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How has the CoronaVirus affected you?

March 12, 2020 01:00AM
Our spring break is the week of April 13, so this does not overlap - or even run up to - that..... I am not quarantined or being asked to self-isolate as, to my knowledge, I have not been directly exposed. So, I am actually picking up some MS work... All secondary students in my district are provided laptops. However, not all families can afford internet service. We are not, at this point, teaching remotely as there are issues of equity for kids who do not have internet access at home. However, should we stay out longer than two weeks, we will likely do so.... The district is going to re-evaluate our situation two weeks from today and determine if we can return to school.

@MsJudi wrote:

@MFJohnston wrote:

My school district is cancelling classes for two weeks, starting Friday....

Will this be part of your Spring break or do you have to teach remotely? Are you required to stay home or can you go about your MS business? Does the school provide computers for the students?

What a hassle this whole thing has become. It certainly is no joke.

There was a death from COVID-19 in NJ this week.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
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March 12, 2020 01:18AM
I have been a TP hoarder for decades. That hasn't changed. But I haven't bought any in over a month.
My thing is that I just buy a lot of it when it is on sale. I am probably good until June!

But you can go ahead and get started on that, I am interested in what you have to say about TP hoarding, LOL!

@SteveSoCal wrote:

...so while I am not hoarding toilet paper (don't get me started on that), I am taking precautions to make sure I'm doing my part not to contract or spread anything, and setting up a system where I can work from home if needed.
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March 12, 2020 01:25AM
@SteveSoCal wrote:

I don't think anyone is saying that this pandemic will wipe out the human race....but how many have to needlessly die?

I hear what you are saying Steve and I sympathize with anyone dealing with a tragic death due to coronavirus. Just as I sympathize with those Tennessee-ans who died from the recent tornado, and those who died from the influenza virus this season, or car accidents, or any one of thousands of ways we leave this Earth.

There is no way to answer your rhetorical question. Philosophically, death is not needless, it is a necessity -- however difficult that fact is for us to comprehend...

"We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl -- year after year..."
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March 12, 2020 01:30AM
I cancelled a shop at a buffet restaurant this week. I couldn't bear the thought of the dessert line, where parents let their kids run amok, or dozens of people handling the same serving utensils or coughing and sneezing on the sneeze guard. Yuk. I'll probably get dinged for it, but I don't really care. I was losing my appetite the more I thought about it.

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.
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March 12, 2020 03:12AM
@JASFLALMT wrote:

I am interested in what you have to say about TP hoarding, LOL!

I am specifically talking about emergency TP hoarding. Your regular hoarding is a different subject entirely, but sounds like it's related to being frugal, which makes complete sense, since you are a mystery shopper!

My soapbox about the current TP situation is that I just went to the store today and the entire isle is wiped out. Gone! A full isle in a major grocery store...

Now, there is plenty of everything else. Greens, fruit, dairy, a full bakery, etc. Nothing is out of stock but TP....and I get to thinking; "Is this the biggest worry in an emergency?"

...and then I ran across this article:

[www.cnn.com]

I'm still not sure why it's specifically TP, though. I bought extra coffee and creamer. That's a real emergency when it's out! I can find a workaround for the TP smiling smiley
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March 12, 2020 03:21AM
I'm supposed to be flying back to England next month to surprise my grandparents (where I'm originally from!). Haven't been home in 2 years, but not sure I'll want to fly through JFK & Heathrow (if flights are even running by then) to then go visit family that are on the older side. I wouldn't want to risk their health, or risk getting stuck in the UK as I have drill a few days after I'm supposed to be back. And when Uncle Sam says be there at 7, you need to be there at 7!!
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March 12, 2020 03:36AM
When not otherwise needed, a roll of TP can help a sore and tender part when placed under or behind something that aches. You can leave the full roll as is or squash it as needed. Pain patients will need no explanation... and this little method might enable them to do without electric heating pad and OTC or other meds in an unexpected situation. But that is not specific to COVID-19. To connect the disparate remarks, I will comment on the use of the term 'panic' buying behaviors from the CNN report.

Who, exactly, was panicked when they bought up all the TP that should have been available for everyone in this little town?

