Riding out the Coronavirus in Durham
A lot has changed in a week. The full force of the coronavirus has arrived and has dramatically impacted our routines. UNH and Oyster River School Systems have moved to remote learning, and many local businesses have suffered significant reductions in customers. Since this is likely to be the new normal for a while, here are a few tips.
While this has been stated many time, I'll state it again. Please practice social distancing. One of the most difficult aspects of Covid-19 is that it appears to be contagious before the onset of symptoms. This has lead to its explosive spread and sadly, a rising death toll. In order to prevent our medical facilities from being overwhelmed like Italy, we need to spread out the wave of patients in need of medical interventions.
You can find a wealth of information on Covid-19 at the CDC website. Todd Selig has done a great job of sending out information in Durham Friday updates, and if you have not yet subscribed, you can find them here.
As I mentioned, our local businesses have been hurt by the slowdown in foot traffic. While you can't dine in, most are still offering take out. At this time Breaking New Grounds, Dominos, Durham House of Pizza and JP's Grill, The Works Cafe, Three Chimneys Inn, Wildcat Pizza, Emery Market and Cafe, Hop and Grind, Mei Wei, The Juicery, and Thai Smile 2 are all open for takeaway. As an added bonus, some are offering take out wine and beer. Please consider taking a break from the kitchen and helping them out. You can help our other local businesses survive the slowdown by purchasing a gift card. You can find links to them in our business directory.
Hannafords and Rite Aide are both open and seemed to have weathered the initial surge. Be considerate and don't hoard.
With schools closed and many parents working from home, it is a good idea to take a break and go outside. Despite tonight's snow storm, the weather has been mild. It is not difficult to practice social distancing and take a walk with your family. For many, this is the silver lining of the pandemic. The Conservation and Land Stewardship Commissions have been hard at work improving Durham's trail network and just released this new map of our outdoor recreational sites.
Durham also offers some great cycling loops. Since Wildcat Fitness closed, the Durham Point Road loop has become my new gym. A little cool, but great views. If you need a bike, clothing, or a tune-up, be sure and call Oyster River Cycle and Sport. Brian, the owner, lives in Durham and is extremely knowledgable.
Celebrate Durham is still holding Wednesday 9AM morning meetings, but they have moved from Town Hall to Zoom. Here is our zoom information. Meeting ID: 484 836 310 Password: 690610. Please join us and share your ideas for helping the community weather this storm.
Stay safe and get some fresh air.
Al