Montana In The Time of Corona: How You Can Help
UPDATE: Covid is spreading like wildfire and our hospitals are being overrun. Wear a mask! Socially distance! Avoid large groups inside! We can get through this, the vaccine is coming!
Most of you know me from bad gambling advice on twitter and ranting about streaming options for the Cats and Griz. However, we live in unprecedented times, so even the most ridiculous characters among us must take things seriously and do everything we can. A silent enemy, the likes of which we have never seen in our life time is among us. Americans, especially Montanans, have been known to rise to the occasion, and as things shake out over the next few weeks, I wanted to share some tips and resources from public health experts.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Please follow CDC and MT DPHHS guidelines when it comes to all things COVID-19.
Stop the Spread
Staying at least six feet apart from those outside your home and washing your hands for at least twenty seconds several times a day (while not touching your face) are the two most effective ways of slowing the transmission of this virus.
Why six feet? That’s how far you usually spray when you say something like “Go Cats Go.” A loud smart-ass like myself is following a stricter 10 foot social distancing guideline.
It sucks being inside, but killing your parents & grandparents (or someone with asthma, diabetes, or many other preexisting conditions) sucks even more.
Since we are on the topic of flattening the curve, make sure you get your flu shot. I too was someone who didn’t realize how important it is to get the shot each and every year to protect those that are vulnerable.
Protect Those on the Front Lines
The doctors, nurses, caretakers, and everyone else on the front lines have a severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves, and protective shields. Our government had early information on this pandemic and failed to act in a timely manner, which is causing this delay.
This is the point where many of my followers might be thinking “stick to sports” well, in that case:
If Jeff Choate or Bobby Hauck received advanced information on an opponent’s game plan, failed to act on that information or prepare their respective teams and then the Cats or Griz got their butts whipped in the game, you damn well know you would be calling radio stations and raising hell.
The shortage of PPE due to the COVID-19 outbreak is a similar situation with much higher stakes. Call, email, fax, write, and tweet our congressional leaders to ACT NOW.
Support Local Businesses
The food and beverage industry will be hit especially hard by the shutdown. Many bars and restaurants operate on extremely thin margins, often times losing money in January and February before becoming profitable again due to St. Patrick’s day and March Madness. These businesses did not get that opportunity this year due to important social distancing related restrictions.
The Montana Mint updates a list twice daily here where you can find which businesses near you are open for carry-out and delivery. After all, you can’t eat the 567 pounds of pasta you hoarded for three meals a day every day.
Not into the carryout, but looking forward to dining in when this is over? Buy gift cards from your favorite local spot so they have an influx of cash when they need it most. When this all clears up we will use those gift cards and it’s going to be one hell of a party.
Take Care of Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Most of us won’t get corona as long as we practice social distancing, but all of the necessary preventive measures will take their toll. Make sure that whether you are seated all day working from home, taking online classes, or writing ranting articles that are 500 words too long, you take time out to do some exercise. Five body squats every 30 minutes makes a tremendous difference.
Social isolation sucks even for those of us who have been tied to a smart phone for the majority of our lives. Now imagine how bad it is for senior citizens. Call your grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and even that awkward family member who glared at you without saying a word four Thanksgivings ago. I hate texting when it comes to serious conversations and so do most of your elders.
Talented at all or like making people smile? Contact a nursing home and ask them if you can Zoom or Facetime a personal performance for the residents.
(seriously, do this and send proof to me on Twitter or Instagram)
Most public blood drives have been canceled and there is a severe shortage. Contact your local hospital or the Red Cross and please give blood if you can.
Let’s do what we can do and as much as we can. Stay safe and healthy. We have come a long ways as a state and as a country, and we will make it through this.
About the Author
Montana Parlay Born in Billings. Attended MSU. Likes sports, enjoys gambling, loves Montana. Purveyor of wit and bullshit. Wannabe poet, occasional writer.
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