Seeking advice from others on whether you feel it is safe to return to the Village

[Clarinet]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.

[hlsboro]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.


It will be extremely dangerous here so please stay away. This also goes for all the snowbirds planning a return this fall. It is very sad every time i go to the pool and i'm the only one there. SAD SAD SAD. This goes for restaurants and stores as well, not to mention the awful times i can drive around without bumper to bumper traffic. So to anwser your ? I would highly recommended staying put.

[rjn5656]

Safer here than most places.

[Gulfcoast]

I think that TV is safe now. But I am waiting until more things reopen before we plan a Lifestyle Visit there.

In the meantime, I will stay in my nearly 4000 sqft home on close to 2 acres in an outer gulf coast suburb. A few days ago, I spent the entire day trimming shrubs, weeding and hauling big cans of yard debris around. Today I have 5 bathrooms to clean and sanitize.

When we retire, I want less maintenance and more fun activities. The idea of spending our days working out, going golfing and swimming, shopping and dining on the squares, going to classes and listening/dancing to live entertainment sounds like a lot of fun.

We are patiently awaiting things to reopen in TV so that we can check it all out. We know that good things take time and eventually things will get back to normal.

[Halibut]

We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall.

Is there a timeline for your decision? My best advice is to wait and see what happens. Things with COVID could change drastically one way or the other in the next 3-4 months.

Currently it appears that plans for reopening TV activities will follow Florida guidelines, so most everything should be available again by Fall. But then, I wouldn't bet more than a nickle on any particular outcome -- we're all standing on shifting sands with no crystal balls!

[davem4616]

Wise to be monitoring what's going on even though your plan is to not travel back until October

TV is as safe as anywhere I believe. Some things are starting to open up, softball, tennis, the pools, restaurants, the movie houses...but the squares still look somewhat like a 'ghost town' compared to what we've all come to love and enjoy

today's Daily Sun talks about an uptick in the number of covid-19 cases in the tri-county area...Lake and Marion counties seem to have the most with 530 and 217 new cases (as you know there are only a few Villages in these counties)....Sumter's new cases I believe were under 50 which represents the majority of the Villages

yesterday the line at a Walgreens that was offering testing was huge....folks are concerned, but no panic. Not everyone wears a mask...so perhaps with all that has reopened and people have gathered w/o masks we may see an uptick in cases within TV

IMHO, once you return I believe that you'd be happy to be back in the bubble, regardless of what's open/not open...after 17 years
it's in your blood...and you can play the game as safely as you choose

We were snowbirds for years....I'd actually be more concerned about how I planned to make the trip back down

We've chosen to stay safe and have told our kid's "please no visiting". They'd all be flying down. We are seeing grandchildren in TV...recent reports are that the virus is spreading quickly among the 18 - 25 age group...and I would expect among the younger set too. With Zoom and Marco Polo you can still 'see' everyone...and there's always the phone

[Bill32]

A lot of sarcasm on this thread....;)

[Taltarzac725]

Probably depends a lot on the kinds of things you are used to doing.

IMHO the Villages' management is doing a very good job with dealing with the Corona Virus public health crisis. As are many businesses here in the Villages. There are exceptions though. My neighborhood pool, for instance, often has people coming and going without masks on which is supposedly required.

And I sometimes get a close talker without a mask approaching me at one of the local dog parks but most people there are keeping at least six feet of distance.

I try to wear glasses, a hat, and a mask on any indoor visit to local stores. But there are people who do not wear masks nor glasses.

It varies quite a bit.

[Stu from NYC]

Who knows what will be happening in four months would delay decision as long as possible.

Would be more concerned about traveling. Will hotels be safe?

[davem4616]

No it isn't safe. People are dropping like flies here in FL and less than half the people here wear masks. Just a matter of time before it's a vast wasteland.



wow, dropping like flies...a vast wasteland

really?

[VApeople]

The idea of spending our days working out, going golfing and swimming, shopping and dining on the squares, going to classes and listening/dancing to live entertainment sounds like a lot of fun.


Yeah, we agree. You just described our life.

[Madelaine Amee]

At this time, with the virus spreading as quickly as it is and no vaccine available, I am against anyone moving from State to State. I think I read yesterday that NY, Jersey and Ct., are talking about stopping people visiting their States due to infection rates climbing again.

[Gulfcoast]

Yeah, we agree. You just described our life.

I think we could get used to that no problem. Looking forward to visiting TV, it sounds like a great place!

