Editorial: Dealing with COVID-19 and preparing for the new “normal”

First of all, I hope everybody is doing well during this most difficult time.

A lot of things remain unknown with the outbreak of COVID-19. There is information continuing to circulate with speculation of when the pandemic will peak not only in Virginia, but the United States as well. However, there remains a lot of unknowns with the situation and it has caused a lot of unknowns in the outside world.

Unfortunately, this virus is a deadly one that has claimed the lives of 12,000 people as of this editorial. But people are starting to adhere to the social distancing and guidelines as recommended by the Center of Disease Control (CDC). But once this has passed over all of us, it will be time for a new normal.

Nobody knows what this new “normal” will be. Just like many people, we are trying to figure out what we are going to do to get back to life. People will have to look for jobs once again, financial losses will be present, and all of that has happened before the new transition into the new fiscal year. It’s the way of life and the start of the new “normal”, and there is still a lot more to come.

As we continue to practice social distancing and staying-at-home, please remember that we are all in this together. There will be times of highs and lows during this trying time, but one thing that cannot be taken away from us is that we are all suffering through this pandemic. We are working to support each other, and we are minimizing seeing out loved ones, no matter how difficult it may be. If you’re reading this or having someone to read this to you, you’re blessed. We probably know somebody who has had some sort of run-in with COVID-19. Staying the course and not breaking from the current pattern in order to slow the spread is going to take an effort from all of us. We’re not going to prevent the spread, but if you minimize exiting or going out, it works.

After my deliveries last Thursday, I have been at home without leaving for six days. I returned to the office on Wednesday and will deliver this Thursday. After that, I’m hunkering down until Monday when public meetings are held. Please remember, government and school officials are attempting to live stream meetings and offer the public commenting periods while adhering to guidelines. Staff at the Chronicle will continue to work for you and bring you this news so that you can stay safe and we can get the information out there as quickly and safely as possible.

Remember to keep the faith. It will take time and sacrifices will be made, but we all going to be better once this is over not because of what we faced, but how we overcame it as a group.

My prayers are going to continue to be with you all and hope yours are with the staff of our newspaper, our local businesses, local representatives, and all of our community members.