Corona Virus Pandemic Preparedness

As you prepare for possible quarantine due to the Corona Virus outbreak, please remember to provide for you pets. They will need at least a few weeks of food and medication etc. I live in Southern California. Panic has set in here. Food has flown off the shelves, with very little of anything remaining. There are no staples of any kind left. No rice, beans, etc. Bottled water, toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes, Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer can not be found anywhere. Lines are very long at the grocery stores. People are grabbing whatever is left. It is practically impossible to get into Costco. You may not be experiencing these shortages yet. The higher the population, the bigger the panic and the bigger the need. However, being as prepared as possible is crucial.

So, it is particularly important to provide for your pet during this difficult time globally. Pets with special dietary needs and allergies are especially vulnerable. My dog's specialty food is only available at one store locally. There are at least six other pet stores closer to me. Non of them carry it. I went out yesterday to pick up dog food, since I am running low. I was not going out on a mission to stock up. It was just time to pick up a bag. There was none left. Many shelves were empty. The manager called thru to four other stores before a bag was located. Please remember your fur babies as you continue to prepare for this current emergency,

I hope all of you and your fur babies remain well and strong throughout this global pandemic.

Kathy, thank you so much for posting this. The same thing has happened here in Atlanta over the last couple of days. The shift has been dramatic. As of the first of last week, supplies were beginning to be snapped up. By yesterday, it was panic-buying. I’d been trying to think of the things that hubby and I needed most, but suddenly thought about Luna and her dogfood! Yikes! That hadn’t occurred to me yet. I’ve got enough left for a couple of weeks, but I’d best try to track down some ASAP.

To all our worldwide K9C family, please stay as safe and well as possible!!

Some of you may have seen this poem elsewhere. It is going viral right now (no pun included!), and with good reason. But I want to share it with all our family. For everyone, worldwide, who is struggling right now with the ramifications of “social distancing,” what a healing perspective this poem offers to us as we care for ourselves, and as we care for one another, in these challenging times.


Pandemic

What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.

And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.

–Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

http://www.lynnungar.com/

Beautiful!

Same here on Long Island...crazy. Tomorrow I hope to stock up on the dogs meds and food. Didn't think of that either...

My company has told us we can all work from home. So far only one case at the WeWork office where I work. I take four trains a day. How I have avoided it this far is astounding.

If you get your dog food on an automatic ship - check the pricing before it arrives. The dog food I am using for Bud and Sophie doubled in one week both on Chewy and Amazon. They were running low when I ordered last week and was only able to get a small bag so I checked to see if the larger bags were in yet and they were....at twice the usual price. :mad:

Of the 7 people in my office only myself and one other believe the virus is real. This is all a hoax, hype, fake news, yada yada yada. (My SIL told me the same thing.) Yesterday I went in to finish a project before isolating myself since I am high risk and 3 people are there in our small office coughing their heads off...one admits she has fever and feels like crap. As I was leaving after finishing my project one of our clients who is an RN at our local hospital came in wearing a mask and gloves. She stopped just inside the door and asked everyone in the reception area to stay at least 6' away. Our receptionist, who does not believe and was one who was coughing, asked if she was sick and the woman said no but she wasn't taking any chances since she is working in the hospital on the front lines. She went on to tell us that what we are being told is false - that there are many many more cases of the virus in our state, county, and town than the official count claims which is 22. Our receptionist laughed but grabbed her hand sanitizer. My boss and the other two ladies who were in the area looked like this woman had just told them the world was ending in 5 minutes. All of a sudden it became real. Meanwhile all the coughing has spread who knows what to who knows how many people...they all went out to eat together at lunch and were talking about all the places they had been and the people they had been around over the weekend. I don't understand and don't think I ever will. :(

It will be heartbreaking when any of these women watch a vulnerable loved one succomb to Corona, and they must then forever wonder whether they’re the one who directly passed the contagion on in their foolishness. That’s a guilt and a burden that I would not want to carry for the rest of my own days.

Stay safe, Leslie!

Well, if it is all a hoax, it is a very well orchestrated one. The USA is headed toward a countrywide lockdown. It is being taken very seriously. In my community, we are now on a partial lockdown. That means bars that don’t sell food, Adult establishments, and restaurants have been closed for in house dining. As of now restaurants are still open for pick up and drive thru service. Many people do not understand the scope of our current Emergency. Here, we have been notified that there are not enough hospital beds or services for those who currently have the coronavirus here in town. Services have already been stretched beyond their limits and everyone is being told to stay home and try to self treat. Only severe cases are being seen at the hospital. Those involving labored breathing, chest pain and bluish lips. There may not be help available for other emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes etc. those people who are not taking this seriously, by taking the proper precautions, are putting everyone at risk, which is selfish. I am dealing with that with a family member right now, which is infuriating. We are not supposed to get political on this forum, so I realize that this post may be deleted. In the meantime, I am asking that we all pull together as a family and do everything we can to see that our global family stays as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Stay smart to stay safe.

Quote:

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I am asking that we all pull together as a family and do everything we can to see that our global family stays as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Stay smart to stay safe.

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Kathy, you’re right that we discourage political statements or confrontations here. But I don’t take your message to be political. Instead, you’re reporting on the conditions in your area, as well as encouraging us to join together for the welfare of all. I surely don’t see anything wrong with that, and I join you in your plea!

I hope we can keep this thread open as a lifeline for all our members. A safe place to come to talk, to report, to vent, to comfort. And yes, to worry together. There’s no way we can help but worry. But sometimes giving voice to the worry can also mobilize our strength to plod onward. One day at a time. I’m afraid this is going to be an awfully long haul for the entire world. But yep, we’re definitely all in this together!

