#I know what the CDC said but please continue to be considerate to others

[steveslab]

#IFTTT #The Avocado

[pickalilywrites]

Halu! I love reading your rivetra fics especially the heart skips a beat <3 you're such a great writer! was hoping if you can try to write rivetra modern au during the pandemic? :D

here you go~ ah, i always take a long time to write now, but at least it was out before the pandemic is over ^^" (as much as i would like it to be over ...) i hope you like it ~

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Love in the Time of COVID-19

Rivetra. COVID-19 Pandemic AU.

9543 words.

Read on Ao3!

Levi Ackerman is hugely germaphobic and antisocial. For him, the COVID-19 global pandemic is simultaneously the worst and best thing that has ever happened. People have finally begun to wash their filthy hands, cover their mouths with the crook of their elbows when they sneeze, and wear masks over their mouths to slow the spread of airborne contamination. All non-essential workers have stopped going outdoors, which makes Levi look less like a recluse and more like a normal person.

Of course, even these basic precautions couldn’t stop the coronavirus outbreak from growing into a full-blown pandemic. Maybe if everyone were more like Levi — washing their hands for a full five minutes rather than the CDC’s recommendation of a measly twenty seconds, bringing around a pack of disinfecting wipes and wiping down everything he touches, and rubbing his hands with hand sanitizer at least three times after he touches anything — the world wouldn’t be in this mess.

The worst thing about this pandemic, however, isn’t the fact that people are taking the bare minimum precautions, but the people who aren’t taking any precautions at all. For every person wearing a mask, there are at least ten people outside not wearing a mask. Hell, there are even people dying in the hospital of COVID that are convinced this whole pandemic is a hoax rather than a mess of their own making because they refuse to wash their own hands. It’s because of these people that Levi has to be especially careful on the few occasions he leaves his apartment, stripping off all his clothes as soon as he walks through his door and tossing them in the laundry basket before he takes a shower with scalding hot water to kill off all the germs he may have brought home with him.

For the most part though, Levi doesn’t mind pandemic life. It’s a lot like his life pre-pandemic, but he disinfects everything twice as much as he normally did before COVID. As a data analyst, he hardly went into the office anyway and he didn’t bat an eyelash when his company declared that everyone would be working from home until further notice. With delivery services becoming more popular, Levi found it was easier to get things delivered to his apartment. Even his neighbors are bearable. People are too busy working to be a bother during work hours and by the end of the day they’re too tired to do anything except turn on Netflix until they fall asleep on the couch. Really, Levi doesn’t have a problem with anyone except the woman living in the unit next to him.

Prior to COVID, Levi wasn’t even aware of her existence. He sometimes heard about her from the chatty woman in the unit across from him. The nosy woman somehow miraculously knew when Levi (or anyone, really) would be coming out of their apartments, popping out and ensnaring them in a conversation that always seemed fifteen minutes too long.

The gossipy woman loved the person who occupied the unit next to Levi’s. Levi’s next-door neighbor had moved in a few months before the pandemic started and was never at home, the talkative neighbor explained, because she was an actress.

“An actress in the theater. Musical theater, darling,” the woman emphasized, her eyes as wide as saucers like being in theater was the most magnificent thing anyone could ever do. “Poor dear is never home though. If she’s not rehearsing or on a show, she’s working part-time jobs at the diner downtown.”

Levi didn’t think very much of it after hearing about the woman next door for the first hundred times. It wasn’t his business what other people did. Anyway, if the woman was hardly ever home, that was even better. Except now that there’s a pandemic and everyone is required to stay home, the woman is home almost all the time and if Levi hadn’t believed the woman had a career in theater, he certainly does now.

The woman likes to sing on the balcony after work hours. It’s considerate of her but somehow also very infuriating to Levi because he can’t complain that he’s working. She also stops at an appropriate time (usually 8 or 9 at the latest), so it’s not as if Levi can send in a noise complaint without feeling like a dick. He just has to grit his teeth and listen to his neighbor belt out “If I Loved You” from Carousel while he cooks dinner.

