Emergence of a Deadly Coronavirus

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Well apparently the News is beginning to recognize the threat posed by Spring Break mass migration.

Popular domestic spring break destinations such as Miami and South Padre Island are in states that are currently experiencing increased positive cases of coronavirus. As of March 13, Florida had 42 positive cases, and 2 deaths, while Texas had 28 confirmed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which typically does not issue advisories for U.S. travel, advise those considering travel to be aware of the community spread of the disease in certain areas and the elevated risk it could potentially pose to those traveling through airports or communal areas in those states.

Ensure where you are going is still open as many popular tourist destinations both internationally and domestically have closed. Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California, for instance, will close starting Saturday until the end of March.

Method of travel is just as important to consider, as several cruise liners have canceled voyages after the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess both experienced outbreaks that left 700 and 21 passengers (respectively) testing positive for coronavirus, respectively.

Planes are still in operation – however, some domestic airlines have canceled flights or altered schedules amid the decrease in demand. The CDC currently puts the risk of infection at “low” when flying between areas that are not experiencing “sustained community transmission,” but urges travelers to always maintain best practices when it comes to safety and hygiene on flights.

For vulnerable populations – meaning those above 60 or people who have underlying health issues – travel to areas experiencing outbreaks is strongly advised against by the CDC.

Several students spoke to Fox 11 about their concerns over the virus. While many were concerned about COVID-19, and vowed to stay home, others felt the deals were too good to pass up.

Source: Traveling during coronavirus: Should you postpone spring break trips?

President Trump on Friday is expected to declare a national emergency under the Stafford Act in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic.

Trump has announced a press conference at 3 p.m. and it is anticipated that he will declare a national emergency as concerns over the outbreak wreak havoc and continue to disrupt daily American life.

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act allows the White House to mobilize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and direct federal aid to states hit by disasters and health crises.

Source: Trump to announce national emergency on coronavirus: Here's what that means

25-year-old British man describes the symptoms of COVID-19.

There was very little absenteeism at the courthouse as well.

Most people came to work. A few were absent----but that's Fridays for you.

The streets around the courthouse were not as dense as usual. And there were less tourists around the Brooklyn Bridge than usual.

We were told to write down our computer ID's----in case we have to work from home.

I'm not worried about getting the coronavirus, I'm more worried about the economy.
I work at a bus depot and I'm worried that all this isolating, school closings, flights being cancelled, and possible lockdowns, people are not going to be using the buses and the company will lose out on money and go bust. The last thing I need is to lose my job, as looking for a new job causes me great anxiety. Plus I love my job.

I don't know why they don't just focus on supporting the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, advising them to take serious precautions, and just advising the rest of the population to keep washing their hands but still go about their business, as it's not going to do any good for everyone to self-isolate whenever they get a cold. It is freaking me out more than getting the virus. Also I don't want to self-isolate for 2 whole weeks. I'm going to go mad! I need fresh air, sunshine and outside social interaction!

The college where I work is also not conducting in-person classes-----only remote classes.

Many colleges are following suit.

So far, I'm still at the library in person. But, at my other job, we might be working remotely.

I feel like people will continue to use the buses.

They certainly are using public transportation here in NYC.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavir ... -1.4851641

How canceled events and self-quarantines save lives

https://www.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/ ... 2CEzPcNk2s

I have nothing against "canceled events" and "self-quarantines," by the way.

It's just sad that this whole thing had to happen. It'll certainly mess up the economies of many nations.

Attempts to quarantine are just not going to work, it seems to me. They may slow down the spread of the virus but certainly won't stop it. Why? People can be contagious for over a week before showing symptoms. Also, the entire world is just way too inter-connected.

In my admittedly non-expert opinion, it seems to me that the only possible way to stop the spread of coronavirus would be:

1) Ramp up production of face masks, hand sanitizers, etc. (Hopefully this is already starting to happen.)

2) Once production is sufficiently ramped up that there's no longer a shortage, require everyone to wear a face mask when on public transport and in various other categories of public spaces that tend to be crowded.

3) Require bars and restaurants to build partitions so that there is no more than some maximum number of people per room, and to provide more public sinks (besides just those in the bathroom) so that customers can wash their hands more often and more easily. Also, customers should be required to cover their mouth and nose with a napkin or facial tissue whenever they cough or sneeze (and should not be allowed in the establishment in the first place if they are coughing or sneezing more than occasionally).

It seems to me that the above measures would be both (1) more effective AND (2) much less bad for the economy than massive quarantining.

^ Those are sensible proposals.

^But they would be good for future reference. Life is learning from your mistakes.