Being exposed in self isolation is something you come across often, especially in big cities, where people share their lives and living space with others.
New York City - It’s been 8 days since i’ve decided to go into self isolation. As one would say, I'm doing my part. The only time I go out is once every 2-3 days, at night, to do some essential grocery shopping. I consider going at night because there’s a smaller chance to interact with anybody, especially the elderly. Sure, there’s less things to be found on the shelves, but I'd rather get through this with frozen foods and over priced vegetables than having to fight over a roll of toilet paper and fresh meat. I cover my mouth, wash my hands, use sanitizer, don’t share the elevator and keep distance. This social distancing isn’t hard if you actually think about those around you, rather than yourself.
“It’s bullshit, it’s fake, I’m young and I’ll get through this, this is just the way I am and I’m sorry but I can’t be restrained in my own home.” - these are the thoughts that usually flow out of my roommates mouth. As a freelancer, he is one of those who COVID hit him in the balls. No more jobs, period. Past payments that were due, postponed. He is taking each day as a blow under the belt. And I get his anger, it's justified. No one is looking out for him. You read all about the 750 trillion Emergency Economic Stabilization Program, but that’s not for the little guy out there. But this isn’t the reason I started to write this article in the first place. We’ll keep that for another time. I’m doing this because my roommate doesn’t believe that this is real and feels life should go on as normal, is literally doing that on a daily basis.
A couple of days ago, as I was contemplating on how many seasons I’ll be binge watching today, my roommate, who we’ll call Mr.P from now on, comes out of his room, all dressed up, equipped up to his teeth. Big camera, small camera, backpack, thermos, the works. He was ready to shoot the zombie apocalypse. “I can’t miss this opportunity to go and capture the empty streets of NYC.” - fair point. Can’t argue with that. I mean, if you’re not making any money, at least get some content and put it on Getty. “But aren’t you worried about getting sick?” I asked just like anyone would. Now, what came out of his mouth baffled me out of my mind - “I don’t have time for Corona.” - i was left speechless.
Next morning, I met him in the kitchen. Curious, I wanted to know how his day went. Asking him before coffee made him forget his obnoxious bullshit for a reason I actually bought and tell me the actual truth. He never shot anything. No empty streets, no abandoned Times Square. He went out on a tinder date. Quality quarantinder time. Obviously, my reaction at first was to smile, but then I realised, I've been spending the last days avoiding any kind of contact, while the person who I share a house with, is completely exposing himself.
Now I start wondering, what do you do when someone else decides that you’re not in quarantine anymore? It’s NYC, I can't just pack up and leave. I’m not his mother to force him to stay in. Sure, I tried talking, but just like a teenager craving to go to a party on a school night, Mr.P does the opposite of what you try to recommend to him. Whatever news you’d try to show him, he’ll always find a counter article. By all means, I know he’s not the only non-believer, and again, I'm not writing this to discuss sides. I’m just trying to find out if my self isolation, my social distancing counts for anything when the person who lives in the same house as you doesn’t?
I guess that I’ll come with a follow up in 3 to 5 days and let you know.