Why I stopped playing golf

[GoodLife]

Note: I normally play golf 4-5 times a week, love the game, am very skilled at it, and it's my main form of entertainment/exercise. This is not meant to tell others what to do.

So a couple of weeks ago I had an appointment with my Cardiologist. It was routine, nothing major going on. My Doctor is also an avid golfer, so I asked him if he was still playing. He said no, not worth the risk, even if very small. He explained to me that the virus was very contagious, and even though golf is a low risk activity, its catchable almost anywhere. But Doc, I said, I play by myself, not in a group, I wear golf gloves on both hands!

Yes I understand he said, its low risk but not zero risk. You could walk thru a sneeze cloud of infected individual a minute or two after. An infected individual could sneeze on the tee box or green in a group in front of you. Your ball picks up virus, gets on your gloves, you scratch your forehead, you are sweating, virus rolls down to your eyes, nose, mouth. Yes risk is minimal, but not even close to zero. Doctor basically told me to avoid all contact with people, get delivery or pickup of groceries, and lower all risks.

I've read many first person accounts of this virus, from people 20-30 year younger than me, and its like the flu on steroids. I hate even the regular flu, so I don't want this.

So I'm Howard Hughes now. Stay safe

[tophcfa]

As much as it pains me to say this, I am done playing golf for the foreseeable future unless I can get a guaranteed twosome only with my wife. I won't play with anyone else. I played the other day with my best friend and he just doesn't get it. There was no personal space or social distancing. He is living life like we all did a couple of months ago and has no respect for the very real and potential dangers we all are facing. I will not let that situation repeat itself. Everyone please stay safe.

[graciegirl]

Note: I normally play golf 4-5 times a week, love the game, am very skilled at it, and it's my main form of entertainment/exercise. This is not meant to tell others what to do.

So a couple of weeks ago I had an appointment with me Cardiologist. It was routine, nothing major going on. My Doctor is also an avid golfer, so I asked him if he was still playing. He said no, not worth the risk, even if very small. He explained to me that the virus was very contagious, and even though golf is a low risk activity, its catchable almost anywhere. But Doc, I said, I play by myself, not in a group, I wear golf gloves on both hands!

Yes I understand he said, its low risk but not zero risk. You could walk thru a sneeze cloud of infected individual a minute or two after. An infected individual could sneeze on the tee box or green in a group in front of you. Your ball picks up virus, gets on your gloves, you scratch your forehead, you are sweating, virus rolls down to your eyes, nose, mouth. Yes risk is minimal, but not even close to zero. Doctor basically told me to avoid all contact with people, get delivery or pickup of groceries, and lower all risks.

I've read many first person accounts of this virus, from people 20-30 year younger than me, and its like the flu on steroids. I hate even the regular flu, so I don't want this.

So I'm Howard Hughes now. Stay safe


I think that is a prudent choice.

[GoodLife]

As much as it pains me to say this, I am done playing golf for the foreseeable future unless I can get a guaranteed twosome only with my wife. I won't play with anyone else. I played the other day with my best friend and he just doesn't get it. There was no personal space or social distancing. He is living life like we all did a couple of months ago and has no respect for the very real and potential dangers we all are facing. I will not let that situation repeat itself. Everyone please stay safe.

I live in a home with a beautiful view across a lake to the golf course. Watching people out there every day is a giant pain. I console myself with visualizations of my last round, which was a good one. Plus my back thanks me for the rest!

[Mikeod]

I understand your concerns. I continue to play on the execs. I walk and carry sanitizer for myself and bleach wipes that I use whenever I touch a ball. Since I walk, when our group plays a scramble format, I usually go retrieve balls that aren’t being used on that hole, using a bleach wipe to pick them up and deliver them to their owner “never touched by human hands”. I also use the wipes on ball markers, tees, etc. It’s a bit of a pain, but it allows me to be out of the house.

The group I play with has been good at keeping distance, although old habits do die hard. But a quick reminder if someone starts to encroach works.

Stay safe. I may be joining you in house arrest if the spousal unit demands.

[GoodLife]

I understand your concerns. I continue to play on the execs. I walk and carry sanitizer for myself and bleach wipes that I use whenever I touch a ball. Since I walk, when our group plays a scramble format, I usually go retrieve balls that aren’t being used on that hole, using a bleach wipe to pick them up and deliver them to their owner “never touched by human hands”. I also use the wipes on ball markers, tees, etc. It’s a bit of a pain, but it allows me to be out of the house.

The group I play with has been good at keeping distance, although old habits do die hard. But a quick reminder if someone starts to encroach works.

Stay safe. I may be joining you in house arrest if the spousal unit demands.

Its so sad what life is like right now. I watch movies and see people kissing, hugging, touching, licking their fingers and I think nooooooo, then realize that was a different reality. Its so bizarre.

Chinese government has blood on their hands, hiding the severity of the outbreak until too late and 5 million people traveled out of Wuhan and spread this crap all over the world. I like Chinese people, but their predilection for filthy wet markets that are proven to breed viruses has got too stop, but it won't, they are already re opening them.

[EdFNJ]

I understand your concerns. I continue to play on the execs. I walk and carry sanitizer for myself and bleach wipes that I use whenever I touch a ball. Since I walk, when our group plays a scramble format, I usually go retrieve balls that aren’t being used on that hole, using a bleach wipe to pick them up and deliver them to their owner “never touched by human hands”. I also use the wipes on ball markers, tees, etc. It’s a bit of a pain, but it allows me to be out of the house.

The group I play with has been good at keeping distance, although old habits do die hard. But a quick reminder if someone starts to encroach works.

Stay safe. I may be joining you in house arrest if the spousal unit demands.


All that good protection is meaningless if someone sneezes 6 feet in front of you or behind you or to the left or right of you assuming no one is "encroaching" 2-3 feet away and the wind is blowing in your direction unless you plan on gargling or snorting the bleach. Remember, MANY people are Asymptomatic or PREsymptomatic. You never know where you "friends" may have been and picked up something unless you trace their movement (as in travel/shopping) history over the last 5 or 6 days before "the sneeze." Unless you are wearing a medical grade mask you could be SOL.

[Mosells]

Good life, my sentiments also. I stopped playing golf 2 week ago.

[Topspinmo]

I only play with myself ! Uuuu, that didn’t come out right!:ohdear:

[Koapaka]

My husband had no trouble giving up his golf....

[JudyLife]

Totally agree with you & your doctor. People just don’t ever think it will happen to them. This killer is unknown, lethal, silent, invisible. Stay at home folks, for the sake of everyone.

[golfing eagles]

Totally agree with you & your doctor. People just don’t ever think it will happen to them. This killer is unknown, lethal, silent, invisible. Stay at home folks, for the sake of everyone.

The governor has issued a statewide stay at home order that is very specific concerning which businesses may stay open and which activities are permitted. This carries force of law and should be obeyed by all citizens.

Those people who go to the grocery store or pharmacy, and those people who go cycling, golfing, walking and fishing are FOLLOWING THE LAW---Get off their cases!

