As the governor loosens the reigns...

[DonnaNi4os]

As the governor begins to loosen the reigns, I believe a large number of people will have a false sense of security and safety. Make no mistake, the number of cases right here in The Villages and throughout Florida is continuing to rise daily. So, before you get back to your life as you knew it before COVID-19, I beg you to consider the healthcare workers. Have you thought about which hospital you would go to if you would require hospitalization? Have you considered the first responders, nurses and other healthcare providers and their families? Perhaps another few weeks of self-isolation and selflessness might be the best idea. I know that all of us want to go back to life as we knew it. You may be longing to go back to the squares, but none of us want to go back to square one. So I beseech you, consider your fellow man.

[Topspinmo]

Most of us Probably think we will ever get back to life we knew before. IMO first of MAY time to start opening up outdoor activities with restrictions. Squares probably need to stay closed for month or two more along with indoor crowd functions.

[DianeM]

As the governor begins to loosen the reigns, I believe a large number of people will have a false sense of security and safety. Make no mistake, the number of cases right here in The Villages and throughout Florida is continuing to rise daily. So, before you get back to your life as you knew it before COVID-19, I beg you to consider the healthcare workers. Have you thought about which hospital you would go to if you would require hospitalization? Have you considered the first responders, nurses and other healthcare providers and their families? Perhaps another few weeks of self-isolation and selflessness might be the best idea. I know that all of us want to go back to life as we knew it. You may be longing to go back to the squares, but none of us want to go back to square one. So I beseech you, consider your fellow man.

Absolutely! No Question! Just as soon as he considers me.

The opening schedule is gradual and well thought out. Two weeks of little to no cases, then Phase 1 for two weeks which is social distancing and no gatherings of more than ten. Phase 2 is also two weeks and opens a few more things but keeps the same distancing. Phase 3 is pretty much opens everything I believe. Any significant increases in cases brings you back to current regulations. No one is forced to go out and these phases encompass approximately six weeks which is June.

[karostay]

I don't trust any of the government numbers from either side of the isle

[JoMar]

Absolutely! No Question! Just as soon as he considers me.

The opening schedule is gradual and well thought out. Two weeks of little to no cases, then Phase 1 for two weeks which is social distancing and no gatherings of more than ten. Phase 2 is also two weeks and opens a few more things but keeps the same distancing. Phase 3 is pretty much opens everything I believe. Any significant increases in cases brings you back to current regulations. No one is forced to go out and these phases encompass approximately six weeks which is June.

Actually the two week gating with continued down slope of cases then phase one which stays in effect for a minimum of 14 days, then back to the two weeks of gating and movement to phase 2 for a minimum of 14 days then back to two weeks of gating and movement to phase 3. If everything goes to plan you are looking at a minimum of 10 weeks to start phase 3. If the gating phase shows a backward trend you don't go to the next phase and if significant could put you back to the beginning.
That is the guidance, what Gov Desantis does to implement hasn't been announced but past history tells me he will most likely follow the guidance. Will he implement State wide or County by County? It seems the Mayors and County Supervisors have been making prudent decisions and I suspect they will continue to do so.

[DianeM]

Actually the two week gating with continued down slope of cases then phase one which stays in effect for a minimum of 14 days, then back to the two weeks of gating and movement to phase 2 for a minimum of 14 days then back to two weeks of gating and movement to phase 3. If everything goes to plan you are looking at a minimum of 10 weeks to start phase 3. If the gating phase shows a backward trend you don't go to the next phase and if significant could put you back to the beginning.
That is the guidance, what Gov Desantis does to implement hasn't been announced but past history tells me he will most likely follow the guidance. Will he implement State wide or County by County? It seems the Mayors and County Supervisors have been making prudent decisions and I suspect they will continue to do so.

Two weeks to get to phase 1 is 2 weeks
Two weeks in phase 1 Is 2 weeks
Two weeks in phase 2. Is 2 weeks
Phase 3 Is life goes on
I still get 6 weeks

I did say that if cases or deaths go up, you’re back to square one.

[manaboutown]

I don't trust any of the government numbers from either side of the isle

I don't trust the numbers from China.

