Demographic is changing Covid-19

[DLgal]

I wish I felt like doing all the legwork but I think we all might be surprised just how much has changed since this all started not only globally but for us in the nation. It's never been a copacetic relationship, it's never been a cohesive message for anyone to actually just shut up and listen. Not even other nations who have been doing their own thing irrespective of our Federal government and people constantly using what other nations are doing to form their own opinions.

It's so impossibly crazy to think just how dang much has changed in 3 weeks(!?) for us. My husband and I are frustrated just for the sheer lack of consistent message around here, one day one thing the next another, it's 250 people then 50 then 10, weddings were ok but now they aren't, don't close the schools we don't recommend it, to close the schools, to good lord how anyone keeps up is beyond me and that's just in my County (schools on state level) and doesn't include that there are multiple other counties in my metro between the two states and now we're all in a scramble because they've opted to do a stay at home for 30 days BUT it doesn't include the entire metro (3 counties and 1 city unless they opt to clarify this).

Other people must be they truly must be having the easiest direction in the world to not have their heads spinning by all the different things changing but I'll gladly admit it's been confusing to say the least. Congrats to those who have been able to take it all in and take orders (not sure who's orders people have been going with)

*FTR my husband and I have complied with all that has been mandated or strongly recommended. It does not however mean we agree with every decision. That is our right to do so.

It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the changing guidelines.

This is how I see it (as a rational, fact seeking person who trusts science and what those people are telling us):

We KNOW that the virus is transmitted primarily by close contact with an infected person (hugs, kisses, handshakes, contact sports, etc).

We KNOW that sneezing and coughing spreads the virus.

We KNOW that when a person sneezes or coughs, those droplets can travel 6 feet and you can breathe them in or get them in your eyes or mouth.

Therefore, I have made the decision to stay home and away from other people as much as is humanly possible. I made this decision long before anyone in authority ordered it. I live in CA and as of Friday, we were ordered to "shelter in place" and most places are closed now. I had been practicing this for 8 days preceeding this official declaration and will continue to do so until I see some evidence that it is safe to resume normal behaviors.

We have lots of bike and nature trails here. I'm taking my kids out for bike rides and walks, away from others. That is safe to do and we will not stop going outdoors for fresh air and sunshine. But I will tell you, it is very upsetting to me to see kids still congregating on playgrounds, playing pick up basketball games, and generally still mingling with others outside their family units. This kind of behavior requires an IMMEDIATE pause, just for a couple weeks. Is it really that hard? It's not. I'm on day 10 now. It's fine. I can keep at this for several months if needed.

Use your common sense to adhere to the CDC guidelines, which are pretty straightforward and easy to implement. Stay at least 6 ft from anyone outside your immediate household. Wash your hands frequently. Stop touching your face. Eat healthy. Get some exercise. All those thing will keep you and others safe.

 

[choirfarm]

We have lots of bike and nature trails here. I'm taking my kids out for bike rides and walks, away from others. That is safe to do and we will not stop going outdoors for fresh air and sunshine. But I will tell you, it is very upsetting to me to see kids still congregating on playgrounds, playing pick up basketball games, and generally still mingling with others outside their family units. This kind of behavior requires an IMMEDIATE pause, just for a couple weeks. Is it really that hard? It's not. I'm on day 10 now. It's fine. I can keep at this for several months if needed.

I'm so glad you do not think it is hard. I have been doing it now for 7 days and I will continue to do it, but yes it is REALLY REALLY hard for me. Hugging people, physical contact, seeing people and getting out of my house TO BE WITH PEOPLE is very necessary for my mental health. When I was homeschooling and isolated, I became suicidal. Getting a job, interacting with others if vital for me. I am already struggling just being home for a week. I'm glad it is easy for you, but it is not for all of us. I will continue to isolate, but I am worried for my mental health.

 

[DLgal]

I'm so glad you do not think it is hard. I have been doing it now for 7 days and I will continue to do it, but yes it is REALLY REALLY hard for me. Hugging people, physical contact, seeing people and getting out of my house TO BE WITH PEOPLE is very necessary for my mental health. When I was homeschooling and isolated, I became suicidal. Getting a job, interacting with others if vital for me. I am already struggling just being home for a week. I'm glad it is easy for you, but it is not for all of us. I will continue to isolate, but I am worried for my mental health.

