I started my day on Thursday with a follow-up trip to the doctor (unrelated to any virus), then on calls discussing how to help small businesses in DC as patronage and revenue drops. We discussed what DC government can do to help, what various Main Streets can do to help, area non-profits, and so on. We looked at tax abatements, no-interest loans, grants, corporate donations, and so on. No solutions by the end of the call, but clearly the financial strain across the spectrum in our own community was already beginning. Businesses are beginning to feel the burden, which means employees are feeling the burden.

If we could all sequester in our homes for two weeks, we’d mitigate much of the spread of the disease. But that’s not realistic. Hospitals have to stay open. Police have to stay on the job, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. There’s the homeless to consider, the infirm. Someone has to go out there… We aren’t under quarantine. Yet.

What about those small businesses that close for two weeks… how do they afford it? How do they pay their staff? Chefs, waiters, booksellers, hair stylists, yoga instructors… they can’t work from home.

Then, after another conversation that morning with a struggling local small business, I figured I'd fire off a quick FB post to basically say, "Hey, stop by a local biz if you can..." -- not, "Hey, let's ruin that whole ‘Flatten the Curve’ thing and inflame everyone’s fear.”

Hence the comment of, we’re not under quarantine, so if you can stop by a local business, try to do so. Order online if you can’t or don’t want to.

Clearly, that did not go over well. When I came back to FB that evening, I saw a small fire storm of unhappy readers.

I hear you. I appreciate the comments and pushback.

People are afraid, and want to find a way to stop the virus from spreading and protect those most at-risk. Me too. I appreciate everyone's concerns, and I took the original post down so as to not create confusion.

With schools now closed (and my work now closed), my family is staying very close to home. We’re still going out for walks, seeing neighbors, but trying to keep a bit distance. Not shaking hands, not giving hugs, not going out to eat are all things we’ll have to get used to for a while. Now it’s about keeping everyone from going stir crazy. (What are your ideas?)

How you can help your neighbors

If you want to help your neighbors who are unable to get out of their houses or apartments, there's a Google doc created by neighbors where you can sign up to volunteer. Likewise, if you need help, you can find people close to you who are willing to help.

See the Google Document and Volunteer… or Find Neighborly Help.