Taking on New Adventures

Recently, I made the decision to rejoin CNN on a contract (part time) basis. I’m doing some freelance producing while I spend time building my small business and getting a few other projects that will soon be announced off the ground.

But back to CNN. I got the call on Saturday afternoon to head to the Seattle area to cover the coronavirus. A nursing home in Kirkland had several cases confirmed and more are being confirmed on a daily basis, it seems. So I worked on booking the flight and headed home to pack for the trip.

I’ll admit, I’ve never been a germaphobe. I figured I’ve survived this long in the world being cautious but not freaking out and I’ll continue to survive. I do have hand sanitizer with me at all times just in case, but that’s about it. However, on Sunday, I went ahead and packed 2 bottles of it as well as some alcoholic wet wipes.

I don’t normally wipe down anything on the plane when I travel but I am cautious. I rarely use the tray and when I do, I put some sanitizer on it and wipe it down with a napkin. But on Sunday, during both of my flights, I didn’t even touch the tray.

On my second flight, as soon as I sat down, the woman sitting next to me informed me that the gentleman sitting in front of us wiped down all of his seat and then ours as well. She thought it was a little aggressive but I didn’t mind. I mean, if people want to sanitize my area of the plane, I’m fine with that.

Once I landed in Seattle, I noticed several people with masks on. Heeding the various suggestions from doctors, I don’t really see what that does to help. I know that it’s a “thing” in certain areas of the world, but honestly, I never really understood it.

Overall, I didn’t see the hysteria on the plane or in the airports, but people are definitely talking about it. From conferences canceling due to the fears to companies limiting travel for employees, awareness is at an all time high and people are doing all they can to avoid contracting and/or spreading the virus.

So now I’m out here on the West Coast and at some point, will have to fly back home. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, is different at the airports.