COVID-19/corona virus as of March 16, 2020
It's difficult to call something dated when it's only three days old, but here we are...
Still, I think this article about 8 Key Facts You Should Know about the Corona Virus from Friday, March 13th is worthwhile reading.
Fact #7 - "Symptoms include cough, fever, and shortness of breath." Or, for me, Wednesday.
I've been approached by a few people about security and safety during this time and the reality is that mass panic levels generated from a pandemic are beyond the scope of most people who study self-defense, myself included. But, since we have to face it, we might as well plan knowing what we know.
Apply the basics: lock your doors and windows, doors all the time, doors and windows at night no matter how nice the weather. Pay attention to what your dog is doing. Never, ever open your security door to an unknown person or even a known person who seems to be making up excuses to be there. Neighbors will turn on neighbors if supplies run thin.
Jeff Cooper once wrote, "If, as you are reading this, your pistol is outside of arm's reach, we apologize, you didn't get your money's worth from our class." There is a great deal written these days about whether one needs to carry a gun while inside their home or not. Cooper would say that argument was settled decades ago.
Be vigilant while driving. Now, more than ever, watch if you are being followed home from the grocery store or pharmacy. If you think you are, DON'T GO HOME. Even if you figure it out as you are about to turn into your driveway, keep going. Don't be afraid to call the police - that's what they are there for. If it's a time and place where riots are happening or are threatened, you're probably on your own. Don't confront, but drive until you lose the tail, real or imagined.
Fear and panic are really your worst enemies. Be pragmatic and cautious. Listen to your intuition and concentrate on avoidance - avoid sourcing food until the last minute, avoid showing off what you have to others, avoid confrontations which could escalate to a level you do not want.
If you are in the risk factor group of 60+ and/or compromised health, accept it and act accordingly. Yes, the infection and death numbers are unknown and merely projections, but that doesn't mitigate the fact a bio-weapon is circumnavigating the globe. Accept offers of help to keep you supplied without leaving the house. It'll be difficult for our more socially programed folks, but it's only prudent, at least until we hit the plateau and have a better understanding of what we are dealing with.
Use time away from others to grow your spirit and your mind. As terrible as the cause is, this is a rare opportunity in our frantic world.
Still, I think this article about 8 Key Facts You Should Know about the Corona Virus from Friday, March 13th is worthwhile reading.
I've been approached by a few people about security and safety during this time and the reality is that mass panic levels generated from a pandemic are beyond the scope of most people who study self-defense, myself included. But, since we have to face it, we might as well plan knowing what we know.
Apply the basics: lock your doors and windows, doors all the time, doors and windows at night no matter how nice the weather. Pay attention to what your dog is doing. Never, ever open your security door to an unknown person or even a known person who seems to be making up excuses to be there. Neighbors will turn on neighbors if supplies run thin.
Jeff Cooper once wrote, "If, as you are reading this, your pistol is outside of arm's reach, we apologize, you didn't get your money's worth from our class." There is a great deal written these days about whether one needs to carry a gun while inside their home or not. Cooper would say that argument was settled decades ago.
Be vigilant while driving. Now, more than ever, watch if you are being followed home from the grocery store or pharmacy. If you think you are, DON'T GO HOME. Even if you figure it out as you are about to turn into your driveway, keep going. Don't be afraid to call the police - that's what they are there for. If it's a time and place where riots are happening or are threatened, you're probably on your own. Don't confront, but drive until you lose the tail, real or imagined.
Fear and panic are really your worst enemies. Be pragmatic and cautious. Listen to your intuition and concentrate on avoidance - avoid sourcing food until the last minute, avoid showing off what you have to others, avoid confrontations which could escalate to a level you do not want.
If you are in the risk factor group of 60+ and/or compromised health, accept it and act accordingly. Yes, the infection and death numbers are unknown and merely projections, but that doesn't mitigate the fact a bio-weapon is circumnavigating the globe. Accept offers of help to keep you supplied without leaving the house. It'll be difficult for our more socially programed folks, but it's only prudent, at least until we hit the plateau and have a better understanding of what we are dealing with.
Use time away from others to grow your spirit and your mind. As terrible as the cause is, this is a rare opportunity in our frantic world.