She doesn’t have a bad voice either. It’s just that it’s incredibly loud. He supposes if she were any quieter, she wouldn’t be any good for musical theater. Maybe his other apartment neighbors are elated to have a living Disney princess sing for them for free every night, but it’s grating to the ears if you’re living right next door.

He probably should have said something when she started singing more dramatic songs, songs that crescendoed and built into a climax that Levi could probably hear if he were living on the other side of the apartment. It’s those goddamn musical ballads that Levi hates the most. If it’s upbeat, at least Levi knows what’s coming but those ballads always have to build and build until the woman is belting out to the heavens.

Levi thought he could bear it. Surely, the pandemic would only last for a few more weeks or even another month or two, but new coronavirus cases kept climbing and Levi knew he’d be listening to entire one-woman musicals for the next year if he didn’t say anything. One night when the woman begins yet another musical ballad, Levi finally throws open the sliding door to his balcony and is surprised when he sees his next-door neighbor sitting cross-legged on her balcony, a pink floral mask on her face, and a guitar in her lap.

The woman stops strumming her guitar and looks up, her amber eyes wide with surprise. “Hi,” she says, voice slightly muffled through her mask. She waves awkwardly at Levi even though he’s frozen in place on his balcony and hasn’t made any move to greet her.

“Why are you wearing a mask?” he asks her as if he’s not wearing one too. It makes sense that he’s wearing one. He always wears a mask when he steps outside even if there’s nobody around. He knows most people don’t because they don’t see the point if nobody else is around, so why is she wearing one?

The woman’s nose scrunches up from under her mask while her eyebrows are knit in confusion. “We’re in a pandemic. Isn’t that why you’re wearing one, too?” the woman asks, gesturing towards Levi and then her own mask. She pauses for a moment as if thinking about whether or not she should continue. “Also, I heard you’re a huge germaphobe.”

“Who told you that?” Levi snaps.

“The lady who lives across from you,” the woman replies.

Ah. That explains a lot.

“But I don’t even come out here that regularly,” Levi points out.

The woman shrugs. “Just in case. It’s better to be safe than sorry anyway,” the woman says. “And it’s not like it’s a big deal to wear a mask.”

Levi’s not sure if it’s because he’s been stuck in his house for months, but he’s just fallen a little bit in love with this woman and it’s all because she said wearing a mask isn’t that much of an inconvenience. He doesn’t even know her name. After meeting for five seconds and realizing that she’s considerate for wearing a mask on the off chance that Levi might go out on the balcony, Levi’s starting to feel like a dick for coming out here to yell at her for singing too loud. She’s a lovely singer, really, and he should probably be thankful she’s not a part of a screamo metal rock band or something.

Levi fights the urge to disappear in his apartment. He slides the glass door behind him, trapping himself outside on the balcony and forcing himself to speak more with the woman. He’s not exactly sure what he should say. Should he ask her name? Compliment her singing? Ask her about how she’s handling quarantine? He sits down cross-legged facing her.

“What song were you singing?” he ends up asking the woman.

“Oh,” the woman says as if she’s surprised Levi’s still speaking with her. She looks skyward, trying to recall the name. “‘Please Don’t Make Me Love You.’ It’s from the Dracula musical.”

“Oh.” Levi hadn’t been aware that there was even a musical adaptation of the Bram Stoker gothic novel.

“Yeah, I know,” the woman says with another nose scrunch, her mask shifting upward from the movement. “There’s a musical for everything nowadays.” She hums a few notes and strums a few chords across her guitar. “But what about you? How are you spending your quarantine?”

“Me?” Levi repeats. “I just … am hanging in there.”

“That’s good,” the woman says. Levi can’t see her smile behind her mask, but he does see the edge of her eyes crinkle. She sets her guitar beside her and leans back on her palms. Her head tilts to the side and her ginger hair falls away from her lithe neck. “I’m Petra, by the way. I don’t think we’ve ever formally met.”

That’s probably because Levi has never made the effort to be neighborly. In fact, the only reason they’re meeting right now is because Levi was going out here to complain about her singing, but he won’t mention that. Instead, he shrugs and says, “Levi.” It’s a lame introduction. Even he cringes at it, but Petra doesn’t seem to mind.

