Debbie Weil brings her husband, Dr. Sam Harrington, back on the show for an update on their evolving state of mind about the continuing pandemic. Like everyone else, they are settling into social distancing for the long haul. This is their new normal, at least for now.

After two months of self-isolating in their little apartment in New Haven, CT they drove back to Stonington, ME, the remote coastal village where they live. Debbie knew they would feel much safer in Maine where the infection rate is exceptionally low. Sam is not so sure. The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Maine is less than 2,000 and the number of deaths, statewide, is fewer than 100, with only one death in their county. Those numbers are as of mid-May 2020.

But are they really that much safer? Is there really a safe place anywhere?

What they talked about:

• How Sam is feeling: less fearful but still uncertain
• Feeling emotionally safe does not mean we are safe from the virus
• The 14-day quarantine for people coming to Maine from out-of-state (i.e. People From Away or PFAs) and its impact on tourism and local economy
• The tension between locals and PFAs
• Will the new normal include immunity licenses or passports? The pros and cons and practicalities
• What about the proper use of masks and gloves (Sam’s recent blog post on the topic)
• BONUS: Sam’s new protest beard…  and why it is important

Mentioned in the episode or relevant links:

• Maine Gov. Janet Mills and COVID-19
• Dr. Ezekiel Emmanuel
• Dr. Emanuel’s JAMA paper on the ethics of COVID-19 licenses or immunity passports
• Article about the ethics of immunity passports (Washington Post)
• The benefit of a Maine lobster vs. the cost of a Maine life (about the debate over the 14-day quarantine)
• Sam’s blog post: How Safe Will You Be? The Proper Use of Gloves and Masks