I'm quarantined in my hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, where I spent my entire childhood and early adulthood. New Jersey has been a COVID-19 hot spot, specifically Bergen County, where of course I live and where everyone's life has been flipped upside down. I've been stuck in the house since mid-March, it's been about a month or so and I think my parents are just itching until my boyfriend and I officially move out of their house.
Since I lived in Tenafly for my entire life, I know nothing else, but I for sure have noticed these COVID-19 effects:
So many more people are walking outside, but they still avoid you on the street
I understand why you don't want our dogs to play, but saying, "Hi," back or even a nod of acknowledgment won't kill you.
Local yoga and fitness studios are adapting
Thank you to the local studios for their online classes and donations to various causes.
Tenafly's Facebook group is wild
The amount of moms and dads fighting like cats and dogs about who knows what should be illegal.
Wild animals are coming back!
We always had a ton of deer and wildlife, but, now, none of them are hiding from cars and people.
Kids are still having play dates
Every time I go to walk the dog, I see parents dropping off their kids or high schoolers hanging out or dogs running around having doggy dates. What do people don't understanding about the whole social distancing thing? #lowerthecurve
People are still rude, snobby, and uptight
This health crisis has not taught people to be kind, caring, and nurturing. The judgmental death stares are still a thing. Doctor's gossiping about patients, yeah, still a thing. And, kids are still complaining about what went wrong at their bar mitzvahs.
We all still need sushi
I love sushi just like the rest of this, but what is this recent craze all about?
Downtown is a ghost town
Listen to this, I went to CVS yesterday (don't worry, I had a mask and everything) and I could park anywhere I wanted to. I mean it, our downtown is one short block all the parking spaces were empty.
We appreciate healthcare workers
As someone who is going into the healthcare industry and trying to stay proactive, I appreciate the signs and efforts put into thanking healthcare workers.
People are going crazy
I understand we are all scared, but it doesn't give you the right to scream at someone when you're at the store.
People still can't drive
Please stop speeding, please stop where there is a stop sign, and please wait for your turn at a 4-way-stop.