As of 12:01 am on Tuesday, March 17th, residents of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties have been ordered to “shelter in place” to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Most people were already working from home and schools and libraries have closed. This new measure limits non-essential travel as well as any type of gathering that is not required for health and well being–even or maybe especially–going to the gym or to a fitness class. Studios are scrambling to provide online classes to stay connected with their communities and provide people with much-needed stress relief.

It’s OK to hike outside as long as you remain six feet away from anyone who does not live in the same household. Dog walking fits within this type of outdoor activity, thank goodness. We are sticking with neighborhood walks and avoiding dog parks.

People in my age group are particularly advised to stay home as much as possible. My wonderful younger neighbors have offered a shopping pool so that more vulnerable folks don’t have to venture out to get groceries or other essentials. The ordinances allow restaurants to prepare food for takeout, but not serve food on the premises. Bars are closed. Thank goodness for streaming content, e-books, and online meeting platforms.

In late February/early March, I was quite sick (high fever, night sweats) but my doctor thought what I had was “regular flu.” If that was “regular flu” I certainly hope to avoid Covid-19. Stay safe, everyone. Shelter in place!