Health, Hygiene and Safety Tips for living under Coronavirus quarantine

[PayrollNerd]

DH and I went for our semi-annual dental cleanings-checkups late this afternoon. The entire process was very well choreographed, and we were both comfortable with the safety precautions in place. We called to let them know when we arrived. I was going first and was instructed to wait in the car until hygienist came out to get me. Wore mask when entering building, hygienist opened door with gloved hand and directed me to reception counter. I had to answer the same 15 or so questions that I answered on the phone yesterday. Hygienist took my temperature, pulse ox. Hygienist squirted hand sanitizer into my hand, and we proceeded into her room through plastic draping because there are no doors. I was told that I could remove my mask, put my purse on the window sill (usually goes on sink counter) and sit in the comfy lounger.

During the pandemic, they are not using the laser cleaning instruments that send water and oral debris into the air. No water sprays of any kind, only suction. This cleaning was strictly old school picking and scraping. Flossing but no polishing. DH and I were both given tiny containers of pumice to use the next time we brush our teeth (tonight). We both agreed that this was dental cleaning "lite", and we are both good for six months. Dentist didn't find any issues with my teeth - I'm 70, my teeth aren't perfect, but they're my own Glad it's over, and it wasn't as bad as we thought it might be Dentist's children go to the Catholic school where our next door neighbor's daughter just started Kindergarten. After 3 and a half days, there was apparently COVID reported in the building (no details), so students were sent home for a few days but are now back. I suspect this might happen in many schools that decided to offer in-person learning.

While I was having my teeth cleaned, DH visited Beaumont Health Club to ask when the aquatic center will reopen and how it will work. Plans to open the lap pool and therapy pool are still being determined, but the lap pool will only accommodate 16 people at any given time; therapy pool can have up to 12. Whirlpool and saunas in locker rooms will not be open. Only 8 people are allowed in locker rooms at any given time. Gym opening today with low attendance, and no one used the locker rooms. Members are coming in wearing workout attire and are not using showers. There are limited lockers on the gym floor and outside the aquatic center and sports court - first come, first served. DH plans to go for a swim on Friday to see what it's like. If he isn't satisfied with how things are going in the aquatic center, he might suspend his membership until the end of the year (no penalty). If he doesn't think the system is going to work, he may cancel his membership at that time. I won't say never, but I doubt that I will renew my membership in the foreseeable future.

https://www.beaumonthealthclub.com/

I don’t allow my dentist to use the laser thing. It requires constant water to remain cool enough to use. That continuous water makes me feel like I’m drowning. I am just fine with a traditional cleaning as is my youngest. She hates that laser thing too.

 

[killarney rose]

We had our cleaning when the dentist opened up in May. It was the regular cleaning procedure other than the hygienist pretty much wore a hazmat suit.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I don’t allow my dentist to use the laser thing. It requires constant water to remain cool enough to use. That continuous water makes me feel like I’m drowning. I am just fine with a traditional cleaning as is my youngest. She hates that laser thing too.

When hygienists first started using laser cleaning instruments, I always felt like I should have worn one of those plastic hooded ponchos that are sold at amusement parks when it rains The procedure was definitely quicker than picking and scraping, but I felt like I needed a bath towel to dry off. In dentist's new digs, furnishings and equipment is top of the line, and the laser cleaning is much less messy than it used to be.

All patients are being charged $15 for PPE worn by hygienist (disposable gown, mask, face shield, etc.). Our BCBS will be billed, but receptionist doesn't know how it will be handled. Some insurance carriers are paying the upcharge while others don't regard it as a necessary expense. Has anyone here been charged for PPE at a doctor's or dentist's office? DH and I thought it was strange, but we aren't going to make a fuss about it. If BCBS doesn't cover it, we'll owe $30. Our insurance completely covers two dental cleanings/checkups annually.

 

[PayrollNerd]

When hygienists first starting using the laser cleaning instruments, I always felt like I should have worn one of those plastic hooded ponchos that are sold at amusement parks when it rains The procedure was definitely quicker than picking and scraping, but I felt like I needed a bath towel to dry off. In dentist's new digs, furnishings and equipment is top of the line, and the laser cleaning is much less messy than it used to be.

