Two months ago, I would not have spent a Sunday afternoon driving through a deserted city. There were people out and about, walking with children in strollers, jogging, laughing. Some were driving to do errands and buy groceries. Although it was sunny, there was still a somber pall over the city. I am told the same is true of New York and Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and other cities.
As the days and weeks of sheltering (in some form or other) drag on, there is growing awareness of the enormous loss. Nearly 100,000 people in the U.S. have died from coronavirus—and African Americans are dying at three times the rate of white people. Secondary schools, colleges and universities hold online commencement ceremonies for those who with internet access to participate.
Faith communities have not been able to gather in churches, mosques and temples for the holiest of days of each tradition. Few in-person funerals, weddings, and sabbath services are taking place. The disease is sweeping through prisons at alarming rates.
People of all ages are isolated and lonely—especially elderly persons who live alone. Many small businesses will never open again. Over thirty million people have lost their jobs and income. Even medical care professionals are losing their jobs. And in many rural areas there are no hospitals. Health care workers and facilities are gravely compromised because of insufficient supplies and PPE. Our sense of time has changed dramatically.
Read more at this link.
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