The Covid-19 Thread: News, Preparation Tips, Etc

rayne

Well-Known Member
wonder if Verizon will get on board, they hounding me for $50. I forgot i took autopay off and got a voicemail last night

@Bette Davis Eyes In case you hadn't heard


AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and others agree not to overcharge customers during coronavirus
19
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai introduces the Keep Americans Connected pledge

By Nick Statt@nickstatt Mar 13, 2020, 1:06pm EDTShare this on Facebook (opens in new window)
Photo by Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images


Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai introduced a new broadband and telecom industry measure on Friday called the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, which is designed to rein in any potential abuses from US internet service providers during the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.

The pledge, which is for the next 60 days, asks that companies not terminate service for residential or small business customers, waive any late fees incurred due to the economic effects of the virus, and open access to public Wi-Fi hotspots to “any American who needs them.”

So far, Pai says that virtually every major company in the US broadband and telecom businesses has committed to the pledge, including AT&T, Charter, CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Sonic, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, among others.


The pledge arrives just a day after AT&T said it would suspend broadband data caps from home internet customers and Comcast said it would be raising internet speeds on its Internet Essentials tier, its broadband planned designed for low-income families. Verizon on Friday said it would be waiving late fees for customers and small businesses, too.

Part of the Keep Americans Connected Pledge is also urging other companies to follow AT&T in suspending data caps as well as asking companies not to charge long-distance and overage fees and to prioritize connectivity to health care providers and hospitals. All of these policies should help alleviate issues stemming from the spike in work-from-home policies being instituted throughout the country to promote social distancing and help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

“As the coronavirus outbreak spreads and causes a series of disruptions to the economic, educational, medical, and civic life of our country, it is imperative that Americans stay connected. Broadband will enable them to communicate with their loved ones and doctors, telework, ensure their children can engage in remote learning, and — importantly — take part in the ‘social distancing’ that will be so critical to limiting the spread of this novel coronavirus,” Pai said in a statement.

In addition to agreeing to the pledge, Verizon said on March 14th it would be implementing “social distancing” by temporarily reducing the number of its retail stores that remain open.

“I applaud those companies that have already taken the Keep Americans Connected Pledge,” he added. “They are stepping up to the plate and taking critical steps that will make it easier for Americans to stay connected during this pandemic and maintain much-needed social distancing.” Pai is asking for other companies to continue stepping forward to sign the pledge.

Update March 13th, 1:50PM ET: Added that Verizon will be waiving late fees for customers and small businesses due to coronavirus.

Update March 14th, 4:20PM ET: Added that Verizon will reduce the number of stores that remain open during the coronavirus outbreak.
 

shortycocoa

Hair Weave Killer
I've been kind of skipping around and skimming this thread.

The Governor just ordered all schools closed in my area until March 31. I knew this announcement was coming... I'm just mad now that I didn't go to the store last week. :lachen:

Looks like when I do go, I'll have to take the kids with me. I was planning on going tomorrow, anyway. I might do that and get it over with or wait until a less busy day/time.

DS 2's Speech Therapist just also confirmed she will not be coming out for his services for the next two weeks. We discussed it Friday before the end of his session and I understood and was ready for that reality. I don't know if other service providers will follow suit.
 
Ugh now I'm not feeling well. It came on very suddenly. I'm feeling extremely nauseous and shaking a bit. I swear I've taken every precaution.
https://instagram.com/organic_olivia?igshid=13ne2lxypxmgx

I’m following this girls stories on Instagram...both her her parents are sick. Mom is hospitalized with pneumonia and her dad is at home where she is caring for him. She is an herbalist I think. These were their initial symptoms:

8DB6679F-108B-4A21-8C8B-3CF4CF827510.jpeg
 

shelli4018

Well-Known Member
Decided not to wear my mask in the commissary. That lasted all of 3 mins. My anxiety wasn’t having it. I wore my orange N95 mask w/o a filter. I’m sneezing because of allergies and didn’t want to touch my face while surrounded by so many people. There were a few strange looks. Smiles and smirks. But I felt like I was doing a service by getting folk used to such things. There were 3 other people shopping with masks too.

That mask was kinda hot tho. Wearing it summer is gonna be interesting. Sure hope ‘rona leaves us alone for summer like seasonal flu.

Anyway, they were out of ground beef, chicken, Lysol, tp, bread and tuna. Still able to get my mom quite a few things after a total of 3 stops on the way to her house. Left everything on her doorstep and proceeded to visit through the glass door for 20 mins. Came home to shower and wash my clothes. Next week I’ll do her shopping on a weekday.
 

naturalgyrl5199

Well-Known Member
People in the midst of this pandemic who want clean hands while there is a current shortage of hand sanitizer will find a way to keep their hands clean if they choose. Hand sanitizer is a very convenient option but it is not the end all be all in a crisis where there is a shortage. That’s all I’m gonna say about that and we can agree to disagree. As a tip I guess I’ll throw in a reminder to keep your hands away from your face, eyes, mouth, and nose until you can wash your hands. If you have access to gloves consider using those as a barrier as well when needed. Be well.
Soap and water > Sanitizer all day if hands are not clean. The surface of the virus actually breaks down when it comes into contact with soap (saponins). I went to pick up a little bleach Thursday morning and there was sooo much soap available and on sale!
 