All patients are being charged $15 for PPE worn by hygienist (disposable gown, mask, face shield, etc.). Our BCBS will be billed, but receptionist doesn't know how it will be handled. Some insurance carriers are paying the upcharge while others don't regard it as a necessary expense. Has anyone here been charged for PPE at a doctor's or dentist's office?

I haven't seen any PPE charges on any of my medical bills and I have a bunch with my cancer treatment. My friend and I went to the marina a few weeks ago, we sat way out by the water and ordered dinner. On each of our tickets was a $2 Covid charge. Now, this place is outdoors, they state online that they do not wear masks, and sure enough, the server didn't. We wore ours tho. We both felt like it was a scam. If they had been wearing masks or gloves, we wouldn't have been annoyed. They did do a good job of wiping off tables in between patrons but they would do that anyway.

 

[JDG]

Our dentist is not charging for the PPE.

I agree about the water bath but I really dislike the vacuum attachment thingy in my mouth and usually insist that they take it out. If the assistant is using suction, she can just do it a bit faster/better.

Got an update on a medical appointment, thankfully the Liver Guy is going to phone me! Hope it remains like that forever. Hate going down there, finding parking, paying a kings ransom for said parking etc, etc.

I'd prefer to only see him if I am in distress but you 'must' do the annual check thing or you might fall off their list.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I haven't seen any PPE charges on any of my medical bills and I have a bunch with my cancer treatment. My friend and I went to the marina a few weeks ago, we sat way out by the water and ordered dinner. On each of our tickets was a $2 Covid charge. Now, this place is outdoors, they state online that they do not wear masks, and sure enough, the server didn't. We wore ours tho. We both felt like it was a scam. If they had been wearing masks or gloves, we wouldn't have been annoyed. They did do a good job of wiping off tables in between patrons but they would do that anyway.

I recently read some "OpenTable" reviews of a downtown Detroit restaurant that is automatically adding a 20% gratuity to diners' checks to cover their "COVID costs". DH and I would not have taken issue with this, but tipping should be based on service and not on the establishment's expenses that are incurred to keep patrons safe during a pandemic.

 

[JDG]

I recently read some "OpenTable" reviews of a downtown Detroit restaurant that is automatically adding a 20% gratuity to diners' checks to cover their "COVID costs". DH and I would not have taken issue with this, but tipping should be based on service and not on the establishment's expenses that are incurred to keep patrons safe during a pandemic.

Some restaurants have a PPE charge that is nothing to do with the tip. You pay the tip as well.

The other 'new' thing happening is that some restaurants here have added 'the tip' as a 20% surcharge, if you want it or not. Then, they divide it amongst all the workers not just the front line servers etc.

 

[PayrollNerd]

I would not be living up to my screen name, PayrollNerd, if I didn't speak to this tip, gratuity, Covid-19 fee. Too many years in payroll compliance under the legal dept plus I'm a CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) with 20+ years of experience. Wage theft is a real, ongoing threat in the restaurant industry, especially for employees who's first language is not English.

A tip or gratuity is a gift and belongs to the employee only.

1. It is illegal for the employer to take it, both on the state level and on the federal level.
   
2. The only exception is a formal tip pool for tipped employees only who regularly earn $30/month in tips. That means the wait staff only, not the bus staff, not the hostess, not the dishwasher, not the food prep person, not the manager.
3. If the tip or gratuity is added to a credit card, the employer can deduct the credit card fee from the tip. If a $10 tip is added and the credit card fee is 10%, the employer can reduce the tip to $9.90 and give that to the employee. Many employers do not do this but many do. The key is to always tip in cash to ensure the employee gets 100% of your gift.

A service charge or surcharge is not a tip or a gratuity.

1. It is a cost of doing business and can not be deducted from an employees tips nor given to the employees.
2. A surcharge can be any amount or percent.
   
