Coronavirus pandemic - how are you affected?

[Nemoide]

I've heard mixed things about the availability of tests, but my library director really wanted me to get tested so I tried my best to do that.

First, I called the coronavirus hotline for NY. An extremely tired-sounding man took my name and number and told me they'd call back whenever I might be able to get tested but he had no idea how long that might be, just that it wouldn't be soon.
Then I called my local doctor's office. Luckily, they had a test available and because I work at a public library, they wanted to use it on me and we set up an appointment. A couple minutes before I was going to leave to that appointment, they called to cancel, telling me to instead go to an area hospital that has a special tent set up for testing coronavirus patients.
So I went to that hospital, was greeted by a nurse who took my name and phone number by the vestibule, was given a face-mask and was told to wait in my car until they called me. About two hours later, they called me and I went by the tent into a garage area that was being used for testing. They gave me a strep throat and flu test and said I should go back to my car and keep waiting in the parking lot, that they'd call when they had the results and if they were going to give me a corona test. About an hour and a half later, I got the call and went back. I tested negative for both flu and strep, but they wouldn't give me a test for coronavirus because I haven't been in known direct contact with someone who has tested positive and haven't traveled to one of a few specific countries. They don't have enough tests to test anyone else.
I was diagnosed with "respiratory illness" and told to keep isolating myself until my symptoms go away. So I *might* have it, but I might not. I'm definitely not an official case.

It's a complete joke that they won't test anyone who hasn't been in contact with someone who hasn't already been tested. I feel like we're going to have trouble getting a handle on the disease if we're barely tracking who has it.
And of course I heard on the radio that the World Health Organization *offered* tests to the US, but that the government refused them.

Oh well, at least the info that I only need to quarantine until my symptoms go away is a bit of a relief. It means I'll hopefully be able to do laundry and see my girlfriend this weekend!

[Ziggy]

I'm in the industry and can tell you that the shortage of test kits is no joke. No supplier in the nation has them in stock right now.

[Markies]

So far, nothing at all.

I got a sinus allergy on Thursday and everybody went a little crazy. But, it only affected my nose and I'm already getting over the symptoms.

It looks like the option to work from home is becoming more available. I don't like working from home and I need to be in the office to do what I do, so I don't think I'll take them up on it. I'll gladly enjoy being the only one in the office.

I am actually working in a hospital. On the 6th, we had a patient come in with the virus. She traveled from Italy and went straight into the Hospital. She was the first person to test positive for it in the state of Missouri.

I went to the grocery store over the weekend. My friend works at one and says that it has been the busiest since he started working there. Last week was absolutely hell for him. It was busy and you couldn't find toilet paper and sanitizer, but that was about it. I saw a woman yelling at a store employee because they were out of toilet paper.

[PretentiousHipster]

It's so hard not to talk about the politics related to this now

[marurun]

In my area, the Cleveland Clinic has developed their own test and will test anyone for free with a doctor’s order. The next biggest hospital network, University Hospitals, will start testing Monday. Our area is the epicenter of Ohio’s blooming infection, but also a major medical research hub, so at least there is that.

[emwearz]

I cried at work today.

I am working in a supermarket at the moment while looking for accounting work, a regular customer came in and asked how my son is doing. I said fine but finding nappies and what not has been a pain. She said her daughter had a similar problem.

She came back a few hours later with two packets of 52 nappies and would not take money for them no matter how much i insisted.

I have done almost 40 hours over the past 4 days and have been thinking how horrible and greedy so many people have become, yelling, swearing and just being awful to staff and this lady did this, utterly broke me.

[PretentiousHipster]

I know most don't realize this judging by how they are at the stores now, but what you are doing now is absolutely essential and I thank you for it.

[samsonlonghair]

I cried at work today.

I am working in a supermarket at the moment while looking for accounting work, a regular customer came in and asked how my son is doing. I said fine but finding nappies and what not has been a pain. She said her daughter had a similar problem.

She came back a few hours later with two packets of 52 nappies and would not take money for them no matter how much i insisted.

I have done almost 40 hours over the past 4 days and have been thinking how horrible and greedy so many people have become, yelling, swearing and just being awful to staff and this lady did this, utterly broke me.

That's heavy man. Take care of yourself. Remember to give yourself a break. Even if you don't smoke, go outside for a "smoke break" a couple of times during your shift just to give yourself time to breathe.

[marurun]

Just remember, folks. Fresh air and sunshine can help fight off disease. If it's at all warm enough, throw open your windows and make sure to bask a little in the sun, if it's peaking through.

[PretentiousHipster]

Indirectly related, but I'm pretty sure that my psychosis is still going and is getting worse from the stress of all this and the housing crisis. I still have some self-awareness, but it might not last for too much longer. Will see if I can still work but if not it might be hospital time. Still I'd rather give a hospital bed to someone with the virus instead.