Local Color
During the three-day weekend, we were mostly in the house, the weather being only so-so. We did work in the garden for a while on Saturday and, of course, I was outside early and late and in between doing my due diligence with the chickens. Since we didn’t leave our own property and had no visitors, we spent the entire weekend sans masks.
So did most other people, apparently. Each time I glanced out our west windows or over the west fence I saw what I have come to think of as the unmasked multitudes. Mostly, they arrived by cars in groups — presumably family members or close friends. There were also a number of Oysterville property owners here with friends and relatives and walking hither and thither but, also, sans masks.
Many of the visitors went into the church and, though most paused long enough to at least glance at the sign posted on the door, no masks appeared going in or coming out. On multiple occasions, the church door was left open after the visitors had come and gone.
White Pelicans Over Oysterville – Photo by Tucker
That’s not an unusual occurrence, but what used to be usual was my knee-jerk response of going over to close the door. This weekend I left it open as I’ve been doing since the first part of March. My gut tells me that if some of those unmasked visitors have the virus, their very breathing could contaminate the air. And, my instinct tells me that the contaminated air lingers…
I was willing to admit to a good dose of paranoia until I heard an epidemiologist’s report on NPR this morning that… guess what? There is growing evidence that Covid-19 particles can aerosolize and that these minute particles can stay in the air for many hours causing potential aerosolized transmission. Not only coughing and sneezing can generate those particles; plain old breathing through your nose can, too!
Our Garden in July
Hooray for my instincts! Hooray for everyone who wears masks, even in spaces that seem benign! And, for the record, on Friday a whole group of folks were visiting in Oysterville with masks on! Yay! I actually went outside and called “thank you” to them and, as it turned out, some of the group were local and knew me. Such a bright spot in my day. Too bad it didn’t happen again. And again and again…
if i had a car and could get there easily i would borrow a key, lock the church and stand at the door and only unlock it for masked people. Only if you wanted me to of course. I would love to see fines given freely for breaking a suggestion or whatever it is.
Hi Mary!
You are about the nicest person I know!!
In truth, I was against what the Oysterville Restoration Foundation did — I would much rather have had the church locked until we are through with this phase of things, bu tas I am no longer on the Board, no one asked. They did ask me to type up the sign (below) and post it on the door, however. Not to worry. It will probably work out in the end as it was meant to be. I feel quite fatalistic about it all at this point.Have you been inspired to write any songs about the current state of affairs? I don’t have a clue how all this is affecting the maritime folks — except for the “bottom line” for fishers and crabbers etc. Meanwhile — how are you doing? We are fine — this sheltering is not really a problem for us. Life is much as usual. I’m just finishing another ghost book; Nyel is baking wonderful sourdough bread several times a week and dreaming up fabulous menus to go with! Stay Safe and Stay Well!
Sydney
Here is what is posted on the door of the church:
OYSTERVILLE CHURCH VISITORS
While you enjoy the beauty, solemnity, and history of the church during the Covid-19 pandemic, we highly recommend that you use hand sanitizer before and after entering and exiting. While inside, social distancing rules apply
(i.e. staying 6 feet apart).
DO NOT ENTER THE CHURCH IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF RUNNY NOSE, SORE THROAT, COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR FEVER/CHILLS.
The church is not disinfected and we are unable to provide hand sanitizer.
Oysterville Restoration Foundation