Aggie

Well-Known Member
@Aggie, @Goombay_Summer, @IslandMummy
Bahamian ladies I left out (my apologies), it has arrived. The Tribune doesn't give much to go on though.

"The Bahamas has its first confirmed case of COVID-19 after a 61-year-old New Providence woman tested positive for the virus.

The woman arrived at Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday showing symptoms and her test was confirmed at midnight on Sunday.

She had not travelled out of the country in the past 20 days.

Officials are currently investigating her family and social contacts to find the source of the infection
."

Link: http://www.tribune242.com/news/2020/mar/15/breaking-news-first-confirmed-case-coronavirus-bah/
So I guess the search for Patient zero is on. :detective: Time to check on ya people in the next coming days.
Yes I tuned in at the 1 pm update and caught it all. Thanks for the alert here. Fear still has no hold on me. I am ready to see my Jesus right now if my time is up. I constantly witness to my family members who are not ready. It's not that I don't care, because I do, I just don't have the fear that most people have.

In fact, I had a dream 2 weeks ago where I was lying on my back and there was a man, (I couldn't see his face) on top of me holding me down with a sword in his hands about to strike me. In my dream, I remember not being even slightly afraid. I said to him with a calm I did not even know I had, "It's okay, I'm ready to see Jesus now." After that, I came out of the dream and woke up.

It was a short dream but it reminded me that fear has no hold on me at all, no matter what comes at me. I am so unbelievably calm and peaceful, it's crazy.
 

Aggie

Well-Known Member
@Aggie I luv ur spirit and vibe gyal! Your the type of energy I need in my life!
I am reminded that we are not in control. Take this seriously. Take the necessary precautions and do what you need to do to feel safe. When you have done what you have to. Let go & let God.

Amen and amen my sister @discodumpling. Just let go and let God's supernatural take over where your natural ends. We cannot do this without Him.

He is certainly my Banner. There are times when He gives us instructions (ie, precautions) in the heat of the battle while keeping Him, the focal point of our victory and at the same time offering Him ourselves as an altar of worship (Exodus chp 17). I'm telling you, He fights for us when we do this.
 

Bette Davis Eyes

The "OG" Product Junkie
Times like these I wish I had my old corporate job back where I could telecommute.

Hopefully no one bothers me in the coming weeks because they have to talk to me from 6 feet. Going in this morning at 3 am to train someone and my HR head said if I’m not comfortable tell someone immediately.
 

naturalgyrl5199

Well-Known Member
So the schools are closed for 2 weeks (at least). My husband and I both work. By chance, I was off the first 2 days for holiday anyway (university 'spring break' for employees). The 3rd day is a day my husband can watch. The 4th day was a scheduled "telework exercise" anyway, to see how teleworking would work en masse for that employer. The 5th day, I still don't know what I'm going to do. Might have to take leave that day, or maybe I will telework again. I'm generally not approved to telework at that location (i have 2 job locations), but they've relaxed telework restrictions. But I hope in reality they don't expect me to meet the deadlines, which were pressing before this all happened, while teleworking. In addition to having a 6 year old at home with me that is nowhere near self-sufficient, making telework itself less efficient for me, I also work with data at that site that is on a server that must be accessed on-site. So, I literally cannot do that work remotely. These deadlines flying out the window as we speak.

The 2nd week of school closures, I was lucky to secure childcare at the same location that picks her up and drops her off for school, which is also the same place that watches the 2 year old. Maybe I will be feeling better by then and can go into the office (i'm also coming down with a cold right now). After that, who knows? Frankly, can I even be sure the daycare I've secured will stay open? Teleworking at my university job is sustainable, though not ideal. But teleworking at my fed gov't site is not. I guess we'll see what happens!
My kindergartner will spend her spring break at the day care she gets picked up and dropped off from (also where her baby sister attends). But the day care owner isn’t sure about being open that 2nd week of closures. Hubby is at the University but has to report. The 2nd week...idk. I can’t bring the kids to the Health Department where I work. But it would be unfair for me to be forced to use my PTO when the situation is out of my control. Like Hurricane pay. We will be playing by ear. But I HAVE PTO available to use right away, even if I’m reimbursed with the money or leave later. I know a lot of people do not and will struggle financially with the school closures.
 

naturalgyrl5199

Well-Known Member
Mom needed bread so I went to the grocery store at 8 this morning. They had bread, meat, toilet paper, etc. I got the bread and a package of toilet paper. I drove to a few other places to see if they were crowded. I thought I might fill up my gallon jugs with alkaline water at Whole Foods but the parking lot was already full at 9. I swung by Meijer and the parking lot there was almost full. Way more people than normal for a Sunday morning. Drove by my mom's church and saw elderly women going inside. I'm thankful my mom wasn't one of them. I said a prayer for them and kept going. The only other stop I made was for gas. I went inside to see if there was water and picked up 2 big 40 bottle packages of water. This was the last thing on my list because I'm not sure I even need it. I can drink tap water if I have to. Like others I can boil it but I don't have a lead filter. I decided it was better to be prepared than sorry.

