Am I being too cautious?

[Ryan]

My wife and I have been pretty careful throughout quarantine.  Our state requires us to wear facemasks, haven't been to any large gatherings, and generally kept it within a small group of friends/family that we see that are taking the same precautions.  Our church is doing their annual camp in a couple weeks and I'm not in favor of going.  My wife probably wants to go for a few days, but is compromising by suggesting just going for a day trip.  I don't think that most people there will really be wearing masks, I know we'll be eating indoors, and overall a lot of people.  My wife thinks that it'll be ok because we'll be mostly outdoors throughout the day and swimming.

Our state is fairly well contained, but it gives me a little pause to see the explosion of cases in other parts of the country.  Part of me thinks because we have been loosening up (and because of the holidays), that we might see something similar in a few weeks.  

Overreacting?  

[azucena]

We are being too cautious and I wouldn't go. We are missing a lot of church stuff. Got a letter inviting dd11 as they restart youth group. She is not going to be happy when we don't let her go

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I don't think it's too cautious to at least have the discussion with your wife. 
Making it a day trip only is a good idea. Wearing masks and maintaining six-feet distance from anyone who doesn't live in your house  is a good idea too. 
Would she agree to those stipulations?
How's she doing with not socializing in general? Is she an extrovert? Is her mental health suffering because she doesn't get to socialize?

[Ryan]

Jul 5, 2020 19:27:45 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

I don't think it's too cautious to at least have the discussion with your wife. 
Making it a day trip only is a good idea. Wearing masks and maintaining six-feet distance from anyone who doesn't live in your house  is a good idea too. 
Would she agree to those stipulations?
How's she doing with not socializing in general? Is she an extrovert? Is her mental health suffering because she doesn't get to socialize?

I think the church is leaving it up to everybody and basically saying "do what you're comfortable with" with regards to distance and masks.  So she probably wouldn't be opposed to it, but if it's like the other outside event we went to, she'd be one of the only ones doing it.  I guess other people just have a greater level of comfort. 

I would appear to be more extroverted, but am more introverted.  She appears to be more introverted, but she is more extroverted.  She has been ok during quarantine, but has had a few moments.  For the most part, I haven't really objected to much besides her floating the idea of going back to the gym and this.  She is a runner so she can run outside (which she has been doing) and we have weights in the basement, to me that doesn't seem worth the risk.  The other thing is this camp.  She has been doing weekly walks/runs with a few different friends, she is having a few friends over this week to hang out outside, etc.  So we're not completely closed in.  I just feel more comfortable doing things in smaller settings when I have some confidence that the people we're hanging with are doing the same.  

[Gardening Grandma]

Jul 5, 2020 19:39:34 GMT -5 Ryan said:

Jul 5, 2020 19:27:45 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

I don't think it's too cautious to at least have the discussion with your wife. 
Making it a day trip only is a good idea. Wearing masks and maintaining six-feet distance from anyone who doesn't live in your house  is a good idea too. 
Would she agree to those stipulations?
How's she doing with not socializing in general? Is she an extrovert? Is her mental health suffering because she doesn't get to socialize?

I think the church is leaving it up to everybody and basically saying "do what you're comfortable with" with regards to distance and masks.  So she probably wouldn't be opposed to it, but if it's like the other outside event we went to, she'd be one of the only ones doing it.  I guess other people just have a greater level of comfort. 

I would appear to be more extroverted, but am more introverted.  She appears to be more introverted, but she is more extroverted.  She has been ok during quarantine, but has had a few moments.  For the most part, I haven't really objected to much besides her floating the idea of going back to the gym and this.  She is a runner so she can run outside (which she has been doing) and we have weights in the basement, to me that doesn't seem worth the risk.  The other thing is this camp.  She has been doing weekly walks/runs with a few different friends, she is having a few friends over this week to hang out outside, etc.  So we're not completely closed in.  I just feel more comfortable doing things in smaller settings when I have some confidence that the people we're hanging with are doing the same.  

Personally I would not attend any “masks optional” event when there is a lethal virus that the US has failed to contain.
We are going camping with two other couples that we know have been careful, but even at that, all socializing is outside.

The price of one person’s carelessness could be deadly. Is it worth it?

Overreacting? No. Being respectful of a novel, deadly virus? Yes

[Happy prose]

Go next year.

[Deleted]

Too cautious? Um. No. Better safe than sorry. 

One of my brothers has covid, spent more than a month in the hospital, then moved to a nursing home, where he'll probably die. If he makes it, he won't ever be the same. He was being cautious, masking, social distancing, only meeting with his clients outdoors, only giving instructions to his employees outdoors (he's a residential building contractor...or he was). My SIL also got it. She was hospitalized for a month and is now home still testing positive.

