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Post by Nicholas on Mar 22, 2020 19:31:00 GMT
As it is now an undeniably unavoidable and unifying topic, the staff team have decided to open a thread dedicated to discussion of self-isolation as a result of COVID-19 for those of us who wish to talk about it and how it is affecting us.
This thread can be used for members to check in, say how they're doing and to discuss worries or concerns. I personally feel that SiF has always been more than just an online forum, but a community. With many self-isolating willingly or in an imposed lockdown and others working hard to provide key services, we are more than happy to encourage members, whatever their situation, to engage with each other, support each other and help each other throughout this stressful time, in true community spirit.
One condition that the staff feel we must make absolutely clear, however, is that the thread is not to be used to criticise or scrutinise the politics surrounding any government or their response to the pandemic. The thread is for supporting each other, spreading positivity and kindness and to help people feel connected to others in a time of global crisis.
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Richard
Passenger Engine
Posts: 697
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Post by Richard on Mar 22, 2020 20:05:28 GMT
Coronavirus/COVID-19 is a very scary disease - these are unprecedented times. To reduce the spread of the virus, my "Match Day" (where I find out where I'm going for residency) and my medical school graduation have been canceled. I know many seniors in other institutions are finding it hard to reconcile not being recognized for their achievements with personal responsibility to keep the greater public safe and healthy. It's a tough time to be a student!
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Post by PercyFan1998 on Mar 22, 2020 20:15:08 GMT
This COVID-19 situation is quite tough. My parents are both elderly and based on results from other countries, they’re in the high risk age group. For me it’s also tough given I’m part of the generation that are walking hosts to carry this around, so my interactions outside have been ceased unless necessary. What’s worst is how I work for a pharmacy store so my services is essential and thereby required. We have taken some measures to ensure our own and customers’ safety with gloves and taped off check-out lines, as well as new hours to adapt to the situation.
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Post by ScarletSpider on Mar 22, 2020 20:18:00 GMT
One thing I've really noticed that the dredged up scum of society have really come to the surface to abuse and shout at not just shop workers, but NHS staff, public transport workers and so on.
Supermarkets don't have stock on shelves not through laziness, but through simply not having stock and people buying all the tins of beans when they know there is no need.
NHS and all emergency service workers are struggling under a metric s*** ton of stress and anxiety and an increase in patients.
Those who work for companies like Stagecoach, Trent Barton and NCT are trying their best to move those who can still work about.
Everyone is trying their best to help and support the public.
Nobody deserves the amount of abuse received from those members of the public who think it's their God given right to do so.
Look in the mirror and get a grip. There are much bigger things going on put there right now then Sainsbury's not having a case of beer on the shelf, or having to wait ten more minutes for your cup of tea in Gregg's.
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Harperman
Goods Engine
Pittsburghs Going to Superbowl!
Posts: 390
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Post by Harperman on Mar 22, 2020 20:25:44 GMT
What really sucks about this virus for me is i was about to buy all the stuff i would need to make a new thomas and friends series, but now i can't get anything due to complications with ebay and amazon with the virus freakout. Had about 1200 bucks too, so i would have been able to get most of what i needed after working so hard last year
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ThomasandMatt
Goods Engine
Proud Bartender of the SiF Bar Car
Posts: 353
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Post by ThomasandMatt on Mar 22, 2020 21:34:25 GMT
I had found out last night that a case of COVID-19 had been confirmed in my state county, but as of yet, life for me has largely gone unaffected, only in that work has been rather slow at times during the day except for around lunchtime (I work at a restaurant that has closed its lobby, but drive-through is still going.) As of this moment, I remain uninfected, but that could at any time.
I have my own reservations about this virus, mostly due to the fact that the information I am getting from it is largely from bigger news corporations, so they’re going to blow the whole thing out of proportion.
I will still be keeping my outside contact with people to a bare minimum, except for when I have to go to work. ‘til then, take care, everyone.
