Health, Hygiene and Safety Tips for living under Coronavirus quarantine

[SA55]

I don't know who wrote this as it was sent to me in a text, but hopefully everyone can feel better soon and we all can get back to normal. My heart hurts after reading some of your posts and almost feeling your pain through your words. Just remember that we are a strong country and we will get through this together. Love and hugs to you all.



"When this is over, may we never again take for granted

A handshake with a stranger

Full shelves at the store

Conversations with neighbors

A crowded theater

Friday night out

The taste of communion

A routine checkup

The school rush each morning

Coffee with a friend

The stadium roaring

Each deep breath

A boring Tuesday

Life itself.

When this ends

may we find

that we have become

more like the people

we wanted to be

we were called to be

we hoped to be

and may we stay

that way — better

for each other

because of the worst."

Bumping just because I think we all need to read this frequently. A good reminder for our patience, compassion and strength to get through this a better person

 

[PayrollNerd]

Check the ingredients in your hand sanitizer!

FDA issues warning over certain hand sanitizers due to potentially toxic chemicals

The warning covers the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem:

• All-Clean Hand Sanitizer
• Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol
• Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer
• The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol
• Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

How to improve your ‘mask breath’

Here are common causes of bad breath, how to avoid it

Most of us have accepted the fact that some form of face coverings will be around for the foreseeable future.

But have you noticed your breath doesn’t smell that fresh behind your mask?

Here are the most common causes for bad breath and some ways to help avoid it...

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

DH and I have had haircuts, manicures, pedicures today. We felt comfortable and safe in both environments. It was apparent that these businesses have reopened under strict guidelines to protect clients and staff. We are going out for dinner this evening - first time for inside dining since Valentine's Day. DH called to confirm our reservation and inquired about safety precautions. All staff must wear masks at all times, and we will be required to wear masks when we enter, if we leave our table to go to the restroom (I don't think so!), and when we leave the restaurant. Tables are appropriately spaced to insure social distancing. We're looking forward to a nice evening

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I was too tired to report on our dining experience last evening, but I do want to tell you how it went. Bars and restaurants reopened in Michigan on June 15, but this was the first time that we went out for dinner. It was our anniversary, and we went to our favorite local restaurant where we've been going since they opened on January 15, 1985. We went to Picano's for my 35th birthday (January 27) and have since dined at this fabulous Italian restaurant many times. The food and service are always impeccable! Last night's experience was, understandably, much different than usual, but we enjoyed the opportunity to have a lovely dinner on our anniversary.

There were few cars in the large parking lot, and DH and I had a good laugh over the obvious "social distancing" with no cars parked next to one another. Even though there were plenty of empty parking spaces close to the entrance, most folks had parked some distance from the front door. We were required to wear masks upon entering and leaving the restaurant; neither of us used a restroom when we also would have been required to wear them. We removed our masks when we were seated. The main dining room that features booths in varying sizes was not in use. Instead, patrons were spread out in spacious banquet areas. A few tables in the bar were occupied, but we asked to be seated in the large Caesar room that is often used for private parties. We were the only diners in the banquet room that is probably @1,000 sq. ft., so there was no problem with adequate social distancing.

Tables were bare but for the white tablecloths - no salt/pepper, no Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes, no water goblets that are usually on the tables. The hostess who seated us placed napkin-wrapped silverware on the table and handed us menus. She asked if we wanted the wine list - of course! - and brought one promptly. Our familiar waitress asked if we wanted butter or olive oil for our bread and brought them to the table at which time we asked for water and ordered a bottle of wine. Picano's menu is ordinarily quite extensive, but last night's menu was limited. Plenty of choices, but not nearly as many as usual, and there were no daily specials that we always enjoy. Conspicuously missing, as well, was the complimentary Tuscan white bean salad that is brought to the table with bread basket.

Our waitress didn't have any other tables while we were there, but she was helping with takeout orders which are apparently doing wonderfully. They opened for takeout on Mother's Day and added more days as it gained popularity. A lot of regular patrons are afraid to dine inside, and even though Picano's has a large parking lot where tables could be set up, the owners don't want to offer outdoor dining due to the noise of their very busy location.

The experience was much more comfortable than I anticipated with everyone wearing masks, the limited menu, very few diners, etc., but we would have no hesitation in resuming our monthly dinners at Picano's. Ciao!

 

[PayrollNerd]

I was too tired to report on our dining experience last evening, but I do want to tell you how it went. Bars and restaurants reopened in Michigan on June 15, but this was the first time that we went out for dinner. It was our anniversary, and we went to our favorite local restaurant where we've been going since they opened on January 15, 1985. We went to Picano's for my 35th birthday (January 27) and have since dined at this fabulous Italian restaurant many times. The food and service are always impeccable! Last night's experience was, understandably, much different than usual, but we enjoyed the opportunity to have a lovely dinner on our anniversary.

