Health, Hygiene and Safety Tips for living under Coronavirus quarantine

[BetteDavisEyes]

Is this the second wave of COVID-19 in the U.S.? Or are we still in the first?

"We still got a big puddle there," one expert said.

For several weeks in May, it seemed as though the coronavirus was finally ebbing: National case counts, which rose astronomically earlier in the spring, had leveled off. States had started the process of reopening.

Now, cases are rising again, prompting fears that a second wave has hit the U.S.

NBC News reached out to several experts who study patterns of disease. All agreed: No, this isn't a second wave.

A second wave of the coronavirus suggests that the first wave has come and gone. That hasn't happened...

 

[Deleted member 158085]

I’ve made up my mind to talk to my boss in the morning about changing my work schedule so I don’t have to work with the cougher. I love her dearly, but she doesn’t wear her mask properly, pulls it down a lot, and coughs fairly constantly. I’ve been hinting for months that she get the cough resolved, but she blows it off. It’s probably a smokers cough, but if she contracts COVID, it matters not a whit the cause of the cough.

I hate doing this, but I don’t see any other option.

 

[PayrollNerd]

I’ve made up my mind to talk to my boss in the morning about changing my work schedule so I don’t have to work with the cougher. I love her dearly, but she doesn’t wear her mask properly, pulls it down a lot, and coughs fairly constantly. I’ve been hinting for months that she get the cough resolved, but she blows it off. It’s probably a smokers cough, but if she contracts COVID, it matters not a whit the cause of the cough.

I hate doing this, but I don’t see any other option.

Oh my. Definitely speak to your boss if she is that dang dense. He needs to get her moved or put her on another shift or something. Get her out of your bubble.

 

[Deleted member 158085]

Oh my. Definitely speak to your boss if she is that dang dense. He needs to get her moved or put her on another shift or something. Get her out of your bubble.

It’s easier to move me than her because I am training another employee and I could have more time to do that if I change hours. So it will also be a good cover story so I don’t offend her. I will tell my boss the truth. But everyone else will only know the training bit.

 

[ilovewings]

Our appointments aren't until June 25, so I don't know what the procedure will be. I've heard the same thing about no blow-outs from other people, so maybe that is something that can't be done at this time. I won't mind not having blow out, but my hair definitely needs to be trimmed. A half inch of dry ends cut off will make a huge difference, with or without blow out styling. Our stylist and her partners are in a small studio in Broadway Studios and Suites in Troy. The individual salons/studios are quite small: Ours has three chairs, one shampoo bowl, a couple of chairs for waiting, but it is pretty tight quarters. I think the studio is about 220 sq. ft., so there won't be room enough for more than two stylists and two clients at any given time to ensure appropriate social distancing.

I assume you're back home in Michigan now. I hope your medical test went well and that your trip back to Michigan was safe and uneventful. Welcome home

As soon as it warms up a little, I'm going outdoors to clean my Beetle. I've been wiping off steering wheel and shift but haven't done a thorough interior cleaning since last fall. DH took my car to a car wash where they did the inside, but they really don't do as good a job as I do I will clean seats, dash, console, doors, etc. with Clorox wipes and all windows with Windex. Vacuum front and back as well as trunk and freshen up with Febreeze.

Hi: yep we got home safe and sound: my test was ok---- i called the salon in W Bloomfield and they are doing blowouts- i have an appt on Monday June 22- looking forward to it though it isn't going to be the way it used to be: it is going to be pretty sterile-- just weird, but at least we can get our hair done. The weather was kinda chilly for a few days, but it is warming up nicely so you can clean your Beetle!!!! I prefer a small salon (like the one i went to in Florida)- the salon i go to in Michigan is kinda large but so be it. I know they are taking every precaution. Have fun getting your hair done--

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I had an appointment with my ophthalmologist this morning and wanted to tell you about the experience. DH took the morning off so he could drive me. I don't like driving when my pupils have been dilated, and it's really bright and sunny today which makes it even more difficult even with sunglasses. I got a prescription for new glasses but didn't want to take time for that today as I had already been there for more than an hour. I'll return on Friday when I'll have more time to look at new frames for Rx glasses and sunglasses.