Idiots! Putting everyone at risk like that...it is real, it is dangerous, and we are in trouble. My son-in-law got laid off on Tuesday. Now Jess is the only one working and doesn't make enough to pay the bills. Just try to apply for unemployment...there are so many trying that the system can't handle it. They've been trying for four days now to apply online, whenever they call, they are told the system is down and to try later. I don't know how much longer I'll have a job...my division is not essential to ETS, and now that the schools are all closed our coaches can't get in to work, which is how we get our money.

Jeremy finally got the go-ahead to work from home at Stony Brook this week. He's been at the school this whole time with kids who we all know don't think anything can happen to them. And he's in the high risk group. I'm afraid to go see Josh, or my mother who is bedridden with the final stages of Alzheimers.

It's not good...

Due to rapidly increasing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cases, the state of California has been shutdown/locked down. All businesses have been closed, with the exception of grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, emergency services, and hospitals. Citizens are urged to call, or email their primary care doctors if they feel ill. They are not to go to the hospitals, or medical centers unless instructed to do so, or there iis an immediate emergency. Video appointments are being used whenever possible. Citizens are been told to stay home unless there is an immediate need. Those who have to venture out are instructed to maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet, wash hands fot 20 seconds, and use hand sanitizer when soap and water is unavailable. Right now, hand sanitizer is not to be found anywhere. If you don't already have some, it is too late. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces three times a day is encouraged. Skeptics are finally starting to believe that this is a real emergency. Governor Newsom announced that CA students will likely not return to school until the fall.

Please post the current conditions in your area. Your general location to fine. This helps others to see what might be headed their way, so they can prepare as much as possible. It also supports those who are already locked down. It helps us to feel more connected and less isolated. Worry, panic, and fear run rapid when citzens feel out of control and helpless. This situatin is financially crippling for thousands (soon to be hundreds of thousands), of people who no longer can go to work. Rent/house payments, bills, taxes, and daily living expenses continue. This is just the beginning in CA. It could go on for a very long time. Lets stay connected by sharing what we know, while trying to stay safe. Regardless of where you live globally, you are being affected by this one way or another. Know that you are not alone. We are all in this together.

Thanks for sharing Joan. I wish I could help you. I wish I could help everyone. We can at least stick together. That we can do!

There are 4O,000,000 people in CA who have been locked down with no end in sight. That is terrifying!!

Dear Family,
I came here today to make sure you are all ok as can be during these challenging times. It is very scary when we do not have control. So far hubby, Koko and I are fine. We lost a family member to cancer in nyc on Monday and we could not attend the funeral as we are high risk, hubby very high risk, we worry about our sister in Manhattan trying to process her husband’s death with chaos all around her. She is 78 with illnesses and we cannot be with her.
We have businesses ordered closed everyday but are not yet on lock down though we should be. We cannot get hand sanitizer, disinfective spray, many supplies are not available.
My husband needs to take the drug they are touting as a treatment for covid for his rheumatoid arthritis. He has been on it a year. Yesterday, the pharmacy said they had none and it was on back order. Thankfully, the pharmacist he knows recognized him and gave him a 90 day supply, they only had a few pills let. I h ave been told there is a shortage of albuterol which I need for my asthma. I need to call the clinic Monday to try to sort that out. The clinic is closed and is only doing telemed visits. Those visits are overbooked and the system is breaking down.
Starting Monday, I will be working from home. I’m not sure if the business can survive another deep recession.
I had to be pretty aggressive and outspoken to get my boss to develop a Covid19 policy. When he finally did, I told him, it wasn’t enough. We have some older employees besides me and they need a safe work environment. I have pushed as hard as I could but have no idea what will happen now that I am not there physically to preach to them.
We now have a nursing home in our village with an out break. We have a state population of over 5 million but can only process 400 tests a day. Only the seriously ill that meet outdated requirements are being tested.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Stay safe and well. I will check in as I can.
Saying goodbye to the work dogs yesterday was really hard because I have no idea when I will see them again.
I’m hoping the sore throat I have this morning is allergies.
Love you all. We will get through this together.

So glad to see that you, hubby and Koko are okay. Wish it under better circumstances. CA has been out of hand sanitizer, disenfecting wipes, toilet paper, baby wipes, etc. We all can be creative when it come to toilet paper and baby wipes. As far as disenfecting products, the CDC has given some recommendations. A bleach solution of 1/3 cup bleach to a gallon of water, full strength rubbing alcohol and full strength 3% Hydrogen peroxide are all effective disenfectants. You might have some of these things at home already. Instructions are to clean as usual, then apply disenfectant and leave wet to air dry. Common surfaces in your home, should be diinfected at least 3 times a day. I am out of disinfecting wipes, but have several packages of baby wipes. I use them to clean up in the classroom because we don't have a sink. I am creating my own disinfecting wipes by using the products above with my baby wipes. The more creative we are right now, the better off we will be. As far a hand sanitzer, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, several times a day. Apply lotion to prtect them. Above all. Be smart to stay safe.

Addy... Mom died unexpectantly three months ago. I still have dad with. We are OK so far. Thank you so much for posting the conditions in your area. I wish more of our family would do the same.

Since CA is on lockdown, there is only a very few essential services open. I ventured out to Walmart and Target this morning, wearing my mask and gloves. I looked like I was ready to perform surgery. This is the first time I have left the house is almost a week. I did manage to snatch up a few needed items at Walmart before heading to Target a few blocks away. There is almost nothing left at either store in the way of groceries. The things I did manage to buy, were items being put on the shelves at that exact moment. You can't miss them among multiple rows of empty shelves. I moved on to target and had some luck there also. Almost everything is limited to one or two items. I did manage to grab some soup as it was being shelved. A very loud commotion broke out in the baby section. Security was called over the loud speaker. Three women were fighting over baby wipes that had just been delivered.They were attempting to grab them out of each other's hands and screaming at the top of their lungs, about whether the older lady even had a baby. You don't have to have a baby to use wipes. You might use them for other purposes. I do myself. Baby wipes are a huge commodity right now, but fighting over them? It is totally nuts here. The panic has taken over. It's scary. I went home thinking that I was much better off than many right now and thankful for that.!