“I’ve never seen you out here, but maybe because I’m only on the balcony in the evenings,” Petra says. She picks idly at the guitar strings, letting their sound reverberate with every twang before she moves onto the next string. She stops suddenly and looks at Levi, eyebrow raised. “Oh, you didn’t come out here because it was too loud, did you? I know my voice is pretty … resonant, especially in a small space like this.” She winces apologetically.

Levi is thankful that his mask is able to cover the blush that is surely rising in his cheeks. “N-no,” he stammers. He sits up a little straighter as if this will somehow make him a less obvious liar. “I just … wanted some fresh air.”

“Mmm, makes sense,” Petra hums. Her eyes crinkle again and Levi’s heart does something weird in his chest. “Good to get some fresh air circulating in the apartment. I always have my air filter on nowadays too.”

Levi realizes with horror that she’s absolutely right. He usually keeps his apartment windows closed, opening them only in the early morning and the late evening for the fresh air. He hadn’t accounted for the lack of fresh air in the entire apartment complex. There’s no telling whose dirty air he’s been breathing these past months. Sure, he has at least one air filter in every room, but he can’t count on these machines to filter out every germ flying around the air. Why hadn’t he accounted for the poor air circulation through the building before this? He should have been keeping his windows open this entire time. The air outside is filled with germs as well, but the concentration of germs from other people who may or may not be spreading COVID within this apartment complex is much higher here than it is inside.

Levi stands up, grabbing the railing of his balcony for support. He feels a little dizzy right now and has the frantic urge to clean his entire apartment again even though he had cleaned it this morning. This time, he’ll be sure to deep clean the carpet.

“I have to go,” he tells Petra, but he doesn’t give her the reason. He doesn’t want her to think he’s an idiot for not thinking about air circulation sooner.

Petra raises her eyebrows as if she’s surprised and perhaps a little bit sorry to see him go. “Alright then,” she says. She picks up her guitar once more, strumming a few pleasant chords. “Have a good evening, Levi. It was nice meeting you.”

Levi pauses at the door. “You, too,” he says finally before he slips inside. He makes sure to leave the door open. The lack of barrier makes it easier for Petra’s voice to carry into his apartment. That’s not why he leaves his door open, of course. It's purely for the fresh air to come in, or at least that’s what Levi tells himself.

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Levi does not know why the news of the woman next door intrigues his friends so much. He had casually mentioned her once on a video call with them and now they won’t stop asking him about her, constantly requesting updates on little tedious things like the songs she had sung the night before and if she still wears her mask. Even more surprising, Levi finds he can’t ignore their questions and answers each and every one. He tells himself it’s because he knows their curiosity will never be quenched until he answers their inquiries and it’s better to respond than to be bombarded with the same question a half dozen more times.

“So you guys talk to each other every night?” Isabel asks. She sits closer to her laptop and her face fills the little square with her name in the right-hand corner. Her hands sit in her hands and she has a thoughtful pout on her lips. “That’s a lot, Levi.”

“We talk to each other every night,” Levi points out.

“And you complained that it was a lot!” Isabel says, which is true. He would have been satisfied with weekly Zoom calls or even fortnightly, but Isabel had insisted that going so long without seeing Levi and Farlan onscreen would drive her mad. “But that doesn’t seem to be the case with this mysterious next-door neighbor.”

“She’s hardly mysterious,” Levi snorts.

“She’s right, though,” Farlan comments. He isn’t perched at the tip of his seat. Unlike Isabel, he’s less intrigued about Levi’s new relationship with his neighbor and more amused about the whole thing. “You’ve never been interested in people enough to have regular meetups with them even if it’s a ‘coincidental’ meeting on the balcony every night.” Levi despises the way Farlan uses air quotes.

“It’s very Romeo and Juliet,” Isabel says with a nod. There’s a silence at the other end and Isabel adds, “Because of the balcony. Except this time there are two balconies and nobody is dying. Hopefully.”