As soon as patients enter the facility, there is a table set up in the vestibule to fill out a brief medical questionnaire. No one can accompany patients into the office, so DH dropped me off. When you enter the waiting area, masks must be worn. Receptionist greets you and tells you to step forward so she can take your temperature. You are then instructed to use hand sanitizer before being seated. Only half of the chairs in the waiting room are available so there is adequate social distancing. This office is usually very prompt with keeping on schedule, but there were slight delays due to extra sanitizing of exam rooms and equipment. I didn't mind and felt that they were going above and beyond in keeping patients and staff safe. The office and outpatient surgery center are operating at about 50% capacity since they reopened three weeks ago.

 

[PayrollNerd]

Hmmm.

Costco is bringing back food samples. Other stores are relaxing coronavirus policies. Is that safe?
Costco and other stores are relaxing coronavirus safety policies. That's risky - CNN

 

[Deleted member 158085]

Hmmm.

Costco is bringing back food samples. Other stores are relaxing coronavirus policies. Is that safe?
Costco and other stores are relaxing coronavirus safety policies. That's risky - CNN

 

[Deleted member 158085]

I feel like we need to write a pandemic playbook for citizens for the inevitable next pandemic. One of the things I wish I had understood in the beginning is that I should have kept some of my appointments I canceled early on. Because it would have been safer in March than now.

I have an appointment (that I rescheduled previously) today that must be in-person (female doctor). I will keep the appointment this time because I think now is safer than pushing it toward fall.

I have not decided yet if I will keep my eye appointment. I’ve religiously gone yearly since I was about 10.

 

[mickey2942]

I feel like we need to write a pandemic playbook for citizens for the inevitable next pandemic. One of the things I wish I had understood in the beginning is that I should have kept some of my appointments I canceled early on. Because it would have been safer in March than now.

I have an appointment (that I rescheduled previously) today that must be in-person (female doctor). I will keep the appointment this time because I think now is safer than pushing it toward fall.

I have not decided yet if I will keep my eye appointment. I’ve religiously gone yearly since I was about 10.

Go now. Things are not going to be getting any better. JMO.

 

[Deleted member 158085]

Go now. Things are not going to be getting any better. JMO.

If I skip it, I’m skipping it for at least a year. Otherwise, yes, things will only be worse in coming months.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Go now. Things are not going to be getting any better. JMO.

People have started letting their guard down, and that is going to lead to a surge in cases. For many weeks, we noticed neighbors being very diligent about social distancing, with some even wearing masks when walking or riding bikes. Standing 6' apart while talking to others, chairs spaced on driveways if they had guests, etc. Not so much any more. When we arrived home from my eye doctor visit yesterday, two neighbors were in the middle of the street in front of our driveway - one in his vehicle with the other leaning on the open window. No masks. No social distancing. I guess they think they're invincible.

We've had three contractors here this morning. Sprinkler crew didn't wear masks, even when one of the guys had to go down the basement. Landscape guy didn't wear a mask. One of our new rhododendrons didn't leaf out as much as the other three plants, so I asked landscaper to come to look at it while it's still under warranty. He said the plant is fine and should come back next year, but he's extending our warranty for another year in case it doesn't. We had late frost in Michigan that probably hurt the plant. Deck/patio crew didn't wear masks. They were here last week to power wash and returned today to stain deck and seal patio. Looks so nice! Granted, these guys are all much younger than DH and I, and they mainly work outdoors, but I worry about their safety. I didn't talk to any of them, but DH wore a mask and kept his distance while in their presence.

I scheduled an appointment at the optical shop to select new eyeglass frames for my new Rx. Appointments are usually not necessary, but they want to limit the number of people in the shop. Masks must be worn. Before going to the lower level of the ophthalmologist's office/surgery center, I will have my temperature taken like yesterday, use hand sanitizer, then proceed downstairs. I will be given gloves so that I can look at and try on frames. I'm not picky and have a good idea what I want, so I shouldn't have to be there too long.

