An excuse can be offered as justification or an apology according to Merriam Webster’s online. An excuse to do or not to do something maybe entirely legitimate, but it’s what comes next that’s most important.

I can no longer go swimming with my Master’s group at 5:30am. Does that mean I cannot still get up and exercise?

I cannot network with people in person because we cannot be out and about in close contact. Does that mean I cannot network with people at all?

People are not coming to my restaurant anymore during the Coronavirus pandemic. Does that mean all income streams are shut down? What else can I think of to support the community for a profit?

An excuse doesn’t stop with a single answer. You can acknowledge the justification or apology, but then what? What will you do next to move forward despite the excuse?