Social distancing until the end of April

It may feel like a difficult pill to swallow to hear that the federal government is extending social distancing guidelines until at least April 30, but I want you to understand why it is so important. These measures will save lives. The President said for the first time that the death rate, which doubled from Thursday to Sunday, could peak within two weeks -- but the country could get "to the bottom of the hill" by June 1. Numbers of illnesses and deaths in New York continue to rise. That upward trend is happening in other major cities, such as New Orleans and Detroit, and is likely to happen elsewhere. These are difficult times for people. Staying at home for a long period of time uproots routine. It means digging in even more right now, without knowing exactly when it will end. But we can all do our part to help bring this to an end. It means learning how to wash your hands the best you can. It means living a somewhat isolated life. But it doesn’t mean we’re disconnected. It means figuring out how to reconnect, check in and even hold birthday parties for those who are missing out. These are all hard things to do. But we want to help you feel empowered.  My friend, astronaut Scott Kelly, and Antarctic doctors and climbers have long known how to live in isolation and they're sharing their tips to help you do it. I’ve already been using Kelly’s tips in my own life. Just remember: We may be isolated, but we’re all in this together.