One of the many things we have lost in these pandemic times is to be close to our friends. We miss shaking hands, having lengthy intellectual conversations face to face or playing group sports. We are afraid of the virus and this keeps us apart. We are afraid of being infected and getting sick. After more than four months of the Covid-19 outbreak, we know a great deal about this virus, thanks to the studies of competent scientists. For example, we know that this virus gets transmitted from one person to another when in close contact for an extended period of time. For that reason, health authorities recommend social distancing, wearing a mask and avoiding being in closed spaces to minimize infection. With that in mind, I suggested to my friend Matthew that we play some “socially distant” soccer. In other words, pass the ball around with each player far enough (30 meters) from each other and do that for 45 minutes or so every Saturday in Nehwa Park. The weather is being very cooperative. We have enjoyed beautiful sunny days. We agreed on avoiding using our hands when we manipulate the soccer ball, and only use our feet to kick the ball. If we need to communicate we have to speak a bit louder. We won’t do “high fives” and when it is time to end the exercise we will depart individually. We discovered that this was a nice workout. We will keep doing it as weather permits and until this pandemic ends.
By Miguel León