I don’t know about you, but I am struggling with what I want to do about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part of me thinks we should continue with the very stringent shelter-in-place orders, while a part of me realizes everyone is not in my situation.

While I haven’t been able to get out and about like I normally would, staying at home is not too bad, especially when you can continue to work.

Fortunately, for both hubby and me, with today’s technology, we have the ability to work remotely but there are many that do not have this luxury.

So, while I am “safe” at home and still earning a paycheck, I have to ask, how safe are the people who may lose their jobs or businesses?

The death of a job or business can also cause heartache. Consequently, the decision to get back up and running while the virus continues to spread puts us all in a no-win situation.

Therefore, I feel like it is up to every individual to do as much as they can to keep as many of us as possible safe.

And in my opinion, that means reaching out to those who should continue to stay home, such as the elderly and folks with pre-existing conditions, by lending a helping hand, if needed. I also think we should wear masks, social distance and get tested at the first signs of the virus.

Last Thursday, I had a COVID-19 test administered.

Not because I was showing signs, but because I wanted to show people who may be afraid or apprehensive about having the test that there is nothing to fear.

The Vicksburg Post conducted an online survey involving community feedback on the pandemic, and I was surprised with some of the results, particularly the question about COVID-19 testing.

There was a hefty percentage of those who responded to the survey who said they would not get a test even if it were available.

My guess was that they may just be afraid, so I reached out to Dr. Carlos Latorre, who is a friend, a Vicksburg physician at Mission Primary and a member of the state’s COVID-19 task force, to ask him if he would administer a COVID-19 test on me as Vicksburg Post photographer Courtland Wells, videoed it.

The video is online at vicksburgpost.com.

Dressed in full hazmat gear, Dr. Latorre explained the testing procedure before he began. He then gently put what looked like an extra-long Q-tip swab up my left nostril and then twisted it around several times to get the needed specimen.

Jennifer Newton, who was the nurse assisting, held out a vile in which the swab was then placed. That was absolutely all there was to it. And the test was done as I sat in my car. I didn’t even worry about going inside the clinic.

I did not experience any pain, and in fact, I have had strep tests that were more invasive than the COVID test.

There is still so much we don’t know about the coronavirus, but there is one thing we do know, whether it’s sheltering or getting back out in this new environment, it will take all of us doing our part to keep everyone safe.

Social distance, wear a mask, and if need be get a test.

 

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.