[B767drvr]

As the governor begins to loosen the reigns, I believe a large number of people will have a false sense of security and safety. Make no mistake, the number of cases right here in The Villages and throughout Florida is continuing to rise daily. So, before you get back to your life as you knew it before COVID-19, I beg you to consider the healthcare workers. Have you thought about which hospital you would go to if you would require hospitalization? Have you considered the first responders, nurses and other healthcare providers and their families? Perhaps another few weeks of self-isolation and selflessness might be the best idea. I know that all of us want to go back to life as we knew it. You may be longing to go back to the squares, but none of us want to go back to square one. So I beseech you, consider your fellow man.

What a fantastic message Donna! I truly mean it.

On another message I posed a moral question about the freedom/versus health question. I TOTALLY forgot (and am embarrassed and sorry) I neglected to consider the front-line hospital workers in my thoughts. YIKES! SO SORRY!

You're ABSOLUTELY correct to consider their health and well-being! I'll try to edit. Nevertheless, GREAT point about needlessly endangering health workers!

[jswirs]

I don't trust any of the government numbers from either side of the isle
I don't trust any government at all.

[xNYer]

I don't trust any government at all.

What information do you trust?

[USA2170]

As the governor begins to loosen the reigns, I believe a large number of people will have a false sense of security and safety. Make no mistake, the number of cases right here in The Villages and throughout Florida is continuing to rise daily. So, before you get back to your life as you knew it before COVID-19, I beg you to consider the healthcare workers. Have you thought about which hospital you would go to if you would require hospitalization? Have you considered the first responders, nurses and other healthcare providers and their families? Perhaps another few weeks of self-isolation and selflessness might be the best idea. I know that all of us want to go back to life as we knew it. You may be longing to go back to the squares, but none of us want to go back to square one. So I beseech you, consider your fellow man.
Well said, you are right on target. Unfortunately their are many Villages who will dispute what a shame for outhers.

[Joanne19335]

What information do you trust?

I trust the numbers—the statistics. I also trust that we will not be completely safe until there is a vaccine. If we lower our guard, go to the beach, congregate in large numbers, dance at the squares, etc., there will be another surge in positive cases and many more deaths.

[greenflash245]

amen!

[jjtjr]

What a perfect way to reduce the government cost with social security and Medicare, kill off a lot of us older folks. Yep get together in large groups and spread it around. Its call herd immunity. Don't buy into it.

[karostay]

As the old saying goes it isn't over till The fat lady sings..Personally I don't even hear her warming up ...Hold on

[Aloha1]

I trust the numbers—the statistics. I also trust that we will not be completely safe until there is a vaccine. If we lower our guard, go to the beach, congregate in large numbers, dance at the squares, etc., there will be another surge in positive cases and many more deaths.

You will not be "completely safe" even WITH a vaccine. So far from March 15 to April 18, 748 Floridians have died from the Wuhan virus. Contrast that with the 2018 statistics for influenza, which has a vaccine: 3,082 Floridians died. (data from Florida Health).
A far as" trusting the numbers", that appears to be an ever changing scenario. Latest data out of 3,000 antibody screening tests in California shows an infection rate 50 to 85 HIGHER than what the "numbers" allege. The vast majority of those tested either had no symptoms or very mild ones like a cold.

[Twiganne]

Whoever trust China are oblivious to the truth. China is starting to own the US. Does anyone really believe that a county who kills people for reporting or doctors issuing warning to the counties.

[Jazzman]

As the governor begins to loosen the reigns, I believe a large number of people will have a false sense of security and safety. Make no mistake, the number of cases right here in The Villages and throughout Florida is continuing to rise daily. So, before you get back to your life as you knew it before COVID-19, I beg you to consider the healthcare workers. Have you thought about which hospital you would go to if you would require hospitalization? Have you considered the first responders, nurses and other healthcare providers and their families? Perhaps another few weeks of self-isolation and selflessness might be the best idea. I know that all of us want to go back to life as we knew it. You may be longing to go back to the squares, but none of us want to go back to square one. So I beseech you, consider your fellow man.

Have you considered those that are unemployed and currently struggling to make ends meet? At the current rate there will be 27 million unemployed across the country by June 1. The overwhelming majority who live here are fortunate that they can make ends meet without having to be employed, but unfortunately that is not the case for the hundreds of service type workers who fill the jobs that support our extracurricular activities such as dining out, hairdressers, barbers, and many others. The moral and social consequences of 27 million unemployed will be in place for years and even after this current event will be remembered as a historic event. Not so for those whose lives will be changed forever as a result of long term unemployment.