There appears to be a subset of Villagers who are separating themselves into some kind of uber-class coronavirus crusaders. They are EXCEEDING the requirements of the executive order by limiting their activity beyond the scope of the order, whether out of paranoia or ignorance, while some are going around and taking photos of their neighbors who might be violating the order.

It's perfectly fine to stay home, but it doesn't make you MORE law abiding, compassionate, caring and smarter than those that are also following the law. And it certainly doesn't entitle you to call those people idiots, selfish or entitled

[dougjb]

Its so sad what life is like right now. I watch movies and see people kissing, hugging, touching, licking their fingers and I think nooooooo, then realize that was a different reality. Its so bizarre.

Chinese government has blood on their hands, hiding the severity of the outbreak until too late and 5 million people traveled out of Wuhan and spread this crap all over the world. I like Chinese people, but their predilection for filthy wet markets that are proven to breed viruses has got too stop, but it won't, they are already re opening them.

There are many who share the blame if one is to assign blame to a natural event. Our great intelligence community, if it had not been eviscerated under the current administration, could very well have identified the issue early on. Just another missed opportunity.

As for Chinese wet markets, why not visit one of our slaughterhouses. I think the experience might very well turn the visitor into a vegetarian.

Let's just not assign blame until we look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we or our government did all that was possible. When this event passes, we might be well served by an investigatory commission to see where not only others failed, but where we failed.

[hollywoodz]

Whoever replied to this post needs to face reality. A governor's order, particularly this one, does NOT give you free license to hide behind it. Stop your foolishness by saying you are now only obeying the law of the state, so you can still golf. How about stop being selfish and notably protect your life but the lives of anyone else that live in this community. Try staying away from golf for a couple of weeks, and expand your horizons into other endeavors.

[Jamello]

There are many who share the blame if one is to assign blame to a natural event. Our great intelligence community, if it had not been eviscerated under the current administration, could very well have identified the issue early on. Just another missed opportunity.

As for Chinese wet markets, why not visit one of our slaughterhouses. I think the experience might very well turn the visitor into a vegetarian.

Let's just not assign blame until we look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we or our government did all that was possible. When this event passes, we might be well served by an investigatory commission to see where not only others failed, but where we failed.


Thank you.

[sdeikenberry]

The governor has issued a statewide stay at home order that is very specific concerning which businesses may stay open and which activities are permitted. This carries force of law and should be obeyed by all citizens.

Those people who go to the grocery store or pharmacy, and those people who go cycling, golfing, walking and fishing are FOLLOWING THE LAW---Get off their cases!

There appears to be a subset of Villagers who are separating themselves into some kind of uber-class coronavirus crusaders. They are EXCEEDING the requirements of the executive order by limiting their activity beyond the scope of the order, whether out of paranoia or ignorance, while some are going around and taking photos of their neighbors who might be violating the order.

It's perfectly fine to stay home, but it doesn't make you MORE law abiding, compassionate, caring and smarter than those that are also following the law. And it certainly doesn't entitle you to call those people idiots, selfish or entitled

With great respect, just because people are following the law does not mean they are safe, or that they aren't spreading this virus. Intelligent experts are telling us the only way to contain the spread is to STAY AWAY FROM OTHER PEOPLE. Just because our government leaders can't listen and order it, doesn't mean we, the people, should put ourselves and others at risk. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS VIRUS IS TO STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE!

[golfing eagles]

Whoever replied to this post needs to face reality. A governor's order, particularly this one, does NOT give you free license to hide behind it. Stop your foolishness by saying you are now only obeying the law of the state, so you can still golf. How about stop being selfish and notably protect your life but the lives of anyone else that live in this community. Try staying away from golf for a couple of weeks, and expand your horizons into other endeavors.

Wow! Read my post again. Or is it obvious I am talking to a brick wall.

The governor did not make up the list of approved activities on his own, he went by the recommendations of public health experts (of which you are NOT one)

No one is "hiding" behind the order, we are FOLLOWING it.
So people following the order are "foolish" and "selfish"? Clearly, you are one of the self appointed uber-Villagers, no point in explaining to you, you've convinced yourself that your way is the only way and everyone else is an idiot. Good luck with that

[golfing eagles]

With great respect, just because people are following the law does not mean they are safe, or that they aren't spreading this virus. Intelligent experts are telling us the only way to contain the spread is to STAY AWAY FROM OTHER PEOPLE. Just because our government leaders can't listen and order it, doesn't mean we, the people, should put ourselves and others at risk. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS VIRUS IS TO STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE!

And that is what people who participate in the list of approved activities are doing---social distancing---you DO NOT need to hide under your bed to stay away from people

[quilting3grammy]

The law makers are learning as they go just like we are. No one seems to really know how it is spreading, and what little rules they give us it keeps spreading like wildfire. Then they update us with more rules. If you want to believe them and not take extra precautions fine, but you are putting us all at risk. Are we panicking, of course we are , we would be fools not to do everything possible to avoid getting and passing this horrible virus. God bless you and keep you safe and well, as well as the rest of us.

[Joanne19335]

My husband had no trouble giving up his golf....our very active sex life on the other hand is a totally different issue. :( (Yeppers, we still enjoy intimate time with each other after almost 40 yrs together).

TMI, I think.

[Maxsan]

So many people with so much knowledge. No golf, then don’t go to a grocery store, don’t go for a cart ride, don’t walk down the street, don’t pump gas, don’t bike ride, don’t go to a doctors office, don’t receive packages, don’t pick up your mail, don’t breathe! Let’s face facts, we don’t really know how this disease is carried....by sneezing, by touch, by simply breathing. We don’t know how to treat, we can only treat the symptoms and wait to see if the body can fight it off.

[soniak4@gmail.com]

That is a very sensible decision. Thank you for writing this. Many people still believe that we are living during a period of needless caution and hyper sensitivity to a problem that is being inflated by the press. I feel sorry for those people and because they are out there, my time out in the community is very limited. Stay safe everyone.

[HelenLCSW]

Its so sad what life is like right now. I watch movies and see people kissing, hugging, touching, licking their fingers and I think nooooooo, then realize that was a different reality. Its so bizarre.

Chinese government has blood on their hands, hiding the severity of the outbreak until too late and 5 million people traveled out of Wuhan and spread this crap all over the world. I like Chinese people, but their predilection for filthy wet markets that are proven to breed viruses has got too stop, but it won't, they are already re opening them.

Our government also has blood on our hands. Every health organization and official warned that what was happening in China and then Italy, no matter who was responsible for the initial outbreak, was inevitably going to happen here and we needed to prepare immediately. Our government downplayed the situation and we didn’t prepare in time. Of all countries we could have prevented this pandemic from spreading in this country.

[kcrazorbackfan]

For those of you that want to stay in the confinement’s of your own little world, by all means do so.

But, for those of us that still work out in the public (yes, I do even with a great retirement) and those of us that still play golf (and yes, I still can compete with the best of them), do not throw stones at us because this is the choice we are making.

[Yukon9]

Smart man.

