This past week has brought about a rapid escalation of impacts of the (now officially declared) coronavirus pandemic. As someone who works in the travel industry, it has been difficult to watch the heavy toll the disease has taken on cruise lines, airlines and destinations which rely heavily on tourism and know that the effects will be felt for a long while. Of course, much worse than the economic fallout is the loss of life and health of those infected and their families, and I cannot imagine the physical, emotional and mental toll the illness has taken on overwhelmed health care workers on the front lines of this battle.
While some bemoan the restrictions imposed on their daily lives and question their necessity, I have to agree that until widespread, rapid and accurate testing is available, precautions must be taken. Italy, Iran and now Spain stand as cautionary tales of the results when restricting large gatherings and closing schools aren’t imposed early on.
I also have to admit that even though I fall within that “older” group, aside from washing my hands more often and being more careful about what I touch when I’m out and about, I haven’t altered my lifestyle much. I’ve still gone to the Y for group classes (though I don’t use the weight machines) and volunteered in my grandson’s kindergarten class. I work from home and my husband does most of our grocery shopping, and we live in an area which has had only a few confirmed cases in a couple of overseas travelers, so I haven’t been too concerned about contracting the virus.
However, as everything from the NCAA basketball tournaments and concerts to the local cheese festival and Oregon Shakespeare Festival plays have been cancelled, we are being forced to take notice and take stock of how we conduct ourselves. Our shoes come off and are sprayed with Lysol before we enter the house, everything from the store is washed or disinfected, and we carry hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in the car and use them liberally. My husband has suspended his boxing class, and my Park and Rec yoga class has also been halted. Now that school has been cancelled for at least two weeks, my volunteering is done (though we’ll probably be helping with childcare for our grandsons as my daughter and her husband continue to work). And I’m debating about attending Sunday Mass . . . our archdiocese has offered dispensation to those over 60 or with health conditions and encouraged them not to go.
Yesterday my husband made his last grocery run for at least a few weeks. Up until now the stores in our area hadn’t seen more than a run on t.p. and sanitizer, but yesterday he said people were lined up at the checkout counters with heaping shopping carts.
On the bright side, since we won’t be having guests or traveling for a while, I realize I’ve got some time to catch up on cleaning, organizing old pictures, taking long walks and checking out some movies and TV shows I’ve been hearing about.
Stay well and do what you can to help your community and our world recover from this unprecedented situation. Help the travel industry by booking your next cruise or vacation; there are great deals to be had and very generous cancellation policies being offered by many.
— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor
Read This Next
Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover
Daily
Mar 14, 2025
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 14, 2025Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover
Chances are you already know the name, but what you may not have heard about the iconic Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas is the celebrated pool is undergoing a $20 million transformation of its GO Pool.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Airlines
Mar 14, 2025Don’t Miss Out on All Nippon Airways’ Sweepstakes to Explore Japan
All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest 5-star airline, launched a contest to give travelers a chance to win a trip to go beyond Tokyo and experience Japan’s under-the-radar destinations. One winner will receive two round-trip economy-class tickets from a U.S. ANA gateway city to a unique destination within ANA’s extensive domestic network, such as Komatsu (KMQ), Odate (ONJ), Okinawa (OKA), Oita (OIT), Sapporo (CTS) and Tottori (TTJ).
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Hotel Zeppelin Launches Dead-icated Stay in Honor of Grateful Dead’s 60th Anniversary
Hotel Zeppelin in San Francisco is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with an exclusive Dead-icated Stay offer. Hotel Zeppelin is all about celebrating its city’s countercultural tradition, and this offer helps them honor the band’s legacy and its roots in the Bay Area.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
Mar 13, 2025Bedrock, General Motors to Redevelop Detroit’s Renaissance Center
In a sign public and private development efforts continue to revitalize downtown Detroit, Bedrock real estate firm and General Motors announced plans to redevelop Detroit’s iconic GM Renaissance Center and 27 acres along the Detroit Waterfront.
Thiou Restaurant Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 12, 2025eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025SH Hotels & Resorts Rebrands to Starwood Hotels
SH Hotels & Resorts, parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels, celebrates its 10th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic brand created by Barry Sternlicht nearly 30 years ago.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
eFlyer Deals
Mar 12, 2025Dublin’s The Shelbourne Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Special Offer
There’s no better city to revel in St. Patrick’s Day festivities than Dublin, Ireland. The Shelbourne, one of the city’s most luxurious hotels and overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, elevates the festivities with a special offer.
ShareThis