[VIN574]

Most here are following the advice from the Florida department of health. There are plenty of things to do and we expect more soon. We are using TV's facilities and activities (golf and pools), restaurants, retail stores, and socializing...all with caution. You need to decide what you're comfortable doing and be ready to change your behaviors as the situation evolves. We feel we have more activities available to us than we would up north. I believe there may be a requested 14-day quartine for some when you arrive.

BTW, the last time I looked an American citizen can travel anywhere within the USA despite anyone's opinion to the contrary.

Best

[Aloha1]

By October, the weather up north is getting colder plus it will be flu season. Get the heck out and come back down. You're safer here.

[Clarinet]

I agree and since I posted the thread this morning I am pleased to note a number of caring and interesting advice. As for those people who would rather "Snowbirds" stayed home I have to ask : Were you born in the Villages? Were you born in Florida or did you at one time come down from "Snowbird country" ?????

[asianthree]

OP I am not sure I would ask for advice about going to any community from a website.

Only you, and maybe your physician, know your health, and what actions you should be taking in the near future. There are many who are full time, and have no problems in TV. Then there are those who are still living in fear, waiting for the next wave.

Make choices, knowing that anything could change in a month

[Boilerman]

I think that in general, older people are being more cautious and wearing masks than younger people. So I think you’re as safe here as you could be most anywhere.

It also depends on what activities you’ll feel comfortable doing. I play golf and pickleball and I think those are low risk activities. I wear a mask in the stores and only eat carry out or delivery from the restaurants. That is our way of balancing risk and reward.

[inda50]

My best advice is to wait and see what happens. If you are comfortable where you are, relax and wait this thing out. At the moment Fl. is on the raise, this could change.

[Madelaine Amee]

I agree and since I posted the thread this morning I am pleased to note a number of caring and interesting advice. As for those people who would rather "Snowbirds" stayed home I have to ask : Were you born in the Villages? Were you born in Florida or did you at one time come down from "Snowbird country" ?????

I assume this is directed at me and my reply .....

1. I was not born in Florida.
2. I was a snowbird for several years before deciding to live here full time.
3. I have absolutely no problem with snowbirds, or as I prefer to call my friends ... seasonal residents, that is their choice. I will be socializing with my seasonal resident friends after they have been back for at least three weeks with no signs of the virus.

My concern is with a loved one who cannot afford to get this virus. We take every precaution to avoid getting this virus. We socially distance, always wear a mask and this particular person never, ever goes into a store with me. Unfortunately, we will have to live this way until the virus disappears or a vaccine is available.

I am aware that when residents return from their summer homes cases of colds and flu escalate in TV. I would request that you wear a mask and practice social distancing when you return.

[nututv]

wow, dropping like flies...a vast wasteland

really?
I read about it on The Onion. Oh, the humanity.

[valuemkt]

I agree and since I posted the thread this morning I am pleased to note a number of caring and interesting advice. As for those people who would rather "Snowbirds" stayed home I have to ask : Were you born in the Villages? Were you born in Florida or did you at one time come down from "Snowbird country" ?????

You will learn quickly that a growing majority of people who populate these blogs are suffering from CDS, Covid Derangement Syndrome. There are those, many of a certain age, who have vowed to stay in their homes until a proven vaccine comes about and a high percentage of people have taken it. They are quick to criticize the other portion, who have decided enough is enough, and let's get back to living and loving life, which means socialization and, dare I say it, having FUN.

You've also, interestingly, run into a different cross section of Villagers who have relocated here that now feel that now that they are here, there's no need for anymore people to come. After all, they didnt ruin it for their predecessors, but YOU may ruin it for them.

The good news is, if you choose to come down for a visit, or to buy, and whether you will be a snowbird or a full timer, you will probably not meet ANY of these people, since they will be holed up in their house. Who you will meet, are people that will welcome you, tell you why they came here, and what a great place it is to live. They might even buy you a beer and talk your ear off about all the things that they like about this place.

So yes, please come down - the Villages is a melting pot of past experiences and cultures, of interests and dis-interests. Feel free to PM if you have any questions.
Safe and happy travels

[joseppe]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.

Depends on whether you're going to come down and partake of lots of activities and social life. If you are then you're safer where you are, probably. You say where you are is 'limited activities'. Do the same here and you're probably as safe with the exception being going out and about shopping and such. Simply put, the more contact you have with people the less safe you'll be, there or here.