I live in York County, PA. we have had 6 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 in my County, a total of 370 coronavirus cases in PA., and two deaths have been reported in Pennsylvania, 1 was in Allegheny County which is 3 hours from where I live. This virus is awful.

I am fine, been mostly home bound since this started, a couple trips to the grocery store and to see my Uncle whose wife just passed last Tuesday. My Uncle's wife was my Mom's sister and the last living sibling, cancer took her from us, she was 83 years old and they were married for 66 years, I will miss her so much.

I've been tending my flower beds, pruning, and getting to those projects around the house that have been put off, trying to keep myself busy. My sweet boy Jax turned 1 year old February 26!! He is such a good boy, except when he's irritating the cat! So, what is everyone else doing to pass the time while home bound?

Hugs to all, Lori

Oh Addy, I know these are definitely not good days, but it’s still so good to hear from you. Please do keep updating us, and for sure I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you guys! And all our family!

Well, we’ve completed our first full week of self-isolation. Fortunately, hubby has been able to shift pretty effectively to working from home. He has a new telephone headset on order from Amazon, because much of his work is now involving telephone communication. Luna and I like having him around. It’s especially comforting to me, because being the Queen of Worry that I am, he can at least help distract me, or shall we say, refocus me. “Don’t you think it would be better if you turned off the news for awhile?”

Like everywhere else, we suffer from a dearth of sanitizing supplies. Early last week, there was a general run on groceries, too, and there are still holes but many stocks have now been resupplied. And yes, I even spotted some toilet paper back on the shelf yesterday! Aside from grocery store runs and walking Luna, I’m otherwise staying inside and puttering around the house. We’re not even seeing any friends during the next couple of weeks. There’s strangely a bit of physical calm that comes with the isolation, alongside the mental worry.

I still miss my mom daily, but I’m so grateful that she’s spared this world crisis. We used to talk about all the challenges her generation — and she personally — faced. Losing the family farm and being penniless during the Great Depression, working as a nurse in the days before antibiotics, all the sacrifices and the long and uncertain separation from my dad during WWII, polio and other epidemics pre-vaccination, etc. I wondered whether my generation would have the moxie to stand up to any of those challenges. I still do. I sure hope so! I hope we can all pull together in a way that would make “The Greatest Generation” proud of us. But I *am* glad that my mom, herself, was spared this final worry.

So that’s today’s report from Atlanta. Unsurprisingly, by far we’re reporting the most diagnosed cases of Corona in the state. I so wish the governor would issue a total state lockdown like California, but since he hasn’t so far, individual cities are starting to get more aggressive on their own. Restaurants, etc, are closed here, but I know that there are offices still open around me (I see cars in the parking lots as I drive by). But with the diagnosed cases and deaths escalating, I’m hoping there will be more complete closures coming this week. We shall see.

Take care, everybody, and stay safe!

And Lori, I’m so sorry about your aunt. That’s probably the hardest thing of all about this new isolation — to not be able to spend more time with family and friends in their times of need. The photos of family members waving outside the windows of quarantined nursing homes is so heartbreaking!

I know you’ll miss your aunt so much. Such a sad time in so many ways.

This is long, so grab a cup of tea. :o :D

According to the official Arkansas information, which I trust this much: _____, there are 118 positives, 154 under investigation, 501 being monitored, and 367 previously investigated who tested negative as of yesterday. Why don't I trust that information? Here is why -

On Thurs, March 12th, my neighbor spent the day shopping with her only daughter. On Sat, the 14th, she spent the day shopping with her 2 nieces, by her daughter. Her daughter's new nephew, who works in a hospital the next county over, was exposed to the virus approximately 2 weeks ago and tested positive this past Monday, 3/16/20. He went to church and sat with his family, including my neighbor, the Sunday before, the 15th of March. Wed, the 18th, her daughter and son-in-law, were quarantined, as was the niece who is married to the fellow who tested positive. The other niece, none of the members of their church, none of the friends who had been over to his house, nor my neighbor have been quarantined. And according to my neighbor none of them have even been contacted by health officials for any reason. Most of them continue to work, shop, and gather at church.

One of our new neighbors doesn't have a TV capable of watching the news; he is very poor and has an old analog TV he uses to watch movies on. He doesn't have a radio nor a vehicle that would have a radio. Yesterday he came over to another neighbor's house to inform them they needed to get to the store and stock up because there was a very bad virus going around. He had just learned about it from a family member he had called to ask them to bring him some groceries and supplies. He was stunned to say the least. Several of us had been wondering about his behavior because people have been in and out of his house daily at all hours of the day and night. Day before yesterday 5 vehicles were parked at his place with 4-5 people literally crawling over each other as they worked on 2 of the trucks. Were none of them aware of the virus either? How many other people who I see out and about as if oblivious actually are as oblivious as our new neighbor?

