“The No. 1 opportunity is to flatten the curve. The best way to do that is by controlling density.” These words the words of NYS Governor Cuomo earlier this week.
Governor Cuomo signed the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order, a 10-point safety guideline that severely limits possible spread of Covid-19:
- Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;
- Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;
- Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
- When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;
- Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
- Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
- Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
- Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;
- Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
- Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes.
All non-essential gatherings, indoors or outside, are now cancelled. That not only means large groups, but small family gatherings, and any other sort of gathering as well.
“We know the most effective way to reduce the spread of this virus is through social distancing and density reduction measures.” -Governor Andrew M Cuomo
While there’s not much to do in terms of entertainment, there’s always exercise.
And, walking is a great way to stay fit. Otherwise, we’re now ordered to stay indoors.
You can still take a walk to the store to buy a loaf of bread. Or, pick up the scripts for your aging parents. There are actually a number of categories of businesses remaining open, and a trip on foot, or bicycle, to any of these, remains options.
And, if you have a dog, they probably still need walking.
At least you’ll be getting out of the house for a few minutes.
Governor Cuomo also had this to say:
“Outdoor recreation is a solitary recreational exercise. It’s running. It’s hiking. It’s not playing basketball with five other people.”
Basketball Hoop. Image Credit- Chili Head SI
So, keep in mind that while it’s OK to go to Clove Lakes Park, it’s definitely not OK to bring a basketball and have a pick-up game down by the courts on Victory Boulevard.
Seriously.
In fact, noncompliance will be enforced, and violators could be charged with a misdemeanor.
But why let it go there? No one wants to become infected or spread infection to others.
Remember, this is not California and we’re not being ordered to “shelter-in-place,” terminology more fitting to an active shooter scenario than a pandemic.
But all the same, please take these new orders seriously.
Non-essential gatherings in our state are now forbidden by law. Keep that in mind.
And, if you can figure out a way to play basketball while abiding by new rules requiring all players to remain six feet apart, go ahead.
In the end, you’ll find it’s not much fun, and who wants to risk being responsible for spreading Coronavirus, anyway?
The Staten Islander News Organization Editors
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