[mac]

Giving up golf is hard. But it is the right thing to do for your safety and mine. We need to minimize our time away from home. Golf is open not so much for our health but for their $$$. Please, stay at home as much as possible for the safety of all.

[Topspinmo]

Thank you.


You can spin it anyway you want. But, IT ORIGINATED in CHINA like 90% of rest of viruses.

[noslices1]

If you want to play with just your wife, request a tee time and add two guests. You can do that a few days before you want to play. When tou get to the course tell the starter your guests cancelled. You will get “cancellation points”, but it won’t matter if you make reservations a couple days before you play.

[BritChris]

Whoever replied to this post needs to face reality. A governor's order, particularly this one, does NOT give you free license to hide behind it. Stop your foolishness by saying you are now only obeying the law of the state, so you can still golf. How about stop being selfish and notably protect your life but the lives of anyone else that live in this community. Try staying away from golf for a couple of weeks, and expand your horizons into other endeavors.

I play golf almost every day and adhere to the six feet rule and all the other changes which have recently been made to make golf safer for everyone. Selfish? Maybe, but I do what it takes to maintain sanity and stay alive. I live alone and golf is my only socialization other than the telephone. I do have other hobbies (I'm currently writing a second novel) and am not bored at all but I do need to be outside and have some daily contact with others. It's very easy to be judgmental if you haven't walked a mile in someone else's shoes.

[noslices1]

Exec courses are FREE.

[karostay]

Note: I normally play golf 4-5 times a week, love the game, am very skilled at it, and it's my main form of entertainment/exercise. This is not meant to tell others what to do.

So a couple of weeks ago I had an appointment with my Cardiologist. It was routine, nothing major going on. My Doctor is also an avid golfer, so I asked him if he was still playing. He said no, not worth the risk, even if very small. He explained to me that the virus was very contagious, and even though golf is a low risk activity, its catchable almost anywhere. But Doc, I said, I play by myself, not in a group, I wear golf gloves on both hands!

Yes I understand he said, its low risk but not zero risk. You could walk thru a sneeze cloud of infected individual a minute or two after. An infected individual could sneeze on the tee box or green in a group in front of you. Your ball picks up virus, gets on your gloves, you scratch your forehead, you are sweating, virus rolls down to your eyes, nose, mouth. Yes risk is minimal, but not even close to zero. Doctor basically told me to avoid all contact with people, get delivery or pickup of groceries, and lower all risks.

I've read many first person accounts of this virus, from people 20-30 year younger than me, and its like the flu on steroids. I hate even the regular flu, so I don't want this.

So I'm Howard Hughes now. Stay safe

Per your Dr's expert advice then every cyclist or person in golf cart is putting peoples health at risk if one is infected while riding through a neighbor hood and sneezes or coughs
Were at risk sitting outside our own homes?

[justjim]

After reading some of the informed comments and also not so informed comments, it brings to mind a quote from one of our past presidents. “I despise people who go to the gutter on either the right or the left and hurl rocks at those in the center”. Dwight D. Eisenhower Enough said.

[Lindamct]

Let us play!
Note: I normally play golf 4-5 times a week, love the game, am very skilled at it, and it's my main form of entertainment/exercise. This is not meant to tell others what to do.

So a couple of weeks ago I had an appointment with my Cardiologist. It was routine, nothing major going on. My Doctor is also an avid golfer, so I asked him if he was still playing. He said no, not worth the risk, even if very small. He explained to me that the virus was very contagious, and even though golf is a low risk activity, its catchable almost anywhere. But Doc, I said, I play by myself, not in a group, I wear golf gloves on both hands!

Yes I understand he said, its low risk but not zero risk. You could walk thru a sneeze cloud of infected individual a minute or two after. An infected individual could sneeze on the tee box or green in a group in front of you. Your ball picks up virus, gets on your gloves, you scratch your forehead, you are sweating, virus rolls down to your eyes, nose, mouth. Yes risk is minimal, but not even close to zero. Doctor basically told me to avoid all contact with people, get delivery or pickup of groceries, and lower all risks.

I've read many first person accounts of this virus, from people 20-30 year younger than me, and its like the flu on steroids. I hate even the regular flu, so I don't want this.

So I'm Howard Hughes now. Stay safe

[jjfoster69@aol.com]

I agree with what your saying, however, what about the delivery person or products having something on it. We touch the item then it’s on our hands and who knows where else we spread it.....stay safe as possible....

[rlcooper70]

The entire point of the sneeze cloud is real ... but it is limited to being in a closed environment and relevant to a doctor being in a room where a patient sneezes. It does not apply to outdoor activities. To imply there is risk to playing golf without touching anyone else's "stuff" ... irresponsible?

[ladybugsmom]

There is a risk no matter what you do or where you go. The risk of somebody sneezing and it being airborne outside on the golf course and hitting me in the face and then sweating and rolling down into my eyes or mouth…… wow! Do you have a better chance of dying driving in your car. The flu has killed 20,000 people a year and we didn’t have this paranoia.

[arbajeda]

You could get hit by lightning. You could be swallowed up in a sinkhole. An idiot golfer could kill you with an errant drive. Your golf cart could explode. God could just say "Come see me." Like Ben Franklin said, the only sure things are death and taxes. If you're willing to live your life in fear of infinitesimal chances of getting the virus, then do so. Reasonable precautions will also protect you. When playing, don't touch anything not yours, like the ball washers. After playing, leave everything in the cart but your clothes and you. When inside, put your clothes in the hamper and wash your face and hands (or shower if you feel the need).

[Rosebud1949]

Paranoid and ignorant........... I am staying home I do not want to risk getting the virus or even a 1% chance of giving it to someone else. Now who is being selfish

[gatorbill1]

Note: I normally play golf 4-5 times a week, love the game, am very skilled at it, and it's my main form of entertainment/exercise. This is not meant to tell others what to do.

So a couple of weeks ago I had an appointment with my Cardiologist. It was routine, nothing major going on. My Doctor is also an avid golfer, so I asked him if he was still playing. He said no, not worth the risk, even if very small. He explained to me that the virus was very contagious, and even though golf is a low risk activity, its catchable almost anywhere. But Doc, I said, I play by myself, not in a group, I wear golf gloves on both hands!

Yes I understand he said, its low risk but not zero risk. You could walk thru a sneeze cloud of infected individual a minute or two after. An infected individual could sneeze on the tee box or green in a group in front of you. Your ball picks up virus, gets on your gloves, you scratch your forehead, you are sweating, virus rolls down to your eyes, nose, mouth. Yes risk is minimal, but not even close to zero. Doctor basically told me to avoid all contact with people, get delivery or pickup of groceries, and lower all risks.

I've read many first person accounts of this virus, from people 20-30 year younger than me, and its like the flu on steroids. I hate even the regular flu, so I don't want this.

So I'm Howard Hughes now. Stay safe

I stopped 4 weeks ago along with men's day, and when I started a thread and announced it, I was blasted.

[bohlentj@gmail.com]

There are many who share the blame if one is to assign blame to a natural event. Our great intelligence community, if it had not been eviscerated under the current administration, could very well have identified the issue early on. Just another missed opportunity.

