By Daniel R. Gaita, MA, LMSW & Erin O. Gaita, BA
3/23/20
Outside today on my bicycle I was pondering the ongoing pandemic and quarantine. It hits me. I realize all of the hidden blessings that have come along with this public health emergency and global quarantine. Sure, we can all pontificate the struggles and temporary hardships it has created. But, sitting and staring at your screen and absorbing the news circus surrounding this is of very little value. In fact, it is harmful. What the media is doing currently, is tantamount to manifesting a larger crisis than is actually occurring. So, let’s turn that noise off after we get our daily briefing from the actual public health officials. May I recommend no longer than 30 minutes of news a day? Instead, let’s look at all the good stuff happening as a result of our national and global response to this virus:
1. Increased time with family: Sure, it can be overwhelming to have all three kids home with no end in sight. However, it is also one of those blessings that we tend to take for granted. In our home, quarantine life begins with a pattern of daily activity. School work, chores, physical activity, free time or some family game time. Last night it was Atari (yes, Atari) games followed by Monopoly.
2. Online Learning: Virtual classrooms have been set up where classes can be held at home online. This has been very similar to the experience of an online college program. Children that did not have access to technology at home have been provided Chrome Books and free internet access. The roll out has been pretty smooth given the circumstances. Our teachers appear to have quickly transitioned with flexibility and competence. Learning is continuing and this has also resulted in a probable solution for when the storms come and close the schools in the future. This online process is also allowing for a streamlined and more effective process of academic achievement. It is also an avenue for future costs savings where and when school infrastructure is deemed too expensive, unsafe or failing. This online learning is allowing our children to be educated, anywhere or at any time.
3. Socialization: According to the psychological field of study, a big risk of online and home schooling for the K-12 population is a lack of socialization skills. This impact is no doubt being felt by our kids who are beginning to actually miss their teachers and friends at school. Humans need human contact. We are a pack species. When isolated and alone for long periods we almost always develop both mental and physical illness. However, within this quarantine period, we may observe our children more eager and focused on school, friendships, and even academics. In other words, this period of quarantine may be subconsciously expanding our gratitude and awareness of the value that socialization, friendships, and being together can bring to life. An unintended consequence that may also bare forth greater individual resilience in the future as a result of the “hardships” created from the pandemic.
4. School Lunch: Kids that typically would not have eaten, that rely on school lunch programs are having food delivered to them. This creates a template for the summer months when those same kids rely on food pantries for sustenance.
5. Stock Market Buyers’ Bonanza: Several weeks ago the stock market continued to climb toward repeated record highs. On Feb 12th, 2020 the market peaked at 28,621. The little guy hardly had a chance to find a good buy. Today, the market is down to 18,350. A thirty-five percent drop in six-weeks. The ultimate buying opportunity for those of us looking for a long-term savings strategy that incorporates use of the stock market. Companies like APO, DIS, GE, GM, NKE, PFE, GWPRF, JNJ, PG, UTX, CVX, VZ and MRK (This is not investment advice, just observations) are all sharply off their highs and stand to potentially rebound sharply as the fear that has been created by the media subsides. Huge deals are to be had right now. While this might be a bit terrifying for stock holders watching the value of their holdings crushed, it is important to remember that you only lose in the market if you sell for less than you bought. Hold on, sit back, and go for the ride. It’s what the market does. Right now, is time for the market to pick up more passengers. Hop on.
6. Exercise and Fitness: Yes, the gyms are all closed. But the outdoors is not. Walk, bike, push, pull, squat, lunge. Whatever you do, just move. Avoid drooling in front of your TV or smart phone screen. Get up, get out and get some. This period of quarantine can be structured so that you can get into the best shape of your life. Move it or lose it! You got this.
7. Food and Supplies: This too has been managed quite well. Once the stores got a grasp on what was being hoarded, many established systems for reserving items like toilet paper, paper towels, and sanitizer. I still have absolutely no idea why toilet paper and paper towels became a high need item. But eh, great for the paper companies, right?
Big box stores are open. Some, like Costco, are even providing senior citizens with special pre-opening hours to help them avoid exposure to the virus. No gas shortages that I am aware of. Bread and milk inventory being controlled by way of enforced buyer quota’s at Costco also.
8. Government, Small Business and Citizen Partnerships: Many credit-card companies, landlords, contractors and affected small businesses are holding off on penalties, interest charges, evictions, layoffs, etc. All while the US government works to secure a $1 trillion protection package to provide financial support for individuals and businesses being impacted. Simultaneously, the US Federal Reserve announced a sweeping measure to backstop all credit markets in the U.S. economy, without limits, in the amounts needed to support smooth market functioning.
9. Lessons learned and not repeated: Much of the proactive and protective measures put into place are the result of painful past lessons. Once ignored concepts from medical professionals such as “self-quarantine”, “social distancing”, and shutting down social events, are now being implemented before the virus kills hundreds of thousands or even millions. Ideas that if implemented, generations earlier could have saved millions. For example, the flu pandemic of 1918 killed 675,000 Americans and nearly 50 million world-wide. The Asian flu from 1956-58 killed 69,800 Americans and 2 million globally. The Bubonic Plague from 1346-1353 killed between 75-200 million worldwide. Due to the executive action of our government leaders we may be able to avoid such tragic numbers.
10. Mental Health: This is an area we can measure. With your help we can investigate any relationship between this quarantine period and anxiety, depression, and well-being. If you would like to participate in this study, your identity will remain confidential and secure. You can register and participate here: https://www.operationvetfit.org/corona