Staying Safe Out There
By Jeff Moffitt
@moffittjc (121540)
Gainesville, Florida
May 12, 2020 11:18am CST
In the last week, I have been making up for lost time during the corona crisis by being outside as much as I can. Given that so many places around the world, and even here in the US, are still under lockdown orders, I wanted to make sure that everyone was aware of a few things related to me and where I live:
1. Our lockdown orders expired May 1st.
2. People are allowed outside now, but masks are required for everyone, at all times.
3. Most businesses are still closed, but are slowly opening back up in incremental stages. Restaurants opened back up last Monday with very strict restrictions, including only allowing 25% occupancy inside. Salons and barbershops were given the okay to start opening yesterday.
I just wanted everyone to know that I am being very safe, and overly cautious, when I am venturing outside to engage in work or fun activities. I wear a face mask at all times, and I keep hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes with me at all times. And, where possible, I also wash my hands frequently with soap and water.
I know we have a long way to go to get through this crisis, but I wanted everyone to know I am not be reckless by spending time in the great outdoors. In fact, in most cases, I am choosing fun activities that do not even require me to be around people.
Are you still in lockdown? Are you allowed to resume any activities? What safety steps are you taking to protect yourself and others?
39 people like this
41 responses
@LindaOHio (177847)
• United States
12 May 20
Things will start to ease up on May 21st - restaurants will be allowed to open as well as salons an barbershops. I will be wearing a mask wherever I go. I have an eye doctor appointment on Thursday and will be leaving the house for the first time since March 19.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
Wow, that's a long time to be stuck inside the house! Personally, I haven't had any doctor or other appointments yet, but I did have to take my son to the orthodontist on Saturday to get his braces taken off, and then again yesterday to get him fitted for his retainer.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
@LindaOHio Oh, that's nice that you were able to do telephone appointments. I don't think they've come up with the advanced technology needed to remove braces from someone's teeth through the telephone! LOL
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (177847)
• United States
12 May 20
@moffittjc I had 2 telephone appointments. One was really nice because the doctor is about 40 minutes away. It was nice not to have to go that far.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
Some states get it. Some states don't. I kinda feel like we are re-opening things too soon. Have NJ had any protests yet from people who want to end the lockdown requirements?
3 people like this
@NJChicaa (119514)
• United States
12 May 20
@moffittjc We are definitely opening up too soon. NJ hasn't had any protests that I've heard of. We are a blue state.
4 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
@NJChicaa Michigan is a blue state too, and they're having tons of protests.
3 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
12 May 20
Here we don't have any restrictions anymore...
I'm trusting in God, washing hands after being out in public but won't wear a mask. My family had it back in February before it had a name. I'm living the life God intended me to live. =)
3 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
Yeah, Georgia is the one state that said a big giant "F-You" to the federal government and reopened everything. I hope it doesn't come back to bite Georgia in the butt!
4 people like this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
13 May 20
@moffittjc It already has in Georgia. As of yesterday the cases have jumped by 64%. And Texas is just as stupid.
2 people like this
@Softncuddly (1600)
•
13 May 20
I agree with you Jeff.
Then, take extra care, Jennifer. We don't know how things are gonna be.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
I'm sure Connecticut was not very happy about you bringing the virus back with you from Florida! haha
2 people like this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
12 May 20
@moffittjc Of course I don’t have the virus, but Florida would make me quarantine if I returned right now.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
I continue to take all the necessary precautions I can when I am out in public, and when I see people not following the guidelines, I gently remind them that they could be putting others at risk.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 May 20
@nela13 I'm beginning to slowly accept the fact that no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to control this virus. It's going to run it's course until its done all the damage it can. We may slow it down a little bit, but it's going to still run its course.
2 people like this
@nela13 (58592)
• Portugal
12 May 20
@moffittjc that is great that you remind them of the necessary precautions, if everyone follows it maybe we can control this virus.
2 people like this
@MommyOfEli2013 (83954)
• Rupert, Idaho
13 May 20
Sounds fairly similar to here, except we don't have to wear masks. They are recommended, but not required. Some more places can open here on Saturday - like the dining rooms in restaurants, salons, gyms, etc.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 May 20
Even if masks are not required, I hope you are wearing one to keep you and your family safe.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
14 May 20
@MommyOfEli2013 I was about to say that's not good, but then I'm wondering how bad of an issue it is where you live? It probably isn't an issue where you live, like it is here where I live. Just remember to be as safe as you can.
2 people like this
@MommyOfEli2013 (83954)
• Rupert, Idaho
14 May 20
@moffittjc I have not been, no....
2 people like this
@Tina30219 (81899)
• Onaway, Michigan
12 May 20
We are staying safe don’t go around hardly anyone and we probably will not for a long time. Stay safe.