As for Chinese wet markets, why not visit one of our slaughterhouses. I think the experience might very well turn the visitor into a vegetarian.

Let's just not assign blame until we look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we or our government did all that was possible. When this event passes, we might be well served by an investigatory commission to see where not only others failed, but where we failed.



even our genius Dr said in March, he didn’t see a problem arising out of this. but, then nobody knew much about it. i assume our government took his lead since he is the expert, even tho they did stop travel, thank goodness. but blame, ? i don’t think there should ever be any blame on any individual here, it’s all China’s fault.

[tomhinz]

What an idiot. But if he gets it, you can bet he will be complaining.

[NECHFalcon68]

Note: I normally play golf 4-5 times a week, love the game, am very skilled at it, and it's my main form of entertainment/exercise. This is not meant to tell others what to do.

So a couple of weeks ago I had an appointment with my Cardiologist. It was routine, nothing major going on. My Doctor is also an avid golfer, so I asked him if he was still playing. He said no, not worth the risk, even if very small. He explained to me that the virus was very contagious, and even though golf is a low risk activity, its catchable almost anywhere. But Doc, I said, I play by myself, not in a group, I wear golf gloves on both hands!

Yes I understand he said, its low risk but not zero risk. You could walk thru a sneeze cloud of infected individual a minute or two after. An infected individual could sneeze on the tee box or green in a group in front of you. Your ball picks up virus, gets on your gloves, you scratch your forehead, you are sweating, virus rolls down to your eyes, nose, mouth. Yes risk is minimal, but not even close to zero. Doctor basically told me to avoid all contact with people, get delivery or pickup of groceries, and lower all risks.

I've read many first person accounts of this virus, from people 20-30 year younger than me, and its like the flu on steroids. I hate even the regular flu, so I don't want this.

So I'm Howard Hughes now. Stay safe

I would expect a doctor to be extremely cautious and not give anyone the wrong impression about the seriousness of the situation. Just as they will not tell you that you will never have a heart attack. It's called liability.

I just got an email saying there will now be a surcharge to play Executive courses. That might have an effect on the amount of play.

I stopped playing golf when social distancing was mandated.

[GoodLife]

I stopped 4 weeks ago along with men's day, and when I started a thread and announced it, I was blasted.

Reading all these replies, I think a lot of people missed the part at the top of my post where I said this is not to tell others what to do. Its what I did after conversation with my Doctor. Basically he told me the best way to lower risk is to stay away from people. Indoors the risk is much higher, but it is not zero outside. The chance of walking through a sneeze cloud outdoors while on a golf course or tailgating someone in a cart on the multimodal is very low, but is not zero. The chance of your golf ball rolling thru sneeze droplets on a green is also low, but entirely possible. I am a face toucher, I do it all the time and find it very hard to stop.

I read about a case the CDC traced, where they couldn't find any contact with infected individual. Then they found video of the guy sitting on a bench outside, then went back an hour and saw a known carrier sitting in same bench. Not sure if he licked his hands or what but it scared me.

I'm not mad at anyone who still plays golf, they are not endangering me because I'm not going near anyone anyway and I think it is relatively safe activity. Just decided to follow my Doctors advice, and reduce any activity where there are people.

It's a sad situation.

[Lindsyburnsy]

Had our pandemic task force been kept in place and the warnings that this was coming a few years ago, this epidemic could have been kept to a minimum. Chinese people are lovely and should not be burdened with any kind of blame. It's their government that hides things. Our intelligence warned us, but it fell on deaf ears.

[GoodLife]

I agree with what your saying, however, what about the delivery person or products having something on it. We touch the item then it’s on our hands and who knows where else we spread it.....stay safe as possible....

I use Walmart pickup, they put it in the trunk and I am gone. When I get home I unpack the stuff, spray it all with 70% alcohol, wait 20 minutes then wash it all with soap and water. Wash my hands several times, spray anything I've touched with alcohol.

[davem4616]

I too still see people out on the golf courses hitting the little white ball around, and justifying to themselves that they are perfectly safe.

Reminds me of my older brother who couldn't stop smoking until he had a heart attack at age 73 (and already had COPD)

addiction is a funny thing...once you're hooked it's tough to take control back

[theruizs]

The governor has issued a statewide stay at home order that is very specific concerning which businesses may stay open and which activities are permitted. This carries force of law and should be obeyed by all citizens.

Those people who go to the grocery store or pharmacy, and those people who go cycling, golfing, walking and fishing are FOLLOWING THE LAW---Get off their cases!

There appears to be a subset of Villagers who are separating themselves into some kind of uber-class coronavirus crusaders. They are EXCEEDING the requirements of the executive order by limiting their activity beyond the scope of the order, whether out of paranoia or ignorance, while some are going around and taking photos of their neighbors who might be violating the order.

It's perfectly fine to stay home, but it doesn't make you MORE law abiding, compassionate, caring and smarter than those that are also following the law. And it certainly doesn't entitle you to call those people idiots, selfish or entitled

Up to the point of your comment in this thread, no one said anything about who is more law abiding and I did not see any name calling. All I see are people sharing their concerns and views about how they are protecting themselves.

[blueash]

There is a risk no matter what you do or where you go. The risk of somebody sneezing and it being airborne outside on the golf course and hitting me in the face and then sweating and rolling down into my eyes or mouth…… wow! Do you have a better chance of dying driving in your car. The flu has killed 20,000 people a year and we didn’t have this paranoia.

And the reason we didn't have this "paranoia" which medical authorities might call prudence, is that Covid is not the flu, despite what some talking heads may have told you. If you have not been following the situation in NYC it would behoove you to see what is happening there. I 100% guarantee you that the flu went through NYC this winter. Did it fill ICU's to the point of running out of beds, and vents, and PPE?

Did flu fill ER's with nothing but flu patients who were seriously or critically ill? No it did not. And while you may be saying, well that's just NYC. It's different. And you'd be wrong, IMO. NYC and any large city is at higher risk due to crowding. Which explains all those people who died after a funeral in rural Georgia.. Which explains all those sickened by a choir practice in the Northwest.. Which explains all those people dying in Lombardi Italy which is not a densely populated urban center...

Covid is not the flu, nor just a "strong flu" It is a unique killing machine which without intervention likely would have killed millions of Americans. I can't prove that number, I am just using what happened in NYC and elsewhere as a barometer of its lethality.

Do you think that people on a cruise ship are really any more crowded together than people in a restaurant or at the squares? The rapidity with which this changed from "we have it well contained" to everybody consider wearing a mask might give you a clue that even in people who used to think this was not a problem .. even they have finally seen enough to stop saying this is just a flu. If you give yourself an A+ for only having 250,000 Americans die, this is a bigly serious pandemic.

[theruizs]

Reading all these replies, I think a lot of people missed the part at the top of my post where I said this is not to tell others what to do. Its what I did after conversation with my Doctor. Basically he told me the best way to lower risk is to stay away from people. Indoors the risk is much higher, but it is not zero outside. The chance of walking through a sneeze cloud outdoors while on a golf course or tailgating someone in a cart on the multimodal is very low, but is not zero. The chance of your golf ball rolling thru sneeze droplets on a green is also low, but entirely possible. I am a face toucher, I do it all the time and find it very hard to stop.

