This #ChineseVirus #CoronaVirus #COVID-19, or whatever the hell you want to call it, man-made crisis has side effects that are far worse than the disease itself, if you ask me. I pray and grieve for those who have lost loved ones to this disease and I realize there is a risk of severe casualties, however, there are more casualties than the numbers on the CDC site reflect. A significant side effect of our fear and hysteria over a virus might be humanity itself.

We are a social people. Babies thrive when held and cuddled. Adults thrive when collaborating and interacting. Yet we are forcing ourselves to abandon social aspects of our lives for a virus we will probably have a antidote for by late Spring and a vaccine early next year.

We have seen only two death thus far from the Corona virus in NM. Yet, we shutdown the state and my community, Taos, has prematurely cancelled all of the activities on the plaza for the summer. The plaza, a traditional gathering place for the community to come together regardless of race, color or creed to enjoy humanity. This is a classic over reaction and a decision based on fear more than anything else in my opinion.

Every summer the Taos Plaza holds a Farmers Market where dozens of vendors bring fresh meats, produce, crafts and other consumables. This is the freshest and some of the healthiest organic food you can find. If you use EBT, you get two for one deals. Farmers barter a loaf of bread for a bunch of turnips. Micro-Farmers bring great produce and a frontier spirit of hope and community. It is an amazing place. But not this year. There will be no Farmers Market.

On Thursday evenings during the summer, bands take up their instruments to fill the plaza with music. Locals come to listen and to dance. It is the perfect example of community living. Yet, the town has cancelled this as well. No dancing, no music, silence. Unbelievable.

My beef is that these decisions are being made now to impact the entire season rather than on a month by month basis. The town says they will be reconsidering on a monthly basis but likely will not have anything until Labor Day. They are also considering a curfew.

I guess I will get in lots more hiking than I had planned. I’m brainstorming how to alternatively support and publicize the farmers and crafts people impacted by the closing of the farmers market. Comments welcome.

PS – The number of Pneumonia and Influenza related deaths in NM 2019-2020 as reported by the NM Dept of Health is 151 thus far. For 2017-2018 for comparison, the number was 292. We have 2 from COVID-19 thus far in 9 weeks.