In talking to doctors and nurses in my state they all say, to a man/woman, that what we are being told is false...that there are many, many more cases in our state that have tested positive and countless others who show every indication of having the virus but can't, and won't, be tested because they don't fit the CDC guidelines. Quite a few of those cases are their coworkers and peers. :(

Our Governor is an idiot who until just the last 3-4 days has been telling the residents here than the virus was contained in ARK - that all our cases stemmed from the original case in Pine Bluff and that all those contacts had been tracked down and quarantined. Further, there had been no spread of the virus from out of state or other sources, in spite of the fact that we have an international airport in Little Rock with connections in NY, CA, WA to name a few. On March the 13th he announced that Walmart parking lots across the state would have drive-thru testing centers...there is no sign that is going to happen. He has failed to close nonessential establishments still as of yesterday. Bars and restaurants were all open until the 19th, but hotels and motels are still in business as are all the private clubs, lake resorts and their private restaurants, bars, etc. Salons, cigarette stores, liquor stores, etc. are to operate or not as they deem best. Those closed bars and restaurants? They can now change their useage to anything such as selling groceries, alcohol, etc. in order to remain open. Most daycares remain open tho all our schools are closed until mid April at least. I dog sit to help supplement my income and everyone of my bookings has cancelled plans with the exception of one who is coming tomorrow. They are staying at one of those lake resorts and trust the establishment there to have a virus free environment....even tho people from all over the country come to those resorts starting this time of year. This baby is my last booking for a while and they were given explicit instructions for dropping her and her things off and for picking her up. Not only can I not risk exposure I can't be party to helping others be exposed to and spread the virus. OH! and that original case in Pine Bluff? He is no longer mentioned and the official reports now say the first official case was in Fayetteville on 3/18/20, seven days later, which is in the northern part of the state while Pine Bluff is in the southern part.

Yeah, my confidence level is very high, she said sarcastically. :D

As for the state of things around here, it is the same as elsewhere. The grocery shelves in Kroger where I shop are mostly empty and the products that do come in have increased in price. I was lucky enough to be in the store when the bread I like was delivered. What used to cost around $2.50 a loaf is now almost $4.00. :rolleyes: There is no flour, baking powder or soda, no sugar or yeast, or dry milk for making your own bread...a few small bags of corn meal were all that was available. At first, fresh produce is what was all out of stock but that seems to have changed and there were plenty of fresh veggies and fruits in the bins. There are no chicken parts nor ground chicken, no ground nor roast beef, no pork chops, shoulders or roasts. A few high end cuts of beef, a little bison and lamb were all that was in the meat department. Some fish was left, mostly salmon, sword fish, and tuna. Interestingly, the only frozen seafoods that were left were those products sourced in China, which I have refused to purchase since the melamine dog food poisoning in 2007. The selections for lunch meats and hot dogs was limited as well. Some canned sardines, mackerel, herring, and very little canned tuna were on the shelf; no canned chicken, and one can of turkey spam was left. Frozen veggies were getting slim as were all the frozen pizzas and meals but not one single package of chicken nuggets, etc that many kids like to eat. No soups except for the ones that cost $2.00 a can and up, and those selections were limited. Maybe 50 cans total of canned veggies were on the shelf. One bag of brown rice was left, no white rice but several options for gourmet rice products like Jasmine, Basmati, Arborio, Black, and Wild Grain. A few pastas like elbow macaroni and spaghetti were available as were Bow Tie, Linguini, and Penne but all the Rotini was gone. There were some egg noodles left but most of them were whole grain. The pastas made from lentils and chickpeas were still plenty available. Maybe 6 jars of prepared pasta sauce left. No paper products at all with the exception of one lonely, beat up box of Kleenex which I grabbed gratefully. There were a few packages of baby wipes available but diapers seemed to be well stocked. Very little milk, sour cream, eggs or cheese left but there seemed to be plenty of yogurt. On every shelf a sign had been taped that asked shoppers to limit their purchases to 2 items...some to one item such as the nonexistent TP and paper towels. Oddly enough there were plenty of chips, cookies, nuts, Cokes (brand), and candy available as were vitamins and such, including cold and flu OTC products. The pharmacy, which typically opens at 7AM, was still closed at 9AM....they were running out of medications when I picked up my latest prescription on the 16th.

Yes, I spent way too much time walking around the store in my mask (purchased in 2015 for yard work) and gloves, which I always have on hand, in an astounded daze looking at the state of my once well-stocked store. :D

I tried to do the grocery pick up from both Kroger and WalMart but before I could finish selecting items, the ones I had already put in my cart were changed to "out of stock". Paper and OTC products are in-store purchases only. Pick-up dates are a week out.

The WalMart in the next town over was closed for a day because of shoppers fighting over items. :( Thankfully I haven't seen any ugliness when I've been out but several instances of goodness and kindness instead such as one lady pulling canned veggies out of her cart and putting the into the cart of an elderly lady who was staring at the empty shelves as if she were lost.

I'm not worried about food for myself at this point but I am for my dogs. Some folk have called me a dog food snob and I accept that title gladly. But I just ordered a much lower quality food than I would typically use for my babies from Amazon because it was all they had that I could afford. Chewy is out of my range on everything they had in stock that I looked at and the pet stores here are running out of stock...what they do have has doubled or tripled in cost as well. My last trip to Kroger most of my purchases were on fresh veggies I can cook to supplement the dog food they do have trying to stretch it out as much as possible. I had some chicken breasts in the freezer already so I added those to their mix.

As for TP in my home, I told Glynda that due to IBS my normal TP purchase for the month looks like panic buying to start with. :o I wasn't really concerned until this latest trip to Kroger. My month is running out as is my month's supply and I am not at all confident things will have improved by the time it does. I have been taking steps to limit use every way I can when at all possible and that has allowed me to have a bit more than I normally would at this point in the month but that extra bit is soon going to be gone. I have been eyeing my stock of plastic grocery bags with a new eye the last few days. :o:D:o In addition, I am trying to flush as little as possible. With around 100 homes in our mobile home park and 90% of those families home now, including children, I foresee major sewer issues in our future. Not only from the extra TP going thru the pipes but from some folk flushing things they shouldn't - like Kleenex, paper towels, wipes, etc. So as Kathy said, creativity is the name of the game these days! ;)

Now I will leave you with a funny conversation I had with one of our former members named Louise, Munchie's mom. She told me about the husband of one of her girlfriends who came out of the bathroom where he had been preparing to go to town with 2 sanitary napkins taped over his mouth since he hadn't been able to find any masks...and he was serious! :D In our discussion about the TP shortage, I told her my garden hose was charged; only one neighbor might be able to see me and if he did he could not use my hose! :D:D She said if she couldn't get any TP she was just gonna go scoot across her neighbors lawn like a dog. :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Ya'll take care of yourselves because you are all much to precious to risk.
Hugs,
Leslie

PS....Addy, sore throats are not allowed among this family! Please let us know how you are doing when you can.

