If you all think this is going to last for two weeks, y'all have another thing coming! That is why people are hoarding....we could see this drag on for months...NOT WEEKS! If it was just two weeks of shut downs...not the end of the world but two or three months without income for businesses...they will just go out of business! Do you all have three months worth of food and supplies?

I agree Arkansas girl and that is why I purchased several months of cat food. I can 'run a couple of beans through water and call it soup' as my father said about living in Oklahoma during the thirties but my furkids can not survive on that.

In ten days to two weeks is when based on other countries it becomes really bad not just one or two confirmed at day but dead.

Your freedoms are not very important when you're on the other side of the grass...

If you all think this is going to last for two weeks, y'all have another thing coming!

So what do you think people should do, arkansas girl? Continue life as usual and just wait and see if they're one of the unlucky ones?

Ohio Health Director, Dr. Amy Acton has ordered primary elections closed in Ohio due to Medical Emergency. She has defied a recent order by Franklin County Judge to keep the polls open.

The Ohio Polls are closed. The sensible thing is done. New date is June 2.

If you all think this is going to last for two weeks, y'all have another thing coming! No, it's probably going to last much longer. I, and everyone I know, understands that, and is trying to do their best with self-quarantining. What's the alternative?

That is why people are hoarding....we could see this drag on for months...NOT WEEKS! Yep, months. Everyone is aware of that.

If it was just two weeks of shut downs...not the end of the world but two or three months without income for businesses...they will just go out of business! No, the federal government plus individual states are assisting. A friend just told me her small employer is shutting down for a month and they provided the instructions to file for unemployment. But yes, some businesses will probably go out of business.

Do you all have three months worth of food and supplies? Nope. I plan ahead and order my groceries on-line.

arkansas girl

If you all think this is going to last for two weeks, y'all have another thing coming! That is why people are hoarding....we could see this drag on for months...NOT WEEKS! If it was just two weeks of shut downs...not the end of the world but two or three months without income for businesses...they will just go out of business! Do you all have three months worth of food and supplies?

Good grief. The grocery stores will not be closing down. Get a grip.

Yes it will be much longer than 2 weeks. And we'll get through it.

"functionthenlook

So another words all Americans are stupid and we don't know how to wash our hands and sneeze into our arm? So big brother has the right to take our freedoms away?

People die from viruses and bacteria everyday.

On the news people are flocking to our city's county building for gun permits. How long before in desperation people start committing crimes to afford food and keep a roof over their heads?

This shutdown is going to last longer than two weeks. I don't know how people think that in two weeks everything will be all butterflies and rainbows again."

WHO has said that? NO ONE. This will last MUCH longer than 2 weeks.

"Sorry, I'll take my chance with the virus than lose my freedom"

I just can't believe some of you. I really can't.

"So another words"

Maybe you meant "In other words"?

This is like yesterday's "Air aid siren" instead of air raid siren.

https://theweek.com/articles/902415/coronavirus-exposing-americas-shameful-selfish-streak

Interesting article about how American selfishness is on display with this pandemic. It compares the difference between how Americans pitched in together with rationing during WW2 compared to the current attitude of "It's America and I'll do what I want" from a significant portion of the population.

Yes, they are supposed to be closed here too.

Sue in Central Indiana

I just saw that ALDI is hiring for temporary help through this insanity. Maybe some can work at grocery stores where they are overwhelmed with people, for the time being! ALDI pays OK at about $13 an hour...better than unemployment is going to pay!

The whole greater San Francisco Bay Area (7 counties) have been told to shelter in place. But if you are homeless you can't be made to go to an available shelter. You can camp anywhere surrounded by stolen goods. You can publicly defecate and use all the drugs you want. They are the only ones who have freedom and civil rights now. They and the politicians.

better than unemployment is going to pay!

Unemployment isn't equal, it's fair.

To estimate how much you might be eligible to receive,
add together the gross wages in the two highest quarters during that
period, divide by 2, and then multiply by 0.0385 to get your weekly
benefit amount.

