Wuhan Coronavirus: Megathread - Got too big

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- He's asking Congress for Federal Sick Leave for every American. This will allow people to stay home if they are sick. From what I hear, it will be up to 28 days per worker annually.

- He's going to ask for a break on payroll taxes. Employers will not be so trigger happy with layoffs during this period. This is chiefly going to benefit airlines.

So he is going to spend more money..and take less money in.

We are cutting the budget elsewhere to pay for this right? Right? We are just gonna drive up the debt with this aren't we?
 
Another thing they could do is if the country needs to go on lockdown for a month the government can order all mortgages and rents to not be paid that month and allow property owners and banks to use it as a tax write off or even a credit on next years taxes. That would be far more useful then just cutting everyone a check.
 


ConExpo, IFPE Cancellations & Changes (Updating)
Mike Osenga ConExpo, coronavirus, IFPE
ConExpo, IFPE Cancellations & Changes (Updating)
Check back, as we will be posting more updates as we become aware of them.
— Monday, March 9, 3:39 p.m. –
Well, from the supplier side this is a big one, Germany’s ZF said it will not be fully exhibiting at ConExpo. The company’s statement:
In light of growing concerns over the COVID-19 virus and the potential for transmission in areas where large numbers of people congregate, the ZF Group decided to withdraw staff from this week’s ConExpo show in Las Vegas. The company’s display will remain on the show floor, staffed by local contract representatives, who will receive any visiting customers.
“This was a very hard decision for us to make,” said Piergiorgio di Francesco, Head of Business unit Off Highway, North America. “The health and safety of our employees is first and foremost. Given the fact that we would be asking employees to risk exposure not only on the tradeshow floor, but also in the course of their travel to and from the show, we felt it was an unacceptable risk. We join many of our customers, suppliers and competitors who have made the same decision,” Di Francesco continued.
ZF has been a long-standing exhibitor at ConExpo, and the company’s commitment the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and this event is unwavering. The company wishes the organizers the best for a safe event and looks forward to returning for ConExpo 2023.