2 people like this
@Tina30219 (81899)
• Onaway, Michigan
12 May 20
@moffittjc Nope I know someone that did and it was stupid for sure. The first time they went out and did it right after it there was a spike in cases I mean come on people how stupid can they be.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
@Tina30219 I agree. People can do pretty stupid things. Obviously they're not using their brains.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
You're not out there protesting with all those other people in Michigan? lol
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (105819)
• Marion, Ohio
12 May 20
Things are slowly opening here. Masks are recommended but not required.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (105819)
• Marion, Ohio
12 May 20
@moffittjc Our doctor that advises here pointed out to the governor that not everyone can wear them. Some people with asthma or COPD. She also talked about some people with ADHD not being able to. I can as I choke up and start coughing very hard. I was wanting to go to Menards shopping this week. But they have chosen to demand masks on for that so I will be shopping elsewhere for the garden stuff I wanted to look at.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
Even with masks being required, there are still people going out in public without them. And they are taking a huge risk, because the penalty is a $1000 fine.
Now, between you and me, I think the requirement to wear masks that was mandated by our county government is illegal, and maybe our law enforcement agencies know this, because so far they have not issued any fines.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 May 20
@wolfgirl569 Although it is mandatory, our county emergency order gives exceptions to people who cannot wear them for medical reasons. I just hope that people who cannot wear a mask take any extra precautions that they can.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
16 May 20
I think--with the exception of Georgia who just opened everything--we all have a long way to go. I'd rather open things back up slowly than to go full speed like Georgia did. It should be about another week before we start seeing a huge spike in cases there.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 May 20
@just4him Well, in the midst of all that political battling going on, at least you were able to schedule a hair appointment! lol
1 person likes this
@just4him (317040)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
18 May 20
@moffittjc We're starting to open. We've got a battle between the governor, the state legislature, and the state supreme court. He wants to open all at once, the legislators nixed it, so now we wait to find out the outcome. However, I do have a hair appointment for the end of the month, so that's a good thing.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 May 20
They’re letting people fly in? That’s not a smart idea.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 May 20
@JudyEv Well, it sounds like that quarantine process didn’t work too well.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (339433)
• Rockingham, Australia
13 May 20
@moffittjc I think they are all Aussie citizens who have been stuck in other countries. The groups go straight into quarantine for a fortnight.
2 people like this
@paigea (36317)
• Canada
13 May 20
The word lockdown was never used here. Our chief medical officer encouraged spending plenty of time outside all along. No going on picnics and sharing food with others. Playgrounds and washrooms closed. No big gatherings, etc.
So, get outside close to home basically.
And strong encouragement to shop as seldom as possible and to only have one person shop. etc.
Today they are supposed to make final decision if the first stage of reopening can start tomorrow.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
16 May 20
I agree that being outdoors is the best thing people can do for their health. Just as long as they practice social distancing with everyone else who is outdoors.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 May 20
@paigea You are 100% correct. People are way too quick to return to the way things were before. I think some of that just may be old habits that are hard to break, but some of it may be because they want everything to return to the way it was.
1 person likes this
@paigea (36317)
• Canada
17 May 20
@moffittjc I am thinking of wearing a mask just to remind people I want them to stay away from me. People are too quick to just revert to their usual ways.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116936)
• Anniston, Alabama
13 May 20
Most is lifted here but like there it's the same. I have to say I have not worn a mask or gloves, I do wash my hands s lot, always have. I also have been in public daily. I'm blessed by God.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
16 May 20
I'm in public daily as well. For 8 weeks I didn't wear a mask, but all of a sudden now it's imperative that everyone wear a mask or we're all going to die. lol I wash my hands every chance I get. I also have tons of hand sanitizer so I use it frequently as well.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 May 20
@andriaperry You know that saying "What doesn't kill you just makes you stronger?" My tombstone is going to read, "It didn't make him stronger!" LOL
@andriaperry (116936)
• Anniston, Alabama
16 May 20
@moffittjc if I die, hang a mask on my tombstone
1 person likes this
@nawala123 (20871)
• Indonesia
12 May 20
In Indonesia we dont have lockdown, but outside activity is strictly restricted. People are not allowed to go leaving the city. Offices, school, and reastaurant are still closed, but small restauran, food stall and traditional market are open.
Malls is almost empty, no visitor,but we can buy in convenience store in our area.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
I hope all of you in Indonesia are being careful when out in public! Please be safe!
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
14 May 20
@nawala123 Yeah, we have to maintain social distancing as well.
2 people like this
@Softncuddly (1600)
•
13 May 20
Hello, good to know you are cautious in everything that you do.
Just like you we are on a lockdown, maybe by May 15 we it might be slightly lifted to a Community Quarantine and few shops might start operating by then. But everything is not final yet.
Just like you we hardly go out and if we do, we bring sanitizers, face mask and the quarantine pas that our local government has given us. We are not allowed to go out without the pass.
Take care and keep safe all the time. Have a great day.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 May 20
There was talk here about requiring people to have a pass, but they eventually decided against it.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 May 20
@Softncuddly It would be too hard here to enforce. Our country is too vast and large to be able to control everyone’s movement.