Lori, I am so sorry about your Aunt and for what your uncle and family are having to endure on top of this loss due to this crisis. Sending virtual hugs to you and lifting prayers for you all.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS) )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) )))

Thank you all for your updates. So glad to hear that you all are doing as well as can be expected. This is a very scary, uncertain time. In a democratic society, idiots are free to be idiots! I did not realize the scope of idiots that run free in CA! Nothing has changed for CA. Confirmed cases are multiplying by the hour/possibly minutes. Only severe cases are even being tested. There is less than 2000 ventilators available for use in CA. That's for a population of over 40 MILLION people! Obviously, many thousands of people are not going to get care. Governor's Newsom has requested a hospital ship with 1000 beds to be sent to California. The other one is being dispersed to New York. Hospitals are trying to remain afloat under multiple times the load they are used to sevicing. Healthcare workers are being force to work without protective gear, as there is none available. They are being instructed to wear a bandanna over their faces, since all the masks are gone. CA is still on lockdown and probably will be for several weeks. It is definitely for the best. The healthcare industry is bursting as it is.

In the midst of every crisis, I try to find one good thing. So here's my one good thing… Since we are in isolation, that puts my dad and I together for 24/7. Neither of us have been too crazy about this, because we are both used to our space. However, this is the time that I have with him. I will probably never have such concentrated time with just the two of us ever again. Since losing my mom three months ago, I am going to value the time I have left with dad, even though he is an exasperating old man that drives me crazy! So there it is! We both are well for now.
Keep posting family. Let us all know how you are holding up.

Just got notification that my visitor for tomorrow will not be coming after all....Crystal Springs, the resort, is cancelling all reservations for the foreseeable future. ~~whew~~ My friend and her hubby are very disappointed and while I am sorry they have to miss this trip I am glad as well because I was worrying about their well-being. He has had 3 heart surgeries so that puts him in the high risk category too...and if something happened to him I'm not sure how well she would cope. She and I went to high school together...and she lost her adult son a few years ago so we reconnected and bonded over that tragedy. So I know how much she depends on him and needs him. I am relieved they will not be leaving town.

Just before this started, I had decided to teach myself to crochet. Thankfully I went out to one of the craft stores then and purchased quite a bit of yarn on sale plus Beth, another former member, sent me a box full of yarn she no longer needed. On my last trip to WalMart I picked up a couple of skeins needed to compliment some of the things I am working on. So when I'm not out in the yard I spend a lot of time in my recliner with Tilly in my lap crocheting and watching cooking shows. So if anyone has any yarn they need to find a home for, I'm more than glad to adopt it. :D

Thank you, ladies, for your thoughts and sympathies for my Aunt, when I went to see her right after I found out she had cancer she was in good spirits, she was a religious woman and when I asked her how she was doing her reply was that she lived a long happy life and was ready to meet her maker, that did bring me some comfort.

Yep, all paper products are gone by the time I get to the grocery store, I'll be making another trip tomorrow so hopefully there will be some there! The Governor here has closed all nonessential businesses and restaurants are only allowed take out or delivery services. My nephew works for FedEx express and is still required to make deliveries/pick ups, they do, sometimes, make deliveries to doctor offices and hospitals but I wish they would close, it makes me worried with him out there amongst people.

Lori, I'm so sorry to read about your aunt. My folks were married 67 years. I hope your uncle has plenty of support. There is never a good time to lose someone you love, but right now is extremly trying. It was hard enough taking care of the details after my mom's death. I can't imagine doing it when my whole state is in lockdown. It sounds as if the rest of the country is headed that way.

Now for another good thing. I know, two in one day! I received a text and was told to go out on my front porch. I found a grocery bag with eight rolls of toilet paper and a large package of wipes. My fairy godmother had been there and left the supplies. It was a friend from work who knew that I hadn't been able to find toilet paper anywhere for the few weeks. I texted her and offered to pay for it when I saw her. She said that fairy godmothers don't take money and it felt good to do something nice for someone. I told her that I would pay it forward then and help someone else out. That is my challenge for all of you. If given the opportunity, do a small gesture to help someone else out who may be more in need than you. Maintain your safe social distance, while doing a good deed.

Today's updare for CA. Warnings are over! Parking lots at parks, beaches, etc. have been closed. Citizens caught out, except for essential services are now being fined $1000. Non essential businesses, who have not closed as mandated, are also being fined. Not sure what the amount is for that. CA's governor is not fooling around. The lockdown is being enforced! The biggest fear/challenge in overtaxing the hospitals, which are already bursting. The Navy medical ship (Mercy) is being deployed to LA. The National Guard has been called up to California. They will be assisting in getting food and supplies to those in need, as well many other duties. FEMA Is also active with all areas of aid.

On the homefront, Dad is upset because he can't get a haircut and is sick of staying home. My next door neighbor thought that dog grooming was an essential service, she was wrong. Groomers have been closed. The lockdown continues indefinitely. The freeways are empty, which normally would be a gift. Now it's just scary. So far we are well here. We have supplies and food and my job is secure. I'm off on paid leave for now. The governor stated that It is unlikely that students will return to school until fall. My district has not made that determination as if yet. We are supposed to go back April 13th, after Spring Break. Since the state remains on lockdown, that appears unlikely at this point. No one is going anywhere! Anyway, We are safe and well for now.

