In this time of the unknown, we need to embrace the wisdom of borrowing from the successes of others.
In that vein, we combine the logistics folks who run the drive-through operations at Dunkin' and Chick-Fil-A with the medical teams who are administering swabbing and sampling for the coronavirus.
Because, simply put, we could have all of Chattanooga tested - never mind caffeinated and fed - by lunch next Tuesday.
And it would only take that long because we would have access to the Dunkin' portals this Sunday.
A tip about tipping
Gang, the efforts to establish a new "normal" are darn near impossible.
The job status of everyone from the White House to the poorhouse is far from stable at this juncture.
Normally, the Mason jars used to collect tips at cash registers make my head hurt. But whether you're picking up a Lupi's Take and Bake or loaded Kitchen Sink hot dog from Ms. Griffin's Footlongs, remember those making the sacrifice to man the stations we need manned.
When our every day is this distorted, those trying to do everyday things - within the guidelines of safety, of course - should be much appreciated. And rewarded when and if you can.
More folks stepping forward
Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts about New York Pizza Department owner Erik Cilen's efforts to help provide food to school-aged kids who are dependent on the school system for a majority of their meals.
If you missed that column this week, it's on the TFP website, and remember the TFP's paywall is inactive on all coronavirus stories. If you want to donate to Cilen's cause, you go to the restaurant's Facebook page.
Also, for other restaurants or eateries that want to make similar offers - like Wine Down in Ooltewah and area Chicken Salad Chick restaurants - there is a running list of those, as well.
Kudos, too, to the Hamilton County Board of Education and the school district leadership for running bus routes starting Monday and continuing three days a week to deliver food to those kids that need it.
Obit observations
Thankfully, as of this writing we have not had a local person die of coronavirus.
But the need for social distancing has made funeral gatherings difficult in a lot of cases, and assuredly more sparsely attended in most instances.
So, while there are a slew of names that caught my eye - Elsie Knauff, who would have been 95 years young later this year, or 10-year-old Kaylon Houston or "Bubble Gum Man" Pat Napier, who got that nickname by handing out gun and candy to kids at his church - may the families know peace.
And may they realize that their losses are our losses, whether the formal services happen or not and no matter how many folks can attend.
Stay safe, friends.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter @jgreesontfp.