1 person likes this
@kareng (59050)
• United States
17 May 20
@moffittjc Yes, and with us having family and doctors all in Louisiana and live in Mississippi it is really confusing!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
19 May 20
@kareng I never thought about that! You have TWO states you have to deal with!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
16 May 20
It's crazy how the lockdowns and phased re-openings and restrictions and requirements are different from county to county, and from state to state. It makes it really confusing. I wish there was a unified response to all this.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (92384)
• United States
12 May 20
In Oklahoma we are still in phase one, and things started opening May first. I went to a nail salon, and of course, I wore a mask. You can't get in the door without a mask. They ask you to wash your hands as soon as you come inside. There were only four other customers there, and we were seated far apart. The employees were just so happy to be back at work. Restaurants are open now, but they prefer you make a reservation. Churches are open a lot of places, but you can't have a nursery, so those with children tend to stay home. My dad's church isn't opening until June anyway.
Phase two is supposed to start next week. Everyone seems to be handling the situations responsibly.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (92384)
• United States
12 May 20
@moffittjc Something similar happened here. The governor told Oklahomans they could end lockdown April 24th, but the majority of cities had lockdown until May first. Our mayor got some heat when she tried to keep the lockdown later so she relented. Still yet, several businesses waited until May 7th.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
So although Florida ended its lockdown requirements on May 1, it technically hasn't entered into Phase 1 yet, although individual counties are moving forward with their own phase 1 plans. People are getting confused, because you have cities, counties, states and even the federal government all setting their own Phases of reopening.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
14 May 20
@AmbiePam Our city is holding steadfast in its decision to stay closed, even though the county loosened the restrictions. People aren't happy about it, but I feel we're making the right move by not being so quick to open back up. We're actually making decisions based on science, and based on protecting the health of city workers. It's nice to see our city manager not back down to political pressure.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (51045)
• Canada
12 May 20
Things are beginning to open back up here, very gradually and very slowly.
Car dealerships were allowed to open this week, by appointment only, and garden nurseries, but some are not opening because they feel it just too soon.
Most do not go out without masks here, it is not mandatory, but most wear them.
About half of the world is still wearing gloves, myself and my family included.
I am glad that you are out and about and using common sense.
I was thinking about how good I am at not touching my face, something since the pandemic.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (51045)
• Canada
12 May 20
@moffittjc It is a hard habit to break, but I find that wearing gloves and a face mask takes away the urge to touch my face.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
The one thing that has been driving me absolutely crazy through this entire ordeal is how much I touch my face. I never realized how much I did that until they told me not to. But then again, I already had the virus, so really I can touch my face all I want to now! haha
But for the sake of keeping me from spreading the virus to other people (I assume I'm no longer contagious, but I don't know for sure), I still try not to touch my face, or if I do I make sure to wash my hands or use hand sanitizer right away.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 May 20
@Juliaacv It hasn't changed that for me. If anything, having the mask on has made it even worse, as now I find that my face is itchy all around the mask area.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
That makes a lot of sense for you to stay self-quarantined then. Are all your needs being met (food, medicine, etc)?
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
17 May 20
I don't think we are still in lockdown. I try not to watch too much about it on tv because it can be so darn depressing. I do know that businesses here are opening in phases including doctors' offices. I have a doctor's appointment Wednesday and I'm required to wear a mask which I was going to do anyway.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
17 May 20
@moffittjc I just read where the travel ban here will be lifted May 22nd and people will be allowed to gather in a group of 10.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 May 20
@simone10 I think we still have travel restrictions in place, but we are allowed to have groups of 10 or less.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 May 20
Our restaurants re-opened first (at 25% capacity), then I think our doctor's offices were next. I know starting tomorrow our gyms and health clubs will re-open, as well as most parks. We're slowly getting there.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50179)
• United States
12 May 20
They have lifted most restrictions here. A few things are still closed. The schools , movie theaters and casinos. Maybe a few other things. My husband is still furloughed and we have chosen to remain self isolated. All of our needs are met and until he returns to work we will stay home. We will definitely wear masks whenever we venture out again.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 May 20
When I venture out, I try to do things that keep me away from lots of people. However, I do still need to go to the grocery store, get gas, etc., so in those situations I just try to time my visits when everything is the least crowded, and I also make sure to clean and sanitize regularly.
2 people like this
@Tampa_girl7 (50179)
• United States
12 May 20
@moffittjc because unless it’s on our property we’re not going anywhere, we don’t need gas. We’re having our groceries delivered. We pay over the phone and they are delivered to our truck bed.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 May 20
@Tampa_girl7 I guess I have a little less fear of the virus than most people, since I already had it. I don't mind going out to different places. The safety precautions I take aren't to protect me, they're to protect others that I may come in contact with. I don't think I'm contagious (it's been more than 2 weeks since I was sick), but without knowing for sure I don't wan to take any chances getting somebody else sick.
1 person likes this
