MM has observed people out and about in Mentone without masks. If you haven’t already heard, on Tuesday Erin Gustafson, M.D., MPH, acting San Bernardino County Health Officer, ordered ALL County residents – including essential workers – to wear masks, whether scarves without holes, bandannas, neck gaiters (whatever they are), or other face coverings, when they leave home – and that only for “essential” activities. The Order is in addition to the Health Officer’s March 17 and March 27 orders and Governor Newsom’s March 19 order, to stay home except for essential activities, such as grocery or medication pickup.
The Order is enforceable by “the Sheriff and all Chiefs of Police.” It’s not fun but it’s necessary, and will remain in full force and effect until the “all clear” is given.
Violation of the Order is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both, according to the Order. Easter gatherings, other than with just immediate family, are discouraged if not illegal.
Feeling lonely or isolated and needing to visit with someone besides the ones you see every day and are probably tired of talking to? Skype, Google Hangout, BlueJeans, Facetime and Zoom are available to connect and see each other face to face, some in groups [Ed.’s note: one wag suggested combing one’s hair before signing on].
One dating website, for example, encourages people to have a “date” by eating “together” with the same foods and visit while eating. [Ed.’s note: that should lower the number of “quaranteens” we’ll see about 13 years from now!]
According to sbcovid-19, there are now four (4) confirmed cases in Mentone. Given the ~10,000 residents Mentone is reputed to have, MM believes that’s a pretty good number, up from only three (3) last week; perhaps it’s reflective of Mentonites’ desire to stay well (except for certain unnamed ones who had “unprotected” parties with out-of-their-home guests over the weekend)? Stay safe, Mentone!