I have some thoughts about this pandemic that we're all involved in managing these days. I know some people are still thinking they are indestructible or that this is like any other winter and flu or colds are unavoidable, but this really is different because there is so little known about it. At first we were told it was mostly older folks who were vulnerable, but now that appears  not to be the only age group that it's targeting. Younger people are getting it, too, and it can be very serious. So we have to do whatever we can to protect ourselves and others.

I'm spraying anything that comes into the house like groceries, packages, etc., with alcohol and either wiping it down with a paper towel or letting it dry in place before I put things away - canned goods and packages that can be washed get a sudsy bath before they go in the cupboard and I let the newspaper and mail sit for a few hours before I open and then wash my hands thoroughly after opening/reading. On the rare occasions we've been  anywhere, we stay away from other people and are careful to use a hand sanitizer before getting back into our car. We carry alcohol wipes and use them frequently.

Money is notorious for carrying germs - and nobody knows how long the virus can live on paper,  plastic, metal, etc., but from what I've read, these steps can help. I have two spray bottles I use to sanitize - one with rubbing alcohol, full strength, that I use on things that  shouldn't be soaked in soapy water or would be harmed by bleach; and a mix of clorox and water that I use for counters and other surfaces that are commonly touched.

I'm mostly concerned about the groceries and packages or mail that comes into our house that many other people have touched; so I try to hit all those surfaces. I'm not buying food that we normally eat raw except bananas - and they get a bath in warm, sudsy water as soon as they are out of the grocery bag. Our reusable grocery bags get an alcohol or Clorox spray after each use before storing back in the car. And our hands get washed, washed, washed and washed again - and I sing "Happy Birthday To You" twice to myself each time so  I'm sure to wash for the prescribed 20-30 seconds.

It all takes extra time, but this is a time to slow down and just be extra careful. It  could save a life - your own or that of a loved one.