I understand, and am sorry it's hard for you. I'm a pretty strong introvert and being around people socially is VERY hard and taxing mentally for me. My kids are autistic and are the same way. Socialization is paralyzingy difficult and anxiety provoking for them. It's like my own issues magnified x10.

I read something the other day that really struck a chord. It said something like "Maybe extroverts will finally understand how introverts feel every day, when we are expected to go to ride crowded public transportation, work with lots of people in small cramped spaces, participate in meetings, work in groups on school assignments, etc. The mental anguish extroverts are feeling because they can't have social contact is the same mental anguish we feel every single day, living in a world that makes constant socializing a requirement."

Food for thought.

We all have different needs for mental stimulation and social contact. Perhaps at the end of this, we will all be more sympathetic to others and their varying needs.

There are many ways you can have social contact with others during this time. Video chat capabilities can make it easy to have a "group hangout." Get some of your friends to agree on a time to have a virtual coffee get together or cocktail hour. All you need is a webcam or phone or tablet with a front camera. Call people on the phone and talk. Reach out to your neighbors and sit outside and talk from your porches or balconies. Be creative.

 

[mousefan73]

They are talking about aerosols generated in a laboratory setting, to mimic aerosols that could be generated during a medical procedure. It literally has nothing to do with coughing and sneezing.

In a WHO Press conference last week the female DR. Explained what this is as a question was asked concerning this. She explained the whole aerosol thing really well.

 

[choirfarm]

I understand, and am sorry it's hard for you. I'm a pretty strong introvert and being around people socially is VERY hard and taxing mentally for me. My kids are autistic and are the same way. Socialization is paralyzingy difficult and anxiety provoking for them. It's like my own issuesnly doesn't help. magnified x10.

I read something the other day that really struck a chord. It said something like "Maybe extroverts will finally understand how introverts feel every day, when we are expected to go to ride crowded public transportation, work with lots of people in small cramped spaces, participate in meetings, work in groups on school assignments, etc. The mental anguish extroverts are feeling because they can't have social contact is the same mental anguish we feel every single day, living in a world that makes constant socializing a requirement."

Food for thought.

We all have different needs for mental stimulation and social contact. Perhaps at the end of this, we will all be more sympathetic to others and their varying needs.

There are many ways you can have social contact with others during this time. Video chat capabilities can make it easy to have a "group hangout." Get some of your friends to agree on a time to have a virtual coffee get together or cocktail hour. All you need is a webcam or phone or tablet with a front camera. Call people on the phone and talk. Reach out to your neighbors and sit outside and talk from your porches or balconies. Be creative.

Perhaps, 2 of my children are extreme introverts, so I do have sympathy. My daughter and I are on the other end of the spectrum. I have already had 3 different Zoom meetings. I call a couple a people a day. It isn't the same, probably partially because we are sick here I don't get hugs by husband or children which certainly doesn't help. We live way out in the country. Can't go outside right now because it has been raining for the past several days and will be for the next few. I would feel better if I could get out, but the pine pollen is so bad it will make allergies worse and then how do you know if it is COvid or allergies... Sigh.. I HATE THIS. I will do it for the protection of others, but 6 months of doing Zoom meeting with my 6 girlfriends, instead of meeting in person, giving hugs, holding hands as we pray...just depressing. Physical touch is like water for me-essential for life.

And without having a job that I can actually do WITH people. I'm sorry, but I don't particularly like social media. I'm using it because it is the ONLY way to keep touch now, but I hate it. I prefer real books, real people. Not having a purpose where I go out and do things for real live people I can see and interact.... yeah, I'm already feeling absolutely useless and worthless. Why am I taking up air?? To be on these message boards, whoo hoo.. What a purpose in life.