— Monday, March 9, 1:02 p.m —
Add Trelleborg and Enerpac to the cancelled list. We’re also hearing about a number of press events, press conferences and in-booth 1-on-1’s being cancelled.
— Monday, March 9, 7:49 a.m. –
IFPE exhibitors have been proactive about reinforcing their commitments to exhibiting. The latest finds Interpump Group, through its companies Walvoil, Muncie Power and Hydra Dyne Technology, confirming its participation at IFPE-ConExpo (booth S81473). All its teams are ready and willing to welcome customers and visitors to share the latest news addressed to the Construction sector.
— Sunday, March 8 –
More IFPE exhibitors have announced their intentions to exhibit at the show, which opens Tuesday.
Husco has also confirmed it will be attending IFPE. Technical, commercial and business development representatives will be at the booth to collaborate with OEMs. IFPE is one of the best opportunities to meet with key decision makers in the industry and Husco is excited to talk to people at the show.
QP Hydraulics said it will be at the IFPE show as planned, Booth SL80032, displaying its JSE electronic joystick and CV-D check valve. “We are, of course, primarily concerned with the health and safety of our people, so we will be following all of the recommended guidelines, including the no handshake policy.”
Meanwhile, Poclain Hydraulics said that after thought and consideration it has decided to continue as planned to exhibit at ConExpo/IFPE 2020. “We understand that some global hydraulic manufacturers have decided to withdraw, and we respect each company’s decision. We will be instructing our staff to follow the health protocols recommended by AEM and NFPA and will be fully equipped with hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies at our booth. Please consider stopping by Poclain’s booth at S81613 and we look forward to a safe, healthy and successful show.”
— Saturday, March 7, 11:15 a.m. —
Guessing the weekend will be quieter, but we wonder about Monday.
Bucher Hydraulics confirmed its attendance at IFPE. The hydraulics manufacturer said: Bucher Hydraulics is excited to partake in the Con Expo-Con Agg & IFPE 2020. The Bucher team will be there in full force and we will be unveiling our new revolutionary AX Piston products. Bucher is of course all about safety and we will make sure to take the right steps so that our employees and our booth visitors are safe. We look forward to a great show and we welcome you all into the wonderful world of Bucher Hydraulics at booth S82119.
— Friday, March 6, 4:47 pm —
AEM has issued an ConExpo update. Some of the information was reported here previously, but there is also very interesting news about Volvo CE’s participation.
From AEM:
An overwhelming majority of ConExpo -Con/Agg exhibitors have confirmed their participation in next week’s show in Las Vegas.
“With all the news about COVID-19 and the speculation regarding ConExpo -Con/Agg & IFPE, I want to provide an update on planning, including commitments and cancellations. Here is where we stand,” said AEM President Dennis Slater.
  • Travel restrictions related to international travel and corporate policies have impacted some companies that planned to exhibit at the show.
  • The ConExpo-Con/Agg cancellations that we’ve received represent 44,950 sq. ft. out of 2.7 million net sq. ft. of exhibit space, which represents about 1.7% of the total space. We’ve re-sold 15,000 sq. ft. of this cancelled space.
Volvo CE
  • Volvo CE continues to have their display at the show with hired staff. Here is the Volvo statement:
“Since announcing our decision to withdraw from Conexpo-Con/Agg 2020 due to the coronavirus, Volvo CE has been working very closely with our partners at AEM to determine the best path forward.
At this point in preparations it would not be possible for Volvo CE to remove the equipment and dismantle the booth before the show begins. Instead, a small number of locally hired independent staff will remain on the site for the duration of the show. The booth will be ready for show opening on Tuesday March 10th.
Volvo CE is deeply appreciative of AEM’s collaboration in this difficult moment and recognizes the great value that the Conexpo-Con/Agg show brings to our industry and our customers every three years.”
  • No major exhibitors have cancelled from CONEXPO-CON/AGG and many companies are reconfirming their commitment to participate. We appreciate their leadership and commitment to our industry, equipment end-users and our members.
  • We may see more cancellations, but the majority of cancellations have been limited to booths 400 sq. ft. and under.For attendance, we have added 18,000 new registrants since Feb. 21 when the travel restrictions and coronavirus started to have an impact. That total is far outpacing the last show and also our cancellations to date.
  • Customer cancellations are focused on international registrants and some big U.S. corporate customers placing travel restrictions.Total registrations as of yesterday is over 120,000 and climbing. Even if the cancellations total 10,000, which they don’t to date, we have a huge audience of customers coming to the show.
  • For IFPE, the event has been harder hit by cancellations due to the large international exhibitor presence and corporate travel policies.
  • The IFPE cancellations that we’ve received represent 34,680 sq ft., which represents about 20% of the show floor. We’ve re-sold 3300 sq. ft. of this cancelled space.
“We know customers are committed to attending the show in numbers and they are expecting to see and purchase equipment from the manufacturers of the best equipment in the world,” said Slater.
Please know we are committed to hosting safe and successful shows. Our top priority is focused on the health and safety of all participants at ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE 2020, including attendees, exhibitors, vendors, staff, industry partners, and others involved in the shows.
