My Run In With Covid
[Written 2/14/21]
This week's "Coach's Tips" has been substituted for "Story Time". It's been one heck of a week, and I thought it would be a good share.
Earlier this week, I had a run in with Covid-19. It was Tuesday, and a person in our "covid pod" cancelled on Rach and I to watch the kids. After a little bit of probing, we found out that she hadn't been feeling well, and actually had a few of the Covid-19 symptoms. We had been in contact with her a few times in the prior week, and wanted to make sure that everyone was safe.
Our sitter and I both decided to get tested, just in case she turned out to be positive, I needed to know what my status was immediately so I could notify everyone at the gym.
For anyone who hasn't had a Covid test yet, here's how they go. You go get two nasal swabs (yes, they go up as high as everyone claims!), one for a rapid test, which is quick, but not as accurate, and a PCR test, which takes longer, but is SUPER accurate.
Our sitter went first, and got her test results back as I was on my way to my test. Negative! What a huge relief! I was already halfway to my appointment, so I decided to keep it just in case. I get home from my test, and the technician calls about 20 minutes later. Positive. It was like one of those moments you see in movies where the poor schlub sits there freaking out while everything else fades into the background. As she was about to hang up, I thought, "maybe I heard her wrong". She asked if I understood everything she said, and not wanting to sound like a moron, I said, "yes". She ended with, "Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Good luck in quarantine". Damnit! I did hear her right.
My two biggest concerns were my family, and the gym. So first, I told Rach. We decided the next best thing for us to do would be to get her tested. Just in case, somehow, my virus didn't get to her, we could know exactly what to do with her and the boys. So, she left to go get tested.
Next, I called Anne and April to start throwing around ideas. Anne, despite wanting to be of assistance, was on her way to the Virgin Islands that day, so could only offer emotional support. So Ape and I brainstormed some ideas, and rallied the coaches to talk about everything we could do to change the schedule, and get coaches tested so that we could be as safe as possible.
It was then that Rach returned home, and she already had her rapid results. Negative. What the hell!? How was I the only one to be positive!? Now I have to quarantine for 2 weeks? Alone!?
Rach was smart enough to ask the technician some important questions while she was at her appointment. "The tech said that there's a 3% false positive rate with the rapid test. So, when your PCR test comes in, we'll know for sure if you have it".
So you're telling me there's a chance!? Now I get to wait 12-36 hours for my results to come in on the off-chance that the rapid test was false. The coaches and myself hop on a call and we hash out a plan for what to do just in case my PCR results don't come back in time for my classes, and we start figuring out who can cover what classes just in case it comes back positive.
Now I wait. The next 12 hours were some of the most panicky, anxious, guilty hours I've ever felt. I sat in my office, alone. It felt like I had died, or gone missing. I could hear Rach and the boys on the other side of the door, but I was unable to see or interact with them. I wondered how the hell did I get this? Who did I give it to? Did I have it at the gym? How many people did I expose? How many of those people have auto-immune diseases? How many people were going to get sick because of me? How many people were going to miss work because of me? How many people were going to die because of me? It got dark.
Somehow, with all these thoughts racing through my brain, I was able to fall asleep. 6am the next morning, Rach came bursting into my new bedroom, "Your PCR test came back negative! So did mine!". I felt like I dodged a bullet.
And this is the whole point of telling you all this story. I do not believe the feelings that I had in those 12 hours were unique to me. I believe that most people that have had a run in with Covid have thought those thoughts. I don't think that people should live in fear, but I do think we should be realistic and responsible. I'm very proud of the steps that we've taken in the gym to keep our members safe, and the efforts of our members to adhere to the new standards. I encourage everyone to think about what you would do if you were put in a situation where you contracted Covid, and how would you react. This is not meant to be fear-mongering, but more of a reality-refreshment. I know that I, myself, have felt the fatigue of this pandemic. We're not out of the woods yet, but we can see the tree line. Stay healthy everyone.