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We hear a lot these days about the economic impact of the pandemic. Has this been on your mind? If so, tell us what you're thinking.
Homelessness was already a problem in California before the pandemic, but the economic impact of the shutdowns mandated to curb the spread of the virus has pushed many people who were just one paycheck away from disaster out into makeshift tent dwellings on the streets of Berkeley, where I have been living during the pandemic. Over the last 15 months, the number of tent dwellers living on the streets of Berkeley has steadily increased. Mercifully, the City has chosen to leave them alone, and has set up port-a-potties and hand-washing stations near the largest groups of tents. My heart goes out to these people whose economic situation, often due to circumstances beyond their control, has made their lives so difficult. I am outraged at the approach that many other jurisdictions have adopted toward their unhoused residents. My hometown of Santa Cruz, for one, regularly gives tent dwellers a 3-day notice to move (to where?), then confiscates any belongings that haven't been moved, and for the most part, dumps them in the landfill. The eviction moratoriums in some areas have helped many people who would otherwise be on the streets, but our government, at all levels, needs to do a lot more to address the underlying economic inequalities in this country, which have been both exacerbated and highlighted by the pandemic.
July 2, 2021
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
The image is from the Government of Bermuda Facebook page today. I am extremely lucky to be here. Today I went in to the town of Hamilton, the capital and only city on the island. I had to see an ophthalmologist this afternoon and after my eye doctor appointment I went into the local department store and got some carry out for lunch. I sat down at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, and looked out over the bay. Then I walked the 2 miles back home through the Botanical Gardens. Everyone i town wore masks. All the businesses require you to use hand sanitizer upon entering, and signs tell you to keep your distance. Bam in November the numbers were high here....over 200 active cases and the minister of health said last night she felt that they almost lost control of the virus. But now the numbers are down. They still require masks in stores, or where you can't socially distance, there is a curfew...can't be out after midnight. Indoor bars are not open. I still continue to be very careful and keep my social circle very small.
February 7, 2021