Corona Virus Now Spreading

[WillowMarie]

My mom was watching the news, with the president speaking. In the background, there are four people standing practically shoulder to shoulder.. I'm like, mom, why are they standing so close to each other?? She responded, two of them are even doctors

 

[Jem]

Well, Canada officially has it's own section on the site I look at for updates.
I guess that means we have reached a large enough scale and spread of covid that our own page is needed for detailed information.
Coronavirus Update (Live): 265,863 Cases and 11,179 Deaths from COVID-19 Virus Outbreak - Worldometer

To those of you in the US - What date did your "new case" numbers jump into the several hundreds and now thousands per day? I know it started several days ago, but can't remember exactly when. I'm seeing some significant number jumps in certain states, especially NY, so please be safe.

 

[maggiedemi]

It's crazy that just on Monday my doctor and dentist were acting like I was overreacting about canceling my appointments. But now just a few days later, they are the ones canceling. Interesting....

 

[Margret]

I've been wondering. If a face mask doesn't protect a healthy person from getting the virus, why is there such a demand for masks for nurses and doctors?

In addition to what the other people are posting, every little bit helps.

Also, it obviously isn't an N95 quality mask, but you can get a pattern to make a launderable face mask here: Deaconess - How to make a Face Mask If you really want to get busy sewing, call your doctor's office or local hospital and ask whether they'd like you to make a few of these for them.

A family friend had a knee replacement a couple of weeks ago and her physical therapy sessions have been completely cancelled. They gave her some exercises to do at home but that's it. I hope she's able to heal well.

I'm in physical therapy for the wrist I broke just before New Years. I'm down to once a week, to see how I'm doing with my home exercises and advise me of what to change, and my therapist is very good about hand washing (as am I). And I carry tissues to cough into should I need to, and wouldn't come at all if I had any sign of illness. And my therapist wouldn't come if she were sick.

In general, providing your health care providers aren't swamped, medical care for routine things continues to be quite safe.

Plus, the average person is more likely to feel invincible and take more risks while wearing a mask than not wearing one, and we don't want that either.

I, on the other hand, tend to use a face mask as a reminder not to touch my face.

There's a company named Kinsa that makes a "smart" thermometer. You put a free app on your smart phone and your thermometer uploads your temperature to the app. You can set it with separate profiles for different family members. You can also tell the app to send your data (anonymously) to the company, where they're keeping track of fevers all over the U.S.. They regularly predict the spread of flu before the CDC does, because they have more data, earlier, than the CDC does. And this year they're subtracting out their estimate of what data belongs to flu cases and producing an early COVID 19 map. This map uses smart thermometers to detect potential surges in COVID-19 cases

Unfortunately, Kinsa thermometers are rather expensive, and they've been receiving enough publicity lately that there's been a run on them, so I can't get one, but I wish we all had these. And it appears that if you're in school you may be able to get one for free, so do check that out, folks.

Margret

 

[Margret]

I know that this news station (like the other one) has been around for longer than the 65 years I've been alive but sometimes I wonder if the things they post are real or just to give us a good laugh (especially now).

Woman gives birth at Springfield Walmart store

It's likely legitimate; these things happen more often than people think. The funny part of it, of course, is that it was in the toilet paper aisle. Where else would she have been, after all?

Margret

 

[mschauer]

Just got a call from my vet clinic to reschedule my Mar 25 appt for Coco. My vet won't be in the office for the next 2 weeks "because of concern with regards to the coronavirus". I had to reschedule with another vet, one not familiar with Coco's current treatment. Coco has lymphoma and is in the early stages of establishing an effective protocol for her and so now a vet unfamiliar with her case will be seeing her. AND, when I do bring her in, I will not be allowed to stay with her during the exam. I won't even be allowed in the building. I'm to drive into the parking lot and call them. Someone will come out to get Coco and take her in for the exam. I am to prepare any questions I have in advance in writing.

I asked if there had been a confirmed case of exposure to the virus in the building and was told no.

I'm not happy. I really don't like not being able to stay with her during the exam especially when the exam is going to be performed by someone not familiar with her case.

I know I should be considerate of their concerns but I can't help being more concerned about Coco's treatment at this stage of her disease. It is already a death sentence. What we are trying to do is find a protocol that will give her as much remaining quality of life as possible. Seeing a vet other than her regular one doesn't bother me as much as not being able to stay with her to see what is done and to ask questions as t hey occur to me.

Seriously not happy.