More information about the precautions we are taking can be found here https://www.conexpoconagg.com/visit/covid-19-update.
— Friday March 6, 3:59 pm –
Carlisle Brake & Friction has also announced they are not attending.
— Friday March 6,2:07 pm –
A very well done, “staying in” message from Patrick Taylor, CEO TH Holdings.
Texas Hydraulics, Oilgear and Hydromotion are committed to ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE 2020. Safety is who we are as a company and we are approaching next week with the same commitment. We are taking the necessary precautions to keep our employees, customers and partners who visit our booth safe. We look forward to seeing our customers and partners next week and will welcome them into our booth enthusiastically – but without a handshake.
— Friday March 6, 1:51 pm –
It’s interesting in the many, many discussions we have had, and are having, about pulling out or staying in ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE, that fear of the coronavirus as an illness is mentioned less often than the logistical issues.
Fear of being quarantined, concern over getting flights out of Las Vegas, or for the Europeans especially, finding flights to get to the U.S., often weigh heavier on the decision than catching the coronavirus.
— Friday March 6, 12:53 pm –
Holland’s Maga Tyres is the latest from the supplier ranks to announce it was not going to exhibit at ConExpo-Con/Agg
— Friday March 6,11:50 am —
Dana Inc. announced that the company and its staff will not participate in the ConExpo-Con/Agg tradeshow. The company made the following statement:
“The safety of our employees, customers, suppliers, and the public is our highest priority, which is why after careful consideration, and out of an abundance of caution, we made the difficult decision to withdraw our participation from the ConExpo exhibition in Las Vegas. The situation surrounding the novel COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak continues to evolve and we believe it is important to, where possible, reduce the risk of exposure for our team.
We have made this decision as a precautionary measure but remain committed to the ConExpo-Con/Agg tradeshow and look forward to the next edition in 2023.”
— Friday March 6,10:50 am —
More drops announced.
Due to growing concerns related to Coronavirus Covid-19, Enovation Controls has decided to not exhibit at Conexpo and IFPE 2020 next week in Las Vegas, Nevada. Working with our parent and sister companies, we have decided that the best way to ensure the health and safety of our staff, customers and communities was to withdraw. We look forward to connecting with our customers and partners at future events and wish good health to those still attending.
Regretfully, Sun Hydraulics and Helios have decided that for the safety and health of our teams, we will not be attending and exhibiting at ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE next week. We are sorry we will miss the opportunity to meet with old friends and make new ones, but we still have a lot of exciting new things to share with you and the industry.
Make sure to check back soon for announcements about upcoming Sun events, including webinars, where we will bring our trade show booth to you online. In the meantime, stay healthy.
API Heat Transfer: The health and safety of our employees, customers and partners is a top priority at API/TTP, so we have made the difficult decision to withdraw from exhibiting at ConExpo-Con/Agg this year due to concerns about the coronavirus. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime at http://bit.ly/39ogwm7 or (877) 274-4328. We look forward to connecting with many attendees of ConExpo-Conn/Agg, including our customers and industry partners, in the coming months.
— Friday March 6, 9:50 am —
And ditto Skyjack. Skyjack has sent KHL the following statement.
“Following suit with our company’s philosophy we’ll keep this announcement simple and reliable. Skyjack intends on attending ConExpo 2020 next week. As a result of Covid-19 concerns, and the ripple effect that has, we’ve had team members, customers, and fellow OEMs opt-out of this year’s show, however we are still attending. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and the team that has elected to attend the show intends on taking precautions to protect themselves and our customers from the virus.
“We’ve created health and safety awareness posters, which will be distributed throughout our booth. These promote ConExpo’s ’no handshake’ policy that was announced earlier this week. If you’re attending the show as well, come see our team at Festival Grounds F6014 and experience our easy to do business with attitude.”
— Friday March 6, 9:49 am —
Deutz is staying in. Germany’s Deutz AG and its Deutz Corp. Americas operations reaffirmed it is exhibiting at ConExpo-Con/Agg. Deutz said that the senior management teams from Germany and the U.S. will be attending the show. Deutz, one of the world’s oldest diesel engine manufacturers, has been making significant moves into additional sources of propulsion and is viewing ConExpo-Con/Agg, as it did at bauma, as a major opportunity to continue to promote their on-going developments.
— Friday, March 6 – 8:57 am
NFPA and AEM have issued the following. There is some especially good perspective in the AEM comments.
From Eric Lanke, president and CEO of the National Fluid Power Association.
One of the things that makes IFPE a must-attend fluid power show is its co-location with ConExpo-Con/Agg, and that co-location is intact, and stronger than ever. Please review the following facts (below) from our show partner, AEM, about the current status of the two shows. NFPA remains committed to the safe and successful launch of the show early next week.
