The Virus That Shall Not Be Named - A Touring Artist Survival Guide

I have been out of town since Monday morning. I've been in hotels and schools all over North Carolina. After my shows in Concord this morning, I had a four-hour drive in front of me to Roanoke Rapids. Since the route took me past my house, I decided to dip in, have some lunch, chat with my grown children, and then continue on my way.

I'd just started taking the first half of the week's laundry and such out of the car when I got the call that my shows for tomorrow have been canceled because of the virus that shall not be named.

My first thought...I GET THE DAY OFF!

Now, I like telling stories, but let me explain.

February is intense for African American artists because at times it feels like the month is trying to kill us. The joke I have is that even people who don't know they need any kind of performer suddenly need a black one.

It is one of those feast or famine types of things where February is a feast! By the end of the month, I'm pretty wiped.

The buzz word for February for me is SELFCARE!

I spend the month indulging in taking care of myself so I can end the month healthy and ready for Women's History Month, which - since I stopped doing historical reenactments of Sojourner Truth, Phyllis Wheatley, and Madam CJ Walker - is not only doable but downright enjoyable.

Then, the virus that shall not be named started racing around the world. People are part freaking out, part being cautious, and part being in denial.

Only you know where you land on that spectrum.

So, I thought I'd do a quick self-care and suggestion guide for touring artists based on the most up to date information I have.

So, here goes.

1 - If you don't have any savings, now is the time to put some by!

There is a chance that if you work in the schools, or in community situations your shows will be canceled. If you can put every other gig check in a savings account, I would do that for now. We don't typically have sick leave or paid days off. Prepare!

That's not always possible, but if you can, now is the time!

2 - Our scientists think that surface contact is a possible way this thing is spreading.

The current science says:

source

How long the new coronavirus can live on a soft surface — and more importantly, how easy or hard it is to spread this way — isn’t clear yet. So far, available evidence suggests it can be transmitted less easily from soft surfaces than frequently-touched hard surfaces, such as a doorknob or elevator button.

According to the WHO, coronaviruses may survive on surfaces for just a few hours or several days,  although many factors will influence this, including surface material and weather.

That’s why personal preventive steps like frequently washing hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and wiping down often-touched surfaces with disinfectants or a household cleaning spray, are a good idea.

Recommendation? 

If you have a portable container hand sanitizer, use it every single time you encounter a touchpad! There are touchpads in the grocery store, schools, at banks, at the gas station etc..

We are out traveling around and using community services more than others since we are constantly pumping gas or riding public conveyance. So, be aware of what and where your hands are. If you can't get to a bathroom and some soap, use that hand sanitizer!

3 - Don't shake people's hands!

I bump elbows. Do what you think is best, but understand that people are still offering their hands. It is a habit. I have avoided so many handshakes this week!

Recommendation?

There are lots of options as this ridiculous article in Forbes Magazine suggests. I still like the elbow bump.

4 - Wash your hands for twenty seconds...of course.

Here is that catchy viral song from Vietnam about washing your hands. The lyrics are in the second video, but the first one is full of cute Vietnamese youth doing the viral dance they have created for the song


Here is the original advertisement.



5 - Don't Panic-Buy Face Masks!

Please leave those for healthcare workers or people who are actually sick.

6 - Don't Touch Your Face!

This is an obvious one, but most people do not pay attention to this. It is an unconscious thing.

I was staring out at an audience a couple of mornings ago and was pretty amazed by how often the teachers touched their faces. The kids? Well, little kid's hands are a disgusting mess. I try not to think about their hands. It makes me queasy.


7 - Sanitize!

When you get home, wipe down your steering wheel, gear shift, and your door handles.

Of course, I have OCD and I'm a germaphobe, so do what you think is best, but I'm pretty sure it won't hurt anything!

8 - Please Listen To Credible Sources!!!

Knowing how to get good information is also important. If you read something that scares you half to death, instead of going ape, read some more sources and see what they have to say.

The CDC is usually a pretty good guide.

The World Health Organization is a good guide.

Your state department of Health and Human Services is also a good place to check. (This is the link to the one in NC)


If Billy Bob-not a doctor or epidemiologist or Karen-not a doctor or medical professional of any kind starts telling you to encase your house in cellophane or something equally foolish, please do not go out and buy all of the cellophane...I'm looking at you toilet paper hoarders...or panic.

A time might come to panic, but even then, getting good information will help make it a productive panic.

9 - TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!

Make sure you are getting enough sleep!
Make sure you are eating well!
Make sure you are exercising if that is your thing!
Make sure you are drinking enough water!
Make sure you are as healthy as you can be right now.



So, if you are an itinerant performer, these are some things you might want to consider.

If you have other suggestions, please leave them in the comments.

Have a safe and healthy March!