Coronavirus Is Impacting Our Lives

An update from the Frozen Northlands probably isn't much different than updates from your own area. Coronavirus has certainly impacted our lives. Although DH and I are feeling fine right now, I actually do have an appointment at my clinic for a follow-up on the bladder infection Urgent Care appointment I had a few weeks ago. Since I had that kidney stone issue a few days ago, I'm rather glad I have the appointment already scheduled. Much less hassle. 

DH spent an hour at Target yesterday and sent me several photos
similar to this one - pictures of empty or almost empty shelves.
Our local grocery store is doing a great job of restocking their
shelves. Target? Not so good. 

The hassle comes with everything else. Shopping is a bit of a nightmare - a version of empty shelves and pushy people, limited hours and the underlying urgency to get in and get out quickly. For better or worse, however, I'll be at the grocer later today to get our weekly shop done. My store has cut their hours, and set aside 7:00-8:00 am for those at higher risk - the elderly and handicapped. Normally I would be there at 7:00 to take advantage (I qualify as elderly even if I don't act it), but since I have my doctor appointment, I can't actually get there until sometime between 9:00 and 9:30 am. I'm quite sure they will be out of some things I want, but I can try again tomorrow morning. 

Signs similar to this are on the doors of restaurants, and other
venues where people gathered are closed for an indeterminate
time. It's the speed at which this virus transmits that is causing
the reaction. The mortality rates are bad, but could be so much
worse. 

I fear it's only a matter of time before all non-essential businesses are ordered closed in my state. The governor already closed all places where larger groups of people would gather - restaurants, fitness centers, museums and concert venues, places of worship, schools and other similar venues. Gatherings are limited to 10 people or less. That means no breakfast out for me, and I'm worried about my friends on the wait staff. Some of them quite literally live from paycheck to paycheck and without their jobs and tips, they're quite worried about what lies ahead. 

I'm sure it won't be much longer before I'll have to put "Closed"
signs up on my store's door too. Although I rarely get larger
groups of people, we can't possibly disinfect every single sample
of product I have on display. We're talking 10,000+ individual
items - no ... not happening. 

I think retail will be allowed to remain open through this week, but fully expect to be forced closed starting next week for all non-essential retail. Craft and art supplies certainly would come under that heading. Yes, I can do mail order, but since we've been slowing that down in preparation for closing late this year (and because of the added headache of sales tax reporting for out-of-state sales), it's not the busy money-maker that it used to be. We'll close when we're ordered to, of course, but I had a restless night's sleep dreaming about how to get my mail and how to get my bills paid on time if I can't get my mail. 

Stay home, wash your hands frequently, disinfect surfaces, try
to limit your exposure. Take care of yourselves. 

I know that all of my friends close and far are being affected by the coronavirus in a variety of ways. I can't do anything to help any of you individually, but I'll keep on posting daily and I'll try my best to stay optimistic, because I think we all need that in our lives - lives that have suddenly become quite frightening. Stay healthy, stay happy, and I'll be back tomorrow.