[eyc234]

Well you can see what is going to happen as things are loosened by the pictures and video of what is happening at the beaches that the governor opened yesterday. Sorry to say but there is a high probability that shutdown will happen again because people in this country are idiots. This definitely shows the "all about me" mentality that is pervasive in todays society. :faint:

[ColdNoMore]

As the governor begins to loosen the reigns, I believe a large number of people will have a false sense of security and safety. Make no mistake, the number of cases right here in The Villages and throughout Florida is continuing to rise daily. So, before you get back to your life as you knew it before COVID-19, I beg you to consider the healthcare workers. Have you thought about which hospital you would go to if you would require hospitalization? Have you considered the first responders, nurses and other healthcare providers and their families? Perhaps another few weeks of self-isolation and selflessness might be the best idea. I know that all of us want to go back to life as we knew it. You may be longing to go back to the squares, but none of us want to go back to square one. So I beseech you, consider your fellow man.

THAT...says it all. :ohdear:

[Guitarman1951]

As the governor begins to loosen the reigns, I believe a large number of people will have a false sense of security and safety. Make no mistake, the number of cases right here in The Villages and throughout Florida is continuing to rise daily. So, before you get back to your life as you knew it before COVID-19, I beg you to consider the healthcare workers. Have you thought about which hospital you would go to if you would require hospitalization? Have you considered the first responders, nurses and other healthcare providers and their families? Perhaps another few weeks of self-isolation and selflessness might be the best idea. I know that all of us want to go back to life as we knew it. You may be longing to go back to the squares, but none of us want to go back to square one. So I beseech you, consider your fellow man.
No one has said anything about going back to normal. Mitigation procedures will remain in place as selective areas and businesses open for a very controlled business. We can't hole up for a long period without substantial long term damage to the economy. Unlike most of the retirees in the Villages, people need their jobs to survive and if we don't want to go into a spiraling depression, which will affect everybody, we need them to get back to work.

[HelenLCSW]

I don't trust any of the government numbers from either side of the isle

Best to go by CDC and infectious disease specialists.

[cherylncliff]

Also note the guidance says at risk populations stay inside until phase 3. Elderly are considered at risk but it gives no age, just the adjective "elderly". This would likely apply to at least 80% of The Villages population.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You will not be "completely safe" even WITH a vaccine. So far from March 15 to April 18, 748 Floridians have died from the Wuhan virus. Contrast that with the 2018 statistics for influenza, which has a vaccine: 3,082 Floridians died. (data from Florida Health).
A far as" trusting the numbers", that appears to be an ever changing scenario. Latest data out of 3,000 antibody screening tests in California shows an infection rate 50 to 85 HIGHER than what the "numbers" allege. The vast majority of those tested either had no symptoms or very mild ones like a cold.

That's a HUGE difference.
748 Floridians died in a single month, to COVID-19.
3082 Floridians died in an entire year, from the flu. And while flu season is a limited season, anyone can actually catch it any time of year.

If we were to compare, we have to do the math. Can't multiply 748 by 12 months because the flu _is_ seasonal, which means very small number dying from it outside the season.

So we'll divide the flu numbers by 12 to get a monthly average.

3082/12=256

So - the flu's monthly average death rate is 256.

Compare with COVID's average death rate of 748.

That's juuuust slightly lower than 150% higher death rate for COVID-19.

[PugMom]

I don't trust any of the government numbers from either side of the isle
THANK YOU~!:bigbow:

[PugMom]

I trust the numbers—the statistics. I also trust that we will not be completely safe until there is a vaccine. If we lower our guard, go to the beach, congregate in large numbers, dance at the squares, etc., there will be another surge in positive cases and many more deaths.
i'm not sure i'd even get the vaccine, -it depends on whats in it & where it was manufactured

[ladyarwen3]

I am afraid that there will never be an effective vaccine; still no vaccine for HIV, the common cold, and the flu vaccines are not 100 %
(or even 75%) effective most years. Everyone talks about immunity. You all get a cold. Are you immune afterwards ? NO! My hope is for a more effective treatment.

[davem4616]

There is absolutely no way that we'll ever "go back to life as we knew it" ...period. Our world is now forever changed. The pressure from the unemployed to be able to return to work is like the force of water....it can't be stopped, so that will begin to happen.

