EddaDear Edda,
Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases, I’ve told my family who live in another county, that I will not be joining them for Thanksgiving. Not only do they not follow protocol but they insist on hugging and kissing everyone on the cheek. Even my 95-year-old grandfather! They’re upset and trying to guilt me into going, how do I stand firm?
Sincerely,
Solo Turkey Day
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Dear Turkey Day,
I’ve been hearing a lot of this. I get it. People are sick of social distancing and self-isolating. They want to get together with friends and family, especially around the holidays. Even though, in other years, those same people might be grumbling about getting together with said friends and relatives.
Who knows? Maybe this crisis has helped us to re-set our priorities. In any case, some people have decided that it’s not really dangerous to get together, maybe it’s just a hoax, or it’s okay as long as you know the people, or they are related. We’ve all heard the rhetoric.
But the question you need to ask yourself before you get guilted into anything is, how will any of you feel if your 95-year old grandfather becomes ill? I might not worry so much about myself, but I certainly don’t want to be Typhoid Mary (or Edda).
And this way, you get all of the leftovers to yourself!
Edda
Edda is not a medical professional but a local lady who loves to give out advice, even when it’s not asked of her. Submit your question to ed@edhat.com for Edda to answer.
If my 95-year-old Grandfather was aware of what is going on relative to COVID, I’d suggest letting him make the decision whether or not to have the family gather? He’s more susceptible to COVID due to age. I’ll guess there are some family members that have been unable to attend a holiday function in the past for one reason or another so why is this a problem? But, sounds like the question about gathering has been answered for him. If the man contracts the disease there will be plenty of guilt to go around. If (I) was a firm believer in COVID I wouldn’t go as I would also be worried about myself. My answer to the family is simple: I’m not going as I’m concerned about being positive and passing the disease onto my family, especially my more susceptible Grandfather. Forget the guilt, stay home and enjoy all the turkey. You might even decide to have a couple burritos with Rosarita refrieds, less mess:)
Maybe people would rather take the risk than be alone? Seems perfectly reasonable to make the decision
They all know better!
The governor just went out for a birthday dinner with a group of 12 people from multiple households. Among those in attendance was the CEO of the california medical association. This dinner party was arguably one of the best informed group of people in the state, and they clearly felt that gathering together for dinner did not present a significant risk to their health and safety. The governor also sends his children to school for in person learning. Again, he clearly does not think that sending his children to school presents a significant risk to his family’s health and safety. We have every right to weigh the risks and follow their example if we choose. Isolation and solitude takes a tremendous toll on mental health and well being. It is not fair to force people into isolation against their will. Everyone should make their own decisions and do what they feel comfortable with.
Chip, I fully support your decision to use the governor as your excuse to live your life as if there is no virus. In the meantime I will avoid you like the plague.