_________________________________________________________

Thought for the day.

Soldiers go to war to save the lives of its citizens. We're being asked to stay home and sit on our @ass to save the lives of fellow citizens and some are finding it difficult to do.

Chi, one difference is during the war we had a leader who effectively used the bully pulpit to unite Americans in the effort and to educate and inform them. We don't have that now...instead we have a president who tells us that "national emergency" are big words.

I'm hearing rumors that we will soon be on house lock down in a day or two. They were saying that they have called in the national guard to enforce that we stay inside of our homes. Not sure if this true, haven't seen it on the news yet.

House lock down is fine with me - that may be the only way to slow this thing down. I have some close friends that are medical professionals. Things will get very ugly very fast if we don't start taking this seriously.

Could not find the story that I saw about 7 this morning but a man in Kentucky that tested positive but refused to stay home is being watched by the police. found the story. https://kevinbae.com/2020/state-of-kentucky-imprisons-man-in-his-own-home-for-refusing-to-self-quarantine/

Apparently the quarantine areas in Europe are using police and their national guard equivalent to keep people in. Friend from England posted a couple of videos showing people walking their pets. One was a heating radiator the other was a very large crab. Walking pets is allowed as that is considered a necessity.

No, they are not sending the police after us. I live in San Jose, part of the Bay Area that has been asked to "shelter in place." Dh and I take several daily walks a day (without a dog) and will go to the grocery store soon for bread. It's no big deal and I'm glad they did it.

Arkansas, after this all over, you're going to be glad you live in a state that is proactive and strict when it comes to protecting public health.

People should really avoid spreading rumors! A rumor only causes unneeded panic. Some idiot on my Nextdoor spread a rumor that a friend of his who is a grocery rep "heard" that our governor was going to close all grocery stores. He most likely posted it because it was clear he doesn't like our governor.

I hope it is only a rumor. So far, I am not seeing anything about it still, I'm looking believe me! I did see they are trying to close the state borders...maybe that is real, maybe NOT? What people are doing is driving across state borders to do what they cannot do here making things even worse.

People that are old and/or frail really need to not be out!

I am not a fan of Washington Post but they have a good visual simulation of how the virus spreads in an article you can search for called Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially. In the simulation, you can see the difference between business as usual, enforced quarantine and self chosen isolation. The populations choosing to self isolate have it much easier. More people are able to be helped who need it most. Also, the longer you isolate, the fewer infectious people you encounter when you do finally come out. Most people have gotten over it and built immunity by then. They are no longer sharing the infection . If you did finally get the virus, there would be help for you in a hospital prepared and ready without overtired staff and the available resources. Look at the simulations. I ran them several times and we don't want everyone out spreading this in these next few weeks.

Sorry, I'll take my chance with the virus than lose my freedom which is great about this country

That's a very selfish and self-centered attitude. Americans used to be known for banding together when needed, but not anymore it seems. Because Freedom. Is it too big a sacrifice to just stay home? Sheesh.

I don’t know what your state is doing, but in my state there’s nowhere to go. It was obvious that people were still going out if places were open so our Governor has closed businesses, movie theaters, gyms and non-essential stores. Restaurants are take-out only. Gas stations, pharmacies and grocery stores are the only places open. We have state-wide 8pm curfew.

And yes, many people will suffer financially, especially the low-wage workers with no health insurance, no sick leave and no savings. But they should have planned better, right? SMDH

"They should have planned better?" Now that's a real SMDH statement!

Sarcasm, arkansas girl

We've heard the advice to save at least 6 months of income for emergency. This is that emergency.

The biggest problem with American society today is that too many people think they're too clever to follow anyone's advice. Opinions expressed here demonstrate that.

Yes, arkansas girl, people could have and should have planned better. You've never heard of the recommendation to keep six months income for emergencies? This is one of those emergencies.

SMDH at your attitude.