 

[sam_gordon]

We KNOW that when a person sneezes or coughs, those droplets can travel 6 feet

OK, semantics, but I thought the sneeze/cough droplets could only travel 4 (5?) feet which is why they're recommending 6 feet of separation. The anticipated distance plus a safety margin.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Perhaps, 2 of my children are extreme introverts, so I do have sympathy. My daughter and I are on the other end of the spectrum. I have already had 3 different Zoom meetings. I call a couple a people a day. It isn't the same, probably partially because we are sick here I don't get hugs by husband or children which certainly doesn't help. We live way out in the country. Can't go outside right now because it has been raining for the past several days and will be for the next few. I would feel better if I could get out, but the pine pollen is so bad it will make allergies worse and then how do you know if it is COvid or allergies... Sigh.. I HATE THIS. I will do it for the protection of others, but 6 months of doing Zoom meeting with my 6 girlfriends, instead of meeting in person, giving hugs, holding hands as we pray...just depressing. Physical touch is like water for me-essential for life.

And without having a job that I can actually do WITH people. I'm sorry, but I don't particularly like social media. I'm using it because it is the ONLY way to keep touch now, but I hate it. I prefer real books, real people. Not having a purpose where I go out and do things for real live people I can see and interact.... yeah, I'm already feeling absolutely useless and worthless. Why am I taking up air?? To be on these message boards, whoo hoo.. What a purpose in life.

I am so sorry you are hurting. I hope you reach out to someone to talk about this. You do have purpose and hope. I understand you need the physical touch and environment of people. You are not worthless or useless and in fact could reach out to others that are having to be at home and understand they are feeling. You have overcome and can continue to do so by encouraging others that may have never had such thoughts or feelings until now. You can do this and have worth to share with others. I understand you don't get the instant feedback of in person but the zoom and chatting and telephone is human contact and you can absolutely make a difference in someone's life right now. Please please try.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

We have lots of bike and nature trails here. I'm taking my kids out for bike rides and walks, away from others. That is safe to do and we will not stop going outdoors for fresh air and sunshine. But I will tell you, it is very upsetting to me to see kids still congregating on playgrounds, playing pick up basketball games, and generally still mingling with others outside their family units. This kind of behavior requires an IMMEDIATE pause, just for a couple weeks. Is it really that hard? It's not. I'm on day 10 now. It's fine. I can keep at this for several months if needed.

How nice for you, that you have bike nature trails around to enjoy, and a family to enjoy them with, and a temperament that can handle that being your only out of home socialization for several months. Many others are not so lucky.

I don't see any indication that this is just for "a couple weeks". A top official said that shut-downs will continue until June. That is months of confinement, for many in small residences with minimal outdoors access, no families, etc. Many of them forced to be unemployed and worried about keeping food on the table (especially when grocery stores shelves are emptied by hoarders) and a roof over their heads. That is hard.

I'm an elementary teacher and mom, and can tell you that it isn't normal or healthy for kids to spend months in isolation. My son is autistic and socialization is critical to his development. I know another family dealing with the same issue. This is harmful to kids. They're missing out on socialization as well as education.

If it really were for only 2 weeks, fine. But there is no indication that it will stop there. Flattening the curve means this will last longer than it would otherwise.

 

[Deploraboo]

I never measured my sputum but wouldn’t be surprised if I can do six plus feet. Huge nose.....

 

[choirfarm]

I am so sorry you are hurting. I hope you reach out to someone to talk about this. You do have purpose and hope. I understand you need the physical touch and environment of people. You are not worthless or useless and in fact could reach out to others that are having to be at home and understand they are feeling. You have overcome and can continue to do so by encouraging others that may have never had such thoughts or feelings until now. You can do this and have worth to share with others. I understand you don't get the instant feedback of in person but the zoom and chatting and telephone is human contact and you can absolutely make a difference in someone's life right now. Please please try.

Don't worry i am reaching out to help others. Called my mother and mother-in-law the other day. Texted a single mom to check on her. Reached out to 3 other people to see how they are doing but having heard. Had a Zoom meeting with my prayer group, hosted a ZOOM meeting for the class of 2020 ( long story but their school closed last May and we had already been helping them stick together and now even their graduation and senior trip we had planned must be cancelled...poor kids), had a Sunday School ZOOM meeting today. Already published a devotion that was published and am polishing a blog post to hopefully be published on a website ( sending the query today). I'm doing things and encouraging people. But for someone that wasn't home much and was used to being out with people and touching them ( Physical touch is my love language), yeah it just stinks. I'm still fighting. It will be OK, but just don't say, "What's the big deal. Just stay home. It is so easy." Yeah, it is a fight.

