PLEASE NOTE: This cache is not accessible from the turnpike.
Eight of the nine numbered caches in this series contain a clue to the location of the final cache. The clues are highlighted in pink. The final is located at N 38°5A.BCD W 095°4E.FGH.
On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease.
COVID-19 has not been previously observed in humans. While initially thought to be a respiratory disease, COVID-19 is now known to affect people differently. People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Until treatments and/or vaccines are developed to effectively combat the virus, a few behavioral strategies are available to help reduce its spread, including good hand hygiene, social distancing (staying at least six feet apart from others) and the wearing of facial masks outside the home. While we wait for vaccines and treatments to be developed, many of us are experiencing unprecedented levels of uncertainty and anxiety as the virus continues to spread and, and in some cases, take the lives of our most vulnerable.
This series of geocaches is meant to provide a few suggestions for self-care while we deal with this worldwide public health crisis.
Social connection can protect our physical health and mental health in many ways. A longitudinal Harvard study following study participants for 80 years found that people with stronger social connections were the healthiest and happiest. In fact, social connectivity over a lifetime was the key variable that predicted happiness and longevity. Although most of us are separated from friends and extended family right now, technology offers many ways to stay connected, including cell phones, email, instant message, Skype, social media, and Zoom. Please reach out to friends who are living alone during this difficult time. You might just make their day.
** Note from Flatland Reviewer: It's good to be outside. Practice social distancing and take hand sanitizer.
CONGRATULATIONS TO Ichabod08 FOR BEING FTF!