3. The patron has the power to walk away and refuse to frequent the business.

The Michigan restaurant will be busted when someone complains. " ...adding a 20% gratuity to diners' checks to cover their "COVID costs" This is illegal. They can add a Covid-19 fee but they cannot call it a 20% gratuity, not pay it to the employees, and subsequently use it for business expenses. I'm sure when they decided what to write, they never ran it past legal. If they had, they'd would have been vetoed.

Nope, this is not how it works legally and they will also be busted when someone complains. This is where the patrons power to walk away comes into play. "......added 'the tip' as a 20% surcharge, if you want it or not. Then, they divide it amongst all the workers not just the front line servers etc."

Fact Sheet #15: Tipped Employees Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) | U.S. Department of Labor

Ok, I'm off my soapbox now...... seriously, if you know someone who is being cheated of their wages, please speak up and help them get a claim submitted. I've helped two people and stayed under the radar. One finally got their holiday wages and over time paid to them. The other investigation became quite big and thousands of dollars were paid to dozens of employees. That company also paid big fines and penalties.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Thank you for sharing this important information, PayrollNerd. Here are direct quotes from Joe Muer's (downtown Detroit) reviews on OpenTable: "Beware: a minimum 20% gratuity is required right now during COVID for any size party." And another: "20% gratuity billed without telling me. Do I not have the right to decide for myself? Was not happy with them taking it away from me."

I was reading reviews for both Joe Muer's prior to DH and my August 23 dinner at the suburban location (Bloomfield) of the popular seafood restaurant. We were extremely pleased with the protocols that were put in place for patron safely, and there was no COVID upcharge on our bill. Here's the review that I posted on OpenTable in which I specifically mentioned the pandemic response.

My husband and I are in our early 70s and have only dined out a few times during the pandemic. We have carefully selected restaurants that have specific protocols in place so we feel comfortable in the dining venue. Joe Muer's has done an exemplary job of keeping patrons and staff safe, and they are to be commended for their outstanding efforts. Our waiter, Rosario, was attentive and cordial. The Oysters Rockefeller appetizer was divine, and our entrees - Flounder Stuffed with Crabmeat and Georges Bank Scallops - were exquisitely plated and delicious with a lovely Oregon Pinot Noir. We've been going to Joe Muer's since we were dating in the late 1960s and were disappointed when the original restaurant on Gratiot near downtown Detroit closed. We have been to both new locations and are happy to continue the Joe Muer's tradition of fine food and exceptional service.

 

[JDG]

PayrollNerd, well, not sure of the 'law' up here in Toronto but that's what is happening and there is a mixed response. Many people think a 'tip' is what THEY wish to pay the server, as usual and others feel that its more 'fair' to share a percentage with the whole staff.

My personal attitude is that the restauranteurs should be paying a living wage so that the tips are just a nice extra for the staff. They should not, IMO, have to rely on the tips to make up for being under paid.

With COVID, our use of restaurants has ceased except for an occasional pizza delivery.

As for your other point about people not getting their fair dues, it happened in our house right after we got married. I had worked in accounting for a short while and it didnt take me long to realize that Hubbys boss was not paying up as he should. We brought it to his attention, he threatened to fire Hubby. The whole place was newly arrived immigrants but professionals and he was onto a 'good thing' until he met me. No one knew their 'employment rights'.

I had Hubby sign for me to take over, wrote to the Employment Standards and in no time at all his monies were paid up to date. He did leave the job at my urging. Employment Standards walked in, took the books and closed the guy down completely within a few months. Karma got him!

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Our dentist is not charging for the PPE.

I agree about the water bath but I really dislike the vacuum attachment thingy in my mouth and usually insist that they take it out. If the assistant is using suction, she can just do it a bit faster/better...

Our hygienist doesn't have an assistant during cleanings. I usually offer to hold the suction tube instead of it staying in my mouth, and I use it when necessary.

We love Toronto and have been there dozens of times

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

We had our cleaning when the dentist opened up in May. It was the regular cleaning procedure other than the hygienist pretty much wore a hazmat suit.

That's what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised that the hygienist didn't look intimidating She always wears a mask and gloves but usually wears cute scrubs. Yesterday she wore a face shield over her mask and a paper-like gown over her scrubs (like an artist's smock). The gowns are disposable, but I didn't ask how often she tosses them. With proper cleaning, the face shields can be reused; I've heard that they are expensive. This is probably why the dentist is charging patients for the special PPE that they are using during the pandemic.