I read about a case the CDC traced, where they couldn't find any contact with infected individual. Then they found video of the guy sitting on a bench outside, then went back an hour and saw a known carrier sitting in same bench. Not sure if he licked his hands or what but it scared me.

I'm not mad at anyone who still plays golf, they are not endangering me because I'm not going near anyone anyway and I think it is relatively safe activity. Just decided to follow my Doctors advice, and reduce any activity where there are people.

It's a sad situation.

It was nothing you said. The thread was going fine with civil remarks and views until one person went off the rails and then the whole thread came tumbling down.

[JoMar]

I know of three doctors that are playing golf once a week.......I only mention that because not all doctors agree on much of what's going on. Believe what makes you happy and keeps you safe. Now, of course, you can start the replies of those "hacks" that call themselves doctors or how those doctors up north would never play golf during this thing. :)

[GoodLife]

The entire point of the sneeze cloud is real ... but it is limited to being in a closed environment and relevant to a doctor being in a room where a patient sneezes. It does not apply to outdoor activities. To imply there is risk to playing golf without touching anyone else's "stuff" ... irresponsible?

Can you show us the science that a sneeze cloud can only exist indoors? I assure you if an infected person sneezes on or near you outdoors you can be infected. Give it a try if you don't believe it.

Sneeze droplets won't hang in the air outside as long as indoors, so they fall to the ground faster, but the virus will still be viable on the grass for a few hours. Sun doesn't kill it.

[John_W]

Sometimes staying isolated has it's downfalls.

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/90267862_10106387327930425_2048873393612128256_n.j pg?_nc_cat=1&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=o3UptYh3CVkAX9_387A&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=6c894986d1e2bb2bd172951cfa1ed780&oe=5EAF2946

[GoodLife]

Sometimes staying isolated has it's downfalls.

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/90267862_10106387327930425_2048873393612128256_n.j pg?_nc_cat=1&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=o3UptYh3CVkAX9_387A&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=6c894986d1e2bb2bd172951cfa1ed780&oe=5EAF2946

What? Me worry?

83531

[bumpygreens]

even our genius Dr said in March, he didn’t see a problem arising out of this. but, then nobody knew much about it. i assume our government took his lead since he is the expert, even tho they did stop travel, thank goodness. but blame, ? i don’t think there should ever be any blame on any individual here, it’s all China’s fault.

Even a lot of Chinese are blaming their government for the spread calling it the CCP Virus (Chinese Communist Party). The CCP not only are lying to their own population and the world about it, they are using it to try to gain political and economic advantage in Europe and South America. Nobody in the USA is to blame for this. In January, we had very limited information to go on. We still don't have a clear understanding of how it's spread, and how easily it's contracted. We don't know for sure if those who recover from it have immunity -- it appears some people are getting re-infected. The list of what we don't know is long. Right now looking to blame anyone outside of Beijing is aiding the CCP's propaganda machine.

[junction29]

Even a lot of Chinese are blaming their government for the spread calling it the CCP Virus (Chinese Communist Party). The CCP not only are lying to their own population and the world about it, they are using it to try to gain political and economic advantage in Europe and South America. Nobody in the USA is to blame for this. In January, we had very limited information to go on. We still don't have a clear understanding of how it's spread, and how easily it's contracted. We don't know for sure if those who recover from it have immunity -- it appears some people are getting re-infected. The list of what we don't know is long. Right now looking to blame anyone outside of Beijing is aiding the CCP's propaganda machine.

I totally agree with you, this virus started in China or by the Chinese government and they must be held to account by the whole world once this nightmare is over. ☠️
Stay safe everyone and continue to avoid coming within 6 feet of one another, whatever activities you undertake. 👍
Risking your own life is your right, risking someone else’s life is not your right 👿

[Florida Pine]

Thank you.

note: I normally play golf 4-5 times a week, love the game, am very skilled at it, and it's my main form of entertainment/exercise. This is not meant to tell others what to do.

So a couple of weeks ago i had an appointment with my cardiologist. It was routine, nothing major going on. My doctor is also an avid golfer, so i asked him if he was still playing. He said no, not worth the risk, even if very small. He explained to me that the virus was very contagious, and even though golf is a low risk activity, its catchable almost anywhere. But doc, i said, i play by myself, not in a group, i wear golf gloves on both hands!

Yes i understand he said, its low risk but not zero risk. You could walk thru a sneeze cloud of infected individual a minute or two after. An infected individual could sneeze on the tee box or green in a group in front of you. Your ball picks up virus, gets on your gloves, you scratch your forehead, you are sweating, virus rolls down to your eyes, nose, mouth. Yes risk is minimal, but not even close to zero. Doctor basically told me to avoid all contact with people, get delivery or pickup of groceries, and lower all risks.

I've read many first person accounts of this virus, from people 20-30 year younger than me, and its like the flu on steroids. I hate even the regular flu, so i don't want this.

So i'm howard hughes now. Stay safe

[Marathon Man]

The entire point of the sneeze cloud is real ... but it is limited to being in a closed environment and relevant to a doctor being in a room where a patient sneezes. It does not apply to outdoor activities. To imply there is risk to playing golf without touching anyone else's "stuff" ... irresponsible?

This is how the virus is spread. Mis-information that lead people to believe that their activities can not spread it. To say that a sneeze does not put the virus into the air which can then be taken in by another person, simply because you are on a golf course is irresponsible. Not just innacurate - irresponsible.

[DonH57]

What? Me worry?

83531

ROFLMAO !:1rotfl:

[Florida Pine]

You could take a kind tone. No one is shouting in anger against others like you. They are wise people, like the gentleman whose DOCTOR informed him about how extremely contagious this is and advised him to take more precautions than the law advises. Throughout the U.S. - following the law in previous weeks on in this pandemic - we were advised not to wear masks, fine to keep meeting in groups of 10 or less, etc. - That advice from the gov't is what got us to where we are today with the pandemic torching across America and killing thousands. Every week scientists are learning more about this deadly virus. The DOCTORS and SCIENTISTS are telling us to stay ahead of this...not just do the bare minimum. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the people on this forum urging others to be steps ahead of what the gov't tells us - and - it is careless and selfish of others to put the rest of us at risk - especially in The Villages with such a susceptible population. It's not going to kill people to lay off golf for a few weeks. But the virus can kill many more from just the one person who contracted it by playing golf.

[golfing eagles]

Up to the point of your comment in this thread, no one said anything about who is more law abiding and I did not see any name calling. All I see are people sharing their concerns and views about how they are protecting themselves.

It was nothing you said. The thread was going fine with civil remarks and views until one person went off the rails and then the whole thread came tumbling down.

Wait a minute---you think people calling golfers, who are following the law, selfish idiots and entitled is civil?

[Florida Pine]

We can do without the vulgar remarks. Very inappropriate.

