Coronavirus: What Are You Doing During This Unchartered Time? Non Political

You never know how people are going to react in this world. The thing that got my attention from the beginning was the speed of the spread. And then, the deaths just started piling up faster than anything but a bomb dropping on a city. I couldn't see how we were going to stop it. Then I started seeing some relief, and feeling some when people started paying attention to the "stay at home" order in my State, and others. It was horrifying to think of hospitals being over-run, doctors and nurses not having what they need, etc.

 

That's about how our look. We're sort of a tourist town, and have a Walmart right off the 101 freeway so it's packed much of the time, until Covid came along.

 

The picture was taken during lockdown.
We're on day 22...

 

Is your lockdown the same as out "stay at home" or "shelter in place" Eldon? I just figured ours and it's 29 days, hard to believe. The one time I had to venture out to restock groceries was one of the most stressful days of my life. After I did it though, I felt better about getting out on my bike atleast. I have to go again, groceries, so we'll see how that goes. I can't afford to have them delivered and besides, I'm too pickie to let someone else handle my shopping

 

We can go out for necessities - supermarkets, pharmacies, fuel stations, banks, hospitals, clinics and vets are open.
All other retailers and service providers are closed. No jogging or dog walks.

 

That's quite strict. We're allowed to do most everything as long as we stay at least 1,5m apart and no groups larger than 3 persons (families from the same home are exempt from this). But still, most shops voluntarily closed as you can't maintain 1,5m distance in a clothes shop for example. Businesses are also strongly encouraged to work from home if possible, so we've seen a reduction of traffic from 30-50% depending on the region. This is the first time since the 1980's that there have been no traffic jams!

People here do respect the rules that were put in place though. There are of course some exceptions, most of them youth that are bored and still have the illusion they aren't vulnerable. Their wallets are vulnerable though. Quite a few fines were dished out in the previous week, all of €390,- for violation of the distance / no groups rules. Some have gone to jail for agression against police officers. Silly buggers.

I have just been tested and let me tell you, that was a surreal experience. I have been in hospitals before, and I have been in full contact isolation as well, but this was next level. Every one was in full isolation kit, every one had predesignated areas to wait, sit during the test, and exit the building. It was a bit eery. No talking, at least 2m distance all the time. No touching objects, no handshakes.
Also, I can not recommend the test. You get a giant stick up both nostrils. Then one in your throath. Really, not recommended. Don't recommend the disease either. Headache, coughing (which isn't nice to the headache), fever, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, gastro-entistinal ..... problems let's say. It's a bitch, and this is just the mild form. Stay safe people.

 

Thanks Fleppen, and Eldon, I thought that was pretty strict not to be able to walk your dog, or jog, but I think the population would determine that and ours is low. Most are staying home but our markets are open, gas stations.

The tests have changed since the one you mention that is up your nose I think? I could be wrong about that as I haven't listened to the news lately on that in particular. I don't have cable or satellite, just what I can find on Youtube.

I would do the test for sure, no matter how uncomfortable, and yes, I bet it was creepy in the testing area. We have drive-through testing but not in this part of the US. It's weird not being able to smile or really speak to people when I'm out. But what I really liked was all our markets have Xs marked for our 6 ft social distancing, but just in the checkout areas. Most pay attention to that, but I keep my cart between me and the next person in line just to make sure. I cannot stand someone getting in my personal space, virus or no virus. Getting grouchy in my old age

 

Mostly I've been thinking of them as the Walking Brain-Dead.

I had written a bunch of stuff but realized it was political so I deleted it.

 

It hasn't changed in my country (I'm in the Netherlands). We've always had this test as this is the "best" test available (still only a sensitivity of 60%, so a 40% false positive/negative rate). One of the things we really need, as a worldwide community, is better tests. The sensitivity of the test is simply too low to be really reliable.
Since the severe pneumosepsis last year, I've been able to feel a lot within my lungs specifically (pain mostly, but that changes with the weather among other things), and this thing feels very familiar. It's definitely in my lungs. I can literally feel it. It's not nice.

 

Just

I sympathise fleppen. I have only vague memories of asthma (as a child) to relate to lung issues. I know the Covid must be horrible, but only those that get it can really know ;(

 

I am a very politically oriented person as well so I am glad for the restriction here. I don't need to see it everywhere I go, just too stressful. As for people fighting the restrictions to "stay at home" etc. I can understand the fear and discomfort. But somewhere in there I would hope, someday, common sense shows up.

It kind of reminds me of when I was a kid, whenever I got a migraine, or asthma, I'd panic, start crying and thought I was dying. I learned over the years that I needed to do for those things, and do all I could to just ride it out, quietly. That's what I am doing now, doing what I can, accepting the situation. I know there are times to fight, or ways lets say, to fight.