If we see a sharp rise in the number of new cases/deaths as a result of people returning to work/opening small shops up for business, whatever hopes there were of an upswing in the economy are pretty much screwed.

Business owners and business leaders will need to step up and make the necessary changes to keep everyone as safe as possible....as they can't go back to business the way it was either. Those that were operating on a shoe string to begin with will go out of business. Statistically more businesses fail than are successful over the long haul...now we might see an upswing in failures but that curve will level off at a point too.

The fat lady won't be getting ready to sing until a vaccine is available....and hopefully the idiots that shy away from getting flu shots will pony up and get the c-19 shot (or whatever it's called)

I suspect that a % of folks will continue wearing face masks, and that will become commonplace in densely populated areas. That will certainly change the very look of the photos taken at the squares....maybe we'll have to have two photos on passports and driver licenses (one with a facemask and one without).

but then there is the conundrum for the Village merchants at the squares (who subsidize the nightly dancing)… is returning to crowded squares ethically and morally the safe thing to promote...how much business do they actually do at night?

Talk about unintended consequences....with a % of the population wearing face masks, how much more crime will small businesses that traditionally have been seen by the bad guys as an easy target to hold up endure?... I can't wait to see how the banks will deal with customers coming into the lobby with a face mask....will they all have metal detectors installed at the door...I suspect that banks will reinstall those glass barriers at the Teller's window

will restaurants supply you with some kind of a face mask that you can flip to the side when you want to eat....heck why not? in Maine when you order lobster they give you a throw away bib and a lemon hand wipe to clean up afterwards with....

Those that are financially at risk will certainly take more risks to bring in money than those that are not....

The "Boomer's" will continue to be restless, push back on authority and demand the freedom to do whatever they want...heck we've been doing that since the 1960's and we're too darn old to change now

I wonder if the hearing aid manufacturer's will come up with a new model that will compensate for the muffled speech of those wearing a face mask?

just saying

[davem4616]

i'm not sure i'd even get the vaccine, -it depends on whats in it & where it was manufactured



I'll get in line for a shot....just like I do every year for the flu shots

[merrymini]

Ready to get back to real living!

[airstreamingypsy]

Donna, It's loosen the reins, not reigns. You're welcome.

[pmken2]

Sumter County had 24 new cases between Fri and Sat. That is the largest number since the beginning of tracking it. Get real people, this is not the time to go crazy. These numbers need to go down and stay steady first.

[ithos]

We are 24 Trillion in debt. Trillions more in debt will be incurred if we keep a choke hold on the economy. This can only be sustained by printing more virtual money.

If we do not restart our economy soon, then the healthcare system may collapse anyway due to the most severe economic depression in our country's history.

90% of those hospitalized have underlying conditions. So if you are in an at risk category then by all means, continue to stay at home and practice extreme social distancing when you venture out.

The rest of the population needs to get back to work as soon as practicable (depending on the regions infection rates) to ensure that that Medicare and SS is sustained. It is pure delusion to think that the country is not taking extreme risks by these NATIONWIDE stay at home dictates.

"https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/04/15/coronavirus-risk-90-patients-had-underlying-conditions/2962721001/"

[MandoMan]

Horses have reins. Kings and queens have reigns. Governors of Florida have PR consultants and pollsters.

[Aloha1]

That's a HUGE difference.
748 Floridians died in a single month, to COVID-19.
3082 Floridians died in an entire year, from the flu. And while flu season is a limited season, anyone can actually catch it any time of year.

If we were to compare, we have to do the math. Can't multiply 748 by 12 months because the flu _is_ seasonal, which means very small number dying from it outside the season.

So we'll divide the flu numbers by 12 to get a monthly average.

3082/12=256

So - the flu's monthly average death rate is 256.

Compare with COVID's average death rate of 748.

That's juuuust slightly lower than 150% higher death rate for COVID-19.

You cannot divide by 12 since the flu season typical ends in mid February and starts up again in mid October. 2018 is the only yearly data available and that was a fairly mild flu season. So, the over 3,000 flu deaths generally occurred within a 4 to 5 month time frame. Divide by 5 and you get 600 deaths on average. The Wuhan virus data is actually the total cases from January to date, so let's say 4 months divided into 748 gives an average of 187 deaths per month.

Now, we both know that you can't really look at a monthly average since there are spikes in both diseases during the active period. My point is, it is too early to determine the true scope of this virus versus the flu.

