The "Fuck you Covid19" thread

[cascadiabound]

I for one am feeling inordinately stressed by this thing due to the fact that I am a front line health care worker at the epicenter of the US Covid19 outbreak. My hours have more than doubled, I am being exposed to a virus for which none of us has any immunity, and the rest of my life feels upside down and topsy turvey.

All of us are feeling this in one way or another. I am so worried about people who have lost their jobs, or whose businesses are unable to operate and all of the parents suddenly having kids home full time without much school structure or any place to take them or send them. I am worried about our most vulnerable, those in institutions, the elderly and people who live alone and are further isolated by this virus.

I look around at my coworkers and *virtually* at my family and friends and worry who among them will succumb to this disease. Which of my beloved people will I never be able to hug again, never see in person again, never break bread with again.

I need a place to put all this. Maybe you do too. Post about your stress, the silver linings you are finding, your fears, you or your loved ones who are struggling with this virus.

Already the first MD in my state has died of Covid19 - a beloved person and a pioneer in the field of vascular biology and a longtime professor of pathology
I know he will not be the last of my professional colleagues who will die of this.

My employer is both seeking donations of additional N95 masks and looking into options to sew our own masks either to help extend the life of our N95 masks or to use as a substitute for less occlusive surgical masks. And we are not alone... the major hospital system in my state has a call for people to sew cotton surgical masks to donate to their multi billion dollar business in order to protect their doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists.

I don't know whether to scream or get depressed. Whether I should just get busy sewing or hide under my covers.

this is fucking real folks.

if you are not critical infrastructure please please please - #staythefuckhome

Fuck you Covid19 ​

 

[melimelissa]

Fuck Corvid 19

Wishing you well now
in these times of trouble and
agreeing with you

Méli

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FfAEsn6VysA/XnU5CSFR84I/AAAAAAAAKc8/u0pPDFituaIYC8jT9rMvLfs5maEn9O7JwCK8BGAsYHg/s0/fuck%2Byou%2Banyway.jpg

 

[littlebirdjoy]

Thank you for making this threat, Cascadia, and thank you for the work you do. I, and many others are praying for all of your safety.

I just finished creating a board in my online classroom for my students to vent and emote. My colleagues and I are frustrated and arguing with administration at the moment over the fact we are required to leave home and come to the school to record lessons to upload. We are frustrated because we are concerned for the safety of our students and their families, but apparently our families don't count? Yes, I'm lucky to still have a job, DAMN lucky... but at the same time I have a chronic lung condition which means if I were to catch this thing... I'd be unlikely to survive it. I'm feeling my own mortality VERY keenly and it scares the crap out of me.

The boarders in my country closed last night at midnight, and the US embassy will close on the 31st. I already had an emergency appointment booked for the 29th... but emergency or not, there is not likely to be anything they can do for me now or in the forseable future. I've felt stuck before, but I never realized how much of a comfort it was in the back of my mind that I COULD get to my mom and my family if I absolutely had to. My ex has already been taunting me by message today regarding just how differently stuck I am. <<<< that is fucking terrifying on a whole new level.

My mom is 76 and a paraplegic reliant upon home health care and meals on wheels. I've been speaking to her every day and been encouraging her to stock up on non perishables, but every time her care worker goes to the store there was nothing there left! Today was her care worker's last day. The state has cut that. So now my mom is alone, 50 billion miles from me, and if anything goes wrong I CANT get to her. If I start crying about that I'm 90% sure I won't stop.

I'm trying to put on a smile and keep up the "keep calm and carry on" attitude for my kiddo and my students, but really, I'm not convinced that all WILL be okay. I dont think it will be months till life goes back to the way it was, I think it'll be more like years, if ever, for me. It feels like I took one jump forward and life just backhanded me (and everyone else).

So definitely... fuck you Covid-19. 100% fuck you.

for us teachers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCe5PaeAeew

 

[Bramblethorn]

Things here in Australia are a little way behind Europe/USA. A lot of people are still at the "showing off how they're not afraid to hang out in crowds" stage :-/

I caught a nasty cold a couple of weeks back and since then I've barely left the house. I am in a good situation to work from home relative to most, but it's been hard to focus on my projects, both because of general fretful-news-checking and because I now have a lot of extra people work to do.

