My parents cohort in the UK mostly think this is a lot of fuss about nothing, but they've stopped any external contact and aren't going to anything.
In Lisbon everyone just opened all the windows everywhere and started applauding and cheering the medical staff. I saw on twitter same happened in Spain.
― cherry blossom, Saturday, 14 March 2020 23:07 (four years ago) link
i checked out the neighborhood grocery store and it was calm if a little bare. i got a bag of bread flour in honor of brownie. i might make a pizza later this week.
― forensic plumber (harbl), Saturday, 14 March 2020 23:25 (four years ago) link
My father was in Madeira two days ago; other travelers around him bugged out via London (so as not to be coming from the EU), but he held firm to his plan to go via Lisbon to Newark.
Yesterday he arrived in NJ, apparently smoothly. From this I gather that (as of yesterday) US citizens returning from Europe are ok if they go to the right airports.
― Quinoa pedal (Ye Mad Puffin), Saturday, 14 March 2020 23:33 (four years ago) link
They used to say to actors who couldn't relate to playing a killer, "Have you ever stepped on an ant?" Now they can change it to "Did you hoard like a maniacal asshole during C virus?"
― brooklyn suicide cult (Dr Morbius), Saturday, 14 March 2020 23:41 (four years ago) link
“No, I hoard like this all the time” Which is to say there’s everyday hoarding and there’s hoarding during a global emergency
― weird woman in a bar (La Lechera), Saturday, 14 March 2020 23:51 (four years ago) link
I currently have 1.5 Sams Club packs of TP in the house but it's not my personal record.
― Miami weisse (WmC), Saturday, 14 March 2020 23:53 (four years ago) link
I really deeply hate the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers, but this entire global shitshow confirms my suspicion that humans were a mistake.
― brooklyn suicide cult (Dr Morbius), Saturday, 14 March 2020 23:58 (four years ago) link
my bf thinks it's a fuss about not much and doesn't see the point in stockpiling or social distancing - I thought the latter would be fine seeing as we barely go out and do anything anyway, but he announced that the weekend would be wasted if we didn't go out and that I was a miseryguts for not being enthusiastic, so I'm not looking forward to repeating that argument many times over the next however many weeks/months
on our way back we went to the big Asda on the other side of town, and we did not gather any lockdown essentials or even much food (just a few things for the weekend), and various people seemed quite keen to be standing what I would regard as way too fucking close even in normal circumstances, and then he told me off for being a miseryguts again when I got anxious
e.g. on the way in there was an old (80+?) and slightly frail-looking couple near the door, and I very deliberately gave them an extra wide berth, and then seconds later the woman was practically crawling over me to get to some groceries. *shrug*
― a passing spacecadet, Sunday, 15 March 2020 00:06 (four years ago) link
Sorry to hear that...I guess it’s possible that by next weekend he might be on the same page?
― Karl Malone, Sunday, 15 March 2020 00:07 (four years ago) link
Mine too, aps. He's humoring me for now but I'm bumping up against his need to keep working and making $ or it all falls apart. I asked if he'd rather be dead. Answer inconclusive. I'm trying to decide whether to self-iso here in the city where I can control my environment or up w him where it's nicer to be there but not if he keeps going out.
I called him an hour ago. He was wandering around Lowe's Home Improvement just for fun.
― There's more Italy than necessary. (in orbit), Sunday, 15 March 2020 00:20 (four years ago) link
I guess we've expanded our quarantine bubble to include our next-door neighbor (in the same building) AKA my gf's friend, which is probably good inasmuch as it means she can go visit and not have to deal with my ass 24/7/???. I think she's increasingly accepting that we really shouldn't be going anywhere for a while unless absolutely necessary. I'm checking in with myself to see how I feel about voting on Tuesday (it's a block away, and I figure I can cart gloves and wipes and sanitizer and perhaps manage not touching anything directly, but I'm still feeling real iffy about jumping back into that level of exposure).
