I am just a utility pole. What’s the deal with all the toilet paper?”

DSF … Thanks for your time and advice, I am hitting a deserted beach for some down time and maybe walk a park path or two for some exercise and fresh air.

There are many people struggling, believe me we know the feeling all too well. We get the fact that everyone needs to work and needs help. Do what you can to get through this, it won’t last forever. It is important to avoid each other as much as possible. If you head to a store check on your elderly neighbors. With all the crazy it is hard for them to compete with that trying to shop, and they need to stay away from people anyway.
Check with your local first responders and fire houses. If you have extra cleaning supplies and laundry detergent they could use some donations. Keeping ambulances, uniforms, and equipment clean can be rough if you can’t get the supplies.
We are seeing our first Covid-19 cases in Sussex county and there is little pro-activeness by the state, and every other state, to track these people because of HIPAA laws. The public only knows after the fact who, when and where. So you never know who you were just around that may be infected and neither do they.

Go outside and explore, hit the park trails, go to the deserted beaches, hang out in your yard, walk the state wildlife areas, and enjoy yourself. Just avoid close contact as much as possible. Wash your dang hands well and don’t touch your face, or mine.

Stay safe, stay home, stay smart.