I'm based in a branch office, and we have a lot of junior staff whose managers are interstate. I don't project-manage those people, but I have pastoral responsibility for them. It's not much work except when something goes wrong... and now something has gone wrong for all of us, all at once. Now we have a bunch of people who are probably all going to be working from home for months, some of whom normally wouldn't be allowed to WFH, and everybody is going to be stressing out and things are chaotic.

So I've made regular appointments with all of them to check in at least once a fortnight. Despite the autistic stereotypes, I actually enjoy that kind of work, and I seem to be quite good at it when it's structured like this. (I'm not good at noticing social stuff, but I have a couple of 'lieutenants' who are great at bringing things to my attention that need dealing with.) But it takes a significant amount of time and concentration, and at the same time everything else is calling for my attention as we scramble to restructure stuff.

I worry about my partner; she's older than me, and has a condition that puts her at higher risk, and her work involves going out and seeing people (though probably not for much longer - might be able to move it to Skype).

Overall, though, I'm luckier than most. I have more job security than most, a supportive workplace, enough money to smooth over some of the bumps, and a lot of my social life was already online. Australia produces 3x as much food as it eats, so while we've had problems with panic buying, we're not likely to starve.

I'm worried for my friends, though. And really tired of arguing with people who are convinced this is no big deal, it's just another flu season, ...

My brother is an ER doc and I haven't caught up with him in a few weeks. Probably ought to do that before things get bad here, eh.

Love and best wishes to y'all.

 

[soltiera]

Thank you for creating this thread Cassie! My borders are closed. Everyone is panicking and panic buying. Every day there is a new scare. I'm already in an isolated area whereI only see people once a month or so, but I am beginning to suspect that I'll be isolated for a little longer tihis this time! I wonder if I'll ever see my family again. These are frightening times.

 

[Bramblethorn]

This one made me chuckle, at least.

 

[cascadiabound]

This one made me chuckle, at least.

thanks for that.... made me laugh too.

 

[Shankara20]

This one made me chuckle, at least.

ps: Fuck you Covid-19


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e3/27/d9/e327d90a2469fd853f02c05fc20e74e2.jpg

 

[twister947]

Since Dear Leader wants his name on everything he touches, and given his propensity for sticking shitty little nicknames on everyone who disagrees with him, I suggest "Trump Virus."

It's only fair.

 

[cascadiabound]

Wishing you well now
in these times of trouble and
agreeing with you

Méli

Thank you for making this threat, Cascadia, and thank you for the work you do. I, and many others are praying for all of your safety.

[snip]

So definitely... fuck you Covid-19. 100% fuck you.

we will all need all the prayers we can offer up

*subscribed*
I will read later.
Thanks, C.

you are right there with me on this.

Things here in Australia are a little way behind Europe/USA. A lot of people are still at the "showing off how they're not afraid to hang out in crowds" stage :-/

[snip]

Love and best wishes to y'all.

I hope Covid19 spares Australia... or at least that you folks can learn from the way so many other western democracies seem to be lurching around in response to this threat

Thank you for creating this thread Cassie!
[snip]These are frightening times.

soltiera
I am hoping that in these worrisome times a supportive community here can help all of us get through it - one day, one week, one month at a time.

Prepare for the marathon of our lives.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I hope Covid19 spares Australia... or at least that you folks can learn from the way so many other western democracies seem to be lurching around in response to this threat

We're doing better than USA on screening and contact tracing, but the numbers are ticking up day by day. Our leadership is... not all I could ask for... in this kind of situation. The PM's response to panic buying has been telling people "don't do it, that's un-Australian", for all that's worth, while encouraging people to keep on going to the football up to last weekend.

I've never been a gregarious person, so I don't miss crowds - I expect it's hard on those who do.

 

[twister947]

I live in a small house on a river, surrounded by nothing. I have no neighbors. Barring fate or stupidity, the virus won't get me. Other health issues, left untreated well may. I gave up cigars over a year ago...time to revisit that decision.

 

[cookiecat]

I work in a hospital but not in direct medical care. Wards are on lock-down, no outpatient services. Inside the hospital is quiet and slow. The tension is thick.

There is, however, a sense of unity -- that's been the messaging from the top -- we're all in this together. Everyone right now is an essential worker, even those of us who are support staff. We'll be able to help in some way.

