Let’s just say it: COVID sucks. No matter who you are, COVID has had a negative impact on your life. If you’re lucky, it was a mild inconvenience. You hunkered down with someone close to you and waited out the storm, you kept your distance from others and you wore your mask.
For others it was more of a struggle. You were isolated alone and the loneliness took its toll. Your work couldn’t handle the economic downturn and you were furloughed or lost your job completely. Finding assistance was a struggle. You found solace in online communication but it was no comparison to the physical interaction with those you care for.
Some of you lost the most, a loved one. It is unimaginable to me the pain a loss like this must be. I’ve lost family close to me before, but I was able to say goodbye or attend their funeral. The victims of COVID were not afforded such luxuries.
Now, through all the pain, the sun has begun to set on the COVID nightmare. We are in no way out of the woods yet, but we can see the finish line and we know what we need to do to get there.
Vaccines are pouring onto the scene, even in our own community centers like Metro Inclusive Health and the LGBT+ Center Orlando. I am happy to report that every Watermark employee who works in either of our offices has begun their vaccination process. As we begin to close this chapter of COVID, I’ve started to think about what lessons we have learned and what new ways of life we have benefited from. I’ve put together some things I would like to see us continue to do when COVID doesn’t make it a necessity.
First, I’d like to normalize staying home when you are sick. This would require business owners to step up with sick leave, or at least the flexibility to allow employees to work from home. If you can’t stay home, then let’s normalize mask wearing from now on. If you have a cold, wear a mask. We know it works. We can see how wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing have lowered the spread of the flu this flu season.
Social distancing is the next new norm I’d like to see stick around. I worked for years at overcrowded theme parks and ever since I’ve always been someone who enjoyed my personal space. I’ve never been comfortable standing in a tight crowd or within one foot of someone waiting in line. Maybe it doesn’t need to be six feet moving forward, but some space would be nice.
I’m sure it’s no surprise then that I’m not a big hugger. I feel like the odd man out here in a community that overwhelmingly loves to hug hello and goodbye. It’s not that I’m not happy to see people, I’m just uncomfortable getting that close to everyone. I’m much more a fan of the fist bump, or the 2020 version known as the elbow bump.
COVID has forced businesses to adapt and I recently had the opportunity to experience one of the best rebranding ideas to come out of this pandemic. Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center created their Frontyard Festival that takes place, well, on the front yard of the property. They have created pods, or seating areas, for groups of people to sit safely away from others. They bring in movies and live entertainment the likes of which we have not been able to see in a year. The experience is truly amazing. In addition to enjoying the show, you can order food and have it delivered to your seat; something I have been wishing for since UberEats was invented. I do hope this model finds a permanent home.
Finally, I’d like to see video conferencing stick around. It doesn’t have to be everything, but some things seem better on Zoom. This one may simply be selfish on my part, but I can attend more meetings if they are on online. From 12 steps to board meetings, I’m a fan of Zoom.
2020 seems like a lost year, but there’s still something to be learned. Let’s learn from the lessons and celebrate the innovations.
In this issue of Watermark we celebrate the Equality Act and reflect on what its passage by the Senate would mean for LGBTQ Americans.
In Central Florida news we introduce you to The Center Orlando’s new Health & Human Services Center, while In Tampa Bay Empath Partners in Care announces its new sexual health center.
We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.
