A lot has already happened this year. SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) which can cause COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) has been making headlines shortly after it was first reported. The first cases were reported to WHO (World Health Organization) on 2019-12-31. The virus spread. It began as an epidemic in China . The world watched apprehensively. Reports surfaced of cases in other countries and the the apprehension grew. For many folk, it turned to fear when it was upgraded to a pandemic: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 11 March 2020: "We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic."
We have seen increasing efforts to stem the spread of the disease. Efforts have run the gamut. Closing of borders. Cancellation of sporting events. Conferences cancelled. Churches and other places of worship also closed. Schools closed. Panic buying of household goods and supplies. Supply chain disruptions affecting manufacturers. Restaurant, bars, and other such establishments closed. Work-from-home policies established and enacted.
The changes have been many, widespread, and continuing.
Reading about all the ways that "other people" have been affected is one thing. It seems different, somehow, when it hits closer to home and affects us directly. With many of our usual social activities curtailed or cancelled, it is easy to begin isolating and lose perspective. SoylentNews arose from a troubled period (the SlashCott) and a community has formed from that challenging period.
How have you been affected? Have you been infected? Had a family member or friend who was? Helped neighbors who are struggling? Hunkering down and isolating? (In a basement is optional.) Are you suddenly working from home and finding it challenging to manage your time? Still working on site, but now have a faster commute due to all the other people staying home? Catching up on watching TV shows? Reading more SoylentNews? How has your life changed?
From a somewhat different perspective, how have others helped you to cope... and how have you been able to help others? One of the potential impacts of social distancing is isolation and depression. I count myself fortunate, indeed, to have served this site for over 6 years and for all the people I have gotten to know, here. For those who may not be aware, SoylentNews has its own IRC (Internet Relay Chat) server. Feel free to drop in to #Soylent and just say "Hi!"
Social distancing is permanent when you're dead. So, practice good hygiene and stay safe.
Previously (oldest first):
China Battles Coronavirus Outbreak: All the Latest Updates
2019-nCoV Coronavirus Story Roundup
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Roundup
Coronavirus Roundup
Coronavirus Roundup (Feb. 17)
Roundup of Stories about the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus and COVID-19 Disease
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 - CoronaVirus) Roundup
CoronaVirus (SARS-CoV-2) Roundup 2020-03-12
Working from Home: Lessons Learned Over 20 Years
(Score: 2) by Bot on Tuesday March 17 2020, @12:10PM (5 children)
Discovered appr.tc installed a couple other shitty teleconferencing stuff, and basically in self imposed quarantine, because of a shooting tournament 500+ contestants from up to 200 km away using 10 rifles...
How is life in isolation in a half deserted town? frankly it's been a blast. As all nice things it has to end eventually though.
Account abandoned.
(Score: 5, Interesting) by FatPhil on Tuesday March 17 2020, @12:52PM (4 children)
I paid off my ~200e tab at my local, now's not the time for pubs to be out of pocket, so I just paid twice what my tab was, I can burn through my credit with them when they re-open (that's my usual protocol, it leaves us on average with zero debt to each other). I only have 400 bottles of beer at home, I should survive...
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people; the smallest discuss themselves
(Score: 2) by hendrikboom on Tuesday March 17 2020, @02:48PM (3 children)
Only 400 bottles of beer? No chairs? No computers? No bottle openers?
(Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 17 2020, @03:53PM
...No toilet paper?
(Score: 5, Funny) by Phoenix666 on Tuesday March 17 2020, @06:55PM
Give a man a beer, and he'll drink for an afternoon. Teach a man to brew his own beer, and you'll never see him again.
Washington DC delenda est.
(Score: 2) by FatPhil on Wednesday March 18 2020, @10:30PM
It's bloody useless, because of the hole for the string, the beer drains out of the cup.
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people; the smallest discuss themselves