 

@outdoorgal Being alone is bad enough, this deadly virus now makes it so much worse -I ma lucky to have my wife around, but single people must be really struggling. No doubt we need to persevere.
Unfortunately,until a vaxine is available, we have no choice.
UK is being hit quite hard, so we cannot take chances. My worst bit is my claustrophobia, (only since I had my heart problem) I do find it a help to get on-line, but like everybody else, miss family and friends.
I don't think the world will ever be the same again,after this.
But some good will come from it - as long as we wake up tomorrow, and don't have it.......

 

Is it 60 or 80 Grit?

 

I never knew it took so long to make a vaccine. I keep wishing Dustin Hoffman will show with his monkey-host (movie:Outbreak).

 

and come to think of it, I had a hard time finding my steel wool the other day and I did mean that I use on my cast iron skillets

 

Get a cow!
The grass will be mowed and fertilized. Plus you'll have a supply of milk.
If the cow doesn't co-operate... Barbecue!

 

And to think my symptoms up to now have been what they call "mild". I hope it stays this way, because if this is mild, I really don't want to know what it's like to have a severe covid19 infection.

To stay positive somewhat: I have just been able to play a game of Rocket League with my wife. Very amusing to have someone next to you with a mask on

 

I'm content to live alone, but it would be nice to have someone to talk to besides myself. I am pretty good at entertaining myself

 

I have spent a full minute looking at that cat. What does that say about me?

 

LOL, well, that's better than what I find myself doing once in awhile. I'll just be sitting in my chair, no TV, no music, no puter just looking at the walls til I decide what I want to do next, if anything

 

I have to admit that I find myself sitting in a chair, just listening to music, on a lot of evenings. It can be quite relaxing to be away from the internet / tv at times.

 

Love that, thank you

 

I love animals but haven't had one since 2006 when my little dog died. Had her 15 years and should get another pet. I have so much fun watch videos on animals, and this one cracked me up. A bit hard to make out all the words, but I bet some of you have seen this guy (think it's a male):

 

Thanks Laura, I do think Fauci is a funny, little guy (and smart too). I did get a kick out of him liking the idea of Brad Pitt playing his part

 

I'd tell you a coronavirus joke right now, but you’d have to wait two weeks to see if you got it.

 

Let me out!!

 

Haven't you guys just hit the 1 million infections mark? How is it a smart move to open up a lot of stuff again and thus spread the virus? I mean, to me that just sounds completely counterproductive, but maybe I'm missing something here.

The only things that's seen it's restrictions lifted over here are schools and sports clubs for children, as they don't seem to be at much risk as far as our current data show. Everything else is staying restricted. All public events until 1 September 2020 are forbidden to be held now. You are allowed to host a public event without, well, the public. But that's not really a public event then.

As for what I'm doing currently... I'm job hunting again. I was told my contract would not be extended last month (ends this month), so I've spent this month returning the company car, keys etc, and then networking my arse off to try and find a job. It's proven to be difficult thus far, but tomorrow at least there's an interview with a major placement agency in my field (traffic engineering). I'm cautiously optimistic.

 

Lady Laura !!

We're good - hunkered down still, but enjoying life. I will admit, though: after (what seems like) our 1,376,945th game of "quarantine" Scrabble, we are going a little stir-crazy. Thank goodness for chess !

Hope you and yours are happy, safe and well. Miss you guys !!

 

Sorry to see your son-in-law has been affected by this blasted C19. Perhaps it's for the best...you'd probably have been worried had they gone abroad - what about doing a teleconference with the teaching aspect to those who have this facility - perhaps this will be the new trend for maintaining work in these times.

 

That's a great idea Laura - same kinda thing I'm trying to get some friends of mine to join me in doing - but seems they're still reeling with this shutdown business - we have some great walks around my way - which I've already taken advantage of...taken photos en route and with some of the photos I've taken, I'm now sitting down to draw the scenes I've seen...so I'm now delving into art which is quite relaxing. Here's one from my walks along our shorelines - it's a sea water pool at Shelly Beach on the northern shore with sculptures of dancers in pose - I took the photo then played around with my crayons (yes! crayons - which an convert to water colours) and sketched this one:

https://apis.mail.yahoo.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-spOTlXaXK4s7rsnMPBbWTXxisIicDJfXIKgPMME4d2z8Q62VeP7oavpJX6pBEHqGm6fI8eHRBLBV1WkDQJhuoA/messages/@.id==AGlOyFE782TqXr9Q2gczwECdaPI/content/parts/@.id==2/thumbnail?appId=YMailNorrin


My little four legged companion loves me being home so much now - he's like some appendage! And I have to be careful not to trip over him as he's always right at my feet. He's now become one of my subjects for my hand at drawing too - in charcoal...