Personally, I haven't been affected by this as much as others in my circle. Friends who are self employed, teachers, massage therapists, stylists. It's such a heart ache.

I worry about my parents. They're in another state. As of yesterday, restaurants were still open, my mom got a massage. They were at the beach the day before but it sounds like at least those got closed.

Surreal times. But I do feel like we are all in this together.

 

[ToPleaseHim]

Pretty proud of the leadership in Ohio and how well most Ohioans are complying. Dr Acton is fucking brilliant.

I’m fortunate to be working from home. Kids are off school and home from college so our house is full (and our dogs are soooooo enjoying us all being home). It’s hard to focus, though, so my productivity isn’t where it should be, but it’ll work out. We are getting stir crazy already, and I do wish I could do more for my aunts who live alone. Best to stay away from them and just check in by phone.

Thank you, Cascadia for all you and your colleagues are doing.

 

[littlebirdjoy]

This one made me chuckle, at least.

That right there

 

[Catshadow]

Thank you for all your hard work.

 

[seela]

I'm such a homebody that this hasn't affected my life too much so far, except that there are almost no people at work or in the grocery store or on trams. And my work is insanely busy. It's pretty crushing, considering I've already been at my limit for a couple of months now. I'm not allowed to work from home and I've been declared critical personnel for the function of the fucking country, which makes me laugh and cry at the same time.

I am worried for my partner's mom, who likely wouldn't be able to battle this one out if she caught it. My own parents are at risk because of their age, but they're pretty well barricaded in their own home save for going out for walks in the forest that starts right next to their house. My brother brings them food, so they'll be okay.

I'm also worried for a kid in the neighborhood who shouldn't spend any time at home if you ask me, let alone all the time as they are forced to now that the schools are closed.

The positive side effect this has had on my life is that I've been able to kick my obsessive news checking habit. I guess I'm trying to protect myself from something by not constantly checking the news now. Because of my work I see a lot what's going on behind the scenes here right now. That makes me worried, but it also brings me comfort. We're prepared.

 

[littlebirdjoy]

"I'm also worried for a kid in the neighborhood who shouldn't spend any time at home if you ask me, let alone all the time as they are forced to now that the schools are closed. " This is definitely something on my mind as well. None of our kids are dependent upon the school for meals... but I know many children are, I was at one point. That is a big problem that I don't see discussed often right now, but really needs to be. There are a lot of people who might lose access to their only source of reliable food, both children and adults as well (homeless and people like my mom
who rely on meals on wheels).

edit: I know you were most likley referring to violence or abuse of some form... and this is also a huge issue for not only children, but adults or seniors who are subject to domestic violence. YIKES!

On a funny note: Daddy was asking last night what the heck we are going to do about the "coronaboom" in 10 months or so.... I about laughed aloud. It hadnt occurred to me, but he is 100% right... that will be a thing as well Which will not be great if we are still struggling with the fallout of this thing!

 

[Moochienanu]

I am falling apart.
It’s on the inside, though.
I am screaming internally.
Every time I walk into work and get my temperature taken.
Every time I have to don a reused PAPR.
Every time I walk into isolation.
Every time a response is called overhead.
Every time I haven’t heard from Him for hours and fear the worst has happened.
Every time a new gauntlet is placed before me and my colleagues.
Every time a family member or friend asks me for information and I have to say “No one knows.”
Every time I hear of another closure effecting more people I care about.
Every time my innocent child says the word “coronavirus.”
Every time I hear of another person’s death becoming a statistic.
Every time our leaders spread lies that make my job more difficult...
I am screaming internally
Pretty much all the time.

I am planning a long hike into the woods next week
On my day off,
So that I can scream aloud,
But until then,
I’ll hold it inside,
And fall apart
Where no one can see.

 

[twister947]

Pretty proud of the leadership in Ohio and how well most Ohioans are complying. Dr Acton is fucking brilliant.

I’m fortunate to be working from home. Kids are off school and home from college so our house is full (and our dogs are soooooo enjoying us all being home). It’s hard to focus, though, so my productivity isn’t where it should be, but it’ll work out. We are getting stir crazy already, and I do wish I could do more for my aunts who live alone. Best to stay away from them and just check in by phone.

Thank you, Cascadia for all you and your colleagues are doing.

