Preparing for the COVID-19 winter

Dave Davies (Kinks) has a song, Cold Winter, that starts; “I’ve seen you, cold winter, I know you, cold winter.  You showed me no mercy”.

 

Since we haven’t gotten COVID-19 under control, this winter could be a hard one.  We’ve enjoyed socializing outside, maybe gone camping, or even enjoyed a meal at an outdoor restaurant.  We’ve had lots of fresh air, with windows and doors open.  We expanded our living space to yards, porches, parks and plazas. 

 

As the weather changes, we’ll start losing some of those opportunities. Oh yes, the outdoors will be there, but perhaps less hospitable than this summer. 

 

Some of the things I’m thinking about for winter:

 

1)    Make sure you have basic medical supplies on hand; thermometer (and covers if you need them).  If you have asthma or like me, situational asthma, be sure you have inhalers on hand. Remember Ibuprofen is counter-indicated with COVID, so be sure you have some aspirin or Acetaminophen on hand.  Consider a pulse-oximeter for reading oxygen levels in the blood (that’s one of COVID’s sneaky things, lowering blood oxygen levels even if you don’t feel lightheaded).  You can pick up a pulse oximeter for around $35 or so.  Get your flu shot.

2)    Think about how you’ll get your social interaction needs met.  Will you be comfortable going into restaurants or someone’s home?  Do you have a covered outdoor area, or one that could be covered?  Or perhaps buy a canopy big enough to accommodate social distancing to leave set up in the yard?  If you’ll have people over, round up blankets and throws; keep some clean, in a tub or tote, to keep your guests warm.  If you don’t have a yard or covered area, identify restaurants that do (along with heaters) so you have that list ready. Also, compile a list of favorite, nearby hikes and walks.  A bit of walking in Portland’s drizzle isn’t so bad, and you’ll be more likely to go if you have ideas of where to go. 

3)    We may be spending extra time inside, with our “pod”.   Reading, streaming, singing, puzzles and crafts could be your savior.  Make sure you have a valid library card (Multnomah County is accommodating pick up for hold/ordered books), exchange puzzles with friends, organize your craft supplies (trade with friends?).  If you stream content, look at your sources.  Is there one you can let go, or do you regularly use them all? Consider switching your streaming platforms to give you access to new content.

4)    Take advantage of every nice day between now and winter.  Was there something you wanted to do this summer, but haven’t?  Now’s the time. Go berry picking, take a hike, sit in the sun, fit in a last camping trip, walk by the river.

Who knows?  Maybe all this out and about is what has kept the virus going.  Maybe several months of hunkering down will do the trick?  Wear your mask, be vigilant about distancing, don’t congregate indoors and wash your hands.

Have I missed something?  Do you have any winter preparation ideas to share?