Are we tiring of “social distancing”?
By now, everyone across the country has grown accustomed to working from home, washing their hands thoroughly and maintaining a safe distance from others. “Social distancing” methods may prove to be the way to reduce the spread of this terrible virus gripping the nation.
But we’re a social breed and we need to connect. And we need fresh air and a chance to stretch our legs after working indoors much of the day. Unfortunately, everyone seems to have the same ideas at the same time.
Here’s a shot I found on Facebook, posted by Bill McKim. Bill does local photography along the Jersey Shore and he’s very good at what he does. Check out his website. And follow him on Facebook to find out what’s happening in Belmar and the surrounding areas.
Social distancing may prove to be very effective. But we won’t know how effective it can be, until the virus has begun to subside. Currently (March 31, 2020) the United States has had 4000 deaths related to the virus. Last night we heard estimates of 240,000 deaths in the US.
That jump from 4000 to 240,000 seems hard to comprehend. It’s difficult for me to make that leap, how about you?
But look a little closer at that shot. This moment in time may be a reason why some believe we might make that leap from 4000 to 240,000 deaths. We have to do our part, as small as it may seem. These kinds of crowds are why boardwalks along most Jersey Shore towns have been closed this week. This photo was taken by Bill on a recent day in March. Temperatures approached 80 degrees, unusual for March. Lots of folks flocked to the boardwalk.
This is not social distancing.
And soon, folks of all ages will want to get outside as the weather starts to warm up in April. We have to remain vigilant and stick to the script.
We need this virus to subside and the best way for us to cooperate (besides washing our hands) is to maintain social distancing. It’s inconvenient in the short term, but we will all benefit in the long term.
Like the drops we’ve seen in the markets, these changes may be “inconvenient” and “uncomfortable” in the short term. But in the long run, the market needs to “do its’ thing.” We have to remain vigilant and stick to the script. The market has generated the long-term results by moving up AND down. These long-term results are what we need to try to outpace inflation. Like these crowds pictured above (on the boardwalk), we know better.
So many of us (especially in the industry) know this to be true. It’s uncomfortable from day to day watching prices melt on the screen. We may make small tweaks and minor changes along the way in our portfolios.
But panicking (or getting impatient) and ripping up the script is not recommended.