[Bogie Shooter]

Horses have reins. Kings and queens have reigns. Governors of Florida have PR consultants and pollsters.

And (Oh never mind....it would get this thread closed)

[ficoguy]

Most of us Probably think we will ever get back to life we knew before. IMO first of MAY time to start opening up outdoor activities with restrictions. Squares probably need to stay closed for month or two more along with indoor crowd functions.

Can we really trust the government to "keep us safe"? It was afraid to close borders to China for fear of angering the all powerful Chinese Communists. it botched the CDC test kits, it gave away all our stockpiles of PPE for Ebola, SARS, H1N1, etc.
If the people come out and protest, will the government fire upon and kill US citizens?
All we want to do is go back to work, to church and sit out in the sun. The only protection the government can provide is more "stay at home"? If we don't get back to normal, then this will be the new normal - basically living under martial law.

[Bill1701]

I agree. For all of you Villagers who want everything to stay shut down for months, are you willing to give your retirement income to a family trying to make ends meet? I can tell you that someone trying to decide to pay the rent or utilities, but can't afford both, is not thinking about some oldster in The Villages getting sick. The rest of the world is more important than what happens here.

[Joorn59]

Absolutely! No Question! Just as soon as he considers me.

The opening schedule is gradual and well thought out. Two weeks of little to no cases, then Phase 1 for two weeks which is social distancing and no gatherings of more than ten. Phase 2 is also two weeks and opens a few more things but keeps the same distancing. Phase 3 is pretty much opens everything I believe. Any significant increases in cases brings you back to current regulations. No one is forced to go out and these phases encompass approximately six weeks which is June.
It’ll be a month when new cases pop up. We’re only testing symptomatic cases.
To safely open anything we need random sampling.

[sallybowron]

Absolutely! No Question! Just as soon as he considers me.

The opening schedule is gradual and well thought out. Two weeks of little to no cases, then Phase 1 for two weeks which is social distancing and no gatherings of more than ten. Phase 2 is also two weeks and opens a few more things but keeps the same distancing. Phase 3 is pretty much opens everything I believe. Any significant increases in cases brings you back to current regulations. No one is forced to go out and these phases encompass approximately six weeks which is June.

Someone has to consider the other one first. Maybe your neighbor will never consider you. Does that give us the right to not consider them. WWJD?

[GoodLife]

Horses have reins. Kings and queens have reigns. Governors of Florida have PR consultants and pollsters.

Governors in Florida also have a substantially lower death rate per 100k inhabitants than other states.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/states-highest-death-rate-per-100k-305414/

[miharris]

That's a HUGE difference.
748 Floridians died in a single month, to COVID-19.
3082 Floridians died in an entire year, from the flu. And while flu season is a limited season, anyone can actually catch it any time of year.

If we were to compare, we have to do the math. Can't multiply 748 by 12 months because the flu _is_ seasonal, which means very small number dying from it outside the season.

So we'll divide the flu numbers by 12 to get a monthly average.

3082/12=256

So - the flu's monthly average death rate is 256.

Compare with COVID's average death rate of 748.

That's juuuust slightly lower than 150% higher death rate for COVID-19.

According to the CDC, the average flu season lasts for about 16 weeks, or 4 months, when you see about 80% of the fatalities. So 80% of 3082 is 2456. Divided by 4 months is 616, so pretty close even without comparing peak to peak levels. Also the 748 number you are using is total deaths in the state so far, not a monthly number.

[donassaid]

Why don't we just stay in our homes the rest of this year while our country and economy go the route of Venezuela? We have been sold a bill of goods. 2.2 million deaths? I think not. 200,000 deaths? Not hardly. We can not last another 30 days of our economy being shut down or do you think stimulus money grows on trees?

[cb1972]

Through this experience I have learned that the medical professionals have their job to do which is advise us of the risks.They will always be on the side of preserving health and life as they should, its their job, their oath. But the reality is we can't tank our economy, or take away the financial future of our children. Like him or not our President from the beginning has been pushing us to get back to work . In my opinion this should be our number one priority. Yes we should do it safely , social distancing , masks, no large gatherings etc.. There will be risks but we need to start gaining momentum as soon as possible.

