The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was January 21. In the five short months since, our lives have changed tremendously.
     In the beginning, it seemed many were somewhat accepting of what was viewed as a “temporary” disruption to our lives. But as the months have ticked by, temperaments have become much less accepting. That’s understandable, due to the significant losses people are experiencing.
     It isn’t fair that high school seniors missed their last few months of school, including prom, spring sports and a traditional graduation celebration.
     It isn’t fair that some businesses are forced to be closed completely or operate under tight restrictions while others are not only open but are flourishing.
     It isn’t fair that some people are doing quite well financially with stimulus payments and increased unemployment benefits while others are falling through the cracks with no income.
     It isn’t fair that some places require you to wear a mask when you enter and it isn’t fair that others don’t require everyone to wear a mask.
     It isn’t fair that some businesses and organizations qualify for government programs while others don’t.
     It isn’t fair that 4-H’ers won’t have an opportunity to participate in the fair this year and that concession vendors are losing their major source of income.
     It isn’t fair that some people lost their jobs.
     There are a lot of things that simply aren’t fair about COVID-19. And, there are always many sides to an issue and everyone is looking at the issue through a different lens. Business owners, government officials, health officials, employers, employees, families, school officials… everyone has a different viewpoint, because this issue truly does impact everyone in one way or another.
     Here are other viewpoints on how COVID-19 has been unfair:
     ​It isn’t fair that health care workers have to put their lives in danger every day and then risk exposing their loved ones, or quarantining away from their loved ones to protect them.
     It isn’t fair that some people die from this virus while others don’t show any symptoms at all.
     It isn’t fair that people can’t be there to hold loved ones who are sick and scared.
     It isn’t fair that people are quarantined far from home in unknown surroundings.
     It isn’t fair that people can’t grieve loss by undergoing the rituals of a funeral.
     It isn’t fair that some businesses aren’t going to make it through this.
     Nothing about this pandemic is fair. It’s also unfortunate that this is a learn-as-you-go situation for everyone involved, and there is no guidebook.
     We need to keep repeating the statement that has become so common worldwide: “We are all in this together.” It has been incredible to watch a spirit of togetherness spreading around the world, and to find that the silver lining of a pandemic could be unity.
     However, it isn’t difficult to see that that silver lining can quickly be ripped to shreds with accusations, anger and fear. We can’t control what is happening. We can only control how we personally react.
     “It’s unfair that I lost out on my senior year of baseball, but I made memories with my family that I will treasure forever.”
     “It’s unfair that my business is hurting while others are thriving, but people have gone out of their way to show their support, and I trust they will be there for us all the way through recovery.”
     It’s also amazing how impactful changing “I” statements to “we” statements can be.
     “This has been hard on all of us… many of our businesses are hurting… many of us are out of work… are struggling financially… are missing out on important events...”
     ​We are all in this together – and in the end, we can look back and celebrate that a pandemic brought unity to our world, or… we can blame it for dividing us even further.

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak is very real. It can involve fear and worry about your health or the health of loved ones, upset caused by changed routines and schedules or changes in eating and exercise, and worry over the future of your company, your job or your finances.

Everyone reacts differently so there is no easy guideline for ensuring you or your loved ones aren’t overcome by this stress. Your coping mechanism may not work for your spouse, your child, your elderly parent, or your coworker. The main thing is to be aware, and to talk with others regularly about what is going on and how you are feeling.

It’s important to pay attention to how this pandemic is affecting you and those you love. While you may feel like things are going just fine, or that your kids have adapted well, or that your elderly parent doesn’t seem too worried, they may be putting on a strong front but be panicking inside. We are all in this together, but it isn’t easy when one person watches someone else go about their day as if nothing is out of the ordinary while they themselves feel like they are falling into a pit of despair, anxiety and depression.

So it is important to remember that while we are all experiencing changed lives because of COVID-19, we will all deal with it very differently. Besides talking regularly with others, there are some simple things we can all do to try to take care of our mental health.

Here are a few:

• Take breaks from media and social media. News on the pandemic is everywhere, and much of it is heavy and bleak. Reading or viewing it constantly can quickly drain your ability to stay positive.
• Take care of your body. Eat healthy, exercise, make sure you are breathing deeply, avoid alcohol and drugs and other feel good remedies that can be addicting or abused.
• Find the positives in the circumstances – more time spent with family, more time for hobbies, etc.
• Connect with others. Stay in place orders cause a lot of people to lose out on much-needed social interaction. Call a friend, use one of the many social media platforms to virtually meet with someone, write some old-fashioned hand written letters.
• Learn something new. Try painting or playing an instrument or gardening.

Most importantly, seek help if you are feeling overwhelmed or if a loved one is struggling and you don’t feel equipped to help them. Don’t wait. 

John Buck is CPA and owner of John Buck Accounting in Alexandria, MN. John Buck Accounting offers many services including tax preparation, payroll services and more. John meets with his clients directly on an individual basis to walk you through processes and asses any needs you might have.  

By Tara Bitzan, Executive Director, Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Last fall, our community was notified that Alexandria was named “Best Minnesota Town” by Minnesota Monthly magazine. Of course, we already knew our community was great, but this honor gave us the opportunity to tell others about all the special things that make Alexandria “the ultimate destination to live, work, play and prosper.”

​Along with the honor came a 12-page feature in Minnesota Monthly. Journalist Erik Tormoen traveled to Alexandria to find out first-hand what made us stand out from other communities. His feature article was just released in the May/June issue. While one can easily complain that the timing of this “stinks” and that Alexandria lost the spotlight to the Coronavirus, we at the Chamber are sticking with our 2020 theme of “Be Positive, Do Positive.” We are very proud of this community, and we are thrilled about all the great things going on here that were spotlighted in the article.

Tormoen wrote about our highly ranked health care and education systems, our dining and beverage options that are anything but small town, our abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and the incredible diversity of business and industry in our area.
Our many lakes and our tourism industry are a focus in the article, to which Tormoen writes: [Alexandria is] “where Minnesota really earns that friendly, outdoorsy reputation.”

​Tormoen was in the process of writing this article in February when Alexandria experienced a devastating fire that destroyed some of our historic downtown buildings, displacing some businesses and residents. He talks about that in the article, commenting on the collaborative spirit and helping hands attitude of the people of Alexandria, which is one of the main things that makes our community stand out.

​The lead-in to the article states: “Beauty, progress and resilience make Alexandria Minnesota Monthly’s Best Minnesota Town.” We couldn’t agree more! 

The May/June issue of Minnesota Monthly is available on these local newsstands:
Elden’s Fresh Foods & Downtown Floral
Alexandria Cub Foods
Target
Walmart Supercenter
Walgreens