Page 30 - ActsCOVID-19_and_Me

stores. Paper and cleaning products topped the list. The most sought after was toilet paper. Scenes of people leaving stores with shopping carts full of toilet paper were common. Pasta and tomato sauce were in demand. The public, obviously, had forgotten the motto, “Be Prepared.” I had some supplies on hand, so for the moment, I wasn’t concerned.
Pandemic Life at Manor House
Manor House restrictions increased, including the closure of the dining room for seated dining. Residents were now expected to navigate through a maze of floor tape to secure their meal. A server behind the hot table dished up choices onto the green, divided plastic trays.
Soups, condiments, fruit, and dessert accompanied the entree in a paper shopping bag, as it was carried to an apartment to be consumed alone or with a spouse. Individuals not wanting to participate in the dining room take-out experience opted for delivery to their apartment.
Friday’s wine and cheese gathering was suddenly transformed into a wine cart that made stops at every apartment. The fruit of the grape, consumed alone.
Without warning, on April 4, travel outside of the Manor House campus was terminated. Venturing off campus for any reason required a fourteen-day isolation in one’s apartment upon return. WillowBrooke Court banned all visitors. It was as though a giant steel door slammed shut.
Formerly busy hallways were nearly deserted. A few masked residents waved or nodded as they passed. Never before seen signs gave instructions and warnings:
THIS AREA PERMANENTLY CLOSED WEAR A MASK PROPERLY
WASH YOUR HANDS
DO NOT ENTER
STOP! PLEASE USE THE HENLOPEN ELEVATOR TO GO TO THE FIRST FLOOR
24