 

[PayrollNerd]

My cousin keeping up with the virus vaccines around the world.

By Daniel R. Lucey M.D., MPH, FIDSA
WHO website lists nine Phase 3 vaccine candidate protocols around the world
Snip:
The nine candidate vaccines and (vaccine platforms), in the order listed on this WHO website are:

• University of Oxford/AstraZeneca: (Non-Replicating Viral Vector)
• CanSino Biological Inc./Beijing Institute of Biotechnology: (Non-Replicating Viral Vector)
• Gamaleya Research Institute: (Non-Replicating Viral Vector)
• Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies: (Non-Replicating Viral Vector), but ”not yet recruiting”
• Sinovac: (Inactivated)
• Wuhan Institute of Biological Products/Sinopharm: (Inactivated)
• Beijing Institute of Biological Products/Sinopharm: (Inactivated)
• Moderna/NIAID: (RNA)
• BioNTech/Fosun Pharma/Pfizer: (RNA)

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Are you still being as vigilant about personal hygiene and household cleanliness as you were at the beginning of the pandemic? DH and I discussed this a couple of days ago, and we both admitted to having slacked off somewhat from our initial hygiene habits. Both of us were washing our hands multiple times daily and using hand sanitizer frequently. I wiped kitchen counters and bathroom vanities with disinfectant wipes several times daily. I wiped mail and/or packages as soon as I brought them into the house. I also wiped all grocery purchases prior to putting items in the pantry or refrigerator. I wiped down the inside of my car whenever I had driven somewhere. Even though I never had any symptoms of illness, I took my temperature at least once a day.

By early June, I was stressed beyond belief and ended up in the ER with a pounding headache that was determined to have been brought on by anxiety over COVID. I wasn't the first ER patient to have presented with severe anxiety in the wake of the pandemic, nor would I be the last. I did not want to feel so helpless, hopeless, and stressed and was happy to have my physician prescribe a higher dosage of anti-anxiety medication. I am doing much better now that I'm not focusing so much on the pandemic and have eased up on the daily rituals that don't seem necessary. No one has been in our home besides the Merry Maids every other Wednesday. They wear masks, and we have very little interaction after I greet them at the front door and when they leave. DH goes to the office on Monday and Thursday and works from home on Tuesday and Wednesday. He is very cautious at work and basically stays in his office with the door closed. If someone wants to speak to him in person, they have to wear a mask, as does he, but it is not a company requirement.

DH and I have both seen our PCPs in recent months, and, despite the fact that we are in our early 70s, we are both in excellent health and don't have any major underlying medical conditions. We are doing what we feel is in our best interest to stay well and avoid contact with people who are unwell, but we don't want to get stressed out about the ongoing pandemic. No one really seems to know how much longer the threat of COVID will be with us, but we all have to find the best way to keep ourselves physically healthy without compromising our emotional and mental well-being.

 

[CSIDreamer]

Are you still being as vigilant about personal hygiene and household cleanliness as you were at the beginning of the pandemic? DH and I discussed this a couple of days ago, and we both admitted to having slacked off somewhat from our initial hygiene habits. Both of us were washing our hands multiple times daily and using hand sanitizer frequently. I wiped kitchen counters and bathroom vanities with disinfectant wipes several times daily. I wiped mail and/or packages as soon as I brought them into the house. I also wiped all grocery purchases prior to putting items in the pantry or refrigerator. I wiped down the inside of my car whenever I had driven somewhere. Even though I never had any symptoms of illness, I took my temperature at least once a day.

By early June, I was stressed beyond belief and ended up in the ER with a pounding headache that was determined to have been brought on by anxiety over COVID. I wasn't the first ER patient to have presented with severe anxiety in the wake of the pandemic, nor would I be the last. I did not want to feel so helpless, hopeless, and stressed and was happy to have my physician prescribe a higher dosage of anti-anxiety medication. I am doing much better now that I'm not focusing so much on the pandemic and have eased up on the daily rituals that don't seem necessary. No one has been in our home besides the Merry Maids every other Wednesday. They wear masks, and we have very little interaction after I greet them at the front door and when they leave. DH goes to the office on Monday and Thursday and works from home on Tuesday and Wednesday. He is very cautious at work and basically stays in his office with the door closed. If someone wants to speak to him in person, they have to wear a mask, as does he, but it is not a company requirement.

