I'm watching Convergence on Netflix and realized I don't remember the first month of lockdown. I remember being whisked out of work with a co-worker because we were both sick. I remember being in a packed emergency room, my coworker being told she didn't need to be tested and then them telling me I did. I remember wondering how I would get home. Who would come near me? I remember the "you tested negative"call and then I'm blank for at least a month.
Anyone else experience that blank feeling?
I remember that month clearly. We'd been on vacation in Puerto Rico for the month, the first time we'd ever opted to stay put in one place for the entire time. Turned out our condo wasn't as nice as advertised but we spent most of our time outside so it didn't bother us too much.
PR took absolutely no preliminary actions until the first case arrived off a cruise ship on 3/18 at which time they locked the entire island down hard immediately. Bars and restaurants closed. Non essential businesses closed. Beaches and sidewalks, no dice. If you went outside you were masked and you wore gloves in the grocery stores. We found a small cadre of neighbors that would sunbath in the parking lot because the cops couldn't come on private property, but the few times I went ocean swimming I was promptly called ashore and threatened by the cops.
After a few days in the crummy condo we were bored and hung over and the Governor was talking about shutting down the airport which would have left us stranded long term, so we bolted home 6 days early. It was eerie because the flights and airports were empty.
Looking back, it was amazing how quickly and efficiently the whole island responded with no protests or resistance. I guess living on an island gives you a different take on social responsibility. I'm still shocked and appalled at how sadly our nation responded.