I just read an article on your governor...we need more like him.

 

[cascadiabound]

I am falling apart.
It’s on the inside, though.
I am screaming internally.
Every time I walk into work and get my temperature taken.
Every time I have to don a reused PAPR.
Every time I walk into isolation.
Every time a response is called overhead.
Every time I haven’t heard from Him for hours and fear the worst has happened.
Every time a new gauntlet is placed before me and my colleagues.
Every time a family member or friend asks me for information and I have to say “No one knows.”
Every time I hear of another closure effecting more people I care about.
Every time my innocent child says the word “coronavirus.”
Every time I hear of another person’s death becoming a statistic.
Every time our leaders spread lies that make my job more difficult...
I am screaming internally
Pretty much all the time.

I am planning a long hike into the woods next week
On my day off,
So that I can scream aloud,
But until then,
I’ll hold it inside,
And fall apart
Where no one can see.

Moochie

Csn I join you on that hike so I can scream too? (Of course keeping 6' distance at all times)

I keep thinking they are going to start running the names of the dead on the news like they did in the Vietnam war... I was really young when they did that, but I have sober childhood memories of it.

 

[gracie920101]

I keep thinking they are going to stsrt runnunh the names of the dead on the news like they did in the Vietnam war... I was really young when they did that, but I have sober childhood memories of it.

Here they have been running a morbid crawl in the bottom of the newscasts of each state, the number of cases, and the number of deaths, as if they were fucking election results!

We both are high risk but still going to work daily. J is in a position, not medical, that deals with the lower or no income population. So it's stressful every time he walks out the door not knowing what he may come into contact with. Luckily, I work in a very small office and we've transitioned our current contacts to phone only except for receiving the mail.

He and I had decided to limit outside contact at home almost a week before any restrictions started. We check our temps before and after work and wash hands, face and arms before doing anything else upon arrival at home. I can't think of anything to add to that except removing our shoes and leaving them at the door.

I normally stock up on soap and paper goods but this has caught me right before it was time to replenish, so I've taken stock on all our alternatives. I've plenty tissues to use as TP then can rely on miscellaneous cocktail and birthday napkins leftover from various parties. Also I grew up in a time without papertowels so I can easily figure that out. Soap, well...laundry soap will work if needed. I've got a gallon or so of that.

I saw a post on social media about mealtimes might be like an episode of Chopped and I can see that happening at some point. 1 rutabaga, a package of frozen diced ham, oatmeal and a can of peaches. It's what's for dinner! LOL I just hate being without milk and may have to venture to a store at some point for that but I can get by without a lot of things I normally buy.

I'm happy so see you, CB. I had wondered about the impact on your life in the hotspot you're in. I know this may change the world as we knew it and maybe not for the better. It's scary times for so very many. Keep your chin up. I'll promise to check in here periodically, too.

 

[ToPleaseHim]

I just read an article on your governor...we need more like him.

Yes. I didn’t vote for him and definitely disagree with some of his politics, but in this situation, he is certainly proving he is the right person for the job. He’s listening to experts, letting the experts speak, and making the right decisions. He’s been going live every day at 2:00 with updates and many folks, especially since we are almost all housebound, are calling the hour Wine with DeWine. Solidarity.

 

[twister947]

Gracie, baby wipes, towelettes, etc. are reusable. They can go through the wash unscathed (this is why they are so good at stopping up sewers). Our mothers washed diapers...this won't hurt us!

 

[ToPleaseHim]

From friend, who is a social scientist and has spent her life specializing in health, place, and systems. She lives & works in DC.

"Isolation log day 10: we have the fastest spread rate among all nations. Within a few weeks, we have caught up with Iran and Germany. We are at 50% of the confirmed # of cases in Italy and 25% of China. If my math is correct, we now have a higher per capita rate than China and our medical system is woefully unprepared. I don't care where you stand politically, but if we are to ever claim the greatness of America, then channel that national pride into keeping this crisis from growing. If we can't act collectively through our individual actions, for the greater good of our nation and humanity, then maybe the values that made America great died before this threat even arrived. I ask each of you, please do your part to carry us to the deceleration stage. To put our growth rate in perspective, we were at 5k on 3/17. We are now ranked #4 and might surpass Spain by the end of the day.”