Last night, I re-entered Canada. I was given a pamphlet and told to self isolate for 14 days, simply because I had been in the United States. This is common among all of our countries, and it does affect this study.
I would suggest that all research be done at home, online for now. There are volumes of work on unusual animals and this is an opportunity to learn about them. It's also a great time to learn basics like biology, climatology and all the other "ologies" that affect the living world. Many universities offer online learning, and it's wonderful even if you don't get the credit or the degree. Doing it online keeps you safe from this virus.
Stay out of the field. We don't know if this bug will spread to the animals around us. Additionally, one should never go into the field alone and right now isn't the time to hang out with others.
We are always asking others to take our study seriously. We want to be respected as researchers. Let's take this latest challenge seriously as well. You may feel great, not know anyone exposed, and find it difficult to understand what the big deal is.
I assure you, it's a big deal. It's probably the biggest deal of your adult life.
What it isn't, however, is something to panic over. We've weathered, MERS, SARS, H1N1, the AIDS epidemic, and more. We will weather this as well. The way to do that is to be kind, be patient, and to help others, even if they are strangers.
Help others. Stay away from rampant, unsupported rumours. Don't let social media panic take over.
Be well, physically and mentally.
Just do it.
