Given that we may be sheltering in place for weeks and that many of our neighbors, friends, and family may not be as able or well off as they would like, what can I do to help?
It turns out that aside from the three basics of keeping social distance, washing and sanitizing hands, and not touching your face there are several things to consider and I am sure that everyone has other ideas as well.
Some things we can do. Donate time and money to food banks; stay in touch with neighbors, friends, and family (call, email, text message); donate books, magazines, and food items to neighborhood Free Libraries; say hello to people you see on the street; order takeout or delivery for breakfast, lunch, or dinner when possible (many restaurants and bakeries are open for takeout or delivery); pick up food for those you know who cannot get out and drop it off at their doorstep; follow the advice provided by Governor Inslee, the CDC, and other trusted sources; lots of scams right now on the Web, email, text message, and telephone. Be vigilant: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is and do not give personal information to anyone you do not know or trust! My favorite: do not answer the telephone if you do not know who is calling. If the call is important, they will leave voice mail.
Finally, keep learning new skills, new ideas, and new ways of doing things and apply what you have learned to improve our world.
Thanks for considering these tips, pay them forward, and document and publish your ideas as well.
Stay safe and in touch.
-Dave Gould and Peggy Cummings