 

[mickey2942]

If I skip it, I’m skipping it for at least a year. Otherwise, yes, things will only be worse in coming months.

It is surreal. Half the people are hyper vigilant, the other half are completely laizzez faire. My husband only wears a mask when he is with me, he doesn't wear one with his friends.

Like I am some "Mask Bully". And wearing a mask around his friends would be an indication of being afraid? I don't know.

I just thank goodness that I no longer teach school. That is going to be crazy. Masks. Political issues. Virus.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I meant to share this with the good people here last week. DH's colleagues would really like to have him return to work at least a couple of days a week. He has always planned to retire at the end of this year and would like to spend some time with the rest of the "team". They will do whatever is necessary to accommodate DH so that he feels safe in the work environment. He has his own office (not a cubicle) and will probably stay in his own quarters and wear a mask. Guys in the plant are required to wear masks, but not those who work in the office as they are well-spaced in offices or cubicles. DH will not use the kitchen, and they bought mini refrigerators so staff are not sharing the fridge in the break room. DH will not be included at a conference table if there isn't sufficient distancing. He can do video conferences like he's been doing from home. Before he returns, he has to be tested like everyone else was. He will see his PCP next week and make sure that his doctor thinks it is alright for him to return to work a few days a week. He will get a script for COVID testing and instructions about where he can have the test done. DH plans to return to work 2-3 days a week on July 6. He'll continue to work at home when he doesn't go into the office.

 

[SA55]

I have a question
I have seen several post about UV light sanitizers - asking for a friend. How are these used and how do you decide which to buy? So many models. We have a Stage 4 Cancer patient in our circle and are trying to do everything possible to reduce the risk of exposing her to any potential communicable threats.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

People have started letting their guard down, and that is going to lead to a surge in cases. For many weeks, we noticed neighbors being very diligent about social distancing, with some even wearing masks when walking or riding bikes. Standing 6' apart while talking to others, chairs spaced on driveways if they had guests, etc. Not so much any more. When we arrived home from my eye doctor visit yesterday, two neighbors were in the middle of the street in front of our driveway - one in his vehicle with the other leaning on the open window. No masks. No social distancing. I guess they think they're invincible...

Quoting myself with another encounter with the neighbor who was standing in the street talking to another neighbor in his vehicle. The same neighbor pulled into a parking space beside us at Salvaggio's yesterday. He came over to the driver's side of my Beetle, pretty much forcing DH to roll down the window so he could talk. His mask was in his hand because they have to be worn in the store, but he obviously doesn't give a hoot about social distancing because he stood right next to our car window. Aarrgghh!!!

 

[PayrollNerd]

I have a question
I have seen several post about UV light sanitizers - asking for a friend. How are these used and how do you decide which to buy? So many models. We have a Stage 4 Cancer patient in our circle and are trying to do everything possible to reduce the risk of exposing her to any potential communicable threats.

I am a cancer patient too. The UV light inside the A/C unit prevents mold from entering the unit and the house. It kills any viruses that come in the unit via the outside air. Now, I have a package unit, meaning everything is outside. There is no parts of my A/C unit in the house. This is because my home is small (912 sq ft). The duct work comes right off the unit, is housed in a metal box along the exterior wall. See photos.

I just had this A/C installed 2 weeks ago. When I was working with the contractor I asked about the UV light. He said the UV light is great and you should definitely do it. However, it is only going to kill what it sees. If you don't replace the duct work, and there is mold or viruses already existing in the duct work, then the UV light is not going to kill those. It cannot see them so it serves no purpose.

My duct work was completely replaced, the return grill was relocated to make the unit run more efficiently. I can tell we are breathing healthier cleaner air. My unit was 10 years old and the duct work was original (30 years) to the house. I would guess if your existing duct work can be cleaned, sterilized or something, then adding a UV light to an existing unit would be a good idea. I'd get some bids and opinions from contractors though.

