TV and FL government are not doing what it takes to curb COVID-19
 

All one has to do is view the pools in TV and the beaches packed with spring breakers.

Until such time as they close down these places there is nothing but lip service being rendered.

I have been trying to remain positive about what is being done and changes to how we live has been significant.

When Las Vegas closes down and Disney closes down what does it tell everybody when the Florida beaches and pools in TV remain open.......social distancing....not where it needs to be.

And so why are the decision makers ignoring the open violation of social distancing by hundreds of thousands of people here?

COVID-19 District Action Plan

March 18, 2020 5:00 p.m.

The safety of residents, guests, staff and visitors in The Villages community continues to be of utmost importance to the District. As the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Department of Health and Governor DeSantis on the prevention of COVID-19 continues to update, the District implemented the following facility and schedule changes. In addition to the closures below, please refrain from participating in gatherings of 10 or more people as recommended by the CDC.

Recreation Activities – the following changes will be in effect until further notice:

The operating hours of the Recreation Centers will be 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
All swimming pools will be closed beginning at sunset on Wednesday, March 18th.
All scheduled indoor activities in the recreation centers are cancelled.
The Enrichment Academy (TEA) courses scheduled between March 14th and March 31st are postponed and will be rescheduled.

Well you got part of your wish.
All pools in TV are closing Wednesday evening at sunset.

This just goes to show that warnings are not enough. People disregard the experts and congregate anyway. Coronavirus can not survive in the swimming pool water due to the chlorine. But when people fail to distance themselves from others on the pool deck or in the swimming pool water, the powers that be have to act.

Wow !... Hundreds of Thousands of People here ? Look try to stay focused and most of all calm down. This will all work out, it is far from doomsday. :ohdear:

Bring down those virus-infected children and let them all swim in our pools. Schools throughout the country are closed because of the possibility of spreading virus -- so let's back up the kids and go see Grandma and Grandpa.

Yep! Thanks 'twoplanekid' To paraphrase a past President, "Trust but verify," I had to look it up - found it on the Village Community Development web site: https://www districtgov.org/ I wondered when that would happen. Recommend we all read the update the VCCD posted.

Here focus on this....the real intent of the post:

Spring breakers criticized for packing beaches during coronavirus outbreak: '''You'''re an idiot''' | Fox News

"This..." will not work out. And the post had nothing to do with doomsday....and all about the ignorant and inconsiderates NOT abiding by federal and state guidelines.

And then there will be those who will go after the network source and ignore the story and especially it's impacts.

Like TV shut down the pools. The Governor needs to suck it up and close the beaches...

Some of the FL beaches are closed. Take some responsibility and stay home. This is unprecedented event and the CDC has made the recommendations, it’s up to us to follow. Law enforcement is getting ready for the next presidential recommendations, it’s not going to be easy keeping the streets clear. Get ready to keep your golf carts parked!

But the virus can not survive in temps above 78°. So why shut down pools and beaches when being outside in temps above 80° is supposed to be exactly what is needed. Also, groups of 10, but in what size area. 10 in a 20 x20 room is much different than 10 on a acre lot outside. The CDC recommendations are vague when it comes to this. Or is it inaccurate or mere panic? Who really knows since we have no cases currently from anyone at a pool, beach, or softball field.

And you know "Coronavirus cannot survive in swimming pool water due to chlorine" how? They need you in the science labs.

Got this off Snopes - do with it what you may. I have read the same at other sites but too lazy this morning to search.

What's True
Some viral strains, such as those that cause common cold and influenza, are less likely to spread during warmer seasons.

What's False
However, according to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 “can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.” This disease will not “go away” due to warmer weather.

What's Undetermined
It's too early to tell if the spread of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 will be dampened by warm weather.

Staying ahead of the infection curve...
 

I posted the following message on the Villages Word of Mouth FB page a couple minutes ago, but was told they only wanted "positive" messages, so deleted it. But, FYI, these are the measures Ohio is taking. They started implementing when there were only 3 cases diagnosed in the state:

Just to let you know what we might expect in the next few weeks: In Ohio extreme measures were put into place when they only had 3 diagnosed patients. Looking back, the first patient had symptoms on Feb. 7. Now in Ohio all schools are closed, bars and restaurants closed except for takeout as of 3/16, barber and beauty shops and tattoo parlors were closed on 3/18, large crowds forbidden, doctors' offices are closed except for telemedicine. They expect the peak there to be in 8 weeks, so schools will probably be closed for the year. They started their containment measures last week. Stay safe, everyone!

Every "spring breaker" that contracts the virus might well occupy a hospital bed that would otherwise be used by a person that behaved properly.

The government has closed pools and gathering places. PEOPLE WILL NOT STAY HOME ON THEIR OWN. you say you dont want socialism but then you expect the government to co ttol your life. Cant have it both ways. USE COMMON SENSE.