I was not panicked when I thought about worst case scenarios and began to build up a cushion of oft-used items. I was just being a boring ol' hausfrau who would not like to be bothered with fallout from a potential calamity. I also wanted to be able to provide for mil in the event that she could not access basic items. However, I was alarmed when I discovered that certain products that are widely used were no longer available.

*croons* Where has all the TP gone...

My garden in England is full of eating-out places, for heat waves, warm September evenings, or lunch on a chilly Christmas morning. (Mary Quant)
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March 12, 2020 04:14AM
No one is hording powdered milk. Or hand lotion to counteract all the hand washing.........
Or even latex gloves.
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March 12, 2020 05:22AM
I have the gloves for one of my jobs and lots of lotion because it is dry here. I don't have enough to qualify for a hoard. I also use a toner made of apple cider vinegar and water. This seems to protect the acid mantle of the skin (or something).

My garden in England is full of eating-out places, for heat waves, warm September evenings, or lunch on a chilly Christmas morning. (Mary Quant)
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March 12, 2020 07:20AM
Is anyone still doing restaurant shops? I am not going to restaurants until this COVID-19 passes.
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March 12, 2020 08:47AM
I haven't ruled them out, but time and travel constraints might determine this for me. One factor is that my state has its first case. A person who had traveled domestically is quarantined, and I hope for a good outcome for them.


@ShopperFun99 wrote:

Is anyone still doing restaurant shops? I am not going to restaurants until this COVID-19 passes.

My garden in England is full of eating-out places, for heat waves, warm September evenings, or lunch on a chilly Christmas morning. (Mary Quant)
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March 12, 2020 09:36AM
@ShopperFun99 wrote:

Is anyone still doing restaurant shops? I am not going to restaurants until this COVID-19 passes.

Yup. Still going to the airport too.

Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
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March 12, 2020 09:40AM
@JASFLALMT wrote:

I have been a TP hoarder for decades. That hasn't changed. But I haven't bought any in over a month.
My thing is that I just buy a lot of it when it is on sale. I am probably good until June!

But you can go ahead and get started on that, I am interested in what you have to say about TP hoarding, LOL!

@SteveSoCal wrote:

...so while I am not hoarding toilet paper (don't get me started on that), I am taking precautions to make sure I'm doing my part not to contract or spread anything, and setting up a system where I can work from home if needed.

I’m still baffled by the whole toilet paper situation. With how much people spend on toilet paper, why not limit its use with the use of a $20 bidet? Much, much more sanitary than good ol’ TP.

Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
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March 12, 2020 10:17AM
I don't know where anyone would find a $20 bidet but I do know the plumber who would have to install it would run me at least $100.
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March 12, 2020 11:32AM
I heard the logic about stocking up on TP: If you become ill with this virus and you and your family members are required to "self quarantine" for a minimum of 2 weeks, a good stock of TP is one of those little luxuries to have during that time.

Kim-Wipes, paper towels, newspapers and corn cobs just don't cut it.

"Wipe" that grin off your face!
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March 12, 2020 11:41AM
Yes. I have two takeout shops next week and a regular dine-in.

@ShopperFun99 wrote:

Is anyone still doing restaurant shops? I am not going to restaurants until this COVID-19 passes.
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March 12, 2020 01:22PM
I have one on Sunday, which I'm still doing. But it's a regular restaurant. Not doing any buffets until this thing passes. There are two local ones I do frequently, but they're on my 10-ft. pole right now.

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.
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March 12, 2020 01:23PM
I do very few restaurant shops anyway, but wouldn't let the virus keep me from going. As a matter of fact, Hubby and I were talking this morning about going out MORE to support local businesses that may need a boost.
@ShopperFun99 wrote:

Is anyone still doing restaurant shops? I am not going to restaurants until this COVID-19 passes.