 

[Diznygrl]

The primary way this virus spreads is through touch: someone infected gets droplets on their hand, then touches an object, then another person touches an infected object, then later puts that part of their hand to their mouth, nose or eyes, and voila, they become infected, too.

Breathing it in is a much rarer way to get it, because unlike measles, it doesn't suspend in the air for long. Someone would have to cough in your face to give it to you that way. Which occasionally happens, but is rare. All of the recent emphasis on social distancing hasn't helped to clarify this common misconception, because it reinforces the misconception that you're likely to breathe it in.

So I agree, having special hours for at-risk people at stores isn't going to help much, as they'll still be touching the same things everyone else does. Really, at-risk people need to stay home as possible for this reason, to wear disposable gloves when out when possible, and to be fastdious about handwashing & not touching the face. It's good advice for everyone, but especially for the most at-risk.

Well, that is what has been confusing to me. I mean, touching infected surfaces and then touching your face seems like the most OBVIOUS and easiest method of transmission, but that is NOT what the CDC says:

Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.


Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.



It IS hard for me to understand how something can be so virulent if it's mostly dependent on being directly coughed and sneezed on, but there it is.

 

[luvsJack]

I don't know. "We need to just sit down, shut up and follow directions" sounds pretty close to what citizens have to do in China.

And again, thinking for yourself and questioning things is not synonymous for having conspiracy theories. There are always going to be nutters, but that is no reason to suspend our own inquiry or probing discussions.

So have you done anything with your questions? Have you done your own research (actual research not reading another article by someone you would rather agree with). When we continue to present these questions publicly and act as though we think the whole world is being manipulated, we are encouraging others to believe they should not comply.

Now you have every right in the world to disagree and to question in private. But doing so in social media is what contributes to crowded beaches, masses at Walmart or any open mall.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

It IS hard for me to understand how something can be so virulent if it's mostly dependent on being directly coughed and sneezed on, but there it is.

I mean it shouldn't be difficult to understand. It is exactly the same way that cold, flu, every respiratory virus spreads. People are disgusting and they don't cover their faces when they cough and sneeze. Or they cover with their hand, and then don't bother to wash their hands at all and proceed to touch plenty of surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, etc.

 

[luvsJack]

Not trying to get into all of that. This is not the place for it. The reason it was brought up is precisely what you said. I was responding to this statement, and was explaining why people don't just follow the advice of experts.

You are missing the part where I said “they can trust”.

 

[luvsJack]

It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the changing guidelines.

This is how I see it (as a rational, fact seeking person who trusts science and what those people are telling us):

We KNOW that the virus is transmitted primarily by close contact with an infected person (hugs, kisses, handshakes, contact sports, etc).

We KNOW that sneezing and coughing spreads the virus.

We KNOW that when a person sneezes or coughs, those droplets can travel 6 feet and you can breathe them in or get them in your eyes or mouth.

Therefore, I have made the decision to stay home and away from other people as much as is humanly possible. I made this decision long before anyone in authority ordered it. I live in CA and as of Friday, we were ordered to "shelter in place" and most places are closed now. I had been practicing this for 8 days preceeding this official declaration and will continue to do so until I see some evidence that it is safe to resume normal behaviors.

We have lots of bike and nature trails here. I'm taking my kids out for bike rides and walks, away from others. That is safe to do and we will not stop going outdoors for fresh air and sunshine. But I will tell you, it is very upsetting to me to see kids still congregating on playgrounds, playing pick up basketball games, and generally still mingling with others outside their family units. This kind of behavior requires an IMMEDIATE pause, just for a couple weeks. Is it really that hard? It's not. I'm on day 10 now. It's fine. I can keep at this for several months if needed.

Use your common sense to adhere to the CDC guidelines, which are pretty straightforward and easy to implement. Stay at least 6 ft from anyone outside your immediate household. Wash your hands frequently. Stop touching your face. Eat healthy. Get some exercise. All those thing will keep you and others safe.

Our city almost completely shut down as of last night. Until April 30. We haven’t been told to shelter in place but everything except essentials is closed—even the zoo! (And it was easy to stay 6 ft from others there) So it’s not just 2 weeks every where.