Levi rolls his eyes. “I just bump into her more often now that I go out to get fresh air now,” Levi explains. It’s a part of his routine now. Better to breathe good, clean (or at least cleaner) air than continue to breathe in apartment air that has been god knows where. “Which, by the way, you two should really consider as well. Who knows what germs are floating around in your apartment complexes?”

Isabel wrinkles her nose. “If that were a problem, I would have gotten COVID by now,” she points out, and Levi wants to groan. He doesn’t want to explain to her once more that, after exposure to the virus, contracting COVID is a game of chance and she’s just been lucky. There’s no telling how much luckier she can get as the pandemic continues.

“I’ll consider it,” Farlan says, and Levi is at least grateful for that. He taps his fingers on his desk. Farlan’s microphone is so sensitive that Levi can hear the tap, tap, tapping noise on the other end. “But that neighbor of yours … what do you guys even talk about every night?”

“I don’t know just … stuff, I guess,” Levi mumbles. He rubs at the back of his neck. He can’t quite recall what he and Petra talked about yesterday on their balconies. Their conversations always start out similarly with her asking Levi about his day and Petra asking about his, and by the time Levi retreats into his apartment he finds that an hour has already passed. After a moment, he says, “Well, she told me about how she was sewing face masks in her free time so that she could donate them.”

“Oooh,” Isabel coos. Her head is in her hands again and she looks starry-eyed. “This girl sure has everything, doesn’t she? Not only is she cute, but she takes COVID safety precautions seriously and she cares about other people? No wonder you’re so interested in her, Levi.”

Levi’s mind stutters for a moment. “When did I say she was cute?” he stammers.

“Is she not cute?” Farlan asks with a raised eyebrow.

Levi’s knee-jerk response is to say “no” just because he knows a “yes” will elicit more teasing from Isabel, but the question Farlan asks makes Levi realize that he’s never seen Petra without her mask off. Prior to this realization, Levi has never minded seeing Petra with a mask on. After all, they’re both still in a pandemic and, even if neither of them show visible symptoms of COVID, it’s possible that they could still transmit the virus from their minimal outings for groceries or other daily tasks that require them to leave the apartment. Now that he’s realized it though, he’s overcome with this strange desire to see Petra’s face behind the mask.

There’s only so much one can see of a person when they’re wearing a mask. Levi knows the top half of Petra’s face quite well: slender, expressive eyebrows, large eyes the color of amber, and even the dip of the bridge of her nose. Anything beyond that is a mystery to him, hidden behind the cloth of Petra’s mask. He doesn’t know what kind of nose she has, if it’s grand and shapely or sweet and button-shaped or adorably upturned. He doesn’t know the curve of her lips, if she has a well-defined cupid’s bow or thick, full lips the color of petals. Judging by the state of the pandemic right now, it’s unlikely that he’ll find out anytime soon and he can’t fathom requesting Petra take off her mask just to satisfy his newfound curiosity.

“I don’t know what she looks like,” Levi finally says.

Farlan snorts and Isabel erupts into peals of laughter.

“You’ve been talking to her for how long and you don’t know what she looks like?” Isabel titters. She’s even wiping tears from her eyes, although Levi doesn’t think the situation is that humorous. “It’s not like you guys are wearing hazmat suits when you sit on the balcony.”

“It’s not like I don’t know what she looks like at all,” Levi grumbles. “But we’ve been wearing masks this whole time whenever we’ve gone out on the balcony to talk to each other.”

“Aren’t your balconies, like, more than six feet apart? You guys could probably take your masks off and it’d be fine,” Isabel points out. She sees Levi open his mouth to speak and she rolls her eyes, giving him a dismissive wave of her hand. “Okay, fine, just wear your masks like the hypochondriacs you are! If it’ll make you feel better about the ‘sick game of roulette viruses play when infecting us,’ go right ahead!”

Levi scowls. He wishes he could kick Isabel out of the Zoom chat, but Farlan has forbidden Levi to do that after Levi cut short the first Zoom call he hosted and Farlan has been the host of their Zoom calls ever since. Thus, Levi has had to sit through various Zoom calls with Isabel mocking his informative lectures on infections and diseases. On the bright side, at least she remembers Levi’s lectures well enough to recite them back to him even if it is in a sarcastic tone.