I only play with myself ! Uuuu, that didn’t come out right!:ohdear:

[Hospes444]

Why is anyone still playing golf!! The healthcare workers are pleading with folks to stay home. They are literally putting their lives on the line to treat the very sick, and so many of you can't even stay off the golf course.
Shameful and selfish
It is not only you that is affected if you should become ill.
This Florida governor is going to cause the entire countries ability to heal to be delayed, due to his inadequacies. All the kids at spring break, and all the snowbirds at the Villages will be going home to other parts of the country and this illness will go on and on for months because of tens of thousands of thoughtless people

[golfing eagles]

Why is anyone still playing golf!! The healthcare workers are pleading with folks to stay home. They are literally putting their lives on the line to treat the very sick, and so many of you can't even stay off the golf course.
Shameful and selfish
It is not only you that is affected if you should become ill.
This Florida governor is going to cause the entire countries ability to heal to be delayed, due to his inadequacies. All the kids at spring break, and all the snowbirds at the Villages will be going home to other parts of the country and this illness will go on and on for months because of tens of thousands of thoughtless people

…...in your OPINION

[NFRicaS]

Its so sad what life is like right now. I watch movies and see people kissing, hugging, touching, licking their fingers and I think nooooooo, then realize that was a different reality. Its so bizarre.

Chinese government has blood on their hands, hiding the severity of the outbreak until too late and 5 million people traveled out of Wuhan and spread this crap all over the world. I like Chinese people, but their predilection for filthy wet markets that are proven to breed viruses has got too stop, but it won't, they are already re opening them.
Did you know there are wet markets in the good ol’ USA? Yep....in NYC for example, and we have bats...lots of them...just sayin’...China is NOT the only issue...

[Florida Pine]

Experts tell White House virus can spread through talking or even just breathing

A prestigious scientific panel told the White House Wednesday night that research shows coronavirus can be spread not just by sneezes or coughs, but also just by talking, or possibly even just breathing.

"While the current [coronavirus] specific research is limited, the results of available studies are consistent with aerosolization of virus from normal breathing," according to the letter, written by Dr. Harvey Fineberg, chairman of a committee with the National Academy of Sciences.

Fineberg told CNN that he will wear start wearing a mask when he goes to the grocery store.

Coronavirus can spread through talking or breathing, prestigious panel tells White House

Based on what I have seen of villagers ignoring guidelines, I predict more than 1000 cases confirmed here sometime in April. White House will probably recommend some kind of mask when going out to shop etc. I agree, this stuff is more contagious than thought.

[GoodLife]

Did you know there are wet markets in the good ol’ USA? Yep....in NYC for example, and we have bats...lots of them...just sayin’...China is NOT the only issue...

Watch this video and get back to us

How The Virus Got Out (c) NYT - YouTube (https://youtu.be/QLB9-i5wEpg)

[golfing eagles]

Experts tell White House virus can spread through talking or even just breathing

A prestigious scientific panel told the White House Wednesday night that research shows coronavirus can be spread not just by sneezes or coughs, but also just by talking, or possibly even just breathing.

"While the current [coronavirus] specific research is limited, the results of available studies are consistent with aerosolization of virus from normal breathing," according to the letter, written by Dr. Harvey Fineberg, chairman of a committee with the National Academy of Sciences.

Fineberg told CNN that he will wear start wearing a mask when he goes to the grocery store.

Coronavirus can spread through talking or breathing, prestigious panel tells White House

Based on what I have seen of villagers ignoring guidelines, I predict more than 1000 cases confirmed here sometime in April. White House will probably recommend some kind of mask when going out to shop etc. I agree, this stuff is more contagious than thought.

And it probably is.

Please don't get the wrong idea from many of my posts. This pandemic IS serious and everybody should be extremely careful. Everybody should follow the law and engage only in permitted activities, and everyone is free to exceed the restrictions. I have defended golf because it is a low risk activity, in fact lower risk than many other things Villagers are doing every day. There is NOTHING anyone can do to make their risk zero. My objections are against those that want to dictate their choice of exceeding the restrictions to everyone else, and those that call anyone not doing what they are doing idiots, selfish, and entitled.

People are dying and that sucks. People are mortal and that sort of sucks as well. However, this is not the end of civilization as we know it (although it is rapidly becoming the end of civility---and I'm as guilty as the next person, sorry.)

But here are some numbers to ponder:

Since the first case appeared in China on November 17th, 140 days have passed and 66,560 people have died. Deaths from all other causes, worldwide, average 153,400 PER DAY or 21,476,000 since Nov 17. This is not wiping out the human race. Cases are increasing in some parts of the world and decreasing in other. It will end, sooner or later.

[hrdcorpsmarine]

Must it turn to politics, ALL OF THE TIME????

[Boomer]

I just edited out this post of mine because it was on the topic of handling incoming groceries -- not about to golf or not to golf -- so I moved it to a different thread.

[justjim]

Mental health experts will tell you stress and anxiety can have a huge effect on your health. We all have different thresholds when it comes to stress. Some will lock themselves down completely and stay in their home almost like hermits. Others might sit on their lanai’s or front porch, others will walk, bike and some will play golf or take a golf cart ride. In short, we are all different. The important thing is to “social distance”, wash your hands often for your sake and for the sake of your friends and neighbors. Use common sense and we will get though this together. There will be plenty of time weeks and months down the road to place “blame”discuss the politics of this and argue where errors were made and how our country could have done better with this pandemic. We will undoubtedly face additional viruses in the future and hopefully learn from this one.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Why is anyone still playing golf!! The healthcare workers are pleading with folks to stay home. They are literally putting their lives on the line to treat the very sick, and so many of you can't even stay off the golf course.
Shameful and selfish
It is not only you that is affected if you should become ill.
This Florida governor is going to cause the entire countries ability to heal to be delayed, due to his inadequacies. All the kids at spring break, and all the snowbirds at the Villages will be going home to other parts of the country and this illness will go on and on for months because of tens of thousands of thoughtless people

Well, hell, that’s an improvement; someone damning the Gov and not The Developers.

[Villagelee]

Note: I normally play golf 4-5 times a week, love the game, am very skilled at it, and it's my main form of entertainment/exercise. This is not meant to tell others what to do.

So a couple of weeks ago I had an appointment with my Cardiologist. It was routine, nothing major going on. My Doctor is also an avid golfer, so I asked him if he was still playing. He said no, not worth the risk, even if very small. He explained to me that the virus was very contagious, and even though golf is a low risk activity, its catchable almost anywhere. But Doc, I said, I play by myself, not in a group, I wear golf gloves on both hands!

Yes I understand he said, its low risk but not zero risk. You could walk thru a sneeze cloud of infected individual a minute or two after. An infected individual could sneeze on the tee box or green in a group in front of you. Your ball picks up virus, gets on your gloves, you scratch your forehead, you are sweating, virus rolls down to your eyes, nose, mouth. Yes risk is minimal, but not even close to zero. Doctor basically told me to avoid all contact with people, get delivery or pickup of groceries, and lower all risks.

I've read many first person accounts of this virus, from people 20-30 year younger than me, and its like the flu on steroids. I hate even the regular flu, so I don't want this.

