OK, folks. I know things seem really scary right now. The landscape of our response to #COVID19 is changing by the hour, much like our knowledge about this disease (from a scientific lens) has changed by the hour over the last two months.
Please prioritize self-care, y’all. 1/N
Please prioritize self-care, y’all. 1/N
For most of us, the best we can do is practice disease prevention (wash our hands, cover our coughs & sneezes, etc.) and (if we are in the position to do so) limit face-to-face time with others.
The latter (#socialdistancing) can #flattenthecurve, but it comes at a cost. 2/N
The latter (#socialdistancing) can #flattenthecurve, but it comes at a cost. 2/N
I’ve talked about some of these costs here on Twitter, wrt the consequences such measures — when institutionally mandated — may have on our most marginalized communities. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t implement them; it means we need to do what we can to limit the harms. 3/N
And I hope that me and my colleagues will continue to think about said costs with the rigor that they deserve.
But right now, I want to talk about a different cost: the cost that #socialdistancing for #COVID19 (though necessary!) is likely to have on our emotional wellbeing. 4/N
But right now, I want to talk about a different cost: the cost that #socialdistancing for #COVID19 (though necessary!) is likely to have on our emotional wellbeing. 4/N
And when I say “our emotional wellbeing” — I mean all of us, as a society.
Humans are inherently social, and though those of us who can limit face-to-face interactions (when given the choice) should do so, *missing* those interactions is a consequence we need to prepare for. 5/N
Humans are inherently social, and though those of us who can limit face-to-face interactions (when given the choice) should do so, *missing* those interactions is a consequence we need to prepare for. 5/N
We should prepare for and acknowledge that sacrifice, because it will make coping easier.
Now is the time to prioritize self-care by *preparing to miss each other’s physical presence*. And by considering alternative forms of remote communication that can make this easier. 6/N
Now is the time to prioritize self-care by *preparing to miss each other’s physical presence*. And by considering alternative forms of remote communication that can make this easier. 6/N
Assuming that our Internet infrastructure will hold up (which is, of course, a huge assumption): schedule regular video check-ins with loved ones *as well as activities* that can be pursued remotely. Online games can be great for this. I played one using @discordapp today. 7/N
Scheduling an activity in addition to a chat can make human interaction feel more real and personal, even when it’s remote. There’s a reason pen-pal games existed, long before the Internet (and may be useful during #COVID19 as well for those with limited Internet access). 8/N
We need to continue to make time for each other, now more than ever — and prepare to do so through creative approaches in the weeks and months ahead. Our humanity depends on human interaction, and that’s more important than usual during a crisis like the #COVID19 pandemic. 9/N
Yes, these times are scary. But those of us who are responding to #COVID19 in a professional capacity are committed to seeing us through this emergency. What we need from our fellow members of society is to do your part. Take care of yourself and each other. Humanity first. 10/10