In a tiny square on Levi’s screen, Farlan watches with an amused expression on his face.

“What?” Levi asks.

“You could ask her if she’s comfortable with taking her mask off,” Farlan suggests.

“I can’t just ask her that!” Levi splutters. He gets embarrassed at the idea of it — just outright asking Petra as if it’s as simple as asking her about the weather or what her favorite color is.

Isabel rolls her eyes. “It’s not like you’re asking her to take off her shirt or something,” she says.

If Levi’s face wasn’t red yet, it certainly is now.

“Ignore her,” Farlan says. “But, you know, it is just a mask and you keep yourself extremely safe and she adheres to the CDC guidelines pretty well from what you tell us. If you two are both comfortable with it, why not just ask?”

Because it’s exactly as they’re saying: it’s not like asking her to take off her shirt. In a way, asking her to take off her mask is infinitely more dangerous and intimate than asking her to take off any other article of clothing. COVID-19 is a virus that is spread through aerosol droplets from infected persons. By asking Petra to remove her mask, Levi would ultimately be asking Petra to lower her defenses to these droplets and increase her chances of getting infected. If Petra were to ask him to remove his mask, Levi isn’t sure he would be able to say ‘yes’ for these very same reasons.

It’s something Levi mulls over even after the call ends and Isabel and Farlan bid him adieu for the night. He thinks about it in bed, imagining a different COVID-infected universe in which he musters up the courage to ask Petra to lower her mask for him and she says yes, revealing a beaming smile behind her mask when she lowers it for the first time. For some reason, just thinking about her smile and how it might look — if she has bunny teeth that stick out, if she has a cute underbite, if her teeth are just a little bit crooked, if she bothers to put on lip balm under her mask or if she forgets and leaves her lips chapped — makes it difficult for Levi to sleep. He spends his night tossing and turning in bed, haunted by a smile he’s never seen.

The thought of Petra’s smile follows him into the morning and well into the day. It’s all he thinks about as he cleans his apartment in the morning, he writes line after line of code at work, and as he cleans it once more in the afternoon. It’s all he thinks about as he opens the door to his balcony for his evening chat with Petra. It’s all he’s thinking about as he sits across from her and she tells him about his day.

He’s not brave enough to ask her to take off her mask, but he keeps thinking of it. He watches the movement of Petra’s mask as her lips move beneath it. If he concentrates hard enough, he thinks he can see the trace of her mouth, can imagine the outline of her lips when she purses her mouth in a pout or when he thinks her lower lip sticks out as she ponders what to talk about next.

“When do you think we’ll be able to take off our masks?” Levi asks. He’s brave enough to ask this at least.

“Hmm,” Petra hums, and Levi swears he sees the shadow of her lips pressed in that thoughtful pout once more. It drives him crazy. “Maybe when enough people get vaccinated. It should be a few months? My friend mentioned it a little while ago. They said it’s amazing how quickly mRNA vaccines are being developed to treat COVID.”

Levi nods. He’s heard this as well when doing his own research, although the technical aspects of the vaccine and how it works to protect him against the virus are beyond him. Still, he trusts medical professionals more than he trusts random people on the internet swearing that vaccines are just a conspiracy theory.

“So if you were vaccinated and it was two weeks after your second dose … and you were only in the company of someone who also received their second dose two weeks ago … would you consider taking off your mask?” Levi asks. He doesn’t look at her, instead drawing circles on the floor of his balcony. He can feel the dust and grime coming off on his finger and makes a mental note to sweep and vacuum his balcony tomorrow morning.

“I’d consider it,” Petra says. When Levi looks up, Petra’s mask is shifted upward just the slightest bit and the corners of her eyes are crinkled. He wants to see her smile so much. “If the other person were okay with it, too, of course.”

“Of course,” Levi repeats, his voice a quiet murmur, and he leaves it at that because he’s afraid of asking more.