― Unparalleled Elegance (Old Lunch), Sunday, 15 March 2020 00:33 (four years ago) link
Karl, maybe so but perhaps only if it gets closer to home in a way I don't really want to wish for! some of his coworkers are smart people who work on bio-adjacent stuff so I'm hoping they'll have thoughts on the matter
I would like to both thank and curse this thread, the latter for encouraging worry spirals, but it's also nice to be around fellow worriers online since the 1 person I ever talk about personal stuff with irl thinks I'm a lunatic & actively ruining his life by voicing any worries at all
(felt quite anxious about things earlier and also cursed the interview with a survivor saying she'd mainly just felt run down, so those of us who feel run down just from worrying about it can now also have an exciting vicious spiral of worrying more that that means they already have it and are infecting their loved ones, etc)
in orbit: *solidarity elbow bump or maybe only a mimed elbow bump from 3m away*
― a passing spacecadet, Sunday, 15 March 2020 00:37 (four years ago) link
Update: I predicted that his clients would stop asking him to come to their homes to do his restoration work but one of his clients just asked him to come fix something. He said, "My girlfriend won't let me out of the house for two weeks but I'm not taking this thing too seriously" and she said, "Oh no, my daughter is a doctor. You should absolutely take it seriously, but I've already been self-isolating and it's very safe" but she STILL WANTS HIM TO FIX SOME BROKEN FURNITURE DURING A PANDEMIC. People really are amazing.
― There's more Italy than necessary. (in orbit), Sunday, 15 March 2020 00:39 (four years ago) link
io, I believe I'm in the same county, and I'm not going anywhere! Well, except work.
― tokyo rosemary, Sunday, 15 March 2020 00:43 (four years ago) link
Work finally made the call to send us home for two weeks. Of course I’m a bit nervous as I now have a sore throat and my wife’s temperature is elevated
― Muswell Hillbilly Elegy (President Keyes), Sunday, 15 March 2020 00:48 (four years ago) link
wow, io! people are amazing, indeed.
I'm also not feeling like my work is taking it that seriously yet either: lots of talk by management about us working extra hard to get contingency measures in place for next term's teaching but all staff still supposed to come into the office, still got a big meeting booked on Tuesday
the latest email about it said that the latest govt advice was that potential cases would not be treated any differently depending on whether the person had recently been to a(nother) affected country, which makes sense as we have several student cases here already and I hope will mean there'll be more widespread testing (although the email said something confusing about "no testing for suspected cases in the community" which I hope I'm just misunderstanding?)
but my work's spin on this was that, ahem, "Please note that this also means that anyone who has been self-isolating without symptoms because of their return from overseas or because of contact with a confirmed case can now immediately return to their normal activities", which, really, do we really want to tell people who've been in active contact with a confirmed case of something apparently infectious before symptoms show up, "hey, get yr ass back in work, the boss says no more excuses!"?
― a passing spacecadet, Sunday, 15 March 2020 00:51 (four years ago) link
It’s challenging for us to stock up on food all that effectively so it’s likely someone will have to go to the grocery store every day or two for the duration, as usual, but we’ll see.
― silby, Sunday, 15 March 2020 00:53 (four years ago) link
this is maybe a weird thing to think but i'm glad that i know how to make bread, that i have a live starter in my fridge, and a fuck of a lot of flour in the pantry. what a weird time. i even picked up some branches today on the way home from the park. i have a barbecue in the back, who knows, that wood might come in handy (??)
― Li'l Brexit (Tracer Hand), Sunday, 15 March 2020 01:18 (four years ago) link
best wishes to everybody and their loved ones.
― Li'l Brexit (Tracer Hand), Sunday, 15 March 2020 01:19 (four years ago) link
so both our theme park chains are showing their asses rn.
So Universal Studios, where my brother works, originally made it sound like they were closed for two weeks and they'd pay their employees. then later on they sotto voce revealed that "essential" employees still needed to come in. which include people like my brother, who is an actor on contract and will have nobody to act for. supposedly they're all going to be asked to do cleaning duties, but I suspect the real motive is knowing not everybody is willing to come in and then they won't have to pay. the local paper ran an article on it and I'm hoping it explodes.
they went on with their Mardi Gras concert tonight. the main band cancelled. they replaced them with FLO RIDA. seriously what fucking year is it? who the fuck is going to show up to that shit where it'll actually generate income for you? and my brother had to come in to MC the show. he wasn't happy.
Disney, on the other hand? read this: https://insidethemagic.net/2020/03/disney-world-cast-members-walk-out-of-epcot-mid-shift-ba1/
If you ever visit my fine city/state, please boycott these parks.
― sorry for butt rockin (Neanderthal), Sunday, 15 March 2020 01:27 (four years ago) link
an ACTOR is essential? ok.
― forensic plumber (harbl), Sunday, 15 March 2020 01:40 (four years ago) link
i was ranty about my public sector employer- the one that shut down the schools- telling us "come in unless you cant" on thursday
im coldly furious about not seeing that revised as of tonight.
― BSC Joan Baez (darraghmac), Sunday, 15 March 2020 01:41 (four years ago) link
we were informed we will receive comp time for performing "mission critical" duties. which to me signals working from home it's ok to not really work. i have to do about 12 hours of mission critical duties in a jail next week and will probably do about an additional 10 at home.
