Half-Sunk a Shattered Visage Lies

First day working from home, and it looks like we'll be there for the forseeable future. Our university has said it will be online for the rest of the semester, and our head librarian is recommending that the library be closed as well. I still might be called in to do scanning or move books or something, but my guess is things will be shut down completely.

In Italy, at least the north, ambulances are no longer using their sirens because the noise is causing people stress and there are few cars on the road anyway. People over 70 aren't even admitted to the hospital if they have Covid-19 - they've been triaged and basically are being left to die at home. This is absolutely awful, and worrying considering everyone is saying the US is about two weeks behind Italy. And my state already has several cases and deaths, meaning there are probably more people with the virus lurking hidden. If they don't social distance themselves, we could have a spike and end up like Lombardy.

Possibly the most frustrating part of this whole thing is the utter disregard people, especially young people including those of my generation, have for the dangers of gathering in groups. I don't care if they are at little risk of dying from Covid-19, do you just, what, not love anyone of an older generation? If not your parents and grandparents, than older coworkers and friends? Or has the nihilism of the younger generations led them to just not care? I know we are moving to a culture where life has little value, but this selfishness is appalling. I'm really hoping my younger sister, who seems to be wandering around the country and is for some reason still planning on visiting one of the countries in the Caucasus via Turkey, starts taking this a bit more seriously. At least for our parents' sake and also because while young people are at less risk, that doesn't mean no risk. 

Later that day: 

Well, I've had a nice walk. It's jarring seeing all those beautiful flowering trees: so beautiful in a time when everyone is stressed and worried. There were no cars on the road and I passed one person while walking, and then moved to the side to pick some pear blossoms - though I had to think it might be to avoid being anywhere near another person.

Listening to some Ancient Faith podcasts has helped The balance between faith and reason is a bit clearer. It's comforting to have some direction. We can still worship and serve, while being cognizant of our actions. Especially if this all continues for a year, we have to find a way to serve as Christians and worship and pray and not fall apart as a community.