So glad to hear you’re still safe and secure, Kathy! As severe as those restrictions are, I do think they’re *so* necessary to try to slow the spread. I had my fingers crossed that our Georgia governor was planning to announce a similar plan when I heard there was to be a press conference this afternoon. But no such luck. Just a feeble rehash that restaurants are closed to sit-down meals and that vulnerable citizens should shelter in place. Sheesh, don’t you think we vulnerable geezers aren’t *already* sheltering in place??? Yes, let’s allow everybody else to be out circulating virus until the system is totally overwhelmed. Wise plan. So for the time being, we must hope that at least local mayors will have more sense <SIGH>

Just as a little comic relief, we received a letter today from our homeowners association telling us that we need to have our dirty gutters painted or replaced within 30 days, or else face a substantial fine. The letter contains a charming photo of our dirty gutter. In the midst of worldwide calamity, our dear neighbors are driving around the neighborhood taking pictures of dirty gutters. How about canvassing to see whether elderly or disabled neighbors need help obtaining groceries or medication or other vital services??? Sometimes crisis brings out the best in humanity. Sometimes not.

I’m still really trying to limit my daily news exposure because it makes me so sad and worried. From the inside of our house, you wouldn’t really know that anything was wrong or even that different. So I’m continue to wrap myself in that fantasy, at least temporarily...

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Originally Posted by labblab

Just as a little comic relief, we received a letter today from our homeowners association telling us that we need to have our dirty gutters painted or replaced within 30 days, or else face a substantial fine. The letter contains a charming photo of our dirty gutter. In the midst of worldwide calamity, our dear neighbors are driving around the neighborhood taking pictures of dirty gutters.

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So hilarious! Thank for the laugh! That's the south for ya! Here in CA, my neighbors would be full of creative suggestions as to where your photographers could put your dirty gutters! So funny!

Yes, limiting exposure to the news in critical. I have to unplug from all of it in the evening, otherwise sleep is impossible. Instead I put on something light like Big Bang Theory repeats. Libraries are closed and I'm on lockdown, otherwise, I could go get videos. Anything you need to know will come thru on a Special Report that will be repeated numerous times. You are not the only one on News overload. I have been graphing LA's and San Diego daily progression. It is bleak, but also helps me determine the flow and what's likely to happen next. That is much more valuable to me, than listening to horror reports by the minute. The numbers are not encouraging, yet the Math speaks for itself without speculation of impending doom. I've always been Math/Science minded, so this works for me. Find something that will inform you without the News overload. Hopefully, that will help ease your fear.

Good grief, Marianne, so sorry that those neighbors are insensitive, you'd think that they'd put their efforts into something good.

Kathy, glad to hear that your supply of toilet paper has been replenished, that was such a nice thing for your friend to do.

Our Governor has order residents in the 5 counties hardest hit to stay home, the numbers keep rising in the county I live in which is scary. I did go to the grocery store early today, 7am, and it wasn't crowded at all AND their shelves were pretty well stocked!

The Governor has just ordered the county I live in to stay home, which won't bother me much since I don't do much traveling.

Looks like we're gonna have some nice spring days here next week so I'll need to get my hummingbird feeder out! And Leslie, some of those flowers I purchased are starting to come up!

Things are going from bad to worse in CA. Daily positive cases are doubling overnight and there is no end in sight. Deaths and intensive care have also increased dramatically. It is being said that CA will be the next epicenter within the next few weeks and will quickly surpass New York's numbers. That is scientific speculation based on many factors. It is bad here and gaining steam, but would be much worse if CA hadn't been first to be locked down. We remain in lockdown for the foreseeable future. I personally know of some people who are assumed to have the virus. One of them was sent to the hospital (I won't say which one). He had a severe cough and was short of breath. He was instructed by hospital personnel to go home. That he needed oxygen now, but there was none available. There were no ventilators available either. Told to come back if his breathing became very slow and raspy. He and his entire family are now in quarantine. He could not be tested to verify, because the hospital had run out of tests, so they assume he has it. This is the exact hospital that I go to with my medical plan. So, if I get sick, I'll either recover on my own, or probably die. I can't count on this hospital to have the resources needed to save me. My dad's plan is connected to another hospital. It is probably not much different there either. My hospital has always provided outstanding care. I have no complaints up to now. They just don't have the resources needed to service so many people at once. Eight medical centers attached to my hospital and medical plan have shutdown within the past couple of days, including the one with my personal physician. The system is bursting at the seams, and they are closing access to care. This pandemic continues to burn through communties gaining fuel as it goes. There is plenty of fuel in California. 40,000,000+ people to fuel the fire. So far my dad and I are doing well. Both of us are suffering from cabin fever.


My school district is preparing to transfer over to virtual learning following Spring Break, if we end up not being able to resume our school schedule. The final determination will be made next week. There are so many guidelines between the state lockdown procedures and mandates, that returning to school on site is highly unlikely. Education is considered essential, so I will continue to work either way. Staff has already attended meetings virtually, from our own homes. It is pretty cool actually. Almost a 100 staff members on video at the same time. This will be a new learning experience for staff as well as the students. We have well over 1000 students in my school alone. If we do not phsically return to school, my school district, as well as many other districts will proceed virtually. This is unprecedented. A week is the longest we've ever been out in any school year. That has happened twice due to wildfires. We have never had to come up with a plan to go virtual before.