So I'm Howard Hughes now. Stay safe
Yet, This REALLY SAFE Doc was still seeing patients for ROUTINE Ckups. hmmmm???? I will continue to golf as I just bet it is a helluva lot less risky than this Doc's activity. But based on this post, I am upping my game in terms of safety: Mask while playing, sanitize the ball after every hole, and then my hands. As far as walking through a previously aerosol infected spray. Well, I may be taking that risk every time I walk out of my house or around my neighborhood. I am not going to stop living while I am still breathing, but I will take as many sensible precautions as possible. Lack of exercise is a killer too...just not as fast.

[golfing eagles]

Yet, This REALLY SAFE Doc was still seeing patients for ROUTINE Ckups. hmmmm???? I will continue to golf as I just bet it is a helluva lot less risky than this Doc's activity. But based on this post, I am upping my game in terms of safety: Mask while playing, sanitize the ball after every hole, and then my hands. As far as walking through a previously aerosol infected spray. Well, I may be taking that risk every time I walk out of my house or around my neighborhood. I am not going to stop living while I am still breathing, but I will take as many sensible precautions as possible. Lack of exercise is a killer too...just not as fast.

Interesting point. The Villages Health has gone strictly to telemedicine. Of course, I played golf today with my doctor and his associate, so I guess it's a net wash on that front

[Villagelee]

Totally agree with you & your doctor. People just don’t ever think it will happen to them. This killer is unknown, lethal, silent, invisible. Stay at home folks, for the sake of everyone.
yet this doctor is still seeing patients for ROUTINE Checkups. Don't you think that speaks volumes about his doctors advise?

[larcha]

Living is dangerous to your health.

[GoodLife]

yet this doctor is still seeing patients for ROUTINE Checkups. Don't you think that speaks volumes about his doctors advise?

My appt was March 17, I think March 18 was date of first case in Sumter county. Had to go in so they could read my pacemaker. On March 17 there were only about 200 confirmed cases in Florida, most of them in Miami, Palm Beach.

Now of course all appts are by phone unless emergency

PS Its advice, not advise

[Boomer]

My appt was March 17, I think March 18 was date of first case in Sumter county. Had to go in so they could read my pacemaker. On March 17 there were only 62 confirmed cases in Florida, most of them in Miami, Palm Beach.

Now of course all appts are by phone unless emergency

PS Its advice, not advise


Oh, GoodLife, I have been wanting to tell people that for years, along with advising on getting their/there/they're straight, as well as your/you're. But I thought handing out unsolicited advice might make me sound like their old English teacher. ;) So there you have it. Now, they're probably all mad at me.

[GoodLife]

Oh, GoodLife, I have been wanting to tell people that for years, along with advising on getting their/there/they're straight, as well as your/you're. But I thought handing out unsolicited advice might make me sound like their old English teacher. ;) So there you have it. Now, they're probably all mad at me.

Mom was an English teacher. I only do spellcheck on comments that are snarky, mean, or just plain stupid.

[boobear51751]

Could not have said it better myself

[Mumbles]

I understand your concerns. I continue to play on the execs. I walk and carry sanitizer for myself and bleach wipes that I use whenever I touch a ball. Since I walk, when our group plays a scramble format, I usually go retrieve balls that aren’t being used on that hole, using a bleach wipe to pick them up and deliver them to their owner “never touched by human hands”. I also use the wipes on ball markers, tees, etc. It’s a bit of a pain, but it allows me to be out of the house.

The group I play with has been good at keeping distance, although old habits do die hard. But a quick reminder if someone starts to encroach works.

Stay safe. I may be joining you in house arrest if the spousal unit demands.

Wonder if, by quirk of fate, you picked up a golf ball with a sanitizer sheet and, while doing that, the virus--which can become aerosolized , is released into the air in front of you and it STILL gets to your face. There are so many possibilities of running into this or any virus, really, that -- if you really like living-- one would not even "think" of taking a chance.:ohdear:

[Mumbles]

All that good protection is meaningless if someone sneezes 6 feet in front of you or behind you or to the left or right of you assuming no one is "encroaching" 2-3 feet away and the wind is blowing in your direction unless you plan on gargling or snorting the bleach. Remember, MANY people are Asymptomatic or PREsymptomatic. You never know where you "friends" may have been and picked up something unless you trace their movement (as in travel/shopping) history over the last 5 or 6 days before "the sneeze." Unless you are wearing a medical grade mask you could be SOL.

Oh, and glasses to cover the eye membranes which love to pick up things on their own.

[mjpuleo]

I just don't get it, what is golf like an addiction--you can't live without it???? Well, be careful because you may not be able to live WITH IT if you continue playing. Be safe and stay home.

[TJLAMPHERE]

So, no phone number was listed to call in and do the $ 20 monthly payment for Exec Trail Fee. It said you get the phone number from the Starter Shack??? Why wasn't a phone number listed in the Release from the folks overseeing this process???

[Mumbles]

"With great respect, just because people are following the law does not mean they are safe, or that they aren't spreading this virus. Intelligent experts are telling us the only way to contain the spread is to STAY AWAY FROM OTHER PEOPLE."

And that is what people who participate in the list of approved activities are doing---social distancing---you DO NOT need to hide under your bed to stay away from people[/COLOR]



I see a few points to ponder here: 1) The OP is saying, IMHO, that there are ways to still be with people without blindly following advice. If you do follow the advice that the governor said (regardless of where the advice originally came from), and you think you understand that golfing, for example, MIGHT be an occasion where one COULD fall prey to the virus, you MAY choose not to golf. That would be your own personal choice. 2) The responder in green whom I quoted, may not like to have his/her choice of activity questioned. One ought to allow for free choice NO MATTER WHAT a person chooses to do. BUT, if it ends up affecting others terribly, that person will be answering...at a later time... to Someone who does know how all people will get affected. 3) Telling someone not to confront them with their differing opinion [ and it's just that: Opinion] is non-productive.

Let's all remember that there are so FEW things in life that humans have control over, we ought not believe we can control the virus. :icon_wink:

[Mumbles]

So many people with so much knowledge. No golf, then don’t go to a grocery store, don’t go for a cart ride, don’t walk down the street, don’t pump gas, don’t bike ride, don’t go to a doctors office, don’t receive packages, don’t pick up your mail, don’t breathe! Let’s face facts, we don’t really know how this disease is carried....by sneezing, by touch, by simply breathing. We don’t know how to treat, we can only treat the symptoms and wait to see if the body can fight it off.

This is what "they " call reductio ad absurdum. That means lumping all examples into one giant bunch...AS IF they are all equally true. In effect, that makes a person's argument ridiculous (able to be ridiculed, made fun of, placed below other more meaningful ideas.) Plus it is usually meant to STOP discussion dead in its tracks.

[Mumbles]

I know of three doctors that are playing golf once a week.......I only mention that because not all doctors agree on much of what's going on. Believe what makes you happy and keeps you safe. Now, of course, you can start the replies of those "hacks" that call themselves doctors or how those doctors up north would never play golf during this thing. :)

Umm, Pennsylvania is Up North.

