Why I’m Broadcasting from a Pillow Fort and Other Sad Tales of Self-Isolation

The novel Coronavirus has dominated the headlines since March and has changed our lives in so many ways, and now I am experiencing just how much COVID-19 sucks.

I've dealt with school and business closings and am gladly wearing my facemask when I am out and about. I suffered through the big statewide shutdown in April. I've had friends and family members who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and fortunately, they all recovered. I have viewed the Alabama Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Information dashboard every single day for the last three months, watching the numbers climb higher and higher.

I did all of this and still managed to come through the pandemic unscathed... until now.

A close friend of mine has a confirmed case of the novel Coronavirus. It's someone with whom I was in close contact, so I had to get tested--and I have to self-isolate until my results come back.

To be frank: THIS SUUUUUUUUUUUCKS.

The COVID-19 test was super weird. I had a tiny swab inserted so far into my brain that I think it dislodged repressed memories from middle school. I never want to go through that again, but the test wasn't even the worst part...

I am now literally isolated from everyone now. I can't even come into our studios! I have the equipment I need to broadcast from my makeshift soundproof booth (aka a pillow fort).

I am not even a full day into this and I am SO LONELY. I don't even want to think about how bad it will be if I have a positive case and am quarantined for 14 days.

I don't want any of y'all to have to experience this, so please take COVID-19 seriously. Wash your hands. Wear the mask. You DO NOT want this to happen to you.