― forensic plumber (harbl), Sunday, 15 March 2020 01:41 (four years ago) link
― forensic plumber (harbl), Saturday, March 14, 2020 9:40 PM bookmarkflaglink
that's the part that infuriated me most. but it most likely has to do with his salary, which is higher than what the hourly non-contracted employees get, so they would enjoy not having to pay it.
― sorry for butt rockin (Neanderthal), Sunday, 15 March 2020 01:46 (four years ago) link
this is a weird thought but I am mostly glad I am only responsible for feeding myself and not anybody else, since my go-to stuck at home cooking does not necessarily intersect with things anyone but me wants to eat
― like, I’m eating an elephant head (katherine), Sunday, 15 March 2020 02:02 (four years ago) link
(no, I didn't hoard anything, I bought a normal week's worth of groceries, maybe more beans than usual but the store was nowhere near close to being short on those)
― like, I’m eating an elephant head (katherine), Sunday, 15 March 2020 02:03 (four years ago) link
otm
― rusted (crüt), Sunday, 15 March 2020 02:18 (four years ago) link
btw people trying to conserve toilet paper should probably not be stocking up on beans tbqh
― rusted (crüt), Sunday, 15 March 2020 02:19 (four years ago) link
Wow, my town here in New Jersey has now gone on total lockdown: public schools, playgrounds, gyms, health clubs, movie theaters were closed yesterday, and today they announced bars will close, restaurants can only open for takeout/delivery and there is a 10pm curfew. So far one confirmed case in the town.
― o. nate, Sunday, 15 March 2020 02:41 (four years ago) link
Oh, uh, hey neighbor
― Evan, Sunday, 15 March 2020 03:01 (four years ago) link
Hey! I was out walking around yesterday evening, and there were lots of people out in bars and restaurants. Guess we won't be seeing that for a while.
― o. nate, Sunday, 15 March 2020 03:30 (four years ago) link
The company I 'contract' for is stoopid about everything -- especially for a massively successful publisher -- so I know this working from home crap is going to be a major shitshow. Hence I am going into the office for as long as it's feasible.
― brooklyn suicide cult (Dr Morbius), Sunday, 15 March 2020 03:36 (four years ago) link
People out today too having drinks and nachos etc at all the sports bars... not sure most places here are going to survive on takeout only.
― Evan, Sunday, 15 March 2020 03:37 (four years ago) link
Also saw they literally wrapped the playgrounds with tape
― Evan, Sunday, 15 March 2020 04:04 (four years ago) link
Now would be a great time for ppl to foster cats and dogs - if you’re stuck at home anyway, can’t keep a pet long term, you could take some of the burden off local shelters AND have an adorable temporary animal companion to keep you busy.
― just1n3, Sunday, 15 March 2020 04:09 (four years ago) link
Pets are great for reducing anxiety too
― just1n3, Sunday, 15 March 2020 04:10 (four years ago) link
i have literally never listened to a podcast but i feel like the only way we can get through this is with an achill boys podcast
― mookieproof, Sunday, 15 March 2020 04:24 (four years ago) link
achill boys won't blow you awaybut you know that they'll craic
― mookieproof, Sunday, 15 March 2020 04:26 (four years ago) link
I suspect I might have this. Started with a mild fever, sore throat and chest pain on Thursday and got a bit worse on Friday. Felt better yesterday though, and today I'm almost back to normal. Haven't been going out obviously and don't plan to do so for the next days. I live in Berlin where public life has basically been put on hold, which makes it a bit easier to deal with the isolation since it's the same for everyone. Still sucks though.
― groovemaaan, Sunday, 15 March 2020 08:19 (four years ago) link
Hold tight groovemaaan!
― ymo sumac (NickB), Sunday, 15 March 2020 08:28 (four years ago) link
Took me three supermarkets yesterday to get bread, milk and eggs. No TP to be found.
My brother is a manager in Lidl - I'm going to look for insider information on supply drops.
― Non, je ned raggette rien (onimo), Sunday, 15 March 2020 08:35 (four years ago) link
No grocery store trouble at our supermarket this morning, but the cashiers are worried for their health. I expect the army to be sent in soon.
― Joey Corona (Euler), Sunday, 15 March 2020 11:25 (four years ago) link
Realising that there's no bran cereal for the last week in the local LIDL. finding that difficult to correlate with the TP rush. Or are people buying up bran cereal so they get their own rush and need to work their way through their surplus TP?Otherwise surprised that this amount of panic requires extra roughage to help things along.