Also, rather than being on the computer as much as I was before, I cook more (which I enjoy - so my imagination is running riot there too by using things from my pantry); and limiting shopping to bare necessities as I need them or fresh fruit and veggies.

Totally agree with you...but the human spirit and imagination in times of strife has always been great...I've seen businesses turning this situation into a new way of managing their businesses - for example - around our way for food venues - they are now delivering - which they didn't do before - and it's really working as a win/win!

 

Understand...true..in comparison, their numbers appear to double ours Down Under in Australia.
Admittedly, for this pandemic, Australia was surprisingly prepared and we appear to have dealt with it better than on average to other countries. Where I am, everyone seems pretty calm and still very active - from what I see of people now doing exercises in outdoor "gyms" and parks.

 

In my Australian state of New South Wales, there's an easing of lockdown restrictions from last Friday (May 15) - so now we can have:

Outdoor and indoor gatherings of up to 10 people only permitted in public places such as parks (not private residences). That means 10-person outdoor bootcamps and picnics will be allowed (with physical distancing of 1.5 metres).

For inside get-togethers, you’re are allowed to have up to five people visit your home. The 10-person outdoor gatherings and five-person house visits include children.

Yes to eating out at restaurants and cafes is allowed - venues can only seat 10 patrons at any one time, though, and the four-square-metre rule (according to which a venue must allocate four square metres per patron) is back in place. Takeaway is still permitted.

But you can’t have a drink at your local like you used to
Originally, pubs and clubs weren’t allowed to open, but the government has since backtracked and given those with dining areas the green light to trade. It won’t be business as usual, though – for instance, you won’t be able to visit for a beer as the venue’s bars must remain closed, along with the gaming facilities. Ten customers can dine-in at pub restaurants at a time, and if you want a drink that’s available with table service. These venues can continue to offer takeaway.

We really need to be patient. Like we're seeing, it's a new way of living. There's still a lot we can really do - just a diferent way of doing it. Police around my way have been strict on enforcing restrictions. At least there's some easing. Good to at least go out for a walk in the sun...so...

Exercising, beaches and playgrounds
Apart from boot camps, exercising will be easier going forward, with outdoor playgrounds and outdoor gym equipment also back in action – though not all local government areas have confirmed whether they will be reopening these straight away. Where outdoor pools are open, they can only be used by 10 people at one time, with just one person per lane. Changing areas will remain closed.

 

Great that your golf courses have opened up - funny, didn't realise I missed the lack of exercise until the lockdown. With the easing, getting out and about really has made me appreciate what I have got and can enjoy - without spending a penny! Just energy.

 

Extracts from:

Great you've gone back to playing golf - good exercise particularly in good weather.

 

Our State Premier is encouraging retail stores to reopen, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Cafes, restaurants and pubs can seat 10 diners at any one time, as long as they allow for four square metres per person. They must also ensure there are 1.5 metres between patrons.

While there has been some panic buying around my area - the large stores limit purchases of toilet paper - some shelves are emptied immediately upon staff replenishing them. People are lining up hours before stores open. Speaking for my area - really no need to do that. Plenty of supplies to go around - people need to calm down.

I salute staff working out there - for our convenience and benefit - and nothing irritates me more than when I see some customer being rude to staff when they enforce limits on purchases - like for toilet paper.

Honestly. There's plenty and enough to go around for everyone - so I don't get this panic buying.

If we are all considerate towards each other, we'll all be okay and will get through this together - just try telling that to some of those people out there who cause staff grief.

Overall, we seem to be pretty good around my area and while I carry a plastic bag of clean new masks in my handbag should I need to wear one, I don't wear a mask when I go out - so long as social distancing is happening and no one is coughing, sneezing, wheezing around me - but I'll quickly wear one if I immediately see the need. Once I'm home, clothes are changed and everything gets sanitised.

Our Australian government advises surgical masks are only useful to stop you from spreading coronavirus to another person if one is infected and the wearing of face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult to slow the spread of Covid-19. But I do wear disposable plastic gloves when out and still use hand sanitizer and sanitize anything I normally handle or carry, later - washing my hands when I get home, regardless. Even my doctor has advised to do the same.

My heart goes out to the homeless - and I applaud those who deal with these people, e.g. St Vincent de Paul Society - who go about with food parcels for these people - making sure these people know they belong to our society - and are not outcasts.

These are different and difficult times - something I'm still getting used to.

Stay safe.

 

What we can do(?!)...

 

Another one from our Sydney Morning Herald artist Leunigon social distancing:

 

Isolation...don't let this happen to you

Another cartoon from our Sydney Morning Herald artist, Leunig