What was your COVID news for the day?

[Another Reader]

The IRS has now extended the filing date for 2019 taxes to July 15th. That's in addition to the payment due date.

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/20/cco...sTPMZc3hcupsMmIwDAqPtX8HyBJ_aLElo8pecHBb3jtrQ

 

[P.S.]

Not sure if this is the right thread in which to post as this info may be actionable. Received in my inbox y-day afternoon:

******
Dear ___ Medical Center Medical Staff,

This inhaler stratification algorithm was created by pulmonology experts within the (health system). There is an extreme nationwide shortage of albuterol metered-dose inhalers (MDI). As a result of this nationwide shortage, the (health system) is requesting restricted utility of albuterol MDIs as directed in the attached algorithm.

Please be aware that a focused COVID order set has been created in ConnectCare and is currently in production.

Thank you,
_____ PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator

*******

Canary in the coal mine? Nationwide drug shortages are not uncommon. But in almost 25 years of practice, I have not yet seen an “extreme” shortage, nor one with a restricted protocol applied. And this time it happens to be albuterol...

 

[jollystomper]

Do you use hand sanitizer every time you touch a flag pole? Seems like one fo the worst things to do. A lot of other people touch that pole.

We do not touch the flag poles. New rules (as of last year, I believe), state that the flag no longer has to be taken out when putting . So no need to touch it. We see few folks taking the flag out. Also, we play with the "rule" that if your putt gets to within 2 feet of the cup, the next putt is conceded. So having to stick your gloved hand in to get the ball is minimized.

 

[aaronc879]

We do not touch the flag poles. New rules (as of last year, I believe), state that the flag no longer has to be taken out when putting . So no need to touch it. We see few folks taking the flag out. Also, we play with the "rule" that if your putt gets to within 2 feet of the cup, the next putt is conceded. So having to stick your gloved hand in to get the ball is minimized.

In that case if you can pay online and you don't go to the 19th hole then there should be virtually no contact. Wash or sanitize thoughly after using the restroom. Could be a very good way to get outside for some fresh air and exercise without risking exposure.

 

[jollystomper]

In that case if you can pay online and you don't go to the 19th hole then there should be virtually no contact. Wash or sanitize thoughly after using the restroom. Could be a very good way to get outside for some fresh air and exercise without risking exposure.

Fortunately, at the place I regularly play, I bought a membership the end of October, so I do not have to go in the clubhouse at all, I just wave at the desk folks through the window as I walk to the first tee. In BC (Before Coronavirus) times I carried bottles of hand sanitizer in my bag just due to picking up lost balls and fishing balls out of the water, who knew how handy that would come to be.

 

[Nemo2]

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/bus...ass-barriers-at-checkouts-as-grocers-work-to/

Sobeys parent company Empire Co. Ltd. has ordered thousands of plexiglass screens to be installed at store checkouts in an effort to provide some separation between staff and customers.

The new screens will be accompanied by stickers on the floor with footprints on them leading to the checkouts and instructing customers to stay two metres apart while lining up.

Empire’s plan is just one example of how grocery retailers are working to implement social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Grocers are balancing the need to stay open and keep Canadians supplied with essential goods with concerns about becoming risky gathering places where the virus could spread.

 

[REWahoo]

^Our local grocery chain did that (installed shields at checkouts) starting last week, plus added additional pick up slots for online ordering. Still a week out on getting an order.

They are paying all hourly employees a $2/hr premium for working between Mar 16 and April 12.

 

[harllee]

Just got back from biking at Jordan Lake State Park, quite a few people biking, hiking, boating, sunbathing, etc. on a beautiful day. The oldsters like me were social distancing--the younger people not so much (saw several of them "smooching".) I guess kissing in these days of coronavirus is a risky activity.

 

[JoeWras]

Just got back from biking at Jordan Lake State Park,

I thought the state parks were closed? They didn't have the entrances blocked? If so, I need to get out for a hike in Umstead.

 

[Fermion]

Just got back from biking at Jordan Lake State Park, quite a few people biking, hiking, boating, sunbathing, etc. on a beautiful day. The oldsters like me were social distancing--the younger people not so much (saw several of them "smooching".) I guess kissing in these days of coronavirus is a risky activity.

I am 18 to 20 years old with a new girlfriend, there is no way a virus is going to prevent me from "smooching". I remember those days (foggily) and hormones were raging. Virus? please.

 

[aaronc879]

Just got back from biking at Jordan Lake State Park, quite a few people biking, hiking, boating, sunbathing, etc. on a beautiful day. The oldsters like me were social distancing--the younger people not so much (saw several of them "smooching".) I guess kissing in these days of coronavirus is a risky activity.

Fresh snow on the ground and a high of 33 makes it much easier to stay in the house. If it was warm enough to hike or bike I would be outside too.

 

[braumeister]

and you don't go to the 19th hole .

I don't understand. In that case, why would you go to the course?