DH and I have both seen our PCPs in recent months, and, despite the fact that we are in our early 70s, we are both in excellent health and don't have any major underlying medical conditions. We are doing what we feel is in our best interest to stay well and avoid contact with people who are unwell, but we don't want to get stressed out about the ongoing pandemic. No one really seems to know how much longer the threat of COVID will be with us, but we all have to find the best way to keep ourselves physically healthy without compromising our emotional and mental well-being.

I was beyond stressed out in March. Went back to work in May and that helped enormously.

Basically, my extras are the same as everyone. Mask and social distancing.

ETA I refuse to step foot in a restaurant. We get carryout and eat at a park.

 

[JudgeJoe]

Are you still being as vigilant about personal hygiene and household cleanliness as you were at the beginning of the pandemic? DH and I discussed this a couple of days ago, and we both admitted to having slacked off somewhat from our initial hygiene habits. Both of us were washing our hands multiple times daily and using hand sanitizer frequently. I wiped kitchen counters and bathroom vanities with disinfectant wipes several times daily. I wiped mail and/or packages as soon as I brought them into the house. I also wiped all grocery purchases prior to putting items in the pantry or refrigerator. I wiped down the inside of my car whenever I had driven somewhere. Even though I never had any symptoms of illness, I took my temperature at least once a day.

By early June, I was stressed beyond belief and ended up in the ER with a pounding headache that was determined to have been brought on by anxiety over COVID. I wasn't the first ER patient to have presented with severe anxiety in the wake of the pandemic, nor would I be the last. I did not want to feel so helpless, hopeless, and stressed and was happy to have my physician prescribe a higher dosage of anti-anxiety medication. I am doing much better now that I'm not focusing so much on the pandemic and have eased up on the daily rituals that don't seem necessary. No one has been in our home besides the Merry Maids every other Wednesday. They wear masks, and we have very little interaction after I greet them at the front door and when they leave. DH goes to the office on Monday and Thursday and works from home on Tuesday and Wednesday. He is very cautious at work and basically stays in his office with the door closed. If someone wants to speak to him in person, they have to wear a mask, as does he, but it is not a company requirement.

DH and I have both seen our PCPs in recent months, and, despite the fact that we are in our early 70s, we are both in excellent health and don't have any major underlying medical conditions. We are doing what we feel is in our best interest to stay well and avoid contact with people who are unwell, but we don't want to get stressed out about the ongoing pandemic. No one really seems to know how much longer the threat of COVID will be with us, but we all have to find the best way to keep ourselves physically healthy without compromising our emotional and mental well-being.

Ditto this. I think it is super tough to stay hyper-vigilant for months on end. And stressful at that. When we get take-out or dine-in, we make the call on a case-by-case basis. If social distancing is intact & wait staff & food prep people are wearing masks (not hankies, bandanas, or vented) and positioning them properly on their face, we’ll go for it once a week. Several times we’ve walked out with no explanation. We’ve seen staff remove masks to talk to another worker- while folding silverware in napkins or plating cupcakes. We’ve seen people continue to prep food- while multitasking to answer a phone. We’ve seen staff slip their mask below their nose while chopping veggies. Because of this, I don’t think to-go is safer than dining in. When we (often) see these unsafe things, we just look at each other & head for the door. If they want our money, they’re going to have to care about our health. Mo

 

[MimosaMornings]

No inside dining for us. Take out at a few restaurants, it has to be food that can be heated or warmed in the oven.
Still wiping down groceries, but not as intense as in the beginning.