But he lets himself imagine that the vaccine will be out to the public soon and, once it is, he’ll finally have the courage to ask Petra if she’s willing to take her mask off. He lets himself imagine that she says yes. And he lets himself imagine that the first thing she does when she takes her mask off is smile.

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Levi sits on the balcony with Petra at 1:58 AM. It’s the third night in a row that they’ve done this, sitting on their balconies with their masks on and the glow from their laptop screens illuminating their faces. Were Levi with anyone else, he would complain that this was an unreasonable hour to be up even if it is for the slim chance to snag a spot for a vaccine appointment, but because he’s up at this ungodly hour with Petra, Levi finds he doesn’t mind.

Technically, Levi doesn’t apply for a vaccine at this time. The rules are confusing, but he’s not supposed to schedule an appointment until certain other people have gotten their vaccines. People who are currently eligible are healthcare workers and essential workers. Petra, being a waitress in the food industry, is considered an essential worker and is thus eligible for the vaccine at this time. Is it irritating for Levi to watch other people get vaccinated before him? A little bit, but he’s glad Petra will soon get the vaccine. Unlike Petra, Levi works at home all day and is thus less likely to be exposed to the virus anyway. Even if he can’t book a vaccine appointment at this time, helping Petra book hers will help him prepare for scheduling his appointment when the time comes.

Petra yawns, using her elbow to cover her mouth even though she’s still wearing her mask. Levi feels horribly endeared watching her. She’s dressed in her pajamas — a cotton pajama set in black and white polka dot print and fuzzy cat slippers on her feet. Her hair is tied in a messy bun atop her head, stray locks of ginger falling around her face even though she wears a hairband meant to keep them away. Even as Petra continues to hit the refresh button, her eyelids droop and she looks as if she’s about to nod off to sleep soon.

“Abandoned slots tend to open up at 2 AM,” Petra murmurs to herself over and over. It’s like a mantra she keeps repeating, hoping that it’ll help her stay awake until she books herself an appointment. Levi doesn’t know how much it’s helping. “Abandoned slots tend to open up at 2 AM.”

“Should you really be staying up this late to book an appointment?” Levi asks. He hits the refresh button too, but the page remains the same. All appointments are full. “Don’t you have a morning shift tomorrow?”

Petra squints at him, concentrating as she fully registers his question. “Mmm, if I don’t get one at 2, then I’ll head right to bed.” Petra yawns again. As usual, she uses her elbow to cover her mouth. “I don’t know how people are booking their appointments so fast, but at least it seems like it’s a ‘first come, first serve’ type of thing. I heard it was worse at the hospital when they were first giving the vaccines out.”

Levi remembers hearing about it on the news and then hearing about it second-hand from Petra when she was talking about her doctor friend. There were some hospitals that determined vaccinations for their staff members by raffle, not even prioritizing doctors and nurses that were working first-hand with COVID patients. In the particular hospital that Petra’s friend worked at, COVID vaccinations were given out to higher-ranking doctors first regardless of whether or not they were working with COVID patients, which also caused a flurry of criticism from the hospital staff as well as media when the news broke out. The current system being used for front-line workers to get vaccinated certainly is inconvenient, but Levi doesn’t know what a better one would be.

“Just keep refreshing, just keep refreshing,” Petra says in a sing-song voice. She hits the refresh button robotically, but her eyelids are still drooping. Suddenly, she looks up, a little bit more awake than she was just a second ago. “Do you think my finger will fall off before I get an appointment?”

The mask hides the upward twitch of Levi’s lips. “I don’t think so,” he replies. He hits the refresh button and his eyes flicker to his screen. His eyes widen when he sees 10, 15, 20 spots open up at different pharmacies nearby. Quickly, he begins to turn his laptop around and points at the screen excitedly. “Wait, look!”

Petra takes one look at his screen and begins to tap around hers. She doesn’t even tell him that she sees them or thank him for alerting her because that would take a few extra seconds that might allow the appointments to fill up before she can claim a spot. Levi watches as Petra sits hunched over her laptop, the light from the screen allowing him to see how her brows are knit together in concentration as she types her information on the screen. She even has her insurance card ready beside her, filling in the necessary information easily. Levi doesn’t think he’s ever seen anyone type that quickly in his life, and he normally hits 100+ wpm when he’s writing code.

