Some COVID-19 Thoughts

The work from home and encouraging people to stay home has helped healthcare workers like me to commute smoothly. Social distancing CAN happen in the train. I am actually afraid that one of these days I will be infected with COVID-19 and be a source of transmission. I've been self monitoring, checking my temperature, and just going with my gut at this point. I do not remember the last time I felt sick outside of a mild cold and cough.

 It is sad yet necessary to see the streets of lower east side during my commute to and from work to be empty and not congested. The foot traffic tremendously decreased. The shops placed their tables and chairs away to make it clear that their business is for dine in and take out only. I still feel quite lucky to have these services available to us though. I am quite surprised that I haven't experienced "lining up" for some stores. Union Market, to name one, has not been congested. 

Being at work feels like a lottery, almost. I hope I don't have to deal with an infected patient but at this point that is inevitable. The best thing I can do for myself is to take precaution as much as possible and not neglect checking in with the providers and colleagues I work with. Working in healthcare is emotionally draining and the more I get to know the providers I work with, the more I realize that these people are just human. I am lucky to be able to work alongside a nice group of providers too. 

I haven't been successful in making friendships in NYC (at least outside work) but it would be nice to just have someone to talk to about matters. This experience has been so anxiety-inducing. The panic and hysteria is not there but I miss my friends and my family. 

I craved for alcohol to drink and ended up not finding it appealing. 

I hope I survive the next week.