Thursday, October 22, 2020
Governor Murphy pulled himself out of public events and is quarantining himself after learning last Saturday that he was exposed to a staff person with COVID-19. He and his wife tested negative on both Monday and Wednesday but he is acting out of caution because it does take four to five days for the virus to show up after exposure.
He has been wearing a mask when working at public events, taking it off only when he is speaking directly at his press conferences. In proximity with others, he has kept that mask on. With COVID-19, you can’ be too careful.
Rapid response to testing is critical, to be sure. Private COVID-19 testing isn’t cheap, either, running about $120 for the nasal and antibody tests each. There are community testing sites but sometimes their results take a while. As we in New Jersey and the northeast have seen significant spikes, care, serious care, is needed to avoid a replay of last spring.
Prayer for the Day
Again, O God, we come to you for the strength that only you can give,
For we need your presence in our lives at this time;
Again, O God, we come to you searching for answers,
For we are unsure what the coming winter will bring us.
Hold us fast and give us the grace to be open to others
Even as we now live with the uncertainty of the future.
In the name of him who creates certainty of your love,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist (1803–1882)
Deep within every crisis is the opportunity for something beautiful.
Kate McCahan, writer
The Lord is my strength and shield; in God my heart trusts.
So I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to the Lord.
Psalm 28:7