Into the Fray

[aggienaut]

March 19th - As of this morning there were 565 cases if coronavirus in Australia, and 111 new cases in the previous 24 hours.

   It is presently 5:51am in Venezuela and Cristina is on her way to the hospital for work. Since they'd reduced to skeleton shifts she's been off a few days, this is her first shift since they've gotten coronavirus patients. The hospital doesn't have disenfectant, gloves, masks or running water. It feels like she's going off to the front lines in a war ):

   In related news, in Italy (where they have first world protective gear in the hospitals) there has reportedly been an "'enormous' level of contagion among the country's medical personnel. At least 2,629 health workers have been infected by coronavirus since the onset of the outbreak in February, representing 8.3 percent of total cases."


   There is now definitely a flight ban in Australia for any travel other than returning Australians. Cristina's flight to Colombia has been cancelled so we're definitely going to cancel the other two legs. Both the Panamanian airline and United have announced we can cancel or change our flights, though it might just be credit with the airline rather than money back. We'll see. I'll be a bit grumpy with them if it's just credit, watch then to recreate the trip it will cost significantly more and we'll be locked in with them ):

   I have a friend in Costa Rica, a college frind who recently went there because her income all came from online stuff so it didn't matter where she was so might as well be a tropical paradise. There's apparently no shortages there, apparently because the economy is accustomed to supplying hordes of tourists who aren't present. She showed pictures of shelves full of toilet paper! Apparently Costa Rica has imposed alcohol prohibition to discourage people from having tooooo much fun during quarantine.

   I was surprised to see a fair number of people at the town pub when I drove past however. I haven't been able to find hand sanitizer but I've taken to taking a bar of soap with me in the car and just grasping it in my hand as I drive, switching hands every now and then. Should keep my hands (and steering wheel?) good and sterile yeah?

   My printer is refusing to work again. I swear it gives me the biggest headache of all work related things. I need to print labels!! Today was a really nice day, possibly the third day this year that actually felt like a nice summer day. Though the bees I was inspecting today made it clear they thought summer was over -- they had already kicked the drones out. Most of my hives are nearer Birregurra town and doing booming business, but these ones by the workshop aren't putting honey on. I'd move them to where the honey is coming in but with my luck the flow would cut out as soon as I got them there. :-/

   Someone from the local newsletter asked if I wanted to have a continuing column of my travel stories. I feel a bit self conscious that everything else in the newsletter is directly of general interest to the community but if the editors think it would be good then I suppose it could be fun.

   Presently it's just after 9pm here, rain is pounding on my house's tin roof, and there's a pretty frequent flashing of lightning and rumble of thunder. 9pm here, 6am in Venezueala. Cristina is headed to the front lines right now, and I feel very anxious about it.

Comments

[feodora.livejournal.com]

Here the people are carless too. Esp some younger people as they know even if they would get infected, the mostly get a mild version but forget that the could infect people neccesarry for serving the community as medical staff, police and ambulances or elderlies which are the risk group for severe versions of illnes by coVid19.

We both have HomeOffice which is for me quite normal but K has to sit at the desk in livingroom. But its ok. For fresh products we go out an get them and, yes, we have some more long living products (noodle, rice, bulgur, lens and peas) and some more tins than usual but no hoarding of stuff. In the evening we go for a walk but far away from crowds. We hope that we could go for a little hiking on sunday still.

Keep calm and safe. My honors to Christina and her collegues all over the world...we owe them much

[adoptedwriter.livejournal.com]

I think it’s good to hear a well versed perspective from folks around the globe. We need this. Keep writing! I bought two extra bottles of wine last night for just in case. Lol. My birthday is coming up soon! Lol.

[feodora.livejournal.com]

Yes , recently I was not very active on LJ but in this time it is MY platform for connetion to the world.

Keep safe

[carbonpaper.livejournal.com]

I don’t understand what people don’t get about self isolating. We cannot just do business as usual. The cases rising proves that! Ugh.

[crazy-mich.livejournal.com]

Best of luck to Cristina. I hope she can stay healthy through all this!

[wpadmirer.livejournal.com]

I hope that Cristina remains healthy, and I send you good vibes for doing the same.

[westbeilschmidt.livejournal.com]

I’ve found since covid19 has spread everywhere, some in society Have forgot the concept of common sense. The hoarding, fighting over items like toilet paper and hand sanitizers has gotten out of hand. We were watching the news before the announcement of self-isolated when my 7 y/o daughter saw turns to me and said, “why are some adults so stupid? Why would 1 adult needs 7 large packages of tp when they only have one bum and soap and water cleans far better (and you can have fun with the bubbles too). If this is what it means to be an adult, I do not want. I want to stay a kid as long as I can.”

Stay safe

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry about your having to cancel your wedding plans. It's dure days for planned events. Even on the tiny Isle of Man, the wedding plans of the daughter of a friend of mine have been messed up and may be cancelled.

Love in time of Covid 19....

The only way to control this is to be required to quarantine ourselves...if people won't do it voluntarily, lockdown like here in Spain with fines for non-compliance.
May both you and Cristina stay well!

[dadi.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I am so so sorry you have to postpone the wedding. And I hope with all my heart that she will be ok.

[cazzicles.livejournal.com]

Oh, goodness. I can only imagine how worried you must be for Cristina :(

[pigshitpoet.livejournal.com]

stay calm and all will be well. the worst is almost over, here in canada the shutdown has flattened the curve. i think they are learning how to prevent spread by avoiding contact, there are many brave people in the medical field working hard in the front lines to make this disappear. my heart goes out to all of them!
may your christina return home safe and unaffected. a mask stops contact, so does washing frequently, wearing sanitary gloves, and avoiding the path of coughing and sneezing.
apparently it's like an pneumonia thing.
bless her heart, my friend!
all the best to you both!
; )