 

[Kieka]

Just got a call from my vet clinic to reschedule my Mar 25 appt for Coco. My vet won't be in the office for the next 2 weeks "because of concern with regards to the coronavirus". I had to reschedule with another vet, one not familiar with Coco's current treatment. Coco has lymphoma and is in the early stages of establishing an effective protocol for her and so now a vet unfamiliar with her case will be seeing her. AND, when I do bring her in, I will not be allowed to stay with her during the exam. I won't even be allowed in the building. I'm to drive into the parking lot and call them. Someone will come out to get Coco and take her in for the exam. I am to prepare any questions I have in advance in writing.

I asked if there had been a confirmed case of exposure to the virus in the building and was told no.

I'm not happy. I really don't like not being able to stay with her during the exam especially when the exam is going to be performed by someone not familiar with her case.

I know I should be considerate of their concerns but I can't help being more concerned about Coco's treatment at this stage of her disease. It is already a death sentence. What we are trying to do is find a protocol that will give her as much remaining quality of life as possible. Seeing a vet other than her regular one doesn't bother me as much as not being able to stay with her to see what is done and to ask questions as t hey occur to me.

Seriously not happy.

I know someone who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer that has spread just a few weeks ago (she was given 3-6 months without treatment). She was supposed to be starting treatment last week to see if they could extend her life any. But they cancelled her treatments too, it's not just vets. I know it's frustrating but maybe you can video call during the exam?

 

[Graceful-Lily]

This is interesting...
Second dog in Hong Kong tests positive for coronavirus

Also this...
Man uses drone to walk his dog during coronavirus lockdown

 

[DreamerRose]

The point of my question about the masks was that they DO help protect the wearer although we were told they don't.

Just got a call from my vet clinic to reschedule my Mar 25 appt for Coco. My vet won't be in the office for the next 2 weeks "because of concern with regards to the coronavirus". I had to reschedule with another vet, one not familiar with Coco's current treatment. Coco has lymphoma and is in the early stages of establishing an effective protocol for her and so now a vet unfamiliar with her case will be seeing her. AND, when I do bring her in, I will not be allowed to stay with her during the exam. I won't even be allowed in the building. I'm to drive into the parking lot and call them. Someone will come out to get Coco and take her in for the exam. I am to prepare any questions I have in advance in writing.

I asked if there had been a confirmed case of exposure to the virus in the building and was told no.

I'm not happy. I really don't like not being able to stay with her during the exam especially when the exam is going to be performed by someone not familiar with her case.

I know I should be considerate of their concerns but I can't help being more concerned about Coco's treatment at this stage of her disease. It is already a death sentence. What we are trying to do is find a protocol that will give her as much remaining quality of life as possible. Seeing a vet other than her regular one doesn't bother me as much as not being able to stay with her to see what is done and to ask questions as t hey occur to me.

Seriously not happy.

I took Lily to the vet yesterday and had to do it the way you describe. It went well. The vet came out afterwards to tell me about her exam.

 

[artiemom]

In general, providing your health care providers aren't swamped, medical care for routine things continues to be quite safe.
Margret

Margret, I have to completely disagree with this comment; based on my lifelong history of working in The medical field.

Please do NOT go to the hospital or PT or anywhere near a medical facility, unless it is for a medical emergency or a matter of life or death.

The reasons: Medical personnel Have to be as safe as possible from CV19.
The constant exposure to people increases the risk to healthcare personnel. That is why we are doing “social distancing “.

The more exposure to HCW at this time, the chance of not having enough HCW around when we need them is mind boggling.

Also, SUPPLIES!! Each time a party comes on, the HCW is using Sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizers and gloves— which are much needed supplies and are in short supply. They are saving stock for the dire things to come.

At this point in time we must all band together and not be selling thinking, “I’m not, sick, so I can go in for my appointment”. This is not right.

Not only are we putting HCW at risk, we are also putting ourselves and others at risk. We risk the chance of being exposed to CV19 or being a carrier — bringing it else where.

HCW are currently being prepped to assume different roles during this time and additional procedures. This is taxing to the entire system. They are having meetings and preparing for a huge disaster. We have to keep them safe and with supplies, for when they are really needed.

By keeping unnecessary (routine) appointments, we are not doing that

That is why the AMA, the dentists, etc all have asked for all non-emergency appointments to be cancelled. This includes cancer treatments. They would not do this, if not imperative. These are the reasons why they are allowing telemedicine! To keep all safe, risk exposure.

Also, if you are using a tissue or napkin for touching things: remember to throw it away each time you touch something—- because if there is a contaminant on the surface, and you use the same tissue to touch something else: you are literally spreading that contaminant around.

Yes, I will say that medical care, at this are pretty safe, due to their ordinary sanitizing guidelines— we do not have to put it to the test.