[jackandbeth]

We all just jumped out of an airplane at 1300 feet. Some of us got our chute lines tangled but thankfully got them straightened out, some of us our chutes failed to open ... And now you want me to take my chute off because we are almost there- 400 feet above the ground. I will wait until I've safely landed.
God bless you all. Stay Happy and Healthy, Beth

[bhemingway]

Governors in Florida also have a substantially lower death rate per 100k inhabitants than other states.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/states-highest-death-rate-per-100k-305414/

Correct me if I am wrong but each State only has one Governor so can we drop the "s"?

[npwalters]

I agree. For all of you Villagers who want everything to stay shut down for months, are you willing to give your retirement income to a family trying to make ends meet? I can tell you that someone trying to decide to pay the rent or utilities, but can't afford both, is not thinking about some oldster in The Villages getting sick. The rest of the world is more important than what happens here.

yep, true

[D.Bolen]

Donna, It's loosen the reins, not reigns. You're welcome.

I thought Donna's choice of spelling was not an error, but a clever and deliberately tongue-in-cheek commentary.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It's called COVID-19. Fewer characters to type than "the Wuhan virus" and more respectful of actual science, and people who are suffering from and have died from it.

If y'all can't manage to call it by its correct name, then you can't expect anyone to take your opinion about it seriously.

[Villageswimmer]

As the governor begins to loosen the reigns, I believe a large number of people will have a false sense of security and safety. Make no mistake, the number of cases right here in The Villages and throughout Florida is continuing to rise daily. So, before you get back to your life as you knew it before COVID-19, I beg you to consider the healthcare workers. Have you thought about which hospital you would go to if you would require hospitalization? Have you considered the first responders, nurses and other healthcare providers and their families? Perhaps another few weeks of self-isolation and selflessness might be the best idea. I know that all of us want to go back to life as we knew it. You may be longing to go back to the squares, but none of us want to go back to square one. So I beseech you, consider your fellow man.

Thank you for your thoughtful post. I share your sentiments.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

As the governor begins to loosen the reigns, I believe a large number of people will have a false sense of security and safety. Make no mistake, the number of cases right here in The Villages and throughout Florida is continuing to rise daily. So, before you get back to your life as you knew it before COVID-19, I beg you to consider the healthcare workers. Have you thought about which hospital you would go to if you would require hospitalization? Have you considered the first responders, nurses and other healthcare providers and their families? Perhaps another few weeks of self-isolation and selflessness might be the best idea. I know that all of us want to go back to life as we knew it. You may be longing to go back to the squares, but none of us want to go back to square one. So I beseech you, consider your fellow man.

I don't think we'll get "back" to what we had, completely, any time soon. Not even if we re-open things. Too many of us are reluctant to return completely, because too many of us understand the risks - and have more to lose than perhaps other people.

However, I would like to see some changes in the restrictions. Some more strict than before, which would ease things up for some looser elsewhere.

For instance - a concerted effort by ALL the stores in the squares to ENFORCE social distancing rules. If a customer can't manage to keep his distance, then he is no longer welcome to shop there - until such time as he learns how to comply with the new rules of the store.

For instance - ALL customers must wear a mask or other face covering. Anyone who refuses - is not welcome into the store. It has to be enforced.

For instance - capacity limits based on the square footage on the floor where the customers are able to go. Not based on total square footage including the store-rooms in the back.

If it's 1 person for every 24 square feet (that's 6 feet in any direction) then that's how it is. If that means one-way aisles, then that's what it means. And customers would be REQUIRED to obey those rules, or be turned away.

Your toilet paper is not more important than my life. And the same should be true in ANY store, with ANY product. For the forseeable future. Until. Until it is safe to do otherwise.

I'd be fine with opening stores back up, re-opening the pools, re-opening the sports courts - IF we can be assured that stores, rec centers, and other businesses would comply with these inconveniences of safety, and enforce the same upon their customers.

As long as I can go to target and see that MOST customers have no masks, have no respect for the 6-foot rule, that there's no one cleaning the shopping carts, that kids are walking in the middle of the aisles making it impossible for anyone ELSE to follow the 6-foot rule...then we need to not open up businesses.

People need to take this seriously, and take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect everyone else. If they can't do that, then they should not be allowed to exercise the "freedoms" they so loudly demand (pro-tip: swimming in a pool paid for by amenities is not a right or freedom protected by the constitution).

