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My older son is home on Spring Break from college, and his school just sent an email that they are going to have virtual classes only for the time being and he shouldn't go back.

My younger son's local high school is already asking all the parents about in-home internet and computer access for virtual classes, and I'm anticipating that they are going to shut down as well in the next week or two.

Crazy night for us. We have a son in Ireland who just had to book a flight home tomorrow to avoid another 30 days there. Also have two at home on spring break, with one having his break extended one week and another in med school told she has to be at school Monday for a meeting. Totally insane having to cancel and rebook flights with everything changing so fast.

Here's what has to happen and will partially happen naturally by itself. People 70 and up and those with compromised immune systems need to go out as little as possible, stay at home. Not going out at all would be best. Everything can be delivered to them through Amazon, Uber Eats etc. They would receive each package using a new set of gloves and would give the packaging a light once over with antiseptic wipes. Meanwhile the rest of society could go on with basketball games and trips to Las Vegas. However they would have to know the following: If they're over 70, they are there at their own risk. Younger people will know the risk is minimal, probably even less than that of dying of the yearly flu. (Already a very small percent in their demographic.)  They would also have to aware that they could not go visit a relative or friend in the compromised group without putting on full body protection.

I believe there's no better way to handle this responsibly and yet also with the least amount of impact to society in general.

Last edited by The Old Man
irwin posted:
italianwino posted:

There is a drug called Kevzara which treats RA that could benefit patients who are coronavirus positive. Only time will tell.

 

Is there a scientific basis for your statement? Or is this just some advertisement for the company that makes this drug.

I tried looking it up but any reference to this and the outbreak are at weird sites with lots of popup advertising. Some of the sites just have weird names like, fiercepharma.

All public schools in Maryland closed for 2 weeks or so. The Catholic schools are following suit, and I suppose many other private schools will do likewise.  Full scale panic has set in. We're supposed to go out to eat Saturday night with another couple, and they are afraid to go.  Our synagogue has canceled religious services for the next two weeks.  The Courts are not having any jury trials for the next three weeks.  I was supposed to have a hearing this Tuesday in one of the courts, but they announced that they are closing.  The Governor has called out the National Guard.  Not sure why. You can't shoot the virus can you?

It's as close to full scale panic as I have ever seen.

Last edited by irwin
winetarelli posted:

Spent $600 at Costco and $500 Amazon today. Probably another $500+ by the end of the weekend. But... can we talk about this toilet paper thing?  I mean... why?  Why toilet paper. We all need it, but... how much can you actually go through?  This makes no sense. 

Another item disappearing from shelves are condoms. I guess if people think their going to be self-quarantined for a couple weeks..?

I agree that we are in a panic mode.  I keep disbelieving what I am seeing with all the cancellations of events and work activities.  Yes there is a little more risk for older people with underlying conditions, but it is still a flu and the cases are still on the small side. Some precautions are beneficial, but it is like the world is going to shut down for a month.  Let's get a little sanity back.

Yes, I don't get the toilet paper issue, the virus does not cause diarrhea.  

thistlintom posted:

I agree that we are in a panic mode.  I keep disbelieving what I am seeing with all the cancellations of events and work activities.  Yes there is a little more risk for older people with underlying conditions, but it is still a flu and the cases are still on the small side. Some precautions are beneficial, but it is like the world is going to shut down for a month.  Let's get a little sanity back.

Wow, just wow. Is this what they tell you on Fox State News? The flu has vaccines, while not perfect, they can reduce the number of deaths and lessen the severity of the some flues. There is also Tamiflu that can help. Do you understand the difference between .1% and 1%? The moron in chief doesn't. In addition no expert is calling this the "flu" because it's not.

I've asked this on another site with deniers who blame the media and "mass hysteria" to give a number of deaths that would cause them to change their minds. Do you have a number?

Last edited by The Old Man

My older son's college just announced they are shutting down for the rest of the semester and will only do virtual classes.  But now he has to get on a plane to go up there to move his stuff out of campus housing.

Younger son's high school just announced they are shutting down on Monday and going to virtual classes until at least April 6th.

Alterra and Vail Mountain Resorts shut down all ski slopes effective today.  I just had friends here for a long weekend and they just made getting their skiing in.  There must have been a bunch of people who traveled to the ski slopes only to see them shut down.  I would think the risk of transmission is low when skiing.

I also see stores are reducing their hours being open.  You can see why people may think they have to hoard items, worrying about future shut downs.

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