I don't ever remember being really quarantined and I've learned in this short period of time that it's not something I do well.

I do remember Mom saying, "Don't go over to your cousin's house, Krinda has the chicken pox."

A few days later she told me, "No you can't go outside until your chicken pox have cleared up. And, stop scratching, it will leave a scar!"

It wasn't the only time I was warned away because of something contagious.

Another time Mom said, "Yes, you can go over to the neighbor's house, but don't touch Marilyn, she has ringworm."

I didn't hug Marilyn when I went over to her house, but that doesn't mean I didn't stare at her the entire time I was there. My dad would have said, "Stop staring!"

Speaking of ringworm, once I went to a friend's house and knocked on the door. While I was waiting for someone to come to the door the sweetest dog came up and nuzzled me. I gave her a couple good pats just as Lori answered the door.

I asked her what I needed to know and then said, "That's the sweetest dog."

Lori said, "That dog has been hanging around here for a couple of days and we can't get rid of her. She's covered in ringworm."

I drove home without touching anything with my right hand. I showered, bleached my clothes and worried about contamination for about a week.

Related:COVID-19 intensifies rural mental health concerns

COVID-19 is a lot more sinister than ringworm or chicken pox and we really need to pay attention in order for it to not affect us in an adverse way.

It is easy for me to remain isolated as I sit at my computer all day. I make the occasional trips to the store – far fewer than I used to – and don't need to interact one on one with a whole lot of people. I can talk to folks on the phone, text or email most everyone I need to work with. I'm blessed in that respect.

What really concerns me though is those that have no real choice on how they interact with people, whether it's because they have an essential interactive job or whether they have no choice but to work where they can be exposed to the virus.

This virus is affecting entry level workers and those that cannot afford not to work the most. It's affecting their economic livelihood as much, if not more, than their health.  Many of them have no good healthcare option.

That's why I think it's important to appreciate those who have to work out in the public that much more. Be a little bit more friendly, tip a little more and be more helpful. I wish I was better at it and could do more.

We can strive to that end.