[Rwirish]

No as safe as some states. I would stay away.

[golfing eagles]

We don't yet know if this uptick in cases is a true second wave or just a statistical blip on the radar. However, based on the last several days of posts on TOTV, it looks like the second wave of paranoia has already begun.

[Girlcopper]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.
Your personal choice. You see the news and whats happening all over the country. Do u want to stay home ir come south? Roll the dice

[Pamelah]

Before we left mid May there were too many defying wearing a mask in TV and especially in Grocery stores. Here in NH
I could count on 1 hand the number of people in a store without a mask. But then just look at the numbers rising in Fl. Until DeSantis starts whistling a different tune, no thanks.

[MOMOH]

Cases are on the rise, but check out ************** . com They seem to be posting all the new cases in TV each day.

[Joanne19335]

Safer here than most places.

Are you kidding? We’re in a “hot” zone. I would not recommend anyone coming here until the curve flattens. I’m afraid that won’t happen for quite a while.

[Leadbone1]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.

The fact that you even posted this indicates you just need to stay home. We already have enough paranoid people in the villages. The media has done a good job of turning normally intelligent people paranoid.

[camaguey48]

In the meantime, I will stay in my nearly 4000 sqft home on close to 2 acres in an outer gulf coast suburb. A few days ago, I spent the entire day trimming shrubs, weeding and hauling big cans of yard debris around. Today I have 5 bathrooms to clean and sanitize.

Not much of a braggart, are you?

[dboyd29]

For your own safety please stay home.

[bocaabend]

Very safe here in TV

[oneclickplus]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.

Just bring your security blanket with you. You'll be alright.

[merrymini]

I will come and go as I please from and to. Do you really think that you can avoid a virus in any given state? Ridiculous!

[Kahiland]

Stay there as long as you can. Florida's numbers are going up and most people in TV do not seem too concerned. Makes me nervous.

[mamamia54]

I agree and since I posted the thread this morning I am pleased to note a number of caring and interesting advice. As for those people who would rather "Snowbirds" stayed home I have to ask : Were you born in the Villages? Were you born in Florida or did you at one time come down from "Snowbird country" ?????

Bravo! If you read these boards enough, you will realize some people here act like they built and own all of the villages. God forbid some “outsider” wants to come. I guess that’s why they say the bubble. Come down and enjoy yourself. Some people here are staying in until there is a vaccine, good luck with that.

[sallyg]

Just keep an eye on the virus numbers and compare to your home state, they are skyrocketing in Florida.

[DecaturFargo]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.
Comments by some are so naive. Florida's numberscare unimaginable. Sumter's numbers are up and The Villages numbers are going up daily. As a fulltimer, we would appreciate outsiders staying out and not potentially bringing COVID with them. Brcause so many folks follow the President, many, many are NIT wearing masks or social distancing. Stay where you are for now.

[sharonl7340]

I agree. Stay in your home state! Too many dangers here to count! Save Yourself!

[toeser]

I think that TV is safe now. But I am waiting until more things reopen before we plan a Lifestyle Visit there.

In the meantime, I will stay in my nearly 4000 sqft home on close to 2 acres in an outer gulf coast suburb. A few days ago, I spent the entire day trimming shrubs, weeding and hauling big cans of yard debris around. Today I have 5 bathrooms to clean and sanitize.

When we retire, I want less maintenance and more fun activities. The idea of spending our days working out, going golfing and swimming, shopping and dining on the squares, going to classes and listening/dancing to live entertainment sounds like a lot of fun.

We are patiently awaiting things to reopen in TV so that we can check it all out. We know that good things take time and eventually things will get back to normal.

Do you own the house or does the house own you? I was finally able to talk my wife into dumping our larger home and downsizing to just the space we needed. It's a better way to live.

[huange@verizon.net]

A lot of sarcasm on this thread....;)

Yeah, the OP should’ve just asked their village friends by email/phone/text instead.

[Gulfcoast]

Do you own the house or does the house own you? I was finally able to talk my wife into dumping our larger home and downsizing to just the space we needed. It's a better way to live.

We love our house and it's been a great place to raise our family. But now that our kids are getting older and we're looking at having an empty nest soon, it is time for us to start thinking about what the next phase of our life will be.

Downsizing and moving to an easy maintenance home in TV with access to lots of fun activities sounds really nice!

[BlackhawksFan]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.