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt
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March 12, 2020 01:49PM
I've had a cruise eval cancelled from one of the primary MSCs I work with frequently. I'm hoping they refund me for my non-refundable flights that I booked in anticipation of the assignment which were well under the travel rate I negotiated for the assignment. Has anyone else encountered a similar situation with travel assignments? Any advice?
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March 12, 2020 02:08PM
Most airlines have pretty much waved cancellation penalties from what I have read. Check with the carrier, is my advice.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
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March 12, 2020 02:10PM
Hand sanitizer has disappeared from the store shelves. I have a recipe - 2 parts rubbing alcohol to 1 part aloe vera gel. Essential oil drops, optional. I keep some in the cars for the times that soap and water, or sani-wipes aren't available.

One of the major grocery chains cancelled their shops for two weeks, then will revisit. Not out of health concerns. They were cancelled because of the amount of traffic in the stores from people cleaning out certain supplies. They think timings will be off. Staffing is also down, which affects times. I had numerous shops scheduled.

Yesterday, my inbox had email for several senior living shops. That seemed crazy and so ill-advised.
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March 12, 2020 02:43PM
@French Farmer wrote:

I heard the logic about stocking up on TP: If you become ill with this virus and you and your family members are required to "self quarantine" for a minimum of 2 weeks, a good stock of TP is one of those little luxuries to have during that time.

I guess I would just be more worried about nutrition than TP. And coffee. I'm definitely more worried about running out of coffee! I can borrow a roll of TP from my neighbor but the coffee they use is not up to my standards smiling smiley

I am also a male who lives alone and consumes approximately one double roll per week, so a 4-pack can last me a month. I will often go to the store for replacements on the day that the last roll has been consumed, so I admittedly don't make a TP a high priority.

Is there anyone who lives somewhere that Amazon will not deliver a package TP to in about a day (provided the TP hoarders have not depleted the stock)? The amazon guy leaves my packages on the porch and walks away. No human contact required.
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March 12, 2020 02:51PM
The cancellation email I received regarding hotel cancellations (assuming it's the same MSC) was to make your best effort to cancel travel plans without a fee, and advise the MSC of any costs associated with the cancellation. Was that not the policy with the cruise cancellation?

I know most domestic carriers are offering refunds or re-booking for all flights up until April at the moment, and will extend if travel restrictions continue...
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March 12, 2020 02:59PM
Hey folks,
No one with warm water, soap and wash clothes and towels should freak out about TP.
Just MHO.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Reply
March 12, 2020 03:16PM
I dunno what's with the TP hoarding, unless one plans to make paper mache hazmet suits.

My daughter, who lives nearby, and I began preparations weeks ago. Dried beans and rice. Canned items. Ample pet food and supplies. Paper and sanitary products. Peroxide-vinegar -essential oils that are anti-viral. HEPA filters on air cleaners. Self quarantine if possible. No carryout or restaurants or outside prepared food.
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March 12, 2020 04:51PM
@Mert wrote:

One of the major grocery chains cancelled their shops for two weeks, then will revisit. Not out of health concerns. They were cancelled because of the amount of traffic in the stores from people cleaning out certain supplies. They think timings will be off. Staffing is also down, which affects times. I had numerous shops scheduled.
Yup, I know who that is. Fortunately for me, I had one scheduled for the 19th, then ran out of bananas so re-scheduled it for the 9th and got it done. So I didn't miss that one. But yeah, I saw that.
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March 12, 2020 04:51PM
@Tarantado. My thoughts exactly. We have had Bio Bidet for years and it's not too costly. We got it 5 years ago from Amazon for $30 or $40. They sent us a free one for writing a review too. It's not only sanitary but also saves TP.

@sestrahelena. You could install one yourself. It comes with a tutorial or you could just search one on Youtube.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2020 04:54PM by Mum.
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March 12, 2020 05:04PM
Which mystery shopping companies work cruise ships? I've tried to find them and haven't had any success.
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March 12, 2020 05:40PM
How has Coronavirus affected my life? I was compelled to find a women's history month siggy about TP!

My garden in England is full of eating-out places, for heat waves, warm September evenings, or lunch on a chilly Christmas morning. (Mary Quant)
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March 12, 2020 06:03PM
@sestrahelena wrote:

I don't know where anyone would find a $20 bidet but I do know the plumber who would have to install it would run me at least $100.

Lol if people would really pay $100 for 10 minutes of work any of us can do, looks like I can make this a side hustle during this epidemic....

Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
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