As an Example

I have seen several posts noting that they observed some people playing in the park, and therefore "nobody" is following the recommendations to stay home, and we're doomed to the worst case scenario predictions.

I'm sure there are some people behaving unwisely, but it's important to remember the places people aren't:

• All the churches and places of worship

• All the theaters and performing arts centers

• All the museums

• All the offices and schools

• All restaurants and bars

• All gyms and fitness studios

• All libraries

• All sports venues

• All airports

• Any non-grocery shopping centers and stores.

So, it may be upsetting to see a park not looking that different from how it would look on a typical sunny weekend afternoon. But I think it's important to remember that the people you see in the park likely represent the sum total of people not isolating themselves.

In my experience, people are following the program. I have been working from home since March 4, and essentially living consistent with a "shelter in place" order (though there isn't one here yet) for the past two weeks. When I do venture out for a walk, things are empty. When I took a (solo) bike ride on Friday afternoon, I did see a number of people out, but they were keeping their distance.

Maybe this hasn't been enough. But I'm not sure it's healthy to conclude that nobody cares about vulnerable populations because there were a few people in a park.

On the contrary, the degree to which people have been willing to upend their lives for the sake of others has been heartening to me.