We need to shut down EVERYTHING!

to my knowledge, no one has ever changed from ***hole to responsible citizen because of regulation or law but i'm only 78 & could be wrong,,, some of you older posters - feel free to correct my thinking

I never have minimized the threat of the COVID19 virus, but lets get real here.....
 

I've detested the minimizing of this threat by elements of the media and govt who would not open their eyes to what was going on in the rest of the world and essentially mocked scientific concerns. Their ignorance was revolting and dangerous in itself. We should have been far further ahead of this than we are. On the other hand, I think the steps TV has taken have been enormous. This place is built on social activity and interactivity, has been reduced to bare minimum. I regret all of it, but congratulate TV on its quick responses and following of CDC and Fed guidelines. All meetings, show places and performances, all rec centers, club activities, and just about everything TV has control over, save for outdoor activities, have been shut down - before the first confirmed case came to any of our counties. To compare the relatively spacious outdoor activities here to the jammed scrambling of the Spring Break beaches, or the hundreds of thousands of people who PACK into lines and queues and gambling tables/slot machines in Las Vegas is apples to oranges. Golf, pools, pickleball, jogging, biking, etc are a less significant issue if you act sensibly and social distance. Or you can choose to do any of those things. However, outside of a police state, you can not expect people not to live some semblance of a life here , with respect for others, and to the degree that they safely can. I, and others, will continue to follow guidelines, and will accept whatever further rules come into play, more for the safety of others than myself. But that aside, one can always choose to self quarantine.

"Socialism"
 

"Socialism" is becoming the most misused and most wrongly understood word in the USA. What is happening in the attempts to flatten the Covid-19 curve have NOTHING to do with socialism.

Sad that some now spoil it for others. I was at Eisenhower pool doing laps abd 99.9% of swimmers were staying 6 feet apart. I will miss my exercise.

I agree 110% and have been writing to the Villages gurus all week about this problem. Seems like others have also because I see here today that they are finally closing the pools. They're breeding grounds.

Stop expecting and waiting for the government to take care of you. If people would take care of themselves the government would not have to step in; it would just have to make recommendations, under the expectation that the info is being given to adults who would listen and take heed. Instead, we have huge numbers of “me, me, me” people who say it doesn’t apply to “me”, it won’t happen to “me”, and no one will stop “me” from doing what I want, when I want, and regardless of how it affects everyone but “me”.

Businesses should close or implement work from home because it’s the right thing to do to protect their employees and customers.

People should stay home because that is what they have been advised to do and so they don’t get sick.

The press should report on the situation accurately and not sensationalize it to further their underlying agenda and gain viewership (to attract advertisers).

Our governments should be able to use their resources to combat the disease, not deal with stupid people who refuse to act responsibly and heed the advice of the experts.

‘Nuff said.

Vague rules/instructions
 

You make some good points. Many people will follow the “rules” but some only if it “suits” them. That is confirmed time and time again not only here in The Villages but elsewhere. You can’t always assume people will behave rationally or as adults. Look at all the hoarding of toilet paper and other grocery items. It’s so bad you have to push through a crowd to get a prescription filled if no drive-through is available. We will get through this by pulling together and taking care of each other and ourselves. I pray for all the nurses, doctors and other health personnel who do their job to care for those of us who might contact this deadly virus. :clap2:

Couldn’t agree more. Then all this spring breakers will go home and if they picked up the virus, will spread it even more.

The CDC site (Municipal Water and COVID-19) states:

Can the COVID-19 virus spread through pools and hot tubs?

There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

Why am I reminded of George Carlin's quote "Time to thin the herd."?

That's just part of the problem and I seriously doubt kids coming here at this point is transpiring much - the problem herein lies with the governor of Florida who refuses to close public places, especially beaches. Spring breakers can be a disaster if that happens as they are just there to party and have fun. One kid on TV today said if it's up to us then let us handle it our way. Remind you of some of the villagers who are taking a cavalier attitude about COVID 19 ? Same attitude just a face with wrinkles!

They probably closed the pools because people still come in contact with other people sitting round on the pool deck etc

You are correct! The virus lives for 2-3 days on plastic, like what is used for the pool lounges and the gates.

Why keep Rec centers open at all if no activity. Give a good clean, turn the AC up a bit and lock them up

Pool Usage
 

Chlorine does not kill the virus. Do you have a source that proves otherwise?

A recent report indicates that there have been a grand total of 33 COVID-19 tests conducted upon Villagers.

Perhaps that is why some Villagers say no big deal...there really aren't Villagers who are positive. I would suggest it is best to be circumspect rather than throw caution to the wind. For those businesses, particularly restaurant and bars that continue to avoid Public Health guidelines, I would say not only would I not support any bailout of your business, but I will intentionally avoid patronizing in the future! Close up shop and lets all hunker down a bit here. Wouldn't your really rather say in hindsight, gosh we really overreacted, than have your Will read to your beneficiaries that includes a line, "Well, he didn't really give a damn about himself or those around him."

