Well, it's Friday the 13th in Seattle, but unfortunately, it feels like Friday the 13th for everyone, everywhere!

At the top, I want to extend my sincere wishes for my family, friends and those I don't know to stay safe and healthy. And if you do contract the coronavirus, recover as quickly as possible without serious complications. 

This is a frightening time. The nature of viruses is unpredictable and they replicate. It is natural to be afraid of 'an invisible enemy' and hard to fight if there is no known cure. 

Everyday there are accounts of new cases. Coronavirus has affected Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, Sophie Trudeau (wife of Canada's PM Justin Trudeau) and many more -- famous and anonymous people, rich, poor alike and especially those in the senior age group with underlying medical conditions.

I had to return a library book but now the Seattle Public Library is closed. So, I called and renewed by phone. Schools, movies, restaurants, the Space Needle, some banks, etc. are shut down.

This is the right thing to do as science supports the fact that viruses are transmitted person to person in closed quarters. The best thing you can do right now is to keep your distance from other people as much as realistically possible. Wow -- as if this weren't already a polarizing society. 

I'm one of the few women I know who cuts her own hair. I've been doing this for years because I never seemed to be happy with the way a stylist did it. If I asked to cut one inch, he or she would take off two. If I requested bangs not be lapped off too short, I'd be walking around with a half-inch fringe. So, I learned to do it myself -- and no, I'm not licensed. 

Anyway, it occurred to me that many folks would be needing haircuts or manicures (I don't do manicures as I'm on the computer a lot and it's a hassle with the nails). And it's no surprise that beauticians and barbers are squeamish in the midst of this pandemic and don't want to work. I can't blame them. 

Clients are thinking twice about going into a shop for a personal service. I read earlier that salons in the area are getting cancellations right and left because people want to reduce their risk of getting infected.

Barbers (and stylists) say they can't afford to practice social distance. At First Flight Barber and Styling in Charlotte, NC, barber Brandon Mitchell said he can't shut down his business entirely, but he is working from home and exercising all necessary precautions by wearing gloves and applying extreme sanitary conditions -- asking sick clients to not come in. I feel for him and others in the same position.

I'm fortunate to be at home and not going into the office right now. I wish everyone could do this. But right now, we all have to be tough and think positively and help those in need.