DO NOT keep any routine appointments. It is imperative that we keep HCW healthy, safe ; and the supplying stock for the future

All my routine appointments have been cancelled. I am not complaining. He understand completely what is happening, in hospitals and clinics, and private offices.

I do not know if you guys understand the reason CV19 is called airborne, but we have to be careful with touching things.

I will explain what an infectious distnurs, explin d to me, many years ago —duriother outbreaks.

The virus molecules are spread into the air, but the molecules themselves are heavier than air molecules; therefore, they float downward, into surfaces. That is why masks are not effective for CV19. Masks are there to trap the molecules from being dispersed.

HCW wear mask, gloves, glasses, gowns to protect themselves and to keep others safe.

Off my soapbox.
Stay safe

 

[mschauer]

The point of my question about the masks was that they DO help protect the wearer although we were told they don't.

I took Lily to the vet yesterday and had to do it the way you describe. It went well. The vet came out afterwards to tell me about her exam.

Maybe it is a common protocol being adopted by vets. They didn't say anything about the vet coming out afterwards to talk to me.

 

[artiemom]

Just got a call from my vet clinic to reschedule my Mar 25 appt for Coco. My vet won't be in the office for the next 2 weeks "because of concern with regards to the coronavirus". I had to reschedule with another vet, one not familiar with Coco's current treatment. Coco has lymphoma and is in the early stages of establishing an effective protocol for her and so now a vet unfamiliar with her case will be seeing her. AND, when I do bring her in, I will not be allowed to stay with her during the exam. I won't even be allowed in the building. I'm to drive into the parking lot and call them. Someone will come out to get Coco and take her in for the exam. I am to prepare any questions I have in advance in writing.

I asked if there had been a confirmed case of exposure to the virus in the building and was told no.

I'm not happy. I really don't like not being able to stay with her during the exam especially when the exam is going to be performed by someone not familiar with her case.

I know I should be considerate of their concerns but I can't help being more concerned about Coco's treatment at this stage of her disease. It is already a death sentence. What we are trying to do is find a protocol that will give her as much remaining quality of life as possible. Seeing a vet other than her regular one doesn't bother me as much as not being able to stay with her to see what is done and to ask questions as t hey occur to me.

Seriously not happy.

These precautions are suggested by the AVA. American Veterinary Association. It is like this at every Vets office.

 

[Kieka]

Maybe it is a common protocol being adopted by vets. They didn't say anything about the vet coming out afterwards to talk to me.

My vet has these protocols in place:

"We thank you for continuing to entrust us with your cats' healthcare. As the current COVID-19 pandemic evolves we are committed to adapting our service model to minimize the risk to our collective public health, while still ensuring proper healthcare service to our patients.

In order to accomplish these goals, the following measures are effective immediately and will be implemented until further notice:

1. Appointments will be reserved only for those issues that are deemed medically necessary.

2. We will be utilizing a curb-side type service to all clients to help minimize person to person contact. These limited- contact appointments and services will help us to continue to provide medical care to your cat during this pandemic.

3. To further minimize contact, all financial transactions will be completed over the phone.

4. All appointments will begin with you, the client, calling us from your car when you arrive for your appointment. Please, do NOT enter the building. The receptionist will send a technician to come out to get your cat. Our doctor will examine your cat while you wait in your car. Then, the doctor or a technician will call you on your cell phone to discuss treatments or procedures with you. Our receptionist will take all payments over the phone for all appointments.

*If you, or any of your household members are showing any signs of illness, please, we kindly ask you to reschedule all nonessential appointments until the current crisis has passed. If the appointment is still necessary, please, make arrangements to have someone who is not ill bring your cat into the hospital.*

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time."

 

[mschauer]

I know someone who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer that has spread just a few weeks ago (she was given 3-6 months without treatment). She was supposed to be starting treatment last week to see if they could extend her life any. But they cancelled her treatments too, it's not just vets. I know it's frustrating but maybe you can video call during the exam?

Wow. That is upsetting. I'm shocked that her treatments were canceled.

Video conferencing requires setup on their end and is non-trivial if it isn't something they are accustom to doing on a regular basis.

 

[terestrife]

Just got a call from my vet clinic to reschedule my Mar 25 appt for Coco. My vet won't be in the office for the next 2 weeks "because of concern with regards to the coronavirus". I had to reschedule with another vet, one not familiar with Coco's current treatment. Coco has lymphoma and is in the early stages of establishing an effective protocol for her and so now a vet unfamiliar with her case will be seeing her. AND, when I do bring her in, I will not be allowed to stay with her during the exam. I won't even be allowed in the building. I'm to drive into the parking lot and call them. Someone will come out to get Coco and take her in for the exam. I am to prepare any questions I have in advance in writing.