The outside temps don’t stop the virus from spreading because the virus lives in the body. Then we pass the droplets on to others when we talk, sneeze, cough etc. outside temps only come into play (if at all) when the virus is on a surface outside of the body.

Just wondering ...
 

I agree. But too many people do not “take care of themselves” and do not “listen and take heed,” thus putting the rest of us at risk, which is why “the government” does have to “step in.” After all, there is nothing I can do to require them to alter their behavior, but “the government” DOES have that authority.

Apart from the usual denial, ignorance, self-centeredness, alcoholic attitudes, and (hate to say it) just plain stupidity, is it possible that those who embraced the initial response to this deadly and unprecedented (in our lifetimes) pandemic as being a political hoax simply continue to agree with this completely unrealistic view because it somehow supports them and their views in general? Curious to hear what others think....

Some beach "areas/towns" are closing their respective beaches.

DeSantis still thinks the social distancing and no more than 10 in a group will work.

The very vivid aerial shots of too many of the beaches still show very clearly those guidelines are meaningless to the participants.

Write to DeSantis to man up and order ALL BEACHES CLOSED.

Early closing of bars. Useless. Just check the bars here in TV.....crowded.

By actions not being taken in the face of a national emergency demonstrates lack of leadership and responsibility.

It is time for all the people who have nothing better to do than criticize the work of others. You need to put yourselves in the shoes of them before you have any basis to complain. The decision makers are in lots of stress and the decisions are not easy to make. Sad thing is they will get criticized no matter what they do... We need to work together, not be divisive. Sorry to preach, just expressing common sense...

Calm down
 

[Why don't we all calm down for the time being and let the "Pros" be our guide. We are only making our blood pressure rise, which in the Villages, is a no no.


QUOTE=billethkid;1729660]All one has to do is view the pools in TV and the beaches packed with spring breakers.

Until such time as they close down these places there is nothing but lip service being rendered.

I have been trying to remain positive about what is being done and changes to how we live has been significant.

When Las Vegas closes down and Disney closes down what does it tell everybody when the Florida beaches and pools in TV remain open.......social distancing....not where it needs to be.

And so why are the decision makers ignoring the open violation of social distancing by hundreds of thousands of people here?[/QUOTE]

As I reflect ...
 

SOOOoooooo … As I reflect on so many posts in this forum concerning Covid-19 and how we all should behave and what governments should dictate, I infer the following: from several VERY SENSIBLE posters that you probably would disagree with this one:
"We need to shut down EVERYTHING!"

and others would argue that this is NOT ENOUGH :boxing2:

Suffice to say, when I read that, I immediately envisioned Chicken Little running around in circles shouting "the sky is falling, the sky is falling"

Let's everyone stand back, take a deep breath (hold it for 10 secs without coughing and/or excessive "tightness" - some say a good test for the virus) :icon_wink: and, perhaps, let saner minds prevail. I thank God that some of the folks on this forum are NOT making decisions for me and my family. For those who are cowering in fear as they witness others on the beaches (mostly younger folks who have NEVER been in touch with their mortality - were YOU?) and partaking in activities that you disapprove of, NO ONE is forcing you to partake. You can always self quarantine and let the others throw caution to the wind. If you were honest about YOUR viewpoint, you might realize it probably stems from a statist viewpoint regarding life and feel that everyone should do as you do because YOU know what's best. The Quiz - The Advocates for Self-Government For me, I'll take LIBERTY every time. I seem to remember a country being birthed on that same principle! Inform me honestly about the given situation (something ALL governments and the media are incapable of doing, unless it happens to correspond with the agenda) and I'll decide what my actions should be. I don't want ANY of you folks or government dictating to me; I must be under a mistaken impression that slavery ended 155 years ago in this country. Folks still capable of sane reasoning and critical thinking can't help but wonder what the bigger picture is here and if there is possibly something more sinister at work. As wiser folks than I have posited, Government is not reason, it is not eloquence — it is force. Like fire it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.

"... every time people get scared they just ramp it up… because they can, and because they’re addicts! Humans will agree to all sorts of horrific things if you can first get them afraid… and modern media is little more than a fear delivery system.
Control Is An Addiction

As I questioned in an earlier post, why were activities, e.g. sports events and other outdoor or arena events canceled that could have occurred, without spectators, which could have provided entertainment to "shut-ins" during these times? I could elaborate but questions such as these, IMHO, are worth asking.

Something to think about :duck:

Fred

What do you call a partial quarantine ? A failure ! Now I understand give me liberty or give me death!