There were few cars in the large parking lot, and DH and I had a good laugh over the obvious "social distancing" with no cars parked next to one another. Even though there were plenty of empty parking spaces close to the entrance, most folks had parked some distance from the front door. We were required to wear masks upon entering and leaving the restaurant; neither of us used a restroom when we also would have been required to wear them. We removed our masks when we were seated. The main dining room that features booths in varying sizes was not in use. Instead, patrons were spread out in spacious banquet areas. A few tables in the bar were occupied, but we asked to be seated in the large Caesar room that is often used for private parties. We were the only diners in the banquet room that is probably @1,000 sq. ft., so there was no problem with adequate social distancing.

Tables were bare but for the white tablecloths - no salt/pepper, no Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes, no water goblets that are usually on the tables. The hostess who seated us placed napkin-wrapped silverware on the table and handed us menus. She asked if we wanted the wine list - of course! - and brought one promptly. Our familiar waitress asked if we wanted butter or olive oil for our bread and brought them to the table at which time we asked for water and ordered a bottle of wine. Picano's menu is ordinarily quite extensive, but last night's menu was limited. Plenty of choices, but not nearly as many as usual, and there were no daily specials that we always enjoy. Conspicuously missing, as well, was the complimentary Tuscan white bean salad that is brought to the table with bread basket.

Our waitress didn't have any other tables while we were there, but she was helping with takeout orders which are apparently doing wonderfully. They opened for takeout on Mother's Day and added more days as it gained popularity. A lot of regular patrons are afraid to dine inside, and even though Picano's has a large parking lot where tables could be set up, the owners don't want to offer outdoor dining due to the noise of their very busy location.

The experience was much more comfortable than I anticipated with everyone wearing masks, the limited menu, very few diners, etc., but we would have no hesitation in resuming our monthly dinners at Picano's. Ciao!

I'm so happy to hear you two had a lovely anniversary celebration. It sounds like a sweet quiet evening for you both.

I drove back from the east coast of FL today and by the time I returned, it was dinner time. I thought I'd go thru Chik fil A's drive thru. Nope, it was backed up around the building and down the street. So, I parked and went inside. There was 1 other person in line. Everyone was wearing a mask and it was take out only. Clear acrylic barriers in front of the registers. The guy filling drinks was wearing gloves. The place was spotless, quick friendly service. I got home and enjoyed my chicken nuggets. It has been months!

All the bars have been ordered to stop serving alcohol in the state of FL today. Hopefully, all the drunks will resume their positions at home and not on the road.

 

[MajorHoople]

After going to the supermarket I do five things when I get back in the car:

First, I take the hand sanitizer from my pocket and apply a generous amount on my hands. I pay extra attention to the fingernail area.

Second, I remove the mask.

Third, I apply more hand sanitizer to my hands, then I close my eyes and rub it all over my face, paying extra attention to my eyelids, nostrils and lips. I keep my eyes closed for nearly a minute because that's how long it takes the sanitizer to dry. The sanitizer stings my eyes if I open them too soon.

Fourth, I use more sanitizer to clean the key fob and anything inside the car that I touched before sanitizing.

Fifth, I drive off.

 

[mickey2942]

How many others have been having problems sleeping? Or conversely, over sleeping?

A lot of my friends have been having one or the other.

 

[PayrollNerd]

How many others have been having problems sleeping? Or conversely, over sleeping?

A lot of my friends have been having one or the other.

I don't know that my friends are experiencing either. However, when we talk, they all mention how exhausted they are mentally. Only one is unemployed but the rest are now working from home or working in an empty office. So it is a weird, exhausting time. One is a payroll manager and is the only staff person in the office most days. One of her younger employees has no daycare and her husband is sill working outside the home. The other employee is in the same building but a different office. She comes in on occasion but they still have to talk on the phone. No coordinating projects in the conference room so it's harder. Another friend struggled with working from home initially, not so much the isolation, but the computer set up was a nightmare. The IT dept wouldn't/couldn't help from afar. It's all so crazy now. I foresee a reduction in commercial office space rentals and an increase in housing size. If people are going to work from home consistently, the dining room table isn't going to cut it.

 

[mickey2942]

I don't know that my friends are experiencing either. However, when we talk, they all mention how exhausted they are mentally. Only one is unemployed but the rest are now working from home or working in an empty office. So it is a weird, exhausting time. One is a payroll manager and is the only staff person in the office most days. One of her younger employees has no daycare and her husband is sill working outside the home. The other employee is in the same building but a different office. She comes in on occasion but they still have to talk on the phone. No coordinating projects in the conference room so it's harder. Another friend struggled with working from home initially, not so much the isolation, but the computer set up was a nightmare. The IT dept wouldn't/couldn't help from afar. It's all so crazy now. I foresee a reduction in commercial office space rentals and an increase in housing size. If people are going to work from home consistently, the dining room table isn't going to cut it.

That is the truth! I have been going to work every day, because it was better for me. My friends who have little ones at home, especially younger ones, have been going crazy!