[jimjamuser]

As the governor begins to loosen the reigns, I believe a large number of people will have a false sense of security and safety. Make no mistake, the number of cases right here in The Villages and throughout Florida is continuing to rise daily. So, before you get back to your life as you knew it before COVID-19, I beg you to consider the healthcare workers. Have you thought about which hospital you would go to if you would require hospitalization? Have you considered the first responders, nurses and other healthcare providers and their families? Perhaps another few weeks of self-isolation and selflessness might be the best idea. I know that all of us want to go back to life as we knew it. You may be longing to go back to the squares, but none of us want to go back to square one. So I beseech you, consider your fellow man.
You go, girl. You are right

[Kenswing]

If it's 1 person for every 24 square feet (that's 6 feet in any direction) then that's how it is. If that means one-way aisles, then that's what it means. And customers would be REQUIRED to obey those rules, or be turned away.



Six feet in each direction would be 36 square feet.. ;)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Six feet in each direction would be 36 square feet.. ;)

You're right. I was thinking the cardinal directions from the middle out: 6 feet north, 6 feet south, 6 feet east, 6 feet west. That all equals 24 feet. It's not "square feet" - you're right about that.

[Kenswing]

You're right. I was thinking the cardinal directions from the middle out: 6 feet north, 6 feet south, 6 feet east, 6 feet west. That all equals 24 feet. It's not "square feet" - you're right about that.

Actually you'd only need 28 square feet since you could accomplish your six feet of separation with a 6' diameter circle. It would be more of a personal bubble than a box.. lol

Yes, I'm bored and I need a haircut.. :1rotfl:

[chet2020]

You're right. I was thinking the cardinal directions from the middle out: 6 feet north, 6 feet south, 6 feet east, 6 feet west. That all equals 24 feet. It's not "square feet" - you're right about that.

I would go with 113 sq ft. You are in the center of a circle with a radius of 6 ft. (πr²). Typing that formula was a PITA.

[Kenswing]

I would go with 113 sq ft. You are in the center of a circle with a radius of 6 ft. (πr²). Typing that formula was a PITA.
But you don't need a 6' radius, only 3'. The guy next to you will have the other 3'.. lol

[Jeremiah Riordan]

Well played!

[DAN48]

I don't trust any of the government numbers from either side of the isle

And, you can add the lying media to the cast of characters with an agenda!

[blueash]

The first meeting of the "Re-Open Florida Task Force" which was convened by DeSantis to advise him on how to go forward, met today, Monday Apr 20. The report of the membership, who is there, who is not is detailed by the Miami Herald Newspaper. (https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article242053011.html)
DeSantis is leading the task force and it does not contain a single physician. Instead it is dominated by Republican legislative and executive office holders and the leaders of large businesses. There are no representatives of small business nor of agriculture.

Also missing were any representatives from small businesses, whom DeSantis and his spokeswoman had assured would have a “big emphasis” on the task force meetings.

The 90-minute meeting Monday of the group led by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Chamber of Commerce focused on statistics about the state economy and business leaders thanking DeSantis for his “thoughtful,” “decisive” and “proactive” leadership.
The state’s top two health officials, the surgeon general and the secretary for the Agency for Health Care Administration, were not heard from until the end of the call.

At least they had one doctor there, listening and allowed to talk at the end. Mary Mayhew is the Sec for the Agency for HCA and is a poly sci graduate and former candidate for governor in the state of Maine.

It seems strange to me that the task force which will recommend to DeSantis is big business [banks, tourism, utilities] and not a single doctor or epidemiologist. I think you can already see what the overriding factor is going to be. $$ not lives. I hope it works out. It might.

[thelegges]

Elective surgeries start May 1 in Michigan, good thing hospitals have laid off many departments, since March.

[coffeebean]

Whoever trust China are oblivious to the truth. China is starting to own the US. Does anyone really believe that a country who kills people for reporting or doctors issuing warning to the counties.

I have always had this very sick feeling that the young Chinese physician whistle blower did not die of Covid.

[coffeebean]

I am afraid that there will never be an effective vaccine; still no vaccine for HIV, the common cold, and the flu vaccines are not 100 %
(or even 75%) effective most years. Everyone talks about immunity. You all get a cold. Are you immune afterwards ? NO! My hope is for a more effective treatment.

The immune system kicks in to fight off the common cold. If it weren't for our immune systems, the common cold could be a lot more worrisome than it is. Here is a good article........