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Post by Rusty Red Scrap Iron on Mar 22, 2020 21:42:17 GMT
Me personally, I'm trying to really look on the bright side despite all that's going on day in and day out. I mean yes its a bummer that we're pretty much all cooped up in our own homes, despite those who've been advised to stay in venturing out as normal as if there's nothing to worry about, as well as of course the senseless panic buyers and the media's endless doom and doom about new cases and deaths. Personally I'd much prefer to hear about the numbers who have recovered, as well as hearing how in some places the air quality has cleared and even hearing how the waters of Venice have become clearer. Although somewhere I reckon that the clearer air and water won't last long.
Obviously I do feel for the Italians, as well as those who've lost loved ones and friends due to this virus, regardless whether they've had underlining health conditions or not because I know the media have stated several times that those who have sadly passed on have had these.
But the thing, Humanity has always been very resourceful when it isn't being overshadowed by its stupidity and its indecency towards others. Yet in times of crisis we do have to make some compromises, but not to the point where we compromise others and I know many don't trust governments as far as they can chuck them - which is probably why some are ignoring the advice and carrying on as normal. I mean I've kind of gotten to the point where I feel like I can't wait for the year to end and wish the prolonged days of this to go by quickly - even though its only March. Something which I haven't felt since 2012 when I had what seemed to be the year from hell, where back then come May time I wished for the year's end.
However, we will get through this and many lessons will be learnt from it (if not then we'll be just repeating the circle all over again). But obviously to everyone, stay safe and of course stay healthy.
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Post by Emerald Green Engine on Mar 23, 2020 0:14:41 GMT
I myself am a bit concerned about the spread of the Coronavirus. I live in West Virginia and it was the last state in the USA to have a confirmed case. I suffer from GERD and in November 2019, I came down with a case of pneumonia, which is not only a possible complication of GERD, but corona can turn into pneumonia. And unfortunately, you can die from pneumonia. One thing I worry about is getting pneumonia again from this corona outbreak.
I work at Walmart and all Walmart stores, particularly in the store where I work at since its big, is experiencing a huge shortage of hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towel, cleaning supplies, and food and bottled water (particularly frozen food and meet). I work in apparel and sometimes have to cover the fitting rooms. I would get several calls a day asking if we have any cleaning and paper supplies. Because of the high demand of those of products, we would go out of stock as soon as they hit the shelves. Sometimes they don't even have a chance to reach the shelves when our stocking associates bring them to the sales floor. Right now, we can pull associates to look for specific products, particularly paper supplies, cleaning supplies, and food. We would also get asked about trucks. I have to inform them that we do get several trucks coming every day, but our stockers don't know what's in them until they unload it. I had one woman on the phone who demanded to speak to a manager because she didn't like that I told her we had limited to no cleaning and paper supplies and we don't know when our next truck was going to be here. I, with my best customer service and civility, politely informed her that I can bring her one, but I do not know how he/she is going to be able to help her. We do not have any control over when the trucks nor do we have a schedule. They just show up when they show up. Then she had the nerve to say to me 'You cannot decide for yourself whether a manager can help me or not. Get me a manager now.' A moment I wished I disconnected a call. Because of these demand of products, customers are not only getting upset, but act like its our fault we're short on supplies or its our fault we're not prepared for this outbreak (but hey, what kind of store is prepared for outbreaks?) and be rude to us for something we no control of.