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Has anyone been to their local library during the pandemic? Ours is now open for curbside pickup, and DH will pick up a book this afternoon. Patrons must "check out" books, DVDs, etc. online, schedule an appointment to pick up the book. Upon arrival, call to let them know you're there and your parking spot. A masked/gloved library employee will bring the book to your vehicle. I'll probably go with DH and stop at Salvaggio's after we've been to the library. I hope everyone will have a nice holiday weekend. Stay safe and be well.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

http://i.cdn.turner.com/v5cache/TCM/2020/AtHomeWithTheKids_List-July.pdf

 

[PayrollNerd]

Has anyone been to their local library during the pandemic? Ours is now open for curbside pickup, and DH will pick up a book this afternoon. Patrons must "check out" books, DVDs, etc. online, schedule an appointment to pick up the book. Upon arrival, call to let them know you're there and your parking spot. A masked/gloved library employee will bring the book to your vehicle. I'll probably go with DH and stop at Salvaggio's after we've been to the library. I hope everyone will have a nice holiday weekend. Stay safe and be well.

I got an email from my library. If you want to come in and use a computer, you must schedule it and you only get an hour. I'd like to go use Ancestry and work on my family tree. I have so much sewing to do, I haven't even looked to see what times are open yet.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Here's how the library trip went: The library is not open to the public (nor are any other city offices). There is signage when you pull into the massive parking lot directing you to "Curbside Pickup". There are five parking spaces for pickup with pylons separating parking spaces so that vehicles are properly distanced. Signs indicate a phone number for you to call and leave a message letting them know that you have arrived. your last name, and your parking space#. You must stay in your car, wear a mask, and someone brings the book to you in a plastic bag. Book was sealed indicating that it had been out of circulation for three days prior to your getting it. DH has wanted to read John Grisham's The Guardian since earlier in the year. We have the book for three weeks as opposed to a one-week "rental", so I might read it when DH is finished. He will probably finish it over the holiday weekend. No in person returns. Books must be left in drop box and are taken out of circulation for three days prior to being re-shelved.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Opinion | The case against gyms — and not just because of coronavirus

Exercise is a great tool for transformation, but now the coronavirus compels us all to transform our vision of what exercise looks and feels like.

 

[PayrollNerd]

This is nuts!!!

59 Hand Sanitizers The FDA Says Could Be Lethal To Your Health

The FDA has issued recalls for some of the hand sanitizers that were found to contain methanol. Some of the products are being sold at Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club, CBS News reported.

Saniderm Products Voluntarily Issues Regional (Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey) Recall of 1 L Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer bottles produced by Eskbiochem SA de CV Due to the Potential Presence of Undeclared Methanol (Wood Alcohol)

 

[PayrollNerd]

and it continues........ good grief.

FDA expands list of potentially deadly hand sanitizers - CNN

Snip:
The US Food and Drug Administration has expanded its list of potentially deadly and sanitizer products, warning a Mexican-based company about selling products that contain methanol, a dangerous form of alcohol that can poison people through their skin.
Many new companies have been selling hand sanitizer products because of the increased demand fueled by coronavirus fears, and shortages of the usual mainstream products. But the FDA said on Monday that many companies are using unsafe alcohols in their products, and is warning people to not use them.
"Manufacturers' failure to immediately recall all potentially affected products is placing consumers in danger of methanol poisoning," the FDA said in a statement.
"A warning letter has been issued to Eskbiochem S.A. de C.V. for distributing product with undeclared methanol, unapproved claims --including incorrectly stating FDA approval—and improper manufacturing practices," the agency added.

 

[PayrollNerd]

Here is the link to the list:

FDA Updates on Hand Sanitzers with Methanol

 

[PayrollNerd]

More updates to the list......

The FDA's list of dangerous hand sanitizers has now grown to more than 100 - CNN

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Earlier today, DH received an email from our subdivision management company. The Board of Directors of our homeowner's association has apparently decided to have a subdivision-wide garage sale next weekend - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Homeowners wishing to participate are instructed to contact the neighbor who is hosting the event, contacting local media, purchasing balloons for homes participating, etc. WTF!!! A garage sale during a pandemic?

DH and I never participate and, quite frankly, we loathe garage sales. There's no way of knowing where "shoppers" come from, and we don't like having vehicles parked up and down the street with folks meandering through our lovely neighborhood. That our Board would sponsor a garage sale during a pandemic seems irresponsible. Yes, it will be outdoors, but people do tend to congregate on driveways and walk in and out of garages to view the wares. I rather doubt that everyone will wear a mask and practice social distancing. I don't know that a subdivision garage sale would necessarily be a "super spreader", but we will definitely keep our distance from neighbors who participate.

I'm curious about what fellow 'sleuthers think about this. Do you think it's a good idea to have a garage sale during the pandemic? Would you participate? I look forward to your thoughts on this.