Sung to the tune of London Bridge is Falling Down:
Back to prison we must go! We must go!
Back to prison we must go, oh dreaded Covid!
As of this writing, 85% of California will be back on lock down. More than 50% of the state’s population is in my neck of the woods, specifically Southern California, and it begins at midnight tonight.
Regulations are designed to reduce the spread of Covid-19 as well to prevent a lack of ICU and hospital beds occurring.
I don’t find our restrictions so draconian as other places, nor are they as restrictive as when the first lock down began last spring. These are restrictions we can live with as we are not changing our lifestyles all that much. The only difference we have is a lack of family gatherings or a beer or coffee with friends. That makes it socially . . . isolated. Social isolation helps and hurts, as we all know.
California state mandates have fine details, which should be read, to get more informed information about the okay and not-okay. For instance, the newspapers are saying that households cannot mingle, but the state website, when I type in my county, states:
Small private gatherings
Are allowed outdoors only with modifications
– Masks and physical distancing required
– No more than 3 separate households attend (including the host’s)
– Gatherings should be 2 hours or less
– Those with symptoms must not attend
– Those at high risk of severe illness strongly encouraged not to attend
– Singing, shouting, chanting, cheering, or exercising strongly discouraged
See guidance for gatherings and holidays.
So, we could have a family Christmas gathering within specific parameters; however, I expect if we have one, it will be very, very small.
What I do not understand, and I would think this way even if I was much younger, is a failure to realize that this is not about me, but about us, meaning the good of everyone. I wonder if this is a characteristic of the American culture, this rugged individualism and selfishness. Do other countries experience this defiance of the collective for individual “rights” which endanger every other person? I expect so, but it seems that a failure to show consideration for others is more and more in the public eye, from the self-aggrandizement of “leaders” to ICU nurses bragging about flaunting safety outside the workplace.
Whatever the situation, we – my household and extended family – will embrace these restrictions for our own good and the good of others. If we stay healthy, we help others stay healthy.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Definitely not just your country! Just as stupid here.
Humans are humans no matter where they are, eh?
Many Asian countries have “group cultures” — the group comes before the individual. They’ve had a much easier time adapting to shutdowns and restrictions because they naturally think collectively.
I agree, Jim. We are still living the days of the wild west, much to our detriment.
Here in Sacramento we’re about 1 or 2 weeks away from lockdown. I know people are resistant. I’ve been in markets where masking is mandatory. They come in with masks on and wear them under their chins once they’re in. I think we live in the age of entitlement, and we are entitled to do what we want! Unfortunately the lesson that will be learned is going to be a tough one. Take care!
Entitlement is a sad thing. I don’t know if it is societal changes or changes in parenting, brought about by our hippies! It’s hard to understand. Nature vs. nurture, too. Altogether, Anne, this pandemic is showing our best and worst sides . . .