If you're concerned just wait it out. You went this long and look your safe. Florida cases are exploding and a co-workers niece is a radiologist in Leesburg and told her the other day there were about 20 new cases between Leesburg and the Villages earlier this week.

For the most part the Villages are still restricted capacity in places and there's no Square entertainment and from what I've read here even though the movies are open the attendance has been low.

If I were up north I'd stay and just wait it out.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

Actually people not going to the pool etc means we are all cautious. Hopefully that applirs no mstter where you live. The are no guarantees that other parts of this country do not have the same problem. We only hear about our state because this is where we reside. I for one am cautious and encourage others to do the same. I have started my water aerobics class. We have a limit of 40 and that is working out well.

[ctmurray]

I would say don't come back this fall. Florida does not have a mask order, and the governor wants to re-open ASAP. So they will not have the virus under any type of control by the fall. Even though it is suggested to use a mask, many do not, again for political reasons. So restaurants with servers not wearing a mask is common. Basically to stay safe you have to just stay in your house. With golf you can socially distance but many other activities that is not possible. Wait until there is a vaccine.

[Dana1963]

I’m staying away for a while until Florida works everything out. Although we should be relatively safe villages picked up 12 cases in last 2 days. Some of the infected claimed they had contact with covid patient. Yesterday the found was not specific. Play safeWe are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.

[Jazzman]

Stay there as long as you can. Florida's numbers are going up and most people in TV do not seem too concerned. Makes me nervous.

The “numbers” are increasing worldwide and those now seeing the highest rates of infections and hospitalizations are in the 18 to 35 year range. Unfortunately you won’t find this info in any page one story in the Daily Sun. This age group were absent from the initial phase where the overwhelming majority of cases and deaths were senior citizens and particularly the elderly. This is a result of those now being identified as infected or asymptomatic being out and about in groups. You can issue all the mandates you want but you can’t stop groups from being together in someone’s home attending a party etc.

Whether many want to believe it or not, more testing results in identification of more people being infected. What to look at is the hospital admittance rate and death rate based on age basis.

[Carlsondm]

It depends on your risk level. It is June 26 and Florida is peaking. Many northern states peaked already and are guarding a resurgence. I would stay north until FL cases and deaths are on the decline for a week or two. Many activities are outside here, so watch contact but consider coming down to stay active. Bring hand sanitizer and masks. Still hard to get here.
I just moved here from Michigan and will be returning there for a while to see the self home schooled grand kids after my 14 day quarantine. Parents are all nurses/ drs or prison workers, so the grandkids have had limited contact w adults. I expect a seasonal virus return In the fall most everywhere and it usually is more deadly than this one. Check to see if you have some immunity perhaps, and come on down to enjoy the sunshine and modified activities. It is certainly better than being stuck in your home for 3-4 months.

I am guessing that the northern states will support careful vaccine production/distribution more aggressively than southern states. May want to get vaccinated there. Good luck & health, and kudos for requesting input.

[lindaelane]

If you make this trip by plane, I recommend getting the ticket now so that you can change plans if there is a new spike and you need to.

I think it is safe here as long as recommended precautions (masks, social distance) are followed. While cases in Florida are increasing, they are among a younger demographic - average age mid-30s - , and some but not all of the increase in numbers is attributable to more testing.

Deaths have not increased anywhere, including Florida, even though cases here and elsewhere have increased for weeks.

I see plenty of people in the pools. Current talk is that there will be club meetings in person, though we will need to wear masks, of course. I go to restaurants and see plenty of people dining-in. Servers wear masks and patrons are socially distanced. Golf goes on as it has.

For me the bottom line is that people fall into two camps. This is contagious, there is not a vaccine, we can't close down forever. This means a good percent of people will get the virus. The two camps:

(Camp A): I am at risk of death or serious health complications so I will isolate myself for as long as it takes.

(Camp B) I cannot stay isolated forever, the shut-down was for purposes of keeping hospitals from being overwhelmed, they are not overwhelmed, and I am going to go out even if I could get sick.

Hopefully Camp B folks wear masks and keep distant. I'm Camp B - I can't stay in my home for months or years, so I use caution but go out. If I was Camp A, I would not come - too many chances to catch the virus on the road. If you are Camp A you are going out as little as possible, so I do not see how you would enjoy coming here.

Your northern state will be "open" by October (unless we have a second wave, in which case all bets are off) so its likely your northern state will be having an increase at the time you want to come here. We always knew openings would cause increased cases, but we knew we could not close forever without eventually doing more harm to people that the virus itself.

