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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: 3, Interesting) by hendrikboom on Wednesday March 18 2020, @03:29AM (2 children)
Thanks. You prompted me to find the Quebec government's recommendations [santemontreal.qc.ca].
Here's the relevant passage:
However, one of my daughters is terrified that I might catch the disease, and I also have to deal with her. I'll have a talk with her over the phone.
She is an occupational therapist working at a CLSC. This effectively gives her additional moral authority over me beyond the influence she has as my daughter. I really don't want to dismay her by risking getting sick.
She, by the way, has volunteered to go round with a nurse for home visits testing people for the coronavirus. Doing it at home will reduce the chance of the virus being spread about as they go to a clinic. I'm both proud and worried about her. As she is worried about me.
(Score: 2) by barbara hudson on Wednesday March 18 2020, @12:24PM (1 child)
If you're worried, talk to your doctor. Over the phone, of course. Phone consults are now covered under Medicare - they announced new billing codes during yesterday's press conference.
We're in for warm weather Friday - you should also open all the windows and air out the place. I'll be doing that plus washing the carpets and floors with a solution containing bleach to sanitize - gotta love my Shopvac. Carpets are disgusting, but at least they can be disinfected. (Test first, ymmv).
SoylentNews is social media. Says so right in the slogan. Soylentnews is people, not tech.
(Score: 2) by hendrikboom on Wednesday March 18 2020, @01:30PM
No carpets here. Gwen found them disgusting.