There is a New Covid-19 cluster in my community. This is now the fourth one identified. It is in a VA administration building. My dad goes there. It is about 15 miles from my house. This VA facility serves thousands of veterans annually. Many of which are elderly and the most vulnerable population. OMG!!! Please pray for those heros who have served our country and are struggling now.

So much is happening in CA right now. Much of it is terrifying! Most people are taking this seriously now.
Better late than never. Please stay smart to stay safe and update when you can. It helps me to hear that you all are doing well. This is the second full week that CA has been on lockdown. I have two weeks now of Spring Break as the lockdown continues. I have only left the house once since we have been locked down, and that was only to hunt down groceries. I miss going to work and being with my kids. I am not terribly social, but I do miss the social interaction with friends and staff at work. We have been able to visit virtually, which does help me feel less isolated. I do expect to come through this just fine. I am optimistic as to my outcome, even if I do catch the virus. I am however worried about my dad. He is especially vulnerable. Stay tuned.

Oh man, Kathy, I hate it that things are looking so bad out there, even in the midst of the lockdown. There’s so much that remains unknown, but given how much we do know, it fries my brain that so many leaders are still sitting on the sidelines. This has to be my quote of the day, coming from the producer of The Daily Show, Daniel Radosh:

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It's genuinely insane that from country to country, and now from state to state, every single hotspot says "We should have acted earlier" while every place that hasn't been hit yet says, "But we don't have to act now because it's not a problem here."

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We’re still sitting in limbo here in Georgia, waiting for things to truly explode. And then, of course, it will be too late.

In the absence of capable leadership, all we can do is try to self-limit our own activities and hope there are enough other concerned people doing the same. We only go out a couple times a week to buy groceries or to pick up takeout meals. I start feeling tense whenever I back out of the driveway, wondering if this will be the trip where I get it. But there’s one soul who’s loving it, and that’s Luna! She loves having her dad home 24/7, she loves going on extra “family walks,” and she loves sheltering in place with us on the couch ;-). At least it does my heart good to see her so happy!

I also love hearing about your hummingbirds and flowers, Lori. Oh, and after I wrote a scathing letter to our HOA, I got a one-line email response telling me that we’d been granted an extension to fix our gutters. So at least there’s that!

Our state leaders need to be making the hard decisions, if they haven't already. CA has thousands of people out of work. The unemployemt web-sites have overloaded and crashed. I personally know of several people who have lost their jobs. It is so bad, that there is now a government mandate in effect that forbids forclosues and evictions, due to inability to pay mortgages and rent. That is just the tip of the iceberg.

Food is hard to find. Supplies are even harder. I donated several boxes of Poise pads and Depend undegarments because the nursing homes can not get these essential supplies. I think my mom would have approved of that donation. There were tons of them left after she died, which no one was using. I am glad they are going to good use. Having said all this, due to the restrictions in place, losses and cases are much lower than they would have been otherwise. Medical facilities are still operational, although stretched beyond their capacity. So yes, tight restrictions and enforcement are necessary. We are no longer free to go where we want, when we want. We are no longer free to do what we want beyond the confines our own homes and property. However, we are saving lives, which is what counts right now. No age group is immune. A 25 year old with no pre-existing condtions died in a local hospital yesterday. We have 6 week old infant whose has come down with the virus. Yes, seniors, or others who have pre-existing conditions are more likely to die from this disease, but there are others, many others, who are dying too.

Marianne, I have been watching the pandemic state maps, as far as statistics and numbers. You are absolutely right! I am no scientist, but according to the data, Georgia is headed for real trouble. Just because people think that the virus isn't there yet, they are wrong. It is in every city, town and country in the world, except for Antarctica. It could even be there now for all I know. So if you have a governor who is dragging his/her feet and not protecting you the best they can by setting restrictions, take it upon yourself to self isolate. Stay at home as much as possible, going out for essential needs only. Those who are essential workers, protect yourself by maintaining a 6 foot social distance, if you possibly can. Wash you hands often for twenty seconds and use hand sanitizer when soap and water is unavailable. If you don't already have hand sanitizer, there may not be any to be found. In that case, peroxide or rubbing alcohol will work. They do dry out your hands, so be sure to moisturize.

As far as toilet paper.... If you have had to creative, due to the unavailability of toilet paper, pleae do not flush any other paper products, wipes, etc., in the toilet. As gross as this may sound, trash them. These things often clog sewer lines and septic systems. just be careful, when you are using a substitute for TP.

New York has stepped up and are doing a phenomenal job dealing with this crisis, under dire circumstances. Many lives have been lost, with many more dying, yet they are still fighting with everything they have to save lives. They are putting themselves at great risk to help others without crucial supplies. That is my definition of heros. Let's learn from them. Thank you all for what you do everyday. Here's to the heros who continue to help others in all parts of the world.
Be smart to stay safe.

Glad to hear some of yours are coming up, Lori! Some of mine are as well. I am hoping the ones that haven't broken ground aren't supposed to just yet. ;)

Marianne, glad you got at least that small measure of reprieve! How petty of your neighbors to be doing such at any time but especially now. People who are concerned with appearances get on my last nerve. :D

Well I haven't visited for a while but wanted to check in to see that everyone was safe and coping with the many challenges. My condolences to those who've lost people.

