Closures begin

March 18, 2020: At the end of February, in response to the first reported U.S. death from COVID-19 in the Seattle area, the Granite Curling Club sent out instructions to all members to clean the handles of our curling rocks before and after our games.

The club, where my husband and I have been members for more than 35 years, provided disinfecting wipes for that purpose. Club members did so for 2 weeks of regular league play, until King County made the following recommendations on March 10:

  • Employers should encourage and enable as many employees as possible to telecommute and follow other guidance for businesses.
  • Avoid bringing large groups of people together, and consider postponing events and gatherings.
  • Stay home when you are sick. Do not go out in public when you are sick. If you are ill in any way call your doctor's office first before going in.

Based on these guidelines, the next night the club Board of Directors decided to close the club until further notice. That was the last night of our women's league play. The club is now closed for the season, and the ice making team has been asked to melt the ice on which the game is played, 12 weeks early.

I'm kind of proud that the club's initial closure was five days ahead of Washington State. On Monday, March 16, Governor Inslee ordered all of what he calls "non-essential businesses" closed, and advised everyone to maintain six feet of distance from others while shopping and patronizing "essential businesses," such as grocery stores and pharmacies, which are allowed to stay open. Restaurants can provide take-out or pick-up service, but cannot seat customers on their premises. Our last dinner out was the night of Sunday, March 15, when Doug and I took our son Galan to dinner to celebrate his 33rd birthday.


I live in Seattle and have time to think. Muse, even. Retired from research consulting and report writing, I now write about family history and life around me.

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