Because of the shortage of stock, they had to reduce hours of operation at every Walmart store in the country, including the ones that are open 24 hours. Last week, they initially reduced hours of operation to 6:00am to 11:00pm, then a few days later, they reduced it further to 7:00am to 8:30pm, with some store operating a special time for senior citizens to shop. The same time they reduced the hours of operation, Walmart closed all their automotive centers and their vision centers. My store also has a bank, a hair salon and a nail salon (who are not in anyway connected with us even though they're located in my store) and they closed down as well. Like any other Walmart store, my store also has a Subway. They're still open, but due to the spread of corona, they had to close the dining rooms and the food has to be eaten off the premises. Every other retail store now has reduced hours, though I cannot state with any certainty what they are because I do not work at any store. Other business have shut their doors as well, limiting their businesses to online now. Restaurants are still open, but they closed the dining rooms, restricting them to open to drive-thru and online ordering and delivery only. Schools across the country, including West Virginia are closed too, including West Virginia. Because of that, our children are not getting the education they need or are limited to online or homeschooling. This has not only affected the children, the parents as well. Because they may have a hard time finding someone to watch their kids (if their business has not already shut down and restricted it to online), they can not go to work and are at risk of losing their jobs. It hasn't really affected me all that much because even with reduced hours of operation at Walmart, I still work beyond closing time due to my availability at work. Its not bad for me at all because it is easier to work in my area without all these people messing it up.
My mother has Hashimoto's disease and it could be more serious in her than anyone else in my family. I have not seen most of my outside family since they have declared national emergency over the pandemic, especially my grandmother. Supposedly, its more fatal in older people than younger people. But regardless, I hope to not catch it nor be a carrier of it. My dad works at the hospital and I hope he doesn't being it home. There is a history of medical conditions in my family, particularly diabetes.
The spread of corona can be reduced if we isolate ourselves, and wash our hands often or sanitize whenever possible. As I learned from our governor, a virus is easily spread if there is enough people. If the virus cannot jump from one person to the next, it dies. I hope it is the case with this disease. I cannot go anywhere unless I have to work or if I go grocery shopping. I also cannot even eat out that often.
UPDATE: Just now today, the West Virginia Governor has declared a stay home order for the entire state for non-essentials, meaning unless you are getting food and medicine or if you work for food and medicine, you cannot leave your homes. Since I work at Walmart, I can still go to work.
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Post by North Star on Mar 23, 2020 12:45:47 GMT
I'm not so much as worried about myself as I am of those around me, who are in the high risk group. I've also been off-work for the past few months anyway due to stress and other mental health problems so I guess you could say that things haven't really changed that drastically for me. I only venture out when taking Tommy (my dog) for a walk but even then I try and keep my distance from anyone passing by, if it can be helped.
Plus I have been fortunate to have friends and in-laws looking out and doing our shopping for us! I am really just taking it in my stride!
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Corona~!
Passenger Engine
Socially Distant
Posts: 592
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Post by Corona~! on Mar 23, 2020 23:10:20 GMT
I've had some, er... interesting experiences in this whole debacle. Kinda wish they'd stuck to just calling it COVID-19, though...
At the moment, my roomie's working from home but I'm still stuck doing morning shifts at the burger joint I work at because it was deemed "essential and life-bringing" or whatever. In spite of that, Corporate keeps pulling the rug out from under us so our hours and staffing keep getting cut and we're getting fewer and fewer supplies... including gloves.
I'd honestly rather they just closed up shop until this whole thing blows over. I'm just putting myself at risk for a job that's increasingly less worth it at this point. To make matters worse, I live with two elderly people who are in extreme danger if they're exposed so every time I go out it's them and my other three housemates put at risk for an ever-shrinking paycheck.
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Post by melshiri on Mar 23, 2020 23:41:10 GMT
I know so many are in a similar situation, but I really didn’t want to do this. I would appreciate what is able. Please be safe everyone. www.gofundme.com/f/1xk8zg3tdc
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Post by Parker Productions on Mar 26, 2020 10:53:34 GMT
Deary me, never thought I'd see something like this appear on the forums. What strange and sad times we live in Yes, it's all a bit hairy at the moment. What puzzles me is, you'd think after the Prime Minister's speech that people would follow the new instructions about social distancing/self-isolation to the letter, and yet when I go out for a ten minute dog walk, I still see other walkers around my area in threes despite being told not to do so! It's barmy! Jerks like them won't be helping matters at all. I feel sorry for those who can't work from home and whose careers are affected. As a student, although my Uni's closed, I can still email my lecturers and work from home. That's not so for everyone... The way I see it, the more people reduce the amount of time they spend outside for a period, work from home and continue to wash their hands more than usual, the quicker it will help slow it down and bring it to a manageable level. I think in regards to the UK, we're taking all the right steps and measures to control it and to prevent those who are most vulnerable to it from dying. At least Tom Hanks has recovered from the virus, eh!
