Today I naively went to three grocery stores. The first trip was around 10:30 AM . I should have known something was up as the parking lot was almost full. There was a very long line up for the cashiers.
The next store I checked in about 1:00 Pm. Again the parking lot was full and there was a buzz in the store.
I mistakenly thought the third store would not be filled but it was. The third store also had many shelves that were completely empty.
What's going on? Well, it was pay day for one thing. But more than that people seemed to be stocking up. They had very large orders. Not Toilet paper though. All the toilet paper was gone.
Yes , there's a nasty virus going around. We have to be prepared as well as possible , but today it felt like panic had set in. Our Prime Minister's wife has tested positive for the virus. Our Prime Minister is in voluntary quarantine.
I listened to my radio for most of the day. In Canada a number of major announcements were made by the government. There are two issues. One is the economy. The second is health. The Canadian government announced a number of programs to prop up the economy. They threw a dump truck load of money ( maybe it was quite a few dump trucks) into the economy to deal with the effects on the economy. The prime interest rate was lowered to stimulate the economy. Billions are available to assist small business and workers who may be laid off.
Our parliament has been closed until the end of April.
Then the hints on how to live to try and avoid the virus were endless. Things are in high gear in this country to deal with the virus. Number one is that they want to try and prevent the virus spreading. There are some very simple things that can be done. It only takes discipline to do them. Number two it that they want to restrict as much movement as possible and limit contact. So close the schools, shut down large crowds...no more sports. It seems that very little health treatment is needed for the virus but our emergencies are filled with worried people. The best thing is to stay home .
There is much speculation on what this virus could do. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
I hope that all of you can avoid the experience of the virus.
Stay well.
You stay well too Red! It will be interesting as it unfolds.
ReplyDeleteMany unknowns with this virus.
DeleteOur city, state and country have all declared a state of emergency and all large gatherings are canceled. We stocked up on groceries and are going to try and stay home as much as possible. The frightening thing about all this is the fact that this is a totally new virus and they have no idea what it can do or how to fight it.
ReplyDeleteYou and the Micro Manager stay well too!
We will be staying in as much as possible.
DeleteHello Red!I am glad you put this post because not so many do this--they think it is a mild thing and that the media is blowing it out.that is not true.IT IS SERIOUs!
ReplyDeleteStay home !If you have to og to the shops to buy Food and toilet paper di it early eaarly in the morning!I was out getting the last packet of toilet paper coffe and water bread kl 0.6,30 this morning!
Happy weekend to you!Stay warm and cosy With wife and Family
There is hope and we are going to make this pest too
Greetings Anita
there certainly is some panic. Yes some news outlets are fanning fear. However , as you say , we will get by this virus.
DeleteBe safe! 🌸
ReplyDeletethanks. I'll look after myself.
DeleteHello, take care and stay well! We will all be waiting for this to pass! Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to piece it all together, but I think the main goal is not so much to halt the virus completely. however good that would be, but to slow it down so as not to overwhelm the system all at once.
ReplyDeletethis virus looks like it will be very aggressive.
DeleteMuch the same as here in the UK. We wash our hands many times a day, we stay away from crowded places, we don't shake hands - we do what we can and hope for the best. Stay well.
ReplyDeletethanks. I will be staying at home as much as I can.
DeleteYou stay well, too. We aren't as dire as you are. STores still have TP! That could change.
ReplyDeleteThe buying of supplies was way over the top.
DeleteI understand why we should stock up on food, in case we have to stay home for a few days. But toilet paper? I don't get it.
ReplyDeleteLots of good jokes going around on the TP issue.
DeleteSame here. All my usual activities are coming to a halt. All classes canceled, yoga studio closed, Senior Center closed. I'm trying not to be frightened myself.
ReplyDeleteWell, you might have time to discover another self !!!
DeleteWe went to the store yesterday and it was packed as well. People are definitely panicking here. I worry about businesses being able to keep the shelves stocked. There's so much chaos everywhere. I was so sorry to read about the Prime Minister's wife. Stay healthy there.
ReplyDeleteWe will be staying home as much as possible.
DeleteThe same is going on here. We are following the suggestions and staying self isolated. Only go out for food. Stay safe!!
ReplyDeleteI guess if you stock up on supplies you will go out with people much less.
DeleteStay well indeed. We're all in this together...but, separately!
ReplyDeleteThank you.By staying home we may not get the virus and then not pass it on.
DeleteI do think people are panicking, which is a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm making a good deal of use of purell these days.
Some of the news outlets are over the top with how much coverage they give.
DeleteI always appreciate your calm and balanced writing, Red. There is a lot of panic out there, and a lot of shrugging off of facts. We need an approach in the middle. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteSo true that we need to take a realistic approach.
DeleteWe in the USA are in much the same place. We are coping as best we know how, while having to deal with an inept president who has caused delays in readiness and testing. We're all wondering how this will play out. No school, no gatherings, no sports, no outings with groups of friends. No fun.
ReplyDeleteWe are living under much the same restrictions. we plan to stay home as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteIt is vital to stay calm. The media is not the place to get information; they sensationalize everything. It's best to focus on healthcare professionals. This shutting down and social isolation is meant to slow down this virus, so our healthcare system is not overwhelmed and our economy is not stressed. Those who are not at risk should try to stay healthy so they don't pass the virus onto those who are very vulnerable. Balance and sensibility is needed. Fear and stress and anxiety does not help. It makes people behave irrationally and it even compromises your immune system. Let's stay calm and do what we need to do to keep this from spreading like wildfire. Stay safe. Be well.
ReplyDeleteHey Red, I guess we are all in the same boat. It is not so difficult on me. I feel sad for folks who have to work and now their kids need to be cared for with no school, people who were about to depart on their vacation of a lifetime. I even know a guy who was about to live his lifelong dream to attended the Masters Golf Tournament which has now been cancelled. I guess this too will pass. Stay well, Janey.
ReplyDeleteThe latest I've heard is our top health official, Dr. Fauci telling everyone that seniors should stay home as much as possible. Our president went in two days from saying he's got everything in control to declaring a national emergency.
ReplyDeleteI wish The Virus was the name of a Red Deer rock and roll band with Red Kline on bass guitar and Micro Manager Kline on drums - but it isn't. It's something different. Something we could do without.
ReplyDeleteCOVID-19 is going to cause a whole lot more disruption before it's finished with us.
ReplyDeletesituations are not different even here Red
ReplyDeletealmost all places where people can possibly be gathered are totally closed including museums and parks
we have postponed our rip to my native town and Islamabad
hopping for better for all on this planet
saty safe you too friend!