The only thing I wish I'd thought of was Tylenol now that I'm reviewing these other links. Maybe I'll go out again first thing tomorrow morning. That's the best way to avoid crowds and hopefully find stuff on the shelves after they restock overnight.
I’ve been doing MOST of my shopping before 7:45 AM. I always score that early! I scored Friday afternoon leaving work around 4 and Walmart was restocking stuff at that very moment. I scored bread, wipes, more food stuffs to stock...I checked my paper goods horde from couponing last fall and I have plenty of TP. 2 packs of Paper Towels left so my 7:45 AM run tomorrow will be to get some of that.
 

Chromia

Well-Known Member
Yesterday they announced that 3 people in my county have tested positive for the virus.

Today they gave more details:
-a woman in her 30s who recently traveled out of state
-a man is his 30s who recently traveled to Westchester County, NY
-a woman in her 20s who just got back from Italy

They're all quarantined at home.
 

Layluh

Well-Known Member
What ever supplements you are taking, take some more.

Will do

Cut all sugar immediately.
https://instagram.com/organic_olivia?igshid=13ne2lxypxmgx

I’m following this girls stories on Instagram...both her her parents are sick. Mom is hospitalized with pneumonia and her dad is at home where she is caring for him. She is an herbalist I think. These were their initial symptoms:

View attachment 456633
.
See that's what I read too. But we're thinking it's an actual stomach bug because I ate sardines this morning for breakfast empty stomach. I just started eating sardines so I've never had them for breakfast. Even shortly after I ate it, I had acid reflux. When I burped, it smelled like fresh fish.
Anyway I'm feeling 100% better now so hopefully it was the sardines.


Do you have someone at home with you to help you?

Yes I do. Though he's nearing his 60s.
 

Aggie

Well-Known Member
It’s not about how alright you may be. It’s about the fact that you can spread the virus to someone who won’t be “alright”. As someone on an immunosuppressant I am constantly telling people just because you will be alright doesn’t mean you aren’t harming someone else. People
like me won’t be alright if we are exposed. It could be life or death for me and it saddens me that people are so worried about how they won’t be able to continue their normal routine that they can’t comprehend that they are putting other people’s lives in danger.

Yes as God may protect but we are our
brother’s keepers. It’s about protecting the vulnerable not whether you think it will adversely affect your life.
No my dear, one thing I am not, is careless and thoughtless about the welfare of others. You misunderstood what I was saying. I was simply saying that I have no fear and I feel no panic or anxiety. I did not mean that I will not take the necessary precautions to keep me and my loved ones safe. So sorry that I was not clear enough.

Even though I believe that God fights for me, it does not mean that He does not give us specific instructions in the battle at hand. Sometimes we do not have to fight at all and sometimes we have a part to play on the battle field. In this case, we do have that part to play.
 

Aggie

Well-Known Member
So far there are no confirmed cases in the Bahamas. A lot of us are in areas with current cases and growing numbers.
Aww, I am so sorry love. I am constantly praying for the whole world. I have family members in the US and Canada as well. I guess it's hard to explain my lack of fear but it does not mean that I don't care for others. I am so happy I did not miss church today because there was a needed update on Covid-19 during the service.

My family and I have been taking all necessary precautions to keep each other safe and healthy the whole time as best we can - I have a grand niece and nephew that lives with me. I am just not panicky. I was always one that prepared well in advance anyway. I don't know, maybe I'm not normal.
 

TrulyBlessed

Well-Known Member
I guess my question is- so... What is this two week massive shut down going to actually do besides possibly slow the spread for a while and try to force a sort of national quasi self-quarantine? If we go back to life as normal in 2 weeks how does that solve anything?

I’m thinking with flu season estimated to be over as early as the next 2-3 weeks they’re hoping this virus follows the same pattern. If so along with the spring being right around the corner the number of cases should naturally expect to fall and eventually disappear. If not the shutdowns will probably be extended. Since it’s a new virus no one knows how it’ll behave yet. I really hope nature takes over to end this thing soon. Leaders don’t know what they’re doing and people are terrible at following instructions.
 
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oneastrocurlie

Well-Known Member
I guess my question is- so... What is this two week massive shut down going to actually do besides possibly slow the spread for a while and try to force a sort of national quasi self-quarantine? If we go back to life as normal in 2 weeks how does that solve anything?

I think two weeks is just a start. After a week I think they'll keep extending the time frames. At least in Ohio, that's how it's seeming.

Dewine is already saying school could be out for the rest of the year. The restaurant & bar closures have no end date. And he's saying folks who use daycare need to get prepared because that's up next.

2 weeks is probably being said to not freak folks out so bad they start having heart attacks.
 
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