So flexibility is key - get a ticket that can be rescheduled or don't have irrevocable plans to drive. Be ready to make a final decision closer to the day.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention *esti*mated in May that the coronavirus kills about 0.26 percent of the people it infects, about 1 in 400 people. This is an average - older people and people with underlying conditions won't do as well, but it is not fatal to most people healthy enough to travel, such as yourselves.

One thing that is a little different here is people who are not wearing masks - It is not a majority, but I think there are far too many. That difference is likely to persist since, sadly, it seems to be political and there are political differences, on average, between The Villages and northern states.

It was much better at Publix last time I went, though I am not sure the improvement is permanent. I can hope. You could check closer to the day to see how we are doing with masks if this is a big factor in your decision.

[davidkath]

Stay there

[Gulfcoast]

If you make this trip by plane, I recommend getting the ticket now so that you can change plans if there is a new spike and you need to.

I think it is safe here as long as recommended precautions (masks, social distance) are followed. While cases in Florida are increasing, they are among a younger demographic - average age mid-30s - , and some but not all of the increase in numbers is attributable to more testing.

Deaths have not increased anywhere, including Florida, even though cases here and elsewhere have increased for weeks.

I see plenty of people in the pools. Current talk is that there will be club meetings in person, though we will need to wear masks, of course. I go to restaurants and see plenty of people dining-in. Servers wear masks and patrons are socially distanced. Golf goes on as it has.

For me the bottom line is that people fall into two camps. This is contagious, there is not a vaccine, we can't close down forever. This means a good percent of people will get the virus. The two camps:

(Camp A): I am at risk of death or serious health complications so I will isolate myself for as long as it takes.

(Camp B) I cannot stay isolated forever, the shut-down was for purposes of keeping hospitals from being overwhelmed, they are not overwhelmed, and I am going to go out even if I could get sick.

Hopefully Camp B folks wear masks and keep distant. I'm Camp B - I can't stay in my home for months or years, so I use caution but go out. If I was Camp A, I would not come - too many chances to catch the virus on the road. If you are Camp A you are going out as little as possible, so I do not see how you would enjoy coming here.

Your northern state will be "open" by October (unless we have a second wave, in which case all bets are off) so its likely your northern state will be having an increase at the time you want to come here. We always knew openings would cause increased cases, but we knew we could not close forever without eventually doing more harm to people that the virus itself.

So flexibility is key - get a ticket that can be rescheduled or don't have irrevocable plans to drive. Be ready to make a final decision closer to the day.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention *esti*mated in May that the coronavirus kills about 0.26 percent of the people it infects, about 1 in 400 people. This is an average - older people and people with underlying conditions won't do as well, but it is not fatal to most people healthy enough to travel, such as yourselves.

One thing that is a little different here is people who are not wearing masks - It is not a majority, but I think there are far too many. That difference is likely to persist since, sadly, it seems to be political and there are political differences, on average, between The Villages and northern states.

It was much better at Publix last time I went, though I am not sure the improvement is permanent. I can hope. You could check closer to the day to see how we are doing with masks if this is a big factor in your decision.

I am probably more of a loose camp B and I may even be more of a camp C. I feel as though contracting the virus is pretty much inevitable for me. The horses are out of the barn, the dust masks that people are wearing are not going to prevent the spread to susceptible people unfortunately. The virus is tiny and preventing the spread would require medical grade masks which most of us do not have access to.

I have a parent in an Independent living facility and they are taking very prudent precautions. Everyone wears a mask. There are strict social distancing rules. They have meals served in their apartments. If a resident even gets tested for the viruses, the facility basically goes on a lock down with residents confined to their apartments. If I was in group A and wanted to greatly minimize my risk of exposure to this virus, I would live where she is living. No question.

Active adults, living in single family homes in an active adult community with lots of shared group amenities are simply going to experience a higher level of risk unless they can stay inside of their homes until a safe and effective vaccine is developed.

The best thing that people can do is if they are symptomatic - stay home. Do not put on a mask and head out to Publix - stay home. The risk of asymptomatic transmission appears to be, thankfully, very low. It's the symptomatic, sneezing, coughing folks (masks or no masks) who are spreading this virus around.

[jimjamuser]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.
All the TV networks have nationwide maps showing Fl in RED. If your state is orange or lower--STAY there. It is 100 degrees here so you can hardly do anything outside. Activities here are WAY down. Fl is like Texas on the cusp of big-time increasing CV and crowded hospitals. What's your hurry? Take a trip to Alaska if you have to entertain yourself by travel. Good luck.