 

[roche.analisa]

Are you still being as vigilant about personal hygiene and household cleanliness as you were at the beginning of the pandemic? DH and I discussed this a couple of days ago, and we both admitted to having slacked off somewhat from our initial hygiene habits. Both of us were washing our hands multiple times daily and using hand sanitizer frequently. I wiped kitchen counters and bathroom vanities with disinfectant wipes several times daily. I wiped mail and/or packages as soon as I brought them into the house. I also wiped all grocery purchases prior to putting items in the pantry or refrigerator. I wiped down the inside of my car whenever I had driven somewhere. Even though I never had any symptoms of illness, I took my temperature at least once a day.

By early June, I was stressed beyond belief and ended up in the ER with a pounding headache that was determined to have been brought on by anxiety over COVID. I wasn't the first ER patient to have presented with severe anxiety in the wake of the pandemic, nor would I be the last. I did not want to feel so helpless, hopeless, and stressed and was happy to have my physician prescribe a higher dosage of anti-anxiety medication. I am doing much better now that I'm not focusing so much on the pandemic and have eased up on the daily rituals that don't seem necessary. No one has been in our home besides the Merry Maids every other Wednesday. They wear masks, and we have very little interaction after I greet them at the front door and when they leave. DH goes to the office on Monday and Thursday and works from home on Tuesday and Wednesday. He is very cautious at work and basically stays in his office with the door closed. If someone wants to speak to him in person, they have to wear a mask, as does he, but it is not a company requirement.

DH and I have both seen our PCPs in recent months, and, despite the fact that we are in our early 70s, we are both in excellent health and don't have any major underlying medical conditions. We are doing what we feel is in our best interest to stay well and avoid contact with people who are unwell, but we don't want to get stressed out about the ongoing pandemic. No one really seems to know how much longer the threat of COVID will be with us, but we all have to find the best way to keep ourselves physically healthy without compromising our emotional and mental well-being.

We are also not quite as vigilant. We were never wiping down surfaces a lot, but we are obviously masking and distancing out of the house, which we are still minimizing, sanitizing when out and washing hands when coming home. The oldest person in the house is 49, so not super-high-risk here.

I was beyond stressed out in March. Went back to work in May and that helped enormously.

Basically, my extras are the same as everyone. Mask and social distancing.

ETA I refuse to step foot in a restaurant. We get carryout and eat at a park.

DH and I have eaten out outdoors twice. We were very comfortable with the places we chose, which were well-ventilated and spaced out.

Ditto this. I think it is super tough to stay hyper-vigilant for months on end. And stressful at that. When we get take-out or dine-in, we make the call on a case-by-case basis. If social distancing is intact & wait staff & food prep people are wearing masks (not hankies, bandanas, or vented) and positioning them properly on their face, we’ll go for it once a week. Several times we’ve walked out with no explanation. We’ve seen staff remove masks to talk to another worker- while folding silverware in napkins or plating cupcakes. We’ve seen people continue to prep food- while multitasking to answer a phone. We’ve seen staff slip their mask below their nose while chopping veggies. Because of this, I don’t think to-go is safer than dining in. When we (often) see these unsafe things, we just look at each other & head for the door. If they want our money, they’re going to have to care about our health. Mo

I love the statement this makes. It's so assertive about something so important. Way to go!

My 75 yo dad was exposed through his work with homeless people. He hugged a woman who he found out had gotten it from a shelter. He was exposed Wednesday, found out Friday, tested that day, and got a negative result yesterday. He lives with my 74 yo mom and my 35 yo brother in northwest Houston.

 

[PayrollNerd]

Well so much for waiting to go to the dentist..... Sigh. A tooth on the bottom broke off today. It has an amalgam filling so after all these years, it is not surprising. The dentist is going to look at it tomorrow. This is complicated by being a cancer patient on blood thinners. I'm so over 2020.

 

[LadyL]

I went for my annual physical yesterday.

I was shocked. These are just a few that are against CDC guidelines, or ... SMDH

Magazines in the waiting area
No offering to wait outside or any email prior as to if one chooses to
Waiting room not blocked off as to separation, all chairs as it was before next to another
No temps checked upon arrival
Magazines in the private rooms with doc
Folks at front desk not wearing masks, or doing below nose
Doctor who wore mask incorrectly

etc. etc.

that would make me want to get a new doc