From Dennis Slater, president of AEM:
With all the news about the coronavirus and the speculation regarding ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE, I want to provide an update on planning, including commitments and cancellations. Here is where we stand:
  • No other major exhibitors have cancelled from ConExpo-Con/Agg and these companies are reconfirming their commitment to participate. We appreciate their leadership and commitment to our industry, your customers and our members.
  • To put it in perspective, regardless of what you are hearing about mass cancellations, a total of 108,450 net sq. ft. of exhibit space has been cancelled out of 2.7 million net sq. ft., or roughly 4% for ConExpo-Con/Agg.
  • That number may grow somewhat, but the overwhelming majority of cancellations have been limited to booths 400 sq. ft. and under.
  • We have already resold 15,500 sq. ft. of this cancelled exhibit space.
  • We will go into the show with one of the largest ConExpo-Con/Agg’s ever.
  • For attendance, we have added 16,383 new registrants since Feb. 21 when the travel restrictions and coronavirus started to have an impact. That total is far outpacing the last show and also our cancellations to date.
  • Customer cancellations are focused on international registrants and some big U.S. corporate customers placing travel restrictions.
  • Total registrations as of yesterday is over 118,000 and climbing. Even if the cancellations total 10,000, which they don’t, we have over 100,000 registrants and climbing.
  • These are your customers who have paid to come to the show and are expecting to see and purchase your equipment. They are committed to attending.
  • For IFPE, that event has been harder hit by cancellations due to a large international exhibitor presence and corporate travel policies.
  • Four major IFPE exhibitors – Parker Hannifin, Eaton, Danfoss and Bosch Rexroth – have cancelled, bringing the total to 28,780 sq. ft. or 16.9% of the 170,000 sq. ft. of floor space. Even with these cancellations, 83% of exhibit space remains.
— Friday, March 6 – 8:41 am
IFPE, which has really been hit hard by cancellations, now has another one.
“It is with deep regret that Kawasaki Hydraulics will be canceling our participation at IFPE/ConExpo 2020.
Kawasaki Hydraulics has always been a strong supporter of IFPE/ConExpo. We continue to believe in its value and purpose. However, the health and safety of our team members and valued customers is and must remain paramount. Because COVID-19 is a novel virus with an increased community spread, we have no choice but to take this extraordinary and precautionary measure.”
We look forward to a strong event at IFPE/ConExpo 2023.”
— Friday, March 6 –
And this won’t help. The Associated Press is reporting that Las Vegas said Thursday that it has its first case of coronavirus — a man in his 50s who recently returned from a trip to Washington state.
The patient has been hospitalized in an isolation unit. For perspective, Las Vegas has 2.6 million residents and draws more than 40 million visitors a year.
— Friday, March 6 –
There is absolutely no way we can be comprehensive about all this. Some companies are just quietly pulling out without making an announcement, but we’re trying. It’s moving very fast now. One major manufacturer told us early this morning, “we’re still in, but it’s a very fluid situation right now.”
What we are hearing this morning is that many of the bigger European companies are not sending their senior management, or else sending smaller numbers. Northern Italy’s Platform Basket was the latest confirmed company to pull out. We are also hearing unconfirmed reports that many of the aggregate producers will not be attending. Again, unconfirmed, and we are trying to avoid reporting anything we cannot confirm.
— Friday, March 6 –
Will Friday be the day more domino’s fall, or the quiet before the show starts on Tuesday? The rumor mill is working overtime, so we’re guessing the former might be the case.
— Thursday, March 5, 4:21 pm —
IFPE takes another hit as Bosch/Rexroth pulls out. That means four of the fluid power majors, Danfoss, Parker, Eaton and Bosch/Rexroth are out.
— Thursday, March 5, p.m. —
The other side of the coin. Even with all the cancellations, we’re still getting more than a few –“we’re gonna be there” calls and emails.
Cross Manufacturing: Understandably, some global hydraulic manufacturers have decided not to attend IFPE/ConExpo. For Cross Manufacturing, the (trade) show goes on. Our team will be in the south hall, booth S81323 with our durable, dependable, hydraulic components that serve the fluid power needs of hard-working equipment around the globe. We hope you stop by and say hello.
Bergstrom Inc.: Bergstrom Inc. will be displaying a range of systems and components at ConExpo-Con/Agg booth S65107. John Bracey and Yevgeniy Beygel would be happy to share more about Bergstrom’s new eCoolPark system – an electric, no-idle A/C system that can be integrated into a vehicle’s existing HVAC system. They can also share about NITE SSI (a premier battery-operated A/C split system), excavator HVAC systems and more.
Hydraforce: HydraForce is moving forward with their plans to participate in IFPE 2020 and looks forward showcasing their latest technology to ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 attendees. “HydraForce understands the many concerns regarding COVID-19.” said David Price, IFPE Show Chairman. “We echo the sentiments published by AEM and NFPA regarding the health and safety of attendees and will adhere to the protocols they have prescribed regarding personal contact with other show attendees. Our decision at this time is to participate as planned in a safe and successful IFPE in Las Vegas, March 10-14.”