 

[Diznygrl]

I mean it shouldn't be difficult to understand. It is exactly the same way that cold, flu, every respiratory virus spreads. People are disgusting and they don't cover their faces when they cough and sneeze. Or they cover with their hand, and then don't bother to wash their hands at all and proceed to touch plenty of surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, etc.

Yeah, I get that. But that's why I think it's strange that they say corona is spread more from being in DIRECT CONTACT with a sneezing or coughing person rather than a person coughing into their hands and then touching a doorknob where the next person can touch it and infect themselves. I feel like there's a lot more people who cough and sneeze all over their hands/wipe their nose with hands and then spread it all over surfaces for some unsuspecting person to infect themselves than there are people being directly coughed on, but yet the CDC says that through surfaces is not the MAIN way. I feel like anytime I've ever been sick it wasn't because someone sneezed on me.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the changing guidelines.

This is how I see it (as a rational, fact seeking person who trusts science and what those people are telling us):

We KNOW that the virus is transmitted primarily by close contact with an infected person (hugs, kisses, handshakes, contact sports, etc).

We KNOW that sneezing and coughing spreads the virus.

We KNOW that when a person sneezes or coughs, those droplets can travel 6 feet and you can breathe them in or get them in your eyes or mouth.

I appreciate you response Really what I was more expressing was many of us have been doing the basics, at least for the most part, I was thinking about the number of people in gatherings, the length of time we're to be in certain things (8 weeks of 50 people or less, 15 days of 10 people or less, stay at home orders which for my area are 30 days starting Tuesday, etc) and all of this in like the span of a few weeks with a virus that we're told has an incubation period of up to 14 days and we're blaming so many people and saying "if only you would listen" which is a sentiment shared by many people. There are for sure people who are cares to the wind don't care but the vast majority of us are trying we are, we're just being pulled in some many different directions.

But again I appreciate your reassurance

Therefore, I have made the decision to stay home and away from other people as much as is humanly possible. I made this decision long before anyone in authority ordered it. I live in CA and as of Friday, we were ordered to "shelter in place" and most places are closed now. I had been practicing this for 8 days preceeding this official declaration and will continue to do so until I see some evidence that it is safe to resume normal behaviors.

We've been staying home for the most part getting out to certain stores here and there as needed but def. staying so much more in than going out. Every store we've been in when we come out we use hand sanitizer and then wash our hands at home when we're back. We've maintained as much distance as we can keeping ourselves aware of other people (though the can't be said for everyone around us).

At least one location of Home Depot at the register has set up markings on the ground to encourage and maintain 6 ft distance and grass pad (where we get lawn care including fertilizer) had that as well. We're not sure if the lawn care place is considered essential or not so we made a stop there today because it's about time to put fertilizer down (I know to some that may not be important)

We have lots of bike and nature trails here. I'm taking my kids out for bike rides and walks, away from others. That is safe to do and we will not stop going outdoors for fresh air and sunshine. But I will tell you, it is very upsetting to me to see kids still congregating on playgrounds, playing pick up basketball games, and generally still mingling with others outside their family units. This kind of behavior requires an IMMEDIATE pause, just for a couple weeks. Is it really that hard? It's not. I'm on day 10 now. It's fine. I can keep at this for several months if needed.

Yeah we've got some neighbors up the street that are acting like that. We're trying to get out but the weather isn't really helping. This coming week though looks better with 50s/60s and at least some days without rain.

They did say that parks and trails will stay open but they don't recommend using the playground equipment. I agree about going out and getting fresh air. If you're able to go for it

Use your common sense to adhere to the CDC guidelines, which are pretty straightforward and easy to implement. Stay at least 6 ft from anyone outside your immediate household. Wash your hands frequently. Stop touching your face. Eat healthy. Get some exercise. All those thing will keep you and others safe.

I think is good to keep in mind. For the most part CDC has given basic information that has stayed the same throughout. What they've changed is more or less the number of people for gatherings and the timeframe for such measures. The social distancing has been basically the same. On the other hand other entities out there have gone all over the place which has made it harder to keep up. And they've reversed course leaving whiplash.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

As hard as it is to stay away from politics, please note that Politics are not allowed on the Disboard forums. Do not try to ignore this rule here, and if you just must talk politics please do it on other forums.

Closing this thread because I'm not going to go post by post cleaning up political references.