Conavirus......

[razz]

The Metopera has suspended production til month-end or longer and Broadway has shut down for those who may be interested. Ontario's public schools are closing for two weeks after the coming week-long March break.
Hard to believe that all the major three sports - NBA, NHL and baseball are taking a break as well. The fans in all forms of entertainment will be impacted.

[SteveinMN]

The fans in all forms of entertainment will be impacted.

As will those working at the event venues, at restaurants nearby, taxi/rideshare drivers taking people to and from these events,.... This is going to go deep if it goes for any significant length of time. Not to disregard the effects on those who get seriously ill or die, but even those who never knowingly get COVID-19 will see a negative impact from it.

[kib]

I had to laugh when I read today that Uber is advising its people to work from home "if at all possible". I realize they're talking about their internal staff, not their drivers, but it still came out funny to me. You can drive me from your kitchen, and I'll pretend I'm going somewhere other than to work in my living room.

[catherine]

Broadway is selling seats to some premium shows for $50 through March. I'd be so tempted to go in if I had time, but that's probably stupid. But, man, sure is tempting. I'm wondering if the lights will go out on Broadway for a while. The owner of the house I'm renting works in the costume department of a musical on Broadway, and I'm wondering if he'll come and spend time in his beach house this spring due to lack of work.

[Yppej]

Employees at work are concerned about quarantines because of loss of wages. The COO sent out an email if you or a family member has to be quarantined let HR know and things will be handled on a case by case basis. In other words if you are high ranking or politically connected you will get salary continuation or the option to work from home, if you are not you have to use up whatever sick or vacation time you have and then go without pay.

[Rogar]

One of our localities had a drive up test facility where people could get tested for free with a referral from a doctor. The line wrapped around for blocks and the wait time was three to four hours until they finally were over loaded and shut down. Our state has had around 50 cases and most of them can be traced to foreign travel. A significant number have been in the high country ski areas that get a lot of international visitors. Aspen has several. Most public events have been shut down and I believe the Universities have closed classrooms and gone online. Only few of the primary or secondary schools are closed. All of that could change quickly.

I'm stocked up to stay home or in our open spaces for everything for at least a couple of weeks but I did have to visit my physician yesterday. They had a sign on the entrance door to call from your car for an escort if you had a cold, fever, or recent travel. No one inside was wearing a mask. Gas was $1.87/ gal at one place. In another year I'd be tempted to take a long driving and remote camping trip, but it's not possible this year. The Utah desert is generally warm and pretty this time of year.

All of the promised government financial reliefs and restrictions have been fine OK I guess, but it would be nice to have words from the president about expanding testing facilities and products, healthcare training, and preparing for hospital over loads, should they come.

[jp1]

I agree that the "testing will save us" ship has probably left the port already. I was talking on the phone today with a professional contact who lives in the suburbs just south of me. His wife had just gotten a call from her hair salon informing her that they had just learned that a client the day before she was there had just informed them that she had tested positive. My work acquaintance's wife obviously didn't interact with the person, and doesn't even have the same specific hair dresser, but the virus may well have been on surfaces in the salon.

Over time more and more of us will likely have stories like this that reach closer and closer to home.

[LDAHL]

I hate crowds. I think travel is an exercise in masochism. I’ve bought staples in bulk for years to save money. I don’t like spending money on concerts or sporting events. I quit my job. I plan shopping and movies for non-peak periods. Who knew those would have survival value?

[Yppej]

You know the cliche "freedom isn't free"? Free countries could well pay more in money and lives responding than totalitarian regimes with streamlined, heavy-handed, top-down governments. I'd still rather live in a free country.

I thought Inslee's response was great when asked the penalties for violating guidelines. Not we will fine or incarcerate you, but think of the consequences to your grandpa.

[Teacher Terry]

L, just because you don’t value travel doesn’t mean it’s not valuable for others.