[jimjamuser]

Do you own the house or does the house own you? I was finally able to talk my wife into dumping our larger home and downsizing to just the space we needed. It's a better way to live.
The Villages has a lot to offer. I have a problem here in the summer-itis 100deg today. And the heat index is greater. So, my advice is to spend the winter in TV and the summer in Alaska, Canada, or Scandinavia. Happy trails to you!

[rmd2]

I think that TV is safe now. But I am waiting until more things reopen before we plan a Lifestyle Visit there.

In the meantime, I will stay in my nearly 4000 sqft home on close to 2 acres in an outer gulf coast suburb. A few days ago, I spent the entire day trimming shrubs, weeding and hauling big cans of yard debris around. Today I have 5 bathrooms to clean and sanitize.

When we retire, I want less maintenance and more fun activities. The idea of spending our days working out, going golfing and swimming, shopping and dining on the squares, going to classes and listening/dancing to live entertainment sounds like a lot of fun.

We are patiently awaiting things to reopen in TV so that we can check it all out. We know that good things take time and eventually things will get back to normal.

For now, forget about the squares, there is no live entertainment anywhere. Dancing, going to classes, and normal rec center activities are severely restricted or non-existent. Even shopping is dicey. You cannot use the dressing rooms to try on clothing and the hours in many of the stores are more restricted. The number of cases continues to go up so it may be better where you are right now.

[jimjamuser]

The Villages has a nice video they can send to you. And reading this TOTV will give you some flavor for the place. There is, also a forum on Facebook for TV.

[rmd2]

Actually people not going to the pool etc means we are all cautious. Hopefully that applirs no mstter where you live. The are no guarantees that other parts of this country do not have the same problem. We only hear about our state because this is where we reside. I for one am cautious and encourage others to do the same. I have started my water aerobics class. We have a limit of 40 and that is working out well.

If you have 40 people in a non-sports pool I would be very concerned about the spread of COVID. I'm not even sure it would be a good idea in a sports pool.

[Gulfcoast]

For now, forget about the squares, there is no live entertainment anywhere. Dancing, going to classes, and normal rec center activities are severely restricted or non-existent. Even shopping is dicey. You cannot use the dressing rooms to try on clothing and the hours in many of the stores are more restricted. The number of cases continues to go up so it may be better where you are right now.

Yes, I think we'll wait until the crisis has passed and things are more back to normal. I live in Florida now and, for the most part, things have been opening back up. You still can't try on clothes in the dressing rooms but you can go bowling, eat at a restaurant, have drinks at a bar, spend the day at the beach, go to the gym and get a haircut now. I got my 6 month dental cleaning which was nice, too.

There is an uptick in cases but many of those cases appear to be in the younger age groups and most of those people are not getting very sick from it which is a blessing.

Considering how many people are out and about I think we're going to be o.k. If things were going to get bad they would already be really, really bad. I think that the fresh air, sunshine and Florida citrus are helping to keep us healthier than other parts of the country. TV will bounce back from this - I am sure of it.

[Chatbrat]

Don't go anywhere, especially if you're over 65 and your BMI is over 30--do you need a better reason to lose weight

[Carl99]

As far as the virus is concerned, The Villages is a safe place to be .

[Rosebud1949]

In 3 counties combined ( Marion Lake and Sumter) for 3+ months we had less than 1000 positives and around 30+ deaths. Considering the rest of Florida that was so good. Since they "opened things up" who knows. WE cant get TRUE figures... With travel from hot spot States, and other visitors, it will bad in the fall and winter. If you value your life stay safe, and stay home.. Too many here will NOT wear a mask or social distance. NO MASK MEANS YOU DONT CARE, about family, friends or even yourself.

And BTW, if you rent then cancel with the Villages they WILL keep your money.. regardless of the US & global situation on travel.

[Snorkl46]

Don't plan on coming anytime soon but keep checking. Today Texas and Florida reversed themselves and are now banning alcohol sales in bars because of the huge uptick in positive cases. Many here do not wear masks because it's restricting their freedom to contract or spread the virus. It may come under control once again.