“HydraForce will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will comply fully with WHO and CDC recommendations should anything change. We believe that IFPE is the best show in our industry, and we are looking forward to many successful meetings with our customers.”
— Thursday, March 5, p.m. —
This is a big one for ConExpo-Con/Agg.
All business areas within the Volvo Group have jointly decided to not attend Conexpo-Con/Agg 2020 due to the outbreak and continuing concerns relating to the Coronavirus Covid-19.
“With California joining Washington State and Florida in declaring a state of emergency to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus Covid-19, all business areas within the Volvo Group have decided to withdraw from their participations in next week’s ConExpo exhibition in Las Vegas, Nev. This includes all relevant Volvo business areas, Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Penta, Volvo Financial Services, Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, SDLG and Terex Trucks.
“We are great supporters of ConExpo, and despite being in advanced preparations for this year’s event, we believe it is the right thing to do to withdraw at this late stage. Our first concern is the wellbeing of employees, customers and the wider public,’ said Melker Jernberg, executive VP & president of Volvo CE.
“It’s very disappointing not to be attending, but our first priority is the health and safety of our employees and others. Given this, it is with reluctance that it has been decided not to participate in this year’s show.”
– Thursday, March 5, p.m. – Other than reports of a variety of exhibitor traveling teams being cut back, mostly from Europe, it has gone quiet again. (That didn’t last long).
A number of you have asked about KHL’s attendance. For us, attendance at ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE, like many other companies, has been left up to the individual attendee’s discretion. Most of us are going. That matches up with some anecdotal comments we have heard, like one exhibitor that is sending around 200 people, left it up to the individuals, and four people dropped out. Hearing that more often than not.
Scania – Thursday March 5 – Well that didn’t last long. The Scania Executive Board has implemented measures to mitigate the risk of Coronavirus transmission for Scania employees. These measures include that international travel should be avoided and all large meetings and events with international participants must be postponed or cancelled. As a consequence we deeply regret to inform that Scania cancels its participation at ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE 2020.
– Thursday, March 5 –
So far, a quiet morning, though the suspicion is there are a lot of meetings being held. One common question for those holding press events is “how many press will be there? A cursory check has revealed most of the companies are putting it on an “at the individual’s discretion basis.” Our guess is it will parallel the overall picture. Asian and European press are iffy as well as the more “peripheral” press.
Danfoss
— March 4 4:30 pm –
After very careful consideration, Danfoss has taken the decision to cancel its participation at this year’s ConExpo/IFPE due to the ongoing increase of confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) worldwide. Safety comes first at Danfoss – not only for our employees, but also for their families and communities and we are in general restricting travel and participation in events with many participants.
IFPE/ConExpo is a great opportunity for us to engage with our customers, and while the risks may be minimal, there is absolutely no risk that we are willing to take when it comes to the health and safety of our people around the world, Danfoss Power Solutions said.
We’re looking forward to sharing our knowledge and solutions, thus our experts will be connecting with customers beginning next week online in lieu of being physically present at the trade show
That means three of the major global hydraulic manufacturers will not be at the show.
AEMMarch 4 12:52 pm –
AEM tells KHL; “absolutely not cancelling the event. Not even a discussion. Most AEM staff are onsite and preparations/booth building is going well.
Parker Hannifin –March 4, 21:02 GMT –
Parker has made a difficult, but thoughtfully considered decision, to not participate as an exhibitor or as attendees at IFPE/ConExpo 2020 next week.
With the coronavirus COVID-19 continuing to spread, and with more than 200 Parker team members attending globally, they believe it is prudent for them not to travel. Parker’s priority is to protect the health and safety of its team members and the communities where they live and work.
We continue to support the show and its organizers and look forward to another great event at IFPE/ConExpo 2023.
Eaton Hydraulics – March 4, 8:42 a.m. – (Eaton has since confirmed it will not attend) “I wanted to reach out with an update that Eaton will be limiting employee attendance at upcoming tradeshows and conferences. The company will be limiting travel and presence at large-scale gatherings in response to the overall guidance of leadership in taking precautionary and preventive health measures due to COVID-19.
“In lieu of a meeting at IFPE/ConExpo, we’re hoping to connect with you in a different way next week or following the event. We have several experts ready to talk with you when you’re available—the conversation will just need to be over the phone rather than at our booth.”
Wacker Neuson – March 3, 2:28 pm —
Due to the health and safety of our staff and those attending ConExpo-Con/Agg, Wacker Neuson is canceling the press conference scheduled in our booth for Wednesday, March 11 from 7:30 to 9:00 am.
We are still expecting to have a great show, and despite a more limited staff, we

