La France est Fermée

France is officially under lockdown. Today at noon, people were no longer allowed to wander aimlessly around the empty town. Businesses are closed, you have to carry a certificate detailing where you’re going if you go outside, pharmacies and grocery stores are limiting the number of people in the store at a time. It’s honestly a scary situation and pretty isolating.

A few weeks ago, I thought about writing about how great it is to have technology that connects us with so many loved-ones back home. I was at the gym and remembered some fun things my parents had done for me as a kid and was able to instantly talk to them about it and share in the happiness.

Now, those connections have become even more invaluable and helpful. Not only can I call friends and family to talk about the joys of being quarantined, but I can also call a doctor if I’m feeling ill. Here in France, there’s even a direct line to call if you think you may have symptoms of Coronavirus.

Earlier today, Jonathan had meetings with co-workers through Skype and I had an “apéro party” on Facebook Messenger with friends. We’re still able to get some exercise in, thanks to Ring Fit Adventure on the Switch. I’m planning on reading a ton of library books in the coming weeks.

These connections are going to be what keep us sane and comforted for the next couple of weeks. Everything is very volatile and hard to follow, but having someone to chat with, even if it’s through a screen, is going to help everyone.

I don’t want to turn this blog into much of a soapbox, but I will say this: Please, if you are able, stay home. The US hasn’t hit the stage that France (and other parts of Europe) are currently in, but I don’t think it will be long before it happens. Listen to the medical professionals and virologists that are telling you to take charge of the situation early. This isn’t a joke or just the flu. This has the potential to rock not only the country, but the world. Any step we can take to lessen the blow is a good one. I know not everyone can self-quarantine, but if the option is available to you, please do. You are not only keeping yourself healthy, you’re also keeping anyone you may have interacted with healthy as well.

Stay safe, hug your pets and drink plenty of water. We’re going to get through all of this, but we have to work together.