Sigh. I usually don’t post about the latest things going on in the news because that is not what my blog is about. Usually. I don’t USUALLY post about current events because I often feel that is just a way people try to get traffic to their blog . . . but in this case – the COVID-19 case – I am getting a lot of questions from students. You may or may not know that I teach classes. I teach Nia, yoga, and stretch. All of these things can be done at home, but there are several reasons people gather to do them. One reason – especially for Nia – is the energy, it is much more fun dancing in a room with other people than it is at home on your own. Another reason is motivation; it is much easier to actually do it (Nia, yoga, stretch) when you have paid for a class and made a commitment. Another reason is just the plain social aspect of it. Most of my classes have people that are friends and we care what is going on in each others’ lives. So since I teach in a class room setting I have students asking me about classes.
First of all, all of the places I work (City of San Jose, the YMCA, and even the dance studio) are taking extra precautions by cleaning things more often than normal. I have received e-mails from both the City of San Jose and the YMCA stating that both are working with the health department. Everyone is working together to find a way to navigate through this time.
As you know the best defense is hand washing. Wash your hands as soon as you can after you touch anything outside your home. Using hand sanitizer is second to hand washing and at this point I hear there isn’t anywhere you can buy it so those of you that have bought it, use it. But washing your hands with soap and water is still the best defense. It takes soap (or 60% alcohol) to break through the outer lipid membrane layer of the virus.
Also, try to keep your hands away from your face. This virus gets to us through our lungs so you don’t want it near your mouth and nose so it can have a chance to infect you.
Follow all the stuff you hear to do that is from reputable sources, I did not mean for this post to end up with me telling you what to do because I am not an expert at all. This post is meant to clear up some information around the classes.
The City of San Jose has decided to cancel some of the Active Adult (Senior) Classes at some of the community centers. Their focus is on LARGE classes. The more people in a room the more chances of infection. The closer people are the more chance of viruses spreading. So, they have cancelled LARGE Active Adult (Senior) classes. If you attend a small class with few people then – as of Monday, March 09, 2020 – the class is not being cancelled. I have not heard of a cancellation of any of the non-senior classes.
The yoga classes and the stretch class I teach at the community centers are small enough that we have plenty of room to spread out and not cough on anyone – and, by the way, if you have a cough – stay home!
The YMCA has not yet cancelled any classes that I know of. But I am talking primarily about the three branches that I work at and my classes.
Keep in mind that things can change. If you attend any of my classes please check my website frequently for updates. If my schedule changes I will send out an e-mail, but my site will be updated faster and first.
I personally feel that the media is all about fear-mongering. It is as if they think it is their job to cause fear and panic. But, I also understand this is serious and we don’t really know how it will turn out. I mean, if people would have just followed the safety guidelines in the first place it might not be as bad as it is. And since that seems to be such a challenge who knows what will end up happening. What you need to do is what is best for you. We all have our own unique situations and psyches so you need to protect yourself. You need to feel safe and comfortable. If not attending a class make you more comfortable then don’t. And we can all be kind and respect whatever it is that each person needs to do to feel safe.
Is there anything you are doing different than usual to feel safe?