--end of article-- (yes it ends mid-sentence)

A bunch of construction OEM's are pulling their people from Conexpo. Most are hiring local contractors to man the booths. 50,000 sq ft of canceled booth space out of 2.7 million.
 
As far as this toilet paper thing goes, I admit, I am baffled. If anything you should be careful about clogging your toilet if you are at risk of dying of this virus. Or clogging the line, if you live in an apartment. Then you need to call a plumber, at a time that you might be leave without pay, or whatnot. Use a minimal amount and dispose in bathroom trash bin to avoid these issues. Or use a wetwipe and dispose in the trash.

For all those passionately concerned with the flushing of wipes, Andrex has come to the rescue just in time with their newly accredited flushable Washlets. You're welcome.

1583802347304.png
 
“In the longer run, it could encourage more populism and undo these value chains,” Baldwin said. “Or it might be that we finally understand that if somebody gets sick in China, it’s a problem for all the G-7 countries” and end up boosting multilateral cooperation and coordination, he said.
I think the chaos wrought by Corona-chan should be firm proof that every country is only interested in looking out for number 1.
 
  • Optimistic
  • Agree
Reactions: dopy and Icasaracht
This is the most important news conference of his Presidency, probably of the last 20 years.

Trump is announcing some things that are important to anyone concerned about Corona Virus in North America:

- He's asking Congress for Federal Sick Leave for every American. This will allow people to stay home if they are sick. From what I hear, it will be up to 28 days per worker annually.

- He's going to ask for a break on payroll taxes. Employers will not be so trigger happy with layoffs during this period. This is chiefly going to benefit airlines.

These 2 measures would dramatically transform America's workforce. Betting if they get put in place, they stay in place and businesses use this to offload all their PTO.
Good to see Trump realizing that he isn't going to get away without implementing a small fraction of the measures China is taking to successfully deal with the coronavirus issue, at least as far as economic continuity goes.

Still no action on actual quarantines or testing of course.
 
Already being spun negatively


Archive: https://archive.li/wip/Xx4cQ

Trump leaves White House coronavirus briefing without answering questions about health
BY BRETT SAMUELS - 03/09/20 06:52 PM EDT

President Trump on Monday left a White House press briefing without taking questions about his own health after being in contact with lawmakers who have gone into self-quarantine over coronavirus concerns.

Vice President Pence shortly thereafter told reporters he did not know if Trump has been tested for the coronavirus, but assured them he would try to find out. Pence added that he has not personally been tested.

Trump has been in contact in recent days with at least three people who have since gone into self-quarantine as a precaution after coming into contact with someone at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) who tested positive for coronavirus.

The president shook hands at the conference with American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp, who also shook hands with the infected individual days earlier.

Trump shook hands with Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) on Friday when the two toured the Center for Disease Control and Prevention with other officials. Collins said Monday he was going into self-imposed quarantine.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) made a similar announcement on Monday just hours after he flew on Air Force One with Trump coming back to Washington, D.C., from Florida.

The president is an admitted germophobe, and White House officials have said he is fastidious about washing his hands. Still, his proximity to the lawmakers who are going into self-quarantine underscores the growing threat of the virus, even to those at the highest levels of government.

The White House declined to comment on the record about the two lawmakers going into self-quarantine.

Edit: Comments are of course uninformed mindless toxic knee jerking.
 