DD/DSIL are going to Ohio on Friday for a four-day weekend because DSIL wants "to see his family" at a niece's graduation party, never mind that there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people who would like to see their families. Only about 100-150 of the nearest and dearest friends and family will be there, but they are all solidly in the trump hoax camp. What are the chances that they will take any precautions whatsoever? Can we say foolish? Foolhardy? Irresponsible? Inconsiderate? 

DD doesn't want to go, but feels like she has to. DSIL's mother is and has been "sickly" for years. She's 10 years younger than I am. He thinks getting tested before they go is "silly" and getting tested when they get back is "silly," too.

We all live under the same roof (although I have my own granny flat connected by a door in a back hall). Believe me when I tell you that I'm more than apprehensive; I'm downright scared witless. I will be keeping my distance for 2-3 weeks. It's going to be a long and lonely 2-3 weeks. 

So...would I go to a church camp or any other camp or anywhere that a crowd would gather for a few days or even for one? Hell to the no! That one day could be your (and her) undoing. 

Bad things don't just happen to other people. Keep in mind that we are all other people.

Stay home. Go next year.

[dippyegg]

If you are uncomfortable about it you definitely should not go.

[Cheesy FL-Vol]

I do not think you are too cautious. An article came out recently indicating the virus has changed and is apparently 10 times more contagious than the original strain. This weekend, I proactively notified DD2 that if it is still out of control next month, that I would not be coming to visit her in TX. I also notified my mom of the same as we planned to visit her Labor Day weekend in FL. I flat out told DH a few weeks ago that I am not going to change my behavior and activity just because places opened up.

www.biospace.com/article/mutated-covid-19-viral-strain-in-us-and-europe-much-more-contagious/

[skeeter]

@missrigby

[countrygirl2]

I am still worried about the funeral we went to. I'm counting the days and hope I don't catch it. It was the 30th now only the 5th.  I wear a mask everywhere and I have not and will not go to any gatherings. I only went because they were best man and maid of honor at our wedding and hubs best friend and he was their best man.  But I was scared and still am.

I would not go, a lot of these church functions are where people are getting sick.

[kadee79]

There has already been a youth camp in N.Ga. shut down due to the virus.  And everyone was checked (not tested) prior to them being allowed in.

DO NOT GO!  Why risk your life and that of others you could contaminate?  Wait until there is a vaccine & most of the US has had the shot.


ETA...Miss Rigby....I sure hope you can stay well away from them when they return.  Stock up on things you might need before they get back!  Hang tight! 

[ners]

My answer is not you are not being too cautious.

I would not feel comfortable going especially if you feel most people will not be wearing masks.

[laterbloomer]

If I decided to go I would do only outdoor stuff and skip the indoor meal. Get comfortable telling people to back up and you aren't shaking hands or hugging. I'd take my own chair so I could set it up wherever I want, a good distance from others.

[toomuchreality]

Being cautious is better than being foolish, in my opinion. Better safe,than sorry.

Do you have some 'safe' friends you can get together with (bbq?), during that time, instead?

[Tiny]

Geez, it's a really "catchy" virus... and while a mask and social distancing help - if you will be indoors with lots of people for long periods of time (like an hour or two or longer)  I'd think it would be a really bad idea to go. 

There's this Michigan bar with 152 coronavirus cases tied to it.   I don't know about you - but when I would go to a bar, I might only spend an hour or two there - I assume the people at this bar did the same... I assume it was crowded and loud (so people had to "yell" or lean in to hear one another) and I'm guess there wasn't all that much ventilation.  But still... to have it spread from maybe a couple hours (or less) of being exposed to it...      I realize a "camp" might not be like this - but I'm guessing you will be sharing common areas indoors with people you will want to sit next to and talk to... for an hour or more at a time...  

www.cnn.com/2020/07/02/us/michigan-bar-coronavirus-cases/index.html

REmember the number of cases from that  "chior" group - that got together for an evening of practice? They rehearsed, they chatted together, they had snacks/meal together and all went home and some took home the virus.  From hanging out together for a handful of hours...   (I don't think there was social distancing and masks at that point - but still...  a lot of people hanging out together, breathing each other's exhaled air,  indoors for longer than it takes you to go thru the Big Box Grocery store getting groceries.... )  

The thing is really catchy! 
 
Another thing to consider if you do attend - will you be able to "quarantine" for the 14 days when you get home?  No going to the store and work or whatever other contact you are currently having with other people?    Who will you be putting at risk (besides yourselves) if you come home from this outing with the virus??    I would think that would be the deciding factor.   It's ok to risk your own health/lives... it's another thing to put a burden of risk on other people in your life.   


(I was reading in the NY Times about the many "studies" and reports of the virus more likely spreading by breathing it in (other people's exhaled air from breathing or speaking) than getting from a surface (like a door knob).  The whole washing your hands is important - but you are more likely to get the virus from breathing it in....)

[cronewitch]

I am pretty cowardly. Since March have seen 7 people, accidently got one hug. Going to see ISO again but he just tested neg for covid. My brother, SIL, nephew and ISO's cousin and wife visited his house and one friend. It is really hard to be careful enough with family and friends so should quit trying to see people.

