For many of us, the days since COVID-19 entered Maine have felt like an alternate reality. As with any transition in life, it’s important that we take some time to reflect on what’s changed, and to remember all the things that have stayed the same.

It seems we fast forwarded even further into the digital age in response to this virus. Our teachers are developing ways to connect with students through online conferencing, videos and emails. Our bus drivers and education support personnel are delivering meals. The passage of my bill to eliminate food shaming was good, but, since so many kids receive free and reduced lunch and breakfasts, student nutrition is more important now than ever! Mainers across the state gather around their televisions and computers each weekday at 11:30 a.m. to hear Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of Maine’s CDC, update us on the virus’ spread and our state’s response. 

Deadlines and processes for some of our most basic actions have shifted. Our state and federal taxes are now not due until July 15, 2020. We’ve been given extensions on drivers licenses, state identification cards, vehicle and boat registrations and more that expire during this time of crisis. And courts are delaying hearings and reducing hours. 

Even when we’re outside, it’s all a bit different. While people are encouraged to be outside, they’re also encouraged not to congregate in large groups. Governor Mills’ recent order has now closed some state parks, beaches and playgrounds to intensify our protections from COVID-19. When we go to our favorite restaurants, we stay outside and wait for the staff to come out in their plastic gloves, ready to hand off our orders. And when we go out for a run, we take a six-foot detour around the people we pass.

Then, of course, there’s the way we’re trying to stay healthy. Never before have we scrubbed so much antibacterial soap on our hands. Never before have we washed each of our grocery items before putting them in our cupboards. Never before have we showed love for an ill family member by leaving food and supplies outside their door, instead of sitting by their bedside or holding their hand. 

It all feels strange, but it’s all to keep each other safe, and that’s what’s stayed the same. Mainers will always be there for each other, and we are finding ways to get through a crisis together.

We’re resourceful people. The soap on the shelves is running low, so we’re making our own. We’re getting creative with our meals and using what we have in our pantry to limit trips to the store. And we’re using everyday items and quiet corners of our homes to get in some exercise. 

We’ve got grit. Just look at our farmers, fishermen and small business owners. Instead of letting this virus run them out of business, they’re creating new ways to distribute their goods and services. They’re building community networks, they’re getting the word out through any means necessary and they’re keeping our economy going. Please support these businesses as you can!

I am so proud of our churches and local organizations. Each of them and their members are finding ways to help someone else. Maine people are rushing to sites like Maine Helps to find out where and how they can volunteer. Doctors and nurses are coming out of retirement to help our hospital and clinics address patient needs. People all over the state are calling seniors to see if they need errands run or a friendly voice to talk to. Put simply, every one of us is finding a way to help someone else. 

This teacher sees that citizens, and town and state leaders are setting a great example of putting Maine’s well-being at the center of all that they are doing. So as we look at all that’s changed, and as we grapple with how to approach this new normal, let’s remember one important thing: We Mainers have a spirit that will get us through anything, and that will never change. 

Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, represents Belfast, Northport and Waldo