COVID-19 news is everywhere, likely to the point where it has become overwhelming. To the extent that you come to TSF to escape it, I’m sorry for bringing it to you here. With Mikel Arteta testing positive and club personnel self-isolating, it’s a bit inevitable. But I also feel compelled both as someone with a (small) platform and as a member of society to do my part to help all of us get through this. I’ll keep it brief.
Listen to the experts. Please, as much as you can, stay home. I know that everybody has different circumstances, responsibilities, commitments, and capabilities, so do the best you can. When you do have to go out in public, practice social distancing. Avoid touching your face. Wash your hands properly. And just be good to each other.
It’s not just about keeping yourself safe and healthy. It’s about the health and safety of the community. It’s about protecting the most vulnerable people — the elderly, the sick, the immunocompromised. It’s about not overloading the health care system so that people who need treatment for other serious conditions can get the medical attention they need.
I’m not the only person banging this drum. People around the sports world are putting out similar messages about coronavirus, including Arsenal players.
Football does not matter right now. The health and wellbeing of everyone is far more important than everything else. Guys, take all the precautions you can - be mindful and considerate of everyone, especially those who are at high risk. #M1Ö (1/2)
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) March 13, 2020
This is bigger than football. It’s so important that we are now doing everything possible to stop the virus. Therefore, please follow the instructions of the authorities and avoid anything that could endanger you, your friends and families. Stay safe and healthy! #SM20 pic.twitter.com/fvievquZiY
— Shkodran Mustafi (@MustafiOfficial) March 13, 2020
#StayAtHomeChallenge w/ @433 pic.twitter.com/Bck0tQbUy5
— Shkodran Mustafi (@MustafiOfficial) March 15, 2020
⚪️ "Teleworking"#imstayinghome
— Daniel Ceballos (@DaniCeballos46) March 15, 2020
It's time to think about others. Be responsible. Be caring. Together we will win this battle!
⚪️ “Teletrabajando” #YoMeQuedoEnCasa Es hora de pensar en los demás. Sé responsable. Sé solidario. Juntos venceremos! @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/cVOBZdMOFm
One message that I particularly enjoyed (because if you didn’t know, I’m an LSU fan) was from National Champion Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron.
When Coach O speaks, we all listen.
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) March 14, 2020
For more information on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit: https://t.co/89sZCjY9n3@Coach_EdOrgeron @LADeptHealth #lagov #lalege #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/OxJ5u2xBmo
And if Arsenal stars and Coach O’s distinctive voice didn’t get the message across, maybe the Wu Tang Clan will.
Protect Ya Neck against the Coronavirus. We are making a few thousand prints and distributing them across New York City. Feel FREE to do the same in your City.
— Wu Tang Clan (@WuTangClan) March 15, 2020
Share and RT this to the world. #wutang pic.twitter.com/coS5M3WdiW
We’ve got some really cool stuff in the works to fill the Arsenal void in all our lives, including things that you, reader, will have a direct hand in selecting (hint, hint). So make sure you stay tuned. And we’re around in the comments to shoot the breeze about the Gunners, the Premier League, football, or whatever else might be on your mind. Stay safe, stay healthy, and as always, Up the Arsenal.