[Mikeod]

Wonder if, by quirk of fate, you picked up a golf ball with a sanitizer sheet and, while doing that, the virus--which can become aerosolized , is released into the air in front of you and it STILL gets to your face. There are so many possibilities of running into this or any virus, really, that -- if you really like living-- one would not even "think" of taking a chance.:ohdear:
Wow. Any virus? Even those we have vaccines for? First, to be aerosolized, there has to be more impetus than placing a cloth over the ball, and the cloth is dripping with bleach.

Please. Outside activities have been approved with reasonable restrictions by many epidemiologists currently working this pandemic. I am following all the recommendations promulgated by medical and governmental officials. If you wish to go beyond, that is your prerogative. I am inside my home except for groceries and I am restricting my golf to a small circle of friends who are also following those guidelines.

[FrankH]

[QUOTE=dougjb;1740498]There are many who share the blame if one is to assign blame to a natural event. Our great intelligence community, if it had not been eviscerated under the current administration, could very well have identified the issue early on. Just another missed opportunity.

As for Chinese wet markets, why not visit one of our slaughterhouses. I think the experience might very well turn the visitor into a vegetarian.

Let's just not assign blame until we look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we or our government did all that was possible. When this event passes, we might be well served by an investigatory commission to see where not only others failed, but where we failed.[/QUOTE

LMAO. In his first paragraph Doug blames "the current administration" then in his last paragraph he says "Let's not assign blame..." Keep your politics off this forum.

[rbrooks817]

There is plenty of blame to go around, if you think our country was quick to respond you definitely do not have the facts.

[HMLRHT1]

The governor has issued a statewide stay at home order that is very specific concerning which businesses may stay open and which activities are permitted. This carries force of law and should be obeyed by all citizens.

Those people who go to the grocery store or pharmacy, and those people who go cycling, golfing, walking and fishing are FOLLOWING THE LAW---Get off their cases!

There appears to be a subset of Villagers who are separating themselves into some kind of uber-class coronavirus crusaders. They are EXCEEDING the requirements of the executive order by limiting their activity beyond the scope of the order, whether out of paranoia or ignorance, while some are going around and taking photos of their neighbors who might be violating the order.

It's perfectly fine to stay home, but it doesn't make you MORE law abiding, compassionate, caring and smarter than those that are also following the law. And it certainly doesn't entitle you to call those people idiots, selfish or entitled
The governor made the law. He is no medical expert like Dr Fauci is. If the governor would follow Dr Fauci’s advice there would be no extra activities such as golf or gathering at churches. So you can follow the letter of the law but then who do you blame if you come down with the virus? The government? Yourself? Do what you want but if you get the virus I wish you well and hope it does not become too serious for you. It’s not the flu. Good luck to you.

[golfing eagles]

The governor made the law. He is no medical expert like Dr Fauci is. If the governor would follow Dr Fauci’s advice there would be no extra activities such as golf or gathering at churches. So you can follow the letter of the law but then who do you blame if you come down with the virus? The government? Yourself? Do what you want but if you get the virus I wish you well and hope it does not become too serious for you. It’s not the flu. Good luck to you.

I don't recall Tony Fauci addressing the issue of golf, but he might have.

The overwhelming majority of states with stay at home orders allow golf. And btw, I would blame the virus.

[Topspinmo]

I don't recall Tony Fauci addressing the issue of golf, but he might have.

The overwhelming majority of states with stay at home orders allow golf. And btw, I would blame the virus.


Well, I would blame the Chinese then the people who traveled and brought it here. Why blame the victim? They get punished enough.

[rustyp]

Picking on no individual - will blaming somebody save your life. Driving the car out of the rear view mirror is a sure way of you causing an accident.

[Challenger]

Picking on no individual - will blaming somebody save your life. Driving the car out of the rear view mirror is a sure way of you causing an accident.

We must drive by looking back. "those who do not learn from history, are doomed to relive it" Santayna

[ALadysMom]

You could get hit by lightning. You could be swallowed up in a sinkhole. An idiot golfer could kill you with an errant drive. Your golf cart could explode. God could just say "Come see me." Like Ben Franklin said, the only sure things are death and taxes. If you're willing to live your life in fear of infinitesimal chances of getting the virus, then do so. Reasonable precautions will also protect you. When playing, don't touch anything not yours, like the ball washers. After playing, leave everything in the cart but your clothes and you. When inside, put your clothes in the hamper and wash your face and hands (or shower if you feel the need).

Hmmm...Do your clothes magically wash themselves or are you potentially exposing your laundress?

[rustyp]

We must drive by looking back. "those who do not learn from history, are doomed to relive it" Santayna

There is nothing wrong with learning from an autopsy - but forward thinking in a crisis until problem solved makes much more sense. Then it's time for lessons learned for future prevention.

[mpk352]

AMEN, Brother, AMEN!

[Scudder]

Is your name Tommy Gainey?

[coffeebean]

We can do without the vulgar remarks. Very inappropriate.

Aw, come on. Where is your sense of humor? Not inappropriate at all. Just some fun.

[coffeebean]

Why is anyone still playing golf!! The healthcare workers are pleading with folks to stay home. They are literally putting their lives on the line to treat the very sick, and so many of you can't even stay off the golf course.
Shameful and selfish
It is not only you that is affected if you should become ill.
This Florida governor is going to cause the entire countries ability to heal to be delayed, due to his inadequacies. All the kids at spring break, and all the snowbirds at the Villages will be going home to other parts of the country and this illness will go on and on for months because of tens of thousands of thoughtless people

I've been disappointed in DeSantis ever since he didn't close all beaches in the state early on. We have a very wishy washy governor.

[coffeebean]

Wonder if, by quirk of fate, you picked up a golf ball with a sanitizer sheet and, while doing that, the virus--which can become aerosolized , is released into the air in front of you and it STILL gets to your face. There are so many possibilities of running into this or any virus, really, that -- if you really like living-- one would not even "think" of taking a chance.:ohdear:

I haven't heard about this happening. If I am reading this correctly, you are saying that the virus which is on a surface can become airborne if it is disturbed? Can this really happen? Where did you hear or read about this? By any chance, do you have a link?

[JoMar]

I've been disappointed in DeSantis ever since he didn't close all beaches in the state early on. We have a very wishy washy governor.

Maybe, but he's not alone. Cuomo wanted everything to sop yet the subways and public transportation are open. They are curtailing service because their front line workers are down with 19. Their ridership is 87% of last year. Yet they continue to run. I find it somewhat amusing that when government tries to direct behavior they are chastised, then when the don't they are chastised. I view his delay was because he had faith in people, only when they proved his faith was misplaced did he acted. Same here, pools and rec centers and recreational facilities were mostly open until we proved that we could not be trusted to follow guidance....then the guidance had to become a dictate. I won't discuss golf because closing golf would also mean the walking trails, bike rides, MMP's would also need to be closed as they have a higher possibility of spread than any golf course. Also, only 16 States have closed courses, just in case anyone thinks we are an island.