[Barborv]

After being basically couped up at home for the past three months, We are driving down from NY next week. We will try not to stay in a hotel, but will have my own sheets, etc, just in case. But I will tell you that I will not be doing anything that has me to close to other people, and I absolutely will not go out to public areas without a face mask. Of course in my golf cart, no need for a mask I guess. I just plan to do some things in my house, bike ride, take rides in the golf cart, go to the pool, if not crowded, etc. Watch out for this NY gal, because if someone walks past me in an indoor place, not wearing a mask, the Brooklyn will come out!! HAHA

[Stu from NYC]

After being basically couped up at home for the past three months, We are driving down from NY next week. We will try not to stay in a hotel, but will have my own sheets, etc, just in case. But I will tell you that I will not be doing anything that has me to close to other people, and I absolutely will not go out to public areas without a face mask. Of course in my golf cart, no need for a mask I guess. I just plan to do some things in my house, bike ride, take rides in the golf cart, go to the pool, if not crowded, etc. Watch out for this NY gal, because if someone walks past me in an indoor place, not wearing a mask, the Brooklyn will come out!! HAHA

stay safe scary out there

[Rsauer3473]

It will be extremely dangerous here so please stay away. This also goes for all the snowbirds planning a return this fall. It is very sad every time i go to the pool and i'm the only one there. SAD SAD SAD. This goes for restaurants and stores as well, not to mention the awful times i can drive around without bumper to bumper traffic. So to anwser your ? I would highly recommended staying put.
As fairly new homeowners in The Villages, we enjoy our time there though we were happy to return to Oregon after our extended stay this Winter and Spring.
You know, we snowbirds pay property taxes on our homes, amenity fees, and other fees for garbage and water even when we are not there. So as we see it, we are subsidizing the full timers in The Villages. And we don’t mind.
A simple thanks would be enough.

[Brynnie]

There’s a reason why certain eastern and northern states are quarantining travelers coming from Florida. The virus is bad here and getting worse. It’s appalling to see the number of people walking around without masks. If I were you, I’d plan to stay put. I wish I were up there right now. I won’t be surprised if The Villages has to close much of what it has opened too soon. Getting the virus is a high price to pay for “ having fun.”


By October, the weather up north is getting colder plus it will be flu season. Get the heck out and come back down. You're safer here.

[Villages Kahuna]

If you have a house here and really like it, come on down. Not necessarily safe to do any “normal” activities except maybe golf.

A friend ventured out to dinner at Cane Garden last week, at an outside table. They observed ‘back to normal’ activities at the bar. Two deep, loud, agitated....terrific for COVID spread. As you ride around town, you see similar ignorance of the CDC guidelines.

If you feel really safe up north, stay there.

By the way, bring groceries. If you come to Florida you’re expected to quarantine for fourteen days.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

You might want to think about risk in more than one way: first the risk that you get sick. That risk is difficult to quantify. Your movements, your interactions, your health profile, etc, The second risk is that if you get sick, will there be enough hospital capacity to treat you effectively? That is the secondary risk which actually is more easily quantified, and may be more relevant.

Personally, the risk here is a bit more elevated that in other states due to culture, but you can catch the virus in either place. Your outcome may depend more on the availability and quality of healthcare than of getting the virus. However, there are no future guarantees and statistics are not a guarantee, just a historical measurement with never enough details, to any future outcome so being conservative will always be your best option.

sportsguy

[VApeople]

You know, we snowbirds pay property taxes on our homes, amenity fees, and other fees for garbage and water even when we are not there. So as we see it, we are subsidizing the full timers in The Villages. And we don’t mind.
A simple thanks would be enough.

You won't get a 'Thanks' from me.

You are enjoying your way of life and we are definitely enjoying ours. We all make decisions that are best for us. There is no need for any of us to thank the other for simply enjoying their life as they choose.

[nn0wheremann]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.
Fewer than 5 cases diagnosed in the Marion County part of ZIP code 32162.

[Mendy]

We are pretty long-term Villagers with a home in a fairly safe northern state. We are conflicted about whether we would feel safer staying here (with limited activities) or returning to The Villages in the Fall. We've made this trip 17 times and miss the activities and friends there but are concerned about whether we would be making a mistake in returning this October. We would appreciate some advice from people either way. Thank you.

Latest Updates:
Friday June 26, 2020

Today, Florida reported another record for daily new coronavirus cases, with more than 8,900 new cases.

Florida Smashes Coronavirus Case Record: Nearly 9,000 Positive Cases on Thursday (NPR)

It was a rough week in The Villages too, which now has more than 100 cases.

Seven more Villagers test positive for COVID-19 (**************)

As you might expect, with numbers rising like they are, the brakes are being pumped on our “re-opening”, starting with bars.