Where we are in Canada we aren't on lockdown however all but essential businesses have closed with restaurants offering take-out / delivery. Interestingly our dog groomer is still operating so Henry has had a much needed haircut. Good thing I can just tie my hair back! OH is working from home and is also the one going to the grocery store as I spent pretty much all of December and February with a variety of colds, only just really recovering at the beginning of March. He's made about 3 trips over the last few weeks and has yet to see TP or sanitiser. I'm not sure if it's because of our location but we've always had periods where items are out of stock, like the time we visited about 20 stores and none of them had toilet brushes (this was many years ago) so tend to buy items in bulk when they're on offer, so we have a large box of rice and a couple of bags of pasta. I also bulk buy Henry's food from the US and fortunately had a trip at the beginning of March so have enough for about 2 months, but will have to make plans for alternatives if this continues beyond that timeframe. I'm so upset to read that companies like Chewy have increased their prices - I will certainly remember that for the future. Our vet is offering a couple of services and will do rabies vaccinations but no others so I'm not sure how that's going to work as they are due in a few months time. Initially people were thinking life would be back to normal after 14 days then a month, and now who knows. I'm scared of making plans because I don't know when it will end, or how life will look at that time.

We are able to go out providing we practice social distancing, so last weekend we took a trip to a beach that we often visit in the winter because it's always been deserted, until now!!! The parking lot was full, cars were parked along the road, and the beach was over-run, so we just drove past. Absolutely unbelievable, and of course now all of the local and provincial parks are closed, so we walk Henry round the yard and play with him indoors.

OH's Mother passed away at the beginning of March but the funeral wasn't until mid-March and in the end he had to take the extremely difficult decision to not go. Fortunately his brother lived near his mother and was able to organize everything. A number of other relatives we unable to go because they were high risk - so sad.

Well, I don't know if any of us can really be prepared for what lies ahead. CA remains under a stay at home/lockdown order indefinitly. All time lines have been removed. Covid-19 cases/deaths continue to multiply daily. CA's escalation is on the same course that has hit New York so fiercely. Only a very few essential sevices are open. I can practically count them on one hand. No public gatherings of any size are allowed. Social distancing requirements of 6 feet are being enforced. Beaches, parks, playgrounds, etc., have all been closed. All CA citzens are being encouraged to stay home. People are now attending church on-line from their own homes. This is just the beginning. There is a long haul ahead.

Post your updates when you can.

Same here...now we're being told to put something over our faces whenever we have to go out. Doesn't have to be a mask, but a scarf or something. My sister was tested this past Monday, but won't get results for another week. She's banished to the basement, but had been taking care of our mother, who is bedridden with Alzheimers, before that. She had also been at my daughter's about 11 days ago and I was there as well. Hoping we don't get it, if she does have it, but also worried about Josh who is at high risk.

My son is going crazy all by himself about an hour away from us. He is also in the high risk group and is afraid to go out of his house. He didn't run and get any gloves, masks or sanitizers before this got so bad, so he's very nervous. Plus he has bouts of depression and being cooped up all by himself is not good. I am very worried about him and as soon as my sister gets her results, if negative, I'm going to take a ride out there and bring him some food and supplies, even if I have to drop them off by his front door and just talk to him from outside.

The only upside for me is that I don't have to commute to the city. I like working from home. I like being able to be here with my doggies. I will have to make a decision if I still have my job when this is all over because I do not want to go back to the city. For two years I worried every day about terrorist attacks, and here it came in another form.

I listen to Cuomo and Fauci every day. Cuomo calms me and I trust Dr. Fauci. Jess met Dr. Fauci at the NIH on one of Josh's visits there a few years ago. He's a good man who knows his stuff.

So as my governor says, this is the new normal for as long as it takes; there will be a new normal when this is over; we will learn from this; and appreciate the little things that we took for granted before.

I know I will....

Mac it is really good to hear from you again tho I wish the circumstances were better. It is just a tough time for us all and made worse by situations like the one your hubby had to face. I can only imagine the added heart ache that brought and am just so sorry for you both. I am so glad you have each other during this tho. Speaking of hubbys....I saw a meme on FB that had two women talking. One said to the other, "I thought you said your husband was in the back yard. I didn't see him." To which the other replied, "Well, you may have to dig a little." :D:D:D Keep your spirits up and know we are here anytime you feel the need to reach out and chat a bit.

Hugs,
Leslie

Yes Joan, we are now being told to cover our faces/nose and mouth also. A state mandate went into effect at 12:00AM this morning. All essential working personnel are required to cover their faces in public. This includes banks, stores, gas stations, drive thru and take out restuarants, etc. As of now, the general public is ENCOURAGED to cover, but not mandated as of yet. Yes, they are suggesting that the public use something they have at home, such as a scarf to cover, leaving medical masks for our first responders and hospitals. Stay smart to stay safe.

Today our Governor has asked everyone to wear a mask of some kind while in public, he said if a regular mask is not available than to wear a bandanna or home-made one.

Early this morning I went to the grocery store and it wasn't that crowded, people were distancing themselves. The grocery store had yellow lines on the floor at the check-outs showing where you should stand and the people were obeying them. I got enough stuff to last me at least 2 weeks, praying that this ends soon.

California publc schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year! Distance Learning will proceed. Meals will be available for pickup at various sites. Sack lunch, along with breakfast for the next morning will be provided Monday thru Friday. This will continue thru the last day of school in June.

CA has been on a strict stay at home order since March 16th. After three weeks, Californians seem to be getting used to their new normal. Most are complying now, thanks to the $1000 fine/6 months in jail citations. Law enforcement are patrolling heavily. It is bizarre seeing video of empty freeways and beaches. Even venturing out for essentials, is weird with such empty roads.

The saga continues. Stay smart to stay safe.

I saw that meme Lesley, and shared it with OH ;)

We are still not in lockdown however they are recommending people stay home as much as possible. There's no guidance about masks, scarves, etc. and on the odd trip we've made I haven't seen anyone covering their mouths. It's a bit confusing as they also say we can go out for exercise providing we maintain social distancing, so of course we see kids out playing and don't know if they are living in the same house. Schools announced early last week that they were closed for the rest of the school year.

Scary pictures from China today, where they have ended lockdown and one tourist hotspot reported reaching their daily limit of 20,000 people before 8am :(