Slight powerlevel: I work at a nursing home and the Board of Health for my state just issued an order that all assisted living facilities can no longer have visitors until further notice.

It makes sense, but hearing the announcement over loudspeaker was pretty spooky. It’s also quite sad, since many of the residents look forward to seeing their kids and grandkids. :(
 
For all those passionately concerned with the flushing of wipes, Andrex has come to the rescue just in time with their newly accredited flushable Washlets. You're welcome.

View attachment 1180839
This is less a problem in america because our sewer systems are powerful modern systems designed to withstand the soaponic tidal surge of a million and more Chinese takeout joints as well as the resulting shitstorms.
 
Wait, so you're saying that stocking up on toilet paper and having the cleanest asshole in human history had NO impact on your resilience to Corona-chan? Well that's news to me.

From a man who has worn that funny yellow suit with a rebreather. Who has scooped dead body goo into bio hazard bags because grandpa Joe died in his favorite chair... nine days previously before someone with a brain cell decides to do a welfare check on the poor bastard...

I can honestly tell you that a dead clean asshole is still a dead asshole.
 
When this thing first kicked off in China, I thought that by the time it got to my vicinity, much of the uncertainty about the virulence and incubation period and mortality/morbidity rate and general risk to the public would have been figured out. But it feels like we are still very much in the dark about this thing, especially on a more local level. There is one case not so far from me, but the public health response has been very muted. People are vacillating about canceling or continuing with public events, schools still open, the instructions from the local government and hospitals are just recycled flu season guidelines. Earlier today, I bumped into the head of the pathology lab at one of the larger, better equipped local hospitals, and he says they are way more worried about influenza A and B than covid-19. The only special preparation they've done in his department is require everyone to review the CDC's recommended protocols for containing this outbreak in the hospital setting.
 
So he is going to spend more money..and take less money in.

We are cutting the budget elsewhere to pay for this right? Right? We are just gonna drive up the debt with this aren't we?
Rest easy. I'm certain there's a quant at the CBO working right this very second to figure out how this balances.

The bigger news - which is just a rumor and don't quote me I'm not with the administration and have no special knowledge - is OPM is about to announce full time telework for every eligible Federal employee. This has been a right negotiated by unions, now it would be policy.

Having the Nation's largest employer announce that 70% of the workforce needs to stay home is massive and the most effective step anyone could take towards getting the virus to burn itself out. There's economic repercussions to worry about and millions of lives to save. No one would be able to accuse Trump of putting the economy before health and safety if he does this.
 
So I went to the urgent care and there were several people waiting to be seen, fairly young (early twenties-early forties). The lone Asian had a mask (probably hoarded). Before being seen we were all asked if we, or anyone we had contact with, had traveled, had a fever over 100, a cough, shortness of breath or a sore throat. Everyone in the waiting area had the symptoms I had, mainly congestion, stuffy nose and sore throat. I had my temperature, blood pressure and pulse taken as well as being swabbed for the flu. It didn't take long to see a doctor and my flu test came out negative. We had a nice chat about coronavirus and the shortage of testing kits and masks. She advised me to eat well, drink lots of fluids and keep up with the Flonase; in addition, she stressed I should home until I recovered (and gave me a letter to that effect) and limit my contact with vulnerable people.

So I caught something that seems to be going around so that's a relief. I think that until testing for cornavirus is as easy as testing for the flu we won't get a handle on who's infected and who isn't. I'm glad I went but in a way I'm even more nervous since it looks like everyone is isn't taking it seriously other than going into a toilet paper buying frenzy.
 
Slight powerlevel: I work at a nursing home and the Board of Health for my state just issued an order that all assisted living facilities can no longer have visitors until further notice.

It makes sense, but hearing the announcement over loudspeaker was pretty spooky. It’s also quite sad, since many of the residents look forward to seeing their kids and grandkids. :(
ask a supervisor about how to facilitate skype chats for the residents. they don't have to miss out entirely.
 
but im glad i read this thread because the toilet paper, water bottle in my city is either out of stock or more expensive than usual. costco and sams in the rich part of town is either oos and rationed.

the stupidest part is that our town's water is one of the best in the country but everyone in my family demands to drink out of a bottle.
 
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