I asked if there had been a confirmed case of exposure to the virus in the building and was told no.

I'm not happy. I really don't like not being able to stay with her during the exam especially when the exam is going to be performed by someone not familiar with her case.

I know I should be considerate of their concerns but I can't help being more concerned about Coco's treatment at this stage of her disease. It is already a death sentence. What we are trying to do is find a protocol that will give her as much remaining quality of life as possible. Seeing a vet other than her regular one doesn't bother me as much as not being able to stay with her to see what is done and to ask questions as t hey occur to me.

Seriously not happy.

Will it take very long for the new appointment with the old vet? Especially since its such an important health issue for the kitty.

I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my cats alone with anyone. My cat went insane one time that they separated her from me. They had to sedate her.

 

[mschauer]

My vet has these protocols in place:

"We thank you for continuing to entrust us with your cats' healthcare. As the current COVID-19 pandemic evolves we are committed to adapting our service model to minimize the risk to our collective public health, while still ensuring proper healthcare service to our patients.

In order to accomplish these goals, the following measures are effective immediately and will be implemented until further notice:

1. Appointments will be reserved only for those issues that are deemed medically necessary.

2. We will be utilizing a curb-side type service to all clients to help minimize person to person contact. These limited- contact appointments and services will help us to continue to provide medical care to your cat during this pandemic.

3. To further minimize contact, all financial transactions will be completed over the phone.

4. All appointments will begin with you, the client, calling us from your car when you arrive for your appointment. Please, do NOT enter the building. The receptionist will send a technician to come out to get your cat. Our doctor will examine your cat while you wait in your car. Then, the doctor or a technician will call you on your cell phone to discuss treatments or procedures with you. Our receptionist will take all payments over the phone for all appointments.

*If you, or any of your household members are showing any signs of illness, please, we kindly ask you to reschedule all nonessential appointments until the current crisis has passed. If the appointment is still necessary, please, make arrangements to have someone who is not ill bring your cat into the hospital.*

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time."

It would have been helpful if I have received that in advance of their call. Instead I was hit cold with not as complete information in a call canceling an appointment I had already been ask to reschedule once before.

 

[mschauer]

Will it take very long for the new appointment with the old vet? Especially since its such an important health issue for the kitty.

I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my cats alone with anyone. My cat went insane one time that they separated her from me. They had to sedate her.

No, I was able to get an appt on the day before the previously scheduled one.

Coco is terrified at the vet. I like to be there to reassure her. She likely won't be difficult to handle but will be terrified. But I would never use a vet that makes it standard practice to not let me to stay with my cat during an exam.

 

[Willowy]

Hmm, my vet only said to wait in the car until previous clients have left and not to bring your kids or friends to appointments (basically, only one other human in the building at a time), and be prepared to be asked to wash your hands as you entered. They were only doing curbside service if you were feeling sick. I haven't seen an update yet.

But the specialist vet I've used in the past did send an email saying that they were only seeing urgent cases, and they might ask you to wear a mask. Maybe your vet would let you stay if you washed and wore a mask?

 

[mschauer]

Hmm, my vet only said to wait in the car until previous clients have left and not to bring your kids or friends to appointments (basically, only one other human in the building at a time), and be prepared to be asked to wash your hands as you entered. They were only doing curbside service if you were feeling sick. I haven't seen an update yet.

But the specialist vet I've used in the past did send an email saying that they were only seeing urgent cases, and they might ask you to wear a mask.

I would think those would be sufficient measures to take.

I was very upset at first. Still am really. Coco is my special baby and they whole lymphoma diagnosis has been very upsetting, knowing that I will be losing her soon. But I have a lot of confidence in my regular vet and so far have at least had the comfort of knowing she and I were doing everything possible for Coco. That call left me feeling that my vet doesn't really care as much as I thought.

I'm starting to be able to see it from their perspective. Coco doesn't have long to live. That is just a fact. It wouldn't make sense for my vet or any vet to put their own lives at risk just on the chance of giving her a few more weeks or months to live. It just really sucks.

And my regular vet is older, not sure if she is over 60 but may be. And for all I know she has an existing medical condition that makes her more at risk.

Maybe your vet would let you stay if you washed and wore a mask?

I'm sure they would have said if that were an option.

 

[MoonstoneWolf]

Illinois is about to announce in shelter in place. I don't know much about that but does that mean my feral cats in my back yard won't be able to eat if Missouri does this? I would hope we could go into our yards at least to dispose of garbage or we'll have a 2nd problem on our hands.