 

[SA55]

I am a cancer patient too. The UV light inside the A/C unit prevents mold from entering the unit and the house. It kills any viruses that come in the unit via the outside air. Now, I have a package unit, meaning everything is outside. There is no parts of my A/C unit in the house. This is because my home is small (912 sq ft). The duct work comes right off the unit, is housed in a metal box along the exterior wall. See photos.
View attachment 251873
I just had this A/C installed 2 weeks ago. When I was working with the contractor I asked about the UV light. He said the UV light is great and you should definitely do it. However, it is only going to kill what it sees. If you don't replace the duct work, and there is mold or viruses already existing in the duct work, then the UV light is not going to kill those. It cannot see them so it serves no purpose.

My duct work was completely replaced, the return grill was relocated to make the unit run more efficiently. I can tell we are breathing healthier cleaner air. My unit was 10 years old and the duct work was original (30 years) to the house. I would guess if your existing duct work can be cleaned, sterilized or something, then adding a UV light to an existing unit would be a good idea. I'd get some bids and opinions from contractors though.
View attachment 251875

Oh my
I was thinking a small portable UV light
Something to set on entry table for everyone to drop their keys, phones etc
But that’s why I asked
I honestly have no idea how they work or what model would be best for what I’m describing
This lady hasn’t been able to work for awhile and although what you were able to do is awesome it’s not an option for her
There has already been one small fundraiser and a friend was taking her for a food bank pickup today
We’re trying to help her out but aren’t able to have a whole house unit installed
It’s a really sad situation

ETA
I hope you’re doing well

 

[PayrollNerd]

Oh my
I was thinking a small portable UV light
Something to set on entry table for everyone to drop their keys, phones etc
But that’s why I asked
I honestly have no idea how they work or what model would be best for what I’m describing
This lady hasn’t been able to work for awhile and although what you were able to do is awesome it’s not an option for her
There has already been one small fundraiser and a friend was taking her for a food bank pickup today
We’re trying to help her out but aren’t able to have a whole house unit installed
It’s a really sad situation

I had no choice because my unit stopped working. I had to have financial help to get it done. I’ve never looked into what sounds like a portable UV light. They can damage your vision so I’d be afraid to have one like that.

Once your life implodes with a cancer diagnosis, everything is a 1,000 times more difficult. The food bank distribution is an excellent source of nutrition. I get produce and basic groceries each week. See if the patient can qualify for food assistance too. Then someone can shop for the things the patient doesn’t receive from the food bank.

If the patient has qualified for Medicare, they may have a monthly benefit for medical supplies. They can get gloves, alcohol wipes, etc mailed to them. That way those helping the patient can sanitize.

A cancer patient usually has access to a social worker where they receive treatment. That SW can help them apply for services like grants to pay for meds, transportation, etc.

Look into the volunteer cleaning group that helps cancer patients. I don’t know if the program is suspended right now tho. You sign the patient up for a free maid service.
Cleaning For A Reason | Non-profit | Free House Cleaning for Women, Men and Children w/Cancer

Hope this helps and gets the patient what they need!

 

[SA55]

I had no choice because my unit stopped working. I had to have financial help to get it done. I’ve never looked into what sounds like a portable UV light. They can damage your vision so I’d be afraid to have one like that.

Once your life implodes with a cancer diagnosis, everything is a 1,000 times more difficult. The food bank distribution is an excellent source of nutrition. I get produce and basic groceries each week. See if the patient can qualify for food assistance too. Then someone can shop for the things the patient doesn’t receive from the food bank.

If the patient has qualified for Medicare, they may have a monthly benefit for medical supplies. They can get gloves, alcohol wipes, etc mailed to them. That way those helping the patient can sanitize.

A cancer patient usually has access to a social worker where they receive treatment. That SW can help them apply for services like grants to pay for meds, transportation, etc.

Look into the volunteer cleaning group that helps cancer patients. I don’t know if the program is suspended right now tho. You sign the patient up for a free maid service.
Cleaning For A Reason | Non-profit | Free House Cleaning for Women, Men and Children w/Cancer

Hope this helps and gets the patient what they need!

Thank you!
Have sent the link on
This would be so welcomed if available in our area