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Post by henrythegreen on Mar 29, 2020 7:09:43 GMT
Several people have used the phrase 'interesting times' in conversation with me over the past few weeks. While I consider myself fortunate that so far this situation has been more of an inconvenience for than anything else (I'm still required to go in to work each day, I've had to become smarter with my shopping) I know others who have been dealing with this more directly, including one friend who contracted the virus but thankfully is now recovering.
I'll keep this generic in order to avoid potential rancor, but it would seem this crisis is forcing a reckoning across almost all aspects of our modern society, from where we get our food to what businesses we patronize. Almost every day I read someone lamenting that things are going to be lost and never return. I for one refuse to believe that we're going to be reduced to simply sitting in our homes waiting for the next delivery. It's probably hopelessly naive of me, but my desire is that when the world reaches the other side of this, we decide to make it better than it was and refuse to listen to those who would rather continue as if this never happened.
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Post by captainmodesty on Mar 29, 2020 20:56:47 GMT
Honestly, pretty horrific, the week before lockdown I lost my job (chasing up about a furlough) and lost productions of Avenue Q (which was supposed to be on this week just gone) and Legally Blonde which was due in May. I’m just really fortunate to live out in the country so that I can go on walks if wanted and continue hobbies of painting in my shed (though we do have builders next door who are ignoring social distancing building a house right up against out hedge ignoring planning permission. They aren’t doing essential work, they need to go and stay at home rather than making noise and looking over our hedge invading our privacy!)
No jobs around here because they’ve all been swept up by people from bar jobs etc when my background is in online media. Good job my mum freezes loads of food and keeps a well stocked pantry. Only thing will be getting hold of flour and milk really.
I know folk have it far worse but life is pretty much on hold and I’m really hoping everything gets under control by the end of May so life can start to get back to normal again
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Post by Luke22 on Apr 2, 2020 5:35:06 GMT
I'm curious on something: how's the shipping situation out there in the UK? I ask this because I preordered The Royal Engine from the Amazon UK site, and if things aren't resolved by next month, I'm kinda worried that it'll be delayed like the rest of my packages have been heading to the US...
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Post by tweetsie12 on Apr 2, 2020 21:34:28 GMT
I'm not going to lie. I'm nervous, worried, and scared, not just for our health, but for our economy too.
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Post by OJ on Apr 2, 2020 21:46:12 GMT
It really is a scary time now. I hope everyone here is staying safe. Everyone's lives have changed and we all have to make adjustments to assure people stay safe. I also must add that there's no need to panic at shops. There's plenty enough for everyone and yes that does indeed include toilet papar.
My advice is stay home, find things to do that makes you happy, go out for a walk locally providing that you don't have symptoms. Also keep in touch regularly with friends even if you have to skype. This is bad times but we have to carry on.
Stay Safe everyone.
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Post by Eden on Apr 3, 2020 19:17:36 GMT
I'm curious on something: how's the shipping situation out there in the UK? I ask this because I preordered The Royal Engine from the Amazon UK site, and if things aren't resolved by next month, I'm kinda worried that it'll be delayed like the rest of my packages have been heading to the US... Considering the context of this thread and the global situation right now, I hardly think this is worth worrying about, do you?
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Post by StarTodd on Apr 3, 2020 23:57:52 GMT
Thomas DVD.
Pandemic.
Thomas DVD.
Pandemic that can kill and seemingly randomly now.
Think priorities need to be set in order here...
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Post by djscales on Apr 4, 2020 6:16:03 GMT
This Virus is very tough. It's causing major confusion and Delay. Still I believe that if we work together and step up to the plate then I believe that the human spirit can overcome this. We just need to think about the medical personal who are fighting on the front lines.
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