They closed all schools and universities here, too (kindergardens are supposed to still be open, but it seems like not for too long). Which means that lots of parents won't be able to work, even from home.
We're somehow supposed to arrange to teach online, but the minute this was announced, the site crashed. I think I have recording of old lectures (I taped myself in order to transcript my lectures for other lecturers to use) so maybe I'll be able to use those, we'll see.
I'm still in quarantine (I have a full week left), and I have no idea how we'll handle things now that PiBoy and Pi++Girl will be home all the time, but I'll still have to be behind a closed door, and the DH is still the actually-sick one of the both of us. I guess we'll find out soon enough.
My heart goes out especially to my BiL and his wife. He's a doctor, she's a nurse, and they were already informed that their shifts would increase due to the need of manpower. They have five young kids at home, from ages 9 to 1.5. Whose schools are now closed (except for those of the youngest two of them). And I can't even invite them here, because I'm quarantined. Maybe once the week of quarantine is over, I'll be able to help.
It reminds my a lot of what happened during the Gulf War (Shir, you were just a baby then, right?). All schools and businesses were closed. Everybody had to stay home as much as possible, and had to carry their gas-masks with them everywhere. And it lasted for weeks and weeks (And some missiles did indded were dropped over Israel. I remember the distinct feeling of the building in which our apartment was, swaying back and forth, because a missile hit near us). We've had wars since, and emergencies, but this seems like the most serious one since then, or ever in my lifetime.
Stay safe and healthy, people. Wash your hands and take care.
Of course they still deny being tested, but if there ever was karma deserved both of them would get this virus. Don't want them dead because I want them to lose the election in a landslide and be hauled off to jail, but them both getting super sick for a time would be just dandy. Then perhaps some competent professionals could handle this crisis.
Nilly! Yes, my heart hurts for the health care workers. They are going to be under tremendous stress.
I am very interested by the decisions my work is making. We're cancelling all public events and reservations for our meeting rooms. We're asking people not to return their library books and waiving all fines! We're staying open but probably de-activating every other computer and moving chairs to keep people apart.
It's the children/teens that are going to be a wild card. We have some very small branches that serve after school snacks to HORDES of kids (in low-income neighborhoods) and... the kids won't stop coming. Kids are kids.
You know what I have absolutely no interest in doing right now? My self-assessment. Could not care less.
Don't want them dead because I want them to lose the election in a landslide and be hauled off to jail, but them both getting super sick for a time would be just dandy.
Right? I'd love for Trump to just be miserable and sick. Although I assume the Republicans would still refuse to fund anything useful.
Timelies all!
So Mr. S was supposed to have a two day visit to one of the private schools we've applied to yesterday and today. Yesterday he was there from 9-12 and it went well until near the end when they asked him to help clean up what he was playing with. He got mad and started spitting at people. Times being what they are, they took a hard line and decided to cancel today's visit.
We had to get a nanny on short notice for today. She forgot the keys, so they were out of the house until I got home. Which means he didn't get the second dose of his meds. It's been a rough afternoon.
Here is what I got from Baltimore libraries: All Public Programs Cancelled
The Pratt Library will cancel all public programs until March 31. Given recommendations from top health officials, we feel this is in the best interest of keeping both our staff and customers safe. Large-scale programs such as CityLit Festival and Imagination Celebration will be rescheduled. We will reassess the situation at the end of the month.
All Libraries Remain Open
All Pratt Library locations will remain open with standard operating hours. Our Facilities teams continue to follow the CDC Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection to keep our buildings clean. In addition, disposable wipes have been provided to Pratt staff to wipe down "high touch" surfaces. Additional hand sanitizer is also being distributed.
Meanwhile this afternoon, all MD public schools got closed for 2 weeks starting Monday, so now we have to put measures in place for that starting tomorrow. My guess is I will have a list of employees with children to get through the remote access protocols tomorrow. My boss is still out. My co-worker that is my trainer will be out tomorrow and I do not have the accesses needed to submit paperwork, soooooo.
All of this feels weird, odd, creepy, and more than a little unnerving.