"The whole greater San Francisco Bay Area (7 counties) have been told to shelter in place. But if you are homeless you can't be made to go to an available shelter. You can camp anywhere surrounded by stolen goods. You can publicly defecate and use all the drugs you want. They are the only ones who have freedom and civil rights now. They and the politicians."

So is Seattle. But that's a whole other issue. That's been a problem for a few years now. It still doesn't give you a right to carry on and expose others.

You people have written us into the Stephen King novel called THE STAND. "M-O-O-N that spells coronavirus"...ugh....

Just a thought to throw out there to those who may never have struggled:

There are many people who live paycheck to paycheck who could never dream of having 6 months of expenses saved up for emergencies. That is a real luxury.

I agree Amylou, young people with degrees are having a difficult time finding full time work that pays well and has good benefits. My daughter was working 2 part time jobs and was still struggling. No way could she have saved 6 months of expenses. Or pay for health insurance.

She did apply and did all the pre-employment stuff recently for a USPS job only to be offered a part time weekend and holiday job with no benefits and was told it would never lead to a full time position. She had to turn it down even though it paid better than either of her current jobs. Weekends and holidays are the better days to work as a server.

For the older women on here they may remember a time when the department you started in would depend if you had any chance of advancing. For many that prevented them from being able to save much after paying the necessities, rent, food, perhaps a phone if you made enough. You hoped the utilities other than the phone were included in your rent.

Kathgrdn you did not say how long ago your daughter turned down the usps job but if she had taken that position she could have then bid on a permanent position. That is what a couple of people that I know did.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Amazon and our network of
partners are helping communities around the world in a way that very few
can—delivering critical supplies directly to the doorsteps of people
who need them. Getting a priority item to your doorstep is vital as
communities practice social-distancing, particularly for the elderly and
others with underlying health issues. We are seeing a significant
increase in demand, which means our labor needs are unprecedented for
this time of year.

We are opening 100,000 new full and part-time
positions across the U.S. in our fulfillment centers and delivery
network to meet the surge in demand from people relying on Amazon’s
service during this stressful time, particularly those most vulnerable
to being out in public.

We also know many people have been
economically impacted as jobs in areas like hospitality, restaurants,
and travel are lost or furloughed as part of this crisis. We want those
people to know we welcome them on our teams until things return to
normal and their past employer is able to bring them back.

Maifleur, it was just a week or two ago and no, they specifically told her she could not get a full time job, period. Ever. I don't know if they told her wrong but she probably would have taken it if there was a chance.

Michael, my friend, who retired a few years ago from Amazon in NV due to cancer told me the same thing yesterday. I actually suggested to my daughter and her girlfriend that they apply a couple months ago to the Lexington warehouse. Her girlfriend did, got hired but only lasted a couple of days because her manager was sexually harassing her. She is very young, in her early 20s and unfortunately young women that age feel too intimidated to say anything so she just quit. She still hasn't been able to find another job.

amylou, I won't accept that EVERYONE stuck in a paycheck to paycheck existence can't save money. The options are numerous.

Let's start with the easiest one - live below your means and bank the difference. Lots of low income folks eat too much prepared food, fast food, junk food, soft drinks, and all other kinds of things that are expensive calories. People who want to save can go on a 6 month healthy diet. That restaurants are now closed will help. Better for their health, better for their pocketbooks.

Enhancing one's earning potential doesn't always mean a 4 year college degree. Many people are not cut out for academic programs of that sort and probably too many folks go to college than should already. Community colleges have vocational programs. Become an apprentice in a trade.. Join the military, get the GI BIll for education for when you get out.

People who think they're stuck are too often prisoners only of their own prisons of limited thinking.

Kathsgrdn, that is outrageous and sad that that girl was being harassed. That kind of behavior is pathetic. I'm sorry that happened to her. And you are right. As a young girl you do feel powerless when something like that happens. :(

Any job site harassment, of any kind, is not only pathetic but also illegal and also prohibited by most employers' rules of conduct. I hope she reported it..