[Deleted]

There's now a second camp in Georgia that has shut down because of the coronavirus. The first was a Lake Burton. Second one is at Lake Alatoona. 

Please please please, Ryan, do not risk your health and the health of everyone you know by going and please please please make every effort to convince your wife to stay away as well. Masks optional? Heck, I wouldn't go even if masks were required!

Don't play Russian roulette with this disease. It just isn't worth it.

[dippyegg]

Jul 5, 2020 20:46:55 GMT -5 countrygirl2 said:

I am still worried about the funeral we went to. I'm counting the days and hope I don't catch it. It was the 30th now only the 5th.  I wear a mask everywhere and I have not and will not go to any gatherings. I only went because they were best man and maid of honor at our wedding and hubs best friend and he was their best man.  But I was scared and still am.

I would not go, a lot of these church functions are where people are getting sick.

I went to a viewing yesterday.  Most everyone was wearing a mask.  One of my HS classmates, her mother had passed away.  There were some other people there that I didn't know who had masks.  Mostly I just went and said my condolences to my classmate and family and then didn't stay long.  The did have pens to sign the guest book with a note to please keep the pen so that it isn't reused.

[Ryan]

We're not going, my wife never really put up an argument.  I think she knew that if one of us doesn't feel comfortable, it's pretty much decided that we're not going to do it.  Even if I reluctantly agreed, it would be in her head the whole time.  My wife doesn't watch the news as much, so she sees our state opening back up as a sign that we can start moving along.  While our state is doing a pretty good job, I'm sure we're going to backslide a bit in the next few weeks.  

In the end, she understood that it's not really worth the risk to go to something like that.  We were only going to go for a day, but people were going to be mingling there the whole week prior to us getting up there.  

[busymom]

I suspect we're going to be immensely popular with DH's side of the family, as we've already announced we're skipping a couple of family gatherings scheduled for this Summer.  The problem is, they're mixing people who take Coronavirus seriously, with those who think wearing masks is a joke.  We're just plain not going to risk it.  At least my MIL & FIL are onboard with our reasons.  


At this point, it wouldn't surprise me if we stay home for Thanksgiving & Christmas, too.  This virus doesn't seem to be "disappearing" anytime soon, regardless of what that guy in the White House said.  

[TheOtherMe]

You can't be too careful.

My sister drove me for a medical procedure last week.  After dropping me off at home, she was tested because her son requires a negative covid test to see his new baby.  She tested positive and is asymptomatic.

We were both wearing masks so I hope that protected me.

I won't be seeing anyone soon, unless I have a medical emergency.  It's going to be a long time before I feel comfortable being in public or with friends/family.

[alabamagal]

I don’t think you are being “too cautious” by skipping. Every person has their own risk tolerance. Your risk tolerance is based on your personal situation and health. I saw a great chart a few days ago, wish I have saved it, that showed risks of various everyday activities. Every contact you have with another individual increases the chance you will catch the virus. More contacts is more risk. Close contact is higher risk than staying 6 feet away. Wearing a mask does not protect you, it greatly reduces the risk of transmission. Being indoors with others is higher risk than outdoors. But going to an outdoor picnic you may go indoors for bathroom (or not that is a personal choice). And the more you do risky group activities, the greater your risk is.

We have personally done a few things that are a bit risky, but not a lot. When DD and DGD were staying with us, my parents came to visit for a weekend. But that only added 2 contacts to our 4 person household. My parents are 80 but in decent health. But this could have been their only opportunity to see DD and DGD in person for the next 4 years without a long plane ride (FL to Germany or later FL to Hawaii). No one got sick from the visit.

[cktc]

I think it's only "too cautious" if your level of caution threatens someone's health or livelihood. Maybe I'm naive thinking there is an end date to this, but if we have 1 more year until there is a vaccine and things can largely return to normal then I would rather just wait it out with as minimum risk as possible. I'm not going to tell other people how much risk they should tolerate, but I do expect people to be ok with my decisions regarding my own family. 

[TheOtherMe]

The only thing I will risk doing at this point is a visit to see my new great nephew.  I know his parents insist on a negative covid test.  I also know the only place they have been since his birth are to doctor's appointments for the new mother and well baby check up and vaccines.

[Artemis Windsong]

Miss Rigby. What would happen if the family you are living next to all get it and do not recover in a timely manner? What happens to you and your hovel?


I am totally afraid. The trip to get my DL was unnerving enough.

A dear friend's GrD has covid caught from her BFF. Dear friend had not seen GrD in 10 days. The girl's mother had been around her 8 days ago. To add poison to the pie. The GrD is living in my dear friend's former house rent free with boy friend. Probably no health insurance.

[Artemis Windsong]

I would liken this to an active shooter situation where you don't know where the active shooter is.

Do you willingly, blindly, walk into it?