HOUSTON — Just a few weeks ago, bars and clubs would be full of people, many of them single, hoping to meet someone.
But now, single life looks very different.
Lissette Laurencio is single and would like to mingle.
“I'm so used to it only being in person," Laurencio said.
The only problem is she can’t. At least, not the way she’s used to.
“That I’m like just like, I might as well kiss goodbye any type of dating life," Laurencio said.
But she’s doing the virtual dating. She's already been on three dates, and in it, she’s discovered something.
“Now you get to really know a person, and like know yourself and what your interests are," Laurencio said.
Without physical distractions, she’s getting to know the other person so much more.
“It’s literally like you and I and nothing else," Laurencio said.
Ruby Thang was also single, but isn’t any more. She’s dating Cliff, but only recently.
“We just started dating and then this quarantine happens," Thang said.
Now, they’re keeping their distance -- literally. She says quarantine life is helping her learn even more about her man.
“It’s been an amazing experience. We’ve both been having fun and getting to know each other at a deeper level," Thang said.
Ruby and Laurencio are part of Events and Adventures, a dating service that hosts several events each week for singles to meet in person, face to face.
“Being able to be in a place where you can be yourself, is what really makes people shine," events manager Reid Johnson said.
But the dating service now having to figure out how to move everything online.
“Anything that we can dream up, they’re like yeah, do it. Make it happen," Johnson said.
They’re hosting trivia nights, music bingo, morning yoga, Easter egg decorating and even magic shows.
That's just a few of so many events they’re offering, saying this shutdown is about physical distancing, not social distancing.
“As humans and as people, we need other people. We really do. It’s not healthy to not have relationships with other people," said Mark Owen, president of Events and Adventures.
It’s a new life that we’re all having to figure out. But single or not, just know you’re not alone.
“Don’t let yourself get sucked into being alone. The online can work. It can bridge the gap," Owen said.
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some patients also have nausea, body aches, headaches and stomach issues. Losing your sense of taste and/or smell can also be an early warning sign.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk for becoming seriously ill. However, U.S. experts are seeing a significant number of younger people being hospitalized, including some in ICU.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- Follow social distancing
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
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