I didnt say that EVERYONE of any group was anything.

There are many people who live paycheck to paycheck who could never dream of having 6 months of expenses saved up for emergencies. That is a real luxury.

You're so right! Back in the 70s that was me. I lived very frugally. Didn't own a car or live beyond my means. I couldn't afford health or dental insurance. Many days I ate canned green beans, iceberg lettuce, boiled cabbage or popcorn to stretch the money till my next paycheck. I never ate fast food, except for the occasional salad from Pizza Hut. That was my splurge. Once a month I bought a $5 album and every couple months something from Lerner's or Three Sisters. No way could I have saved 6 months of living expenses.

Twenty five years ago I had a very good job and my boss's accountant did my taxes. He would encourage me to put $2,000 into an IRA. I didn't have a spare $2,000, heck I barely covered my living expenses. The point is, not many people have money to spare much less 6 months expenses saved up. That is just a pipe dream to most people. They are fortunate if they only have to work one job to make ends meet.

I'm pretty sure that there are many people living below their means without being able to save 6 months of wages. I had more opportunities, more money, could afford to buy a house or a car, take a holiday or go out every weekend to a pub or fast food place working at a Bank of all places back when I graduated in 1971. Housing was affordable, gas & food reasonable and you didn't need to complete 4 yrs of University or know someone who knows someone to get permanent full time work. I think the greed today is bone chilling. Seriously 🤑!!!

Kathsgrdn, the grocery store chains are advertising heavily here for help and stockers. How is it where your daughter is?

1971 was nearly 50 years ago. The world, national economies, job markets, higher education, technology, have all changed substantially and almost beyond recognition if you try to compare 1971 to 2020. We've all had the opportunity to change and adapt to new circumstances along the way. Someone who's tried to live and conduct themselves as if it were still 1971 for all these intervening years would have missed more opportunities than anyone could ever name. And would be in a world of hurt today.

Not all have the opportunities others have, I understand that. But someone with a college degree from any of those decades has.

Elmer, getting a job and earning a living wage should not change in 50 years. If you can't find work (with or without College or University) that allows you the security to know you, at the very minimum, can have a clean and warm roof over your head there is something wrong with our economy. I personally see this ever single day. Any job should provide the bare minimum to live even waitressing, manual labor, cleaning houses or whatever.

On a lighter note, I live in an independent living section of a facility that also has assisted living and memory care. I've been almost two years and believe me, it was a tough transition from my little garden home, but a necessary one. We must comply with federal and state regulations in dealing with covid-19, but at least we are not confined to our rooms as when the norovirus hit last fall.

Visitors, family, vendors, and such are not allowed in, although things can be brought to the door, received, and brought to our rooms. The biggest thing that hit today was when we were told we could no longer sit 3 or 4 to a table.have you any idea how 80 and 90 year olds behave when they're kicked out of "their" seats and have to share a table with a stranger, who may or may not be dealing with a full deck. I simply sat back and enjoyed it all. All activities canceled as well. We won't die from this, certainly our medical conditions will get us first. Very few complaints..

I am thankful that I am able to live in a safe place with good food provided, and people dedicated to making our life meaningful. My children don't have to worry about me, someone else is doing that for them. They have enough to worry about.

I hope some of you can find some compassion for others in your life.

"getting a job and earning a living wage should not change in 50 years"

Really? For the last 175 years or more, I think the start and end of any 50 year window in any country now considered to be "developed" will always show circumstances very different from beginning to end. Do you think that's not so?

The suggestion that everyone should earn a living wage is a fine idea. But it's not one that the people either in your country or in mine have ever been willing to pay for. To the extent this would cover private sector workers, that means that consumer prices would go up. For many people, social concerns and consciousness thoughts end when the consequence gets near their wallets.

Q "Okay, are you willing to foot the bill for this?"

Expected A- "Why no, I'm not!"