The other day I happened to read two different articles that basically advocated two diametrically opposed points of view. One point of view was spoken by “someone who knows best.” The second article was about the actions of some of those who have been the recipients of various diktats from those who know best.
First the latter (from NY Post):
About 20 residents protested outside Greeley, Colo.-based Fairacres Manor on Oct. 8, many in wheelchairs, holding signs that read:
“Prisoners in our own home” and “Give us freedom.”
One sign read: “We want families back.”
The most heart-wrenching sign read: “Rather die from COVID than loneliness,”
Presently the residents are able to see visitors but they must maintain the proper amount of social distancing and can’t have any physical contact.
Resident Council President Sharon Peterson, 75, worked with resident Josie Sanchez, 76, in organizing the demonstration.
“We want to see our families,” said Peterson, according to the Greeley Tribune. “We miss the hugs. We don’t like the distancing anymore.”
“They want to be able to hug their grandchildren, they want to be able to hold the hands of their loved ones,” said Ben Gonzales, an assistant administrator at Fairacres. Residents are able to see visitors, but have to stay 6 feet apart and can’t have any physical contact.
Democratic Colorado Governor Jared Polis responded:
“We absolutely understand how difficult it has been for residents of residential care facilities and their families. Social interaction is essential to physical and mental health and so we have provided guidance to residential care facilities that allows for that interaction while also keeping residents safe from COVID-19.” Blah, blah, blah . . . I know best!
Meanwhile “I know best,” Dr. Fauci weighed in on Thanksgiving (NY Post):
With Thanksgiving around the corner, Dr. Anthony Fauci issued a dire warning about the surging coronavirus cases around the country — saying “You may have to bite the bullet and sacrifice that social gathering, unless you’re pretty certain that the people that you’re dealing with are not infected,”
Here he is warning families who have not seen each other because of distance to continue to not see each other. In some situations the “better to be safe than sorry” option may be best, but I am traveling to see family for Thanksgiving.
BTW: No, I am not traveling to Colorado.