Updates on local TV between 6 and 6:30 pm (!!!) this Wednesday, March 11. Note that SF has now banned events of >100 people.

Hi all,

I apologize for another ping in your inbox - but alarm bells have been going off. Schools, colleges, museums and libraries in San Francisco are closed, the SFFILM Festival has been cancelled - all towards social distancing and flattening the curve of this pandemic. I am crossing my fingers that testing gets up to speed quickly, on the medical front. But until then, it's up to ourselves and our organizations to do the right thing. We are in this together.

I hope you’re all staying well, safe and informed, for example by checking the San Francisco, Alameda County, and Marin Departments of Public Health and World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control websites for updates.  For mobile updates in San Francisco, text COVID19SF to 888-777. 

There is a wide range of interpretation of "social distancing." See Tiffany K, "The Dos and Don’ts of ‘Social Distancing’", The Atlantic, March 12, 2020). I would suggest paying attention to local conditions and the health vulnerability of yourself and the people you come in contact with, and go from there, as per the CDC guide this article links to. (From my article linked below.)

Above all, I'm sure we can all join in practicing compassion. I loved Judy Woodruff's message at the end of last night's PBS NewsHour. If we feel anxiety, or perhaps anger or outrage at what we see, let's tune into our underlying needs: for safety, well-being, and social justice and equity. If we can give ourselves compassion for having those needs, and fortify our intentions to provide those to each other, we'll be on the path to making a better world.

It's been a busy week for blogging. Here are the latest, to give you something to do as you're likely staying indoors this weekend.

Coronavirus Anxiety: Should I See My Therapist Face-to-Face? (March 12) - Coronavirus is driving many to telehealth sessions. What are the pros and cons?

How Political Leaders Strategically Manipulate Us (March 12) - A discussion with Professor Rose McDermott of Brown University about how leaders use emotions such as fear and anger, and identity issues to manipulate us and define in-group and out-group.

Cathy Park Hong’s Minor Feelings and Asian American Erasure (March 10) - A review of a new book about Asian American identity, which I recommend.

For more updates, follow me on Twitter below.

Warmly,

Ravi

Shelves at my local Safeway...