Social distancing and other rules to reduce health risks in this unusual time make it all the more attractive to have a way to exercise without social interaction. If you have a rowing machine or access to one in a place and condition you trust and can use, use it.
Long, slow rows: Streaming movies or binge-watchable shows offers a distraction that can make long, slow rows easier. The time can pass and the meters add up without your having to focus on your rowing or push your limits. Getting in lots of meters can be good for your health and also offers a simple way to gain a sense of achievement. To me, it beats counting steps.
Rowing harder: It is possible to row harder (whether long rows or short) while watching a screen. However, some find it easier to increase their pace or “pressure” when not watching a show as it enables them to focus better on their pace, their length, leg pressure and prying the back on while driving the legs.
Music: Listening to music while rowing can support rowing harder or can provide background for interval training. You use a certain amount of focus to stay on the intervals. The music gives you some distraction. Or even, if the music suits you, supports the drive to succeed, use power, set a record (or other goal) for yourself.
Rowing machine maintenance: In this era of hand washing and surface cleaning, maintaining and cleaning the erg comes naturally and can be a satisfying complement to your use of the machine. it only takes a couple of minutes to oil the chain periodically and/or clean off surfaces regularly.
Videos of rowing: One great distraction and motivator is to watch championship rowing while erging. DVDs of Olympic and world championship finals used to be readily available for purchase. Now, most such video is available for streaming. If you want to own the DVDs, try Regatta Sport to see what copies they have on their shelf. Or go to the source in Deutschland, New Wave, which has (or at least recently had) a large stock of the set of DVDs (and videos before them) created over the years before the practice changed to streaming. Or, you might find someone who bought them long ago and no longer uses them willing to sell to you. If you search, look for video of other racing, too. For example, the Head of the Charles created video of every racer going by the Cambridge Boat Club for a number of years. Some have also created their own videos by placing a camera on the shell and taping a row/race or passing scenery while rowing. Watching those can provide a nice pace-setter or entertainment, especially if you know the venue.
Happy rowing!