― Stevolende, Sunday, 15 March 2020 11:41 (four years ago) link
Went to a wedding last night. Everybody was elbow bumping (and Kung Fu fighting).
― Yerac, Sunday, 15 March 2020 12:14 (four years ago) link
Calmly doing some WFH today as I usually do. I'll also be going into the office tomorrow. I hardly expect anyone to come by at all, and will just see two or three colleagues there, so I'm ok with that.
With school expected to be closed anyway from tomorrow on (on Thurs gov decided against it, schools took it upon themselves to close anyway) quite some colleagues of me and of s/o at work will have to stay at home I suppose.
― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 March 2020 12:32 (four years ago) link
We had childcare figured out or a week of spring break, but not a month of it, for a disabled kiddo who requires nearly constant supervision.
We know we're very fortunate and that it could be way worse. My employer is (however grudgingly) allowing remote work, and my wife's job is mostly remote, but still. I fully expect it to be exhausting. There will likely be some conference calls with shrieking banshees in the background. The clink of ice in a tall Maker's & ginger. Occasional yowls of cats. "Woops, didn't realize I was on mute." Nothing significant getting done, minor white lies on the timesheet.
― Quinoa pedal (Ye Mad Puffin), Sunday, 15 March 2020 13:33 (four years ago) link
via a friend's FB feed, a registered nurse's advice on how to treat yourself/what to do if you get the virus:
"You basically just want to prepare as though you know you’re going to get a nasty respiratory bug, like bronchitis or pneumonia. You just have the foresight to know it’s coming.
Things you should actually buy ahead of time (not sure what the obsession with toilet paper is?): Kleenex, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in 325 mg tablets, Ibuprofen (Advil) in 200 mg tablets, Mucinex, Robitussin or whatever your generic cough medicine of choice is (check the label and make sure you're not doubling up on acetaminophen - some brands like DayQuil have it included and you don't want that). You want a cough medicine with both a cough suppressant and expectorant. Vicks vaporub for your chest is also a great suggestion.
If you don’t have a humidifier, that would be a good thing to buy and run in your room when you go to bed overnight. (You can also just turn the shower on hot and sit in the bathroom breathing in the steam). If you have a history of asthma and you have a prescription inhaler, make sure the one you have isn’t expired and refill it/get a new one if it is.
This is also a good time to meal prep: make a big batch of your favorite soup to freeze and have on hand. Whatever your favorite clear fluids are to drink (Sprite, juice, ICE waters, Fresca, whatever floats your boat), stock your pantry with those. Maybe get some nice soothing tea too!
For symptom management, use the meds I mentioned. For a fever over 101, alternate Tylenol 650 mg and Advil 400 mg so you’re taking a dose of one then the other every 3 hours.
Drink A TON, hydrate hydrate hydrate. Rest lots. You should not be leaving your house except to go to the doctor, and if you do, wear a mask (regular is fine, you don’t need an N95).
You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE ER unless you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high (over 103.5) and unmanaged with meds. 90% of healthy adult cases thus far have been managed at home with basic rest/hydration/over-the-counter meds. We don’t want to clog the ERs unless you’re actually in distress. The hospital beds will be used for people who actively need oxygen/breathing treatments/IV fluids.
If you have a pre-existing lung condition (COPD, emphysema, lung cancer) or are on immunosuppressants, now is a great time to talk to your PCP or specialist about what they would like you to do if you get sick. They might have plans to get you admitted and bypass the ER entirely.
One major relief to you parents is that kids do VERY well with coronavirus— they usually bounce back in a few days, NO ONE under 18 has died, and almost no kids have required hospitalization (unless they have a lung disease like CF). Just use pediatric dosing of the same meds."
My career is in Infection Prevention and cannot stress enough the importance of proper hand hygiene. Washing with soap and water is best (sing Happy Birthday twice!) and sanitize when no water is available.Plus (and this is hard...), do not touch your face!"
― brooklyn suicide cult (Dr Morbius), Sunday, 15 March 2020 13:58 (four years ago) link
That is helpful, morbid.
Just want to note that Acetaminophen (Tylenol) doesn't play well with alcohol. So if you are a heavy drinker (or are drinking heavily to get through this time) be careful.
― Quinoa pedal (Ye Mad Puffin), Sunday, 15 March 2020 14:13 (four years ago) link
Oops, meant morbz not morbid (posting from stupid kid Kindle), sorry
― Quinoa pedal (Ye Mad Puffin), Sunday, 15 March 2020 14:14 (four years ago) link
Alcohol also not great for immune & respiratory health so I’m probably not gonna drink the beer I bought
― rusted (crüt), Sunday, 15 March 2020 14:19 (four years ago) link