Suddenly, Petra hits the enter key one last time and looks up. Her typing has halted entirely and she stares at Levi with a blank expression on her face. It’s difficult to tell whether she got the appointment or if all the available slots had filled up at the last minute. It’s just an appointment, one that Petra can probably book later this week if not tomorrow, but the anticipation is making Levi’s palms sweat.

“So?” Levi asks. He’s never felt like it was hard to breathe wearing his mask, but he’s feeling a little breathless now. “Did you get one?”

A beat passes. Then two. Then three.

Suddenly, Petra raises her arms, lifts her head, and lets out a yell that’s far too loud for 2 AM in the morning. It’s so sudden that Levi flinches, but he sees that Petra’s eyes are crinkled at the edges when she faces him again. “I got it!” she proudly announces. She’s swaying as she sits. She probably used all of her energy just booking that appointment. Considering how tired and sleep-deprived Petra has been for the past three days, Levi’s surprised that she hadn’t made a typo at the last moment and missed her chance.

He’s grinning from ear to ear, not that she can see. “That’s great. Good for you. When is it?”

“Tomorrow morning,” she says. Petra shoots him with an endearing finger gun and winks. It makes his heart flutter in the oddest way. She shuts the screen of her laptop and the blue light that was illuminating her face disappears. It makes it more difficult for Levi to see the lines and creases in her mask. It also makes it a little harder for him to imagine the smile hidden beneath the fabric covering her face. “I’m going to call in sick and come in for my appointment. I don’t care what my boss says. It’s better if I get the vaccine anyway even if I might get yelled at when I come in tomorrow.”

Levi furrows his brow. “Are you going to be okay the next day? The side effects …” His voice trails off.

“It should be okay,” Petra says with yet another yawn. She should really go to sleep, but Levi doesn’t have the heart to tell her to go just yet. “The side effects aren’t really an issue until the second dose, I hear. Although, some people who had COVID said the first dose kicked their butts. Since I haven’t had COVID, it probably won’t be a problem for me.”

“But you won’t go into work if you happen to feel adverse side effects?” Levi can’t help but ask.

Petra doesn’t answer for a moment, just looks at Levi for a moment before her eyes smile again. “You’re sweet,” Petra tells him, and Levi’s flustered. For some reason, he wants to deny it, to tell her that he’s just asking what any reasonably concerned friend would ask, but Petra speaks again before he gets a chance to. “Yeah, I’ll call in another sick day if I have to. Thanks for worrying.”

Levi is about to tell her that it’s not a problem. Of course, it’s not a problem because helping her doesn’t burden him in any way, but he bites his lip instead.

Petra stretches her arms above her head. She gives him another sleep smile, one that Levi can only see in her eyes again, and waves at him tiredly. “That was kind of fun in a hectic way. Thanks for staying up with me these past few nights.”

Levi fiddles with the sleeve of his shirt. “It’s so I know what to do when it’s my turn to make an appointment,” he mumbles. He cringes when he speaks. He doesn’t sound convincing at all.

“Then we’ll do it again when it’s your turn,” Petra says. She points her index finger at him. “It’s the least I can do after you stayed up with me. I should do the same for you.”

He tells her that she doesn’t have to, but Petra insists and won’t let him go back into his apartment until he agrees. They have an undecided date for when they book Levi’s appointment. Petra, ever the optimist, says that the system will probably be less hectic by the time Levi’s eligible, but Levi’s not so sure. Still, he feels quite content as he returns to his apartment.

Petra gets her vaccine tomorrow. Levi wonders if he should construct a care package for her when she comes back and leave it at her doorstep. Not anything fancy, he thinks, just the essentials just in case side effects hit: canned chicken noodle soup, tea and honey, Gatorade, and a small bottle of Tylenol just in case. That’s probably overkill though, Levi sighs. He can think about being nice and thoughtful all he wants, but he knows he’ll back out in the end