How Your Immune System Reacts to the Common Cold (https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-the-medical-immunity-3955691)

[coffeebean]

You cannot divide by 12 since the flu season typical ends in mid February and starts up again in mid October. 2018 is the only yearly data available and that was a fairly mild flu season. So, the over 3,000 flu deaths generally occurred within a 4 to 5 month time frame. Divide by 5 and you get 600 deaths on average. The Wuhan virus data is actually the total cases from January to date, so let's say 4 months divided into 748 gives an average of 187 deaths per month.

Now, we both know that you can't really look at a monthly average since there are spikes in both diseases during the active period. My point is, it is too early to determine the true scope of this virus versus the flu.
Has it been determined that this coronavirus which causes Covid-19 is seasonal?

[coffeebean]

I would go with 113 sq ft. You are in the center of a circle with a radius of 6 ft. (πr²). Typing that formula was a PITA.

My laptop doesn't have those symbols. Not that I have found.

[Michael Charles]

I think there is a tremendous opportunity for a new product to be developed and sold. Imagine for a moment using the basic hoola hoop as the base, but making it somewhat larger. Using the invisible dog fence technology with a neck collar which will simply zap the wearer/shopper if you're getting too close to the person nearby honoring the 6ft required space between the nearest human being. That is one way to ensure we're safe while shopping then the designers of the store aisles can figure out how wide to make the aisles for the best way for us all to maintain social distancing while shopping. Then the same store designers can adapt a new way of shopping for produce, meats and baked goods by simply not allowing any customers to touch any of those items, just take a number in those departments then wait for your number to be called, just like at the deli counters. Finally, set up a row of one person self checkout stations with a safe distance for the next person waiting to check out. Oh yes, I was just thinking about some sort of automatic shopping cart collection and sterilization system (that can also be newly designed, see more good old American ingenuity), created and built then implemented, see, its all settled. Let the suggestions commence.

[graciegirl]

My laptop doesn't have those symbols. Not that I have found.

I can spell it...me, me, pick me...I know how to spell those symbols...Here ya go. Pie are squared.

[coffeebean]

I can spell it...me, me, pick me...I know how to spell those symbols...Here ya go. Pie are squared.

Too funny, Gracie!

[canyonblue]

What a perfect way to reduce the government cost with social security and Medicare, kill off a lot of us older folks. Yep get together in large groups and spread it around. Its call herd immunity. Don't buy into it.

If people don't get back to work soon there won't be any social security. With the unemployment numbers reaching the great depression numbers, the amount of money being deposited into the trust fund is drying up quick and is down to a trickle. I'm not sure of the exact percentage of TV residents who can live without a check from SS, but if you cannot, I'd be less inclined to keep people at home. Buy into that!

[JoMar]

You cannot divide by 12 since the flu season typical ends in mid February and starts up again in mid October. 2018 is the only yearly data available and that was a fairly mild flu season. So, the over 3,000 flu deaths generally occurred within a 4 to 5 month time frame. Divide by 5 and you get 600 deaths on average. The Wuhan virus data is actually the total cases from January to date, so let's say 4 months divided into 748 gives an average of 187 deaths per month.

Now, we both know that you can't really look at a monthly average since there are spikes in both diseases during the active period. My point is, it is too early to determine the true scope of this virus versus the flu.

Flu season is October through as late as May. Pick the months that make your math work :)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My laptop doesn't have those symbols. Not that I have found.

It's alt-keyboard code. Pi is alt-227. π Then the letter r, with alt-0178 to square it: r². Put that all together and you have:

(πr²)

Voila.

[Velvet]

What a perfect way to reduce the government cost with social security and Medicare, kill off a lot of us older folks. Yep get together in large groups and spread it around. Its call herd immunity. Don't buy into it.

In this case, it’s called herd impunity.

[chet2020]

It's alt-keyboard code. Pi is alt-227. π Then the letter r, with alt-0178 to square it: r². Put that all together and you have:

(πr²)

Voila.

Orange Blossom used the trick I used. As mentioned, it was a PITA. It would have saved me time to go with Gracie's method.

[coffeebean]

It's alt-keyboard code. Pi is alt-227. π Then the letter r, with alt-0178 to square it: r². Put that all together and you have:

(πr²)

Voila.

Who knew? I Googled it and got the whole alt keyboard list. Thanks.
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