All alcohol consumption at Florida bars suspended effective immediately (WESH)

Some businesses that have been open, are now shutting back down, either as a precaution, or as a result of their employees or customers contracting the virus.

Village Dental shut down due to COVID-19 (**************)

Testing will be available this week at the New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages from Monday, June 29th through Thursday, July 2nd from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Registration is required and you can do that here: Events List Page | Florida Department of Health in Sumter (http://sumter.floridahealth.gov/events/index.html)

[NavyVet]

Another factor to consider: traveling is especially difficult. My younger brother is an over the road trucker (all over Eastern states.)
He could not stay home - essential worker delivering food and goods to businesses, etc. For the past 4 months, clocking 60-80 work hours a week. He said it has been extremely high stress. Truck stops and motels not open, can't get a shower, can't eat anywhere except for takeout or eating food brought from home in truck. Makes long traveling days even longer.
I wouldn't even consider getting on an airplane these days.
If you are in a relatively safe area, I would stay put. Many people in Florida ignoring consequences and we have yet to reach peak numbers. The threat is a long way from over.

[GoodLife]

We have a small but non violent group of Grantifa activists here but so far no riots or statue toppling.

New cases are surging but they are mostly younger median age 35. Its safe here as long as you stay away from people. Hospitals are not overwhelmed as most younger cases rarely need them.

[Stu from NYC]

We have a small but non violent group of Grantifa activists here but so far no riots or statue toppling.

New cases are surging but they are mostly younger median age 35. Its safe here as long as you stay away from people. Hospitals are not overwhelmed as most younger cases rarely need them.

Grantifa?? Do you mean antifa?

[GoodLife]

Grantifa?? Do you mean antifa?

Nope, it's a new word for older ones. Grandma, grandpa, Grantifa :icon_wink:

[Nucky]

We don't yet know if this uptick in cases is a true second wave or just a statistical blip on the radar. However, based on the last several days of posts on TOTV, it looks like the second wave of paranoia has already begun.

Direct us in all things Consigliere! I've known you for 5 years and you never Steered Us (MOO) wrong yet! I've been waiting for your post and holding on for which direction to go. Blip? Wave? New Cases? Or My Favorite Paranoia! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: I have held the course and not changed since day one. Mask On, Distancing, Washing the Hands, No Touch Da Face! Good so far.

When you decide which way I should change to can you PM me thanks a lot!

I just got a PM that says you may have been wrong about one thing. Not my business but it had something to do with a couple of Lobsters! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: :bigbow: :mademyday:

[tophcfa]

It is as safe as one makes it. Take risks and it is not, take appropriate precautions and it is safe. It all depends on personal responsibility.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles
We don't yet know if this uptick in cases is a true second wave or just a statistical blip on the radar. However, based on the last several days of posts on TOTV, it looks like the second wave of paranoia has already begun.

Disagree with this statement. FL never had a first wave like the northeast due to the seasonal activity differences. With the virus spread primarily indoors, in the northeast, Feb/Mar/Apr were relatively cold monthly, and people were aggregating indoors and spread the virus. At that time, in FL, activities were mostly outside with little spread. Now in the north, there is little indoor activities and mostly outdoor activities, where the spread is reduced. Down here, people are now migrating indoors for air conditioning, as its very hot outside, which promotes spread of the virus. Hat tip Coachk for picking up on that subtle point by Desantis this afternoon.

So, that is why the South has not been as infected as the North over the same time period, but the behaviors are reversing and the South is spreading due to more indoor activities to escape the heat. So this surge is effectively the south's first wave, which makes the south luckier in that the more deadly virus which kills its host and has a shorter life span, has a faster diminishing R0, and not as prevalent and the less deadly or milder is the current most persistent virus.

However, Friday, Fauci also said that this type of virus with such large variation of outcomes, has never been seen before in infectious disease studies. So don't assume that there are any guarantees of simple or safe outcomes just because the average age of infections is trending towards the average age of the population, the only assumption is better treatments for most serious shorter hospital stays. Apparent mild cases are still ending up dead at home.

And these statements are not paranoia, just data points and analysis from individual outcomes, and medical observations and analysis, as reported in a hospital setting by Coachk, who reviews individual deaths many times a week for statutory reporting. And CoachK listens in every morning on senior staff conference calls at the medical center, discussing all aspects of the hospital current daily status and updates.

sportsguy