 

[Sue J]

My pleasant little part time job as a school crossing guard has been suspended due to the schools being closed. Since many school kids get their breakfast and lunch at school the school system set up a 2 hour block when kids could come pickup free "Take Home" lunches and also a breakfast for the next day.

I got an email from our police department that if any of the crossing guards are available to be at their corner from 10:30am-12:30pm we could work and get paid. I don't need the money but I sure could go for getting out of the house without getting exposed to anybody! I worked the lunch pickup shift yesterday and today. No kids showed up but I'm glad I did it.

Next week is the scheduled Spring Break and the food distribution will not be happening. The week after that they should be resuming the food but the schools will still be closed. Strange times!

 

[harllee]

I thought the state parks were closed? They didn't have the entrances blocked? If so, I need to get out for a hike in Umstead.

To my knowledge all North Carolina state parks are open. The entrances were open, no charge and a lot of people at Jordan Lake.

 

[jim584672]

NY

"Earlier Friday, Cuomo ordered all barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo or piercing parlors and related personal care services to close amid the coronavirus outbreak."

And they laughed when I learned to cut my own hair.

 

[Chris7]

State of CA issued a Shelter in place order for the entire state. Hopefully, this gets people to take it seriously and we can slow the spread down.


cd :O)

 

[ivinsfan]

My news is we're doomed.

My English cousin 60 flew to Spain last week for a long weekend. Poor choice number one. Got caught in the border and flight cancel situation. Finally got back last night last. Bright and early this morning she's at the supermarket. Poor choice number two. Bright and early this Monday morning 3 days after returning from Spain she resumes her duties as a personal care aid at a London hospital. God help us.

Are people/governments really this dense, we are in big trouble.

 

[John Galt III]

Pa here. Governor shut down ALL the booze retail stores couple days ago. Grocery stores that sell booze are allowed to keep selling it. However..... the clerk at the grocery store booze kiosk told me they ordered more wine, but they don't know if they will be sent any more wine, since the wine comes from the state-run machine. The beer at grocery stores will continue to be available, thank goodness (unless they sell out!!) It's higher priced than the same beer I used to get a my regular beer store, but at least it is available. The cheap wine was almost all sold out.

 

[Alan]

UK just announced that all sit in food and drink places must close tonight. Carry out only.

Also announced they will pay 80% of all wages of workers laid off by the virus.

 

[John Galt III]

Went to Walmart today. Not too crowded. Seemed to have something of everything (but I didn't check for TP) . I got the very last large bottle of 5W-30 conventional motor oil, though. 5W-30 conventional in the 5 quart jug. Everyone wants the same oil, I guess. About 9 other types of oil, all fully stocked. And no, the price did not come down, even though crude oil is down by 50%.

 

[statsman]

And no, the price did not come down, even though crude oil is down by 50%.

I think what's happening here is much of the overseas crude is going into our reserves, so it's not impacting gas and oil prices as much as expected. If the Saudis want to sell us oil at below rock-bottom prices which allows us to build up our emergency reserves, I'm quite fine with gas prices holding firm. With everyone stuck at home, who's driving anyway?

 

[ncbill]

Sent the kid to buy two 20lb. boxes of frozen skinless chicken breasts from a local meat company who realized they won't be selling nearly as much to restaurants so they might as well sell retail...$40/box.

And cash helped...kid said credit card line was 50+ vehicles long but in the "paying with cash" line he just breezed in and out...

 

[John Galt III]

After doing a 'blow that dough' at the booze kiosk at my grocery store, I went to look for non-booze items (food). Picked up a piece of trout on sale, and some other stuff, went to the checkout. Huge line since only ONE human-attended cash register was open. All six of the self-service cash registers were open, and a line of about 10 people waiting. They had a clerk wiping down the self-serve stations one by one. Most of the folks in both lines were cheerful / calm. One lady gave me a stern glare, for some reason. Maybe I reminded her of her evil ex or something... I thought the clerk watching us was going to ask to see my my booze receipt, that I already paid for, but no. Clear sailing.

 

[John Galt III]

I think what's happening here is much of the overseas crude is going into our reserves, so it's not impacting gas and oil prices as much as expected. If the Saudis want to sell us oil at below rock-bottom prices which allows us to build up our emergency reserves, I'm quite fine with gas prices holding firm. With everyone stuck at home, who's driving anyway?

Yeah, the whole thing is so complex. It's good that we're stockpiling the reserve. I wish we weren't exporting our own oil, though. Why not keep it for us. I know there's more to it, of course. I also know that motor oil prices seem to have NOTHING to do with crude prices. They just keep jacking the motor oil up every year, no matter what. Can you say 'cartel'? OK, I'm off topic, stopping now. Back to CV.

 

[ivinsfan]

UK just announced that all sit in food and drink places must close tonight. Carry out only.

Also announced they will pay 80% of all wages of workers laid off by the virus.

Are they asking people returning from other countries to self-isolate? Still can't get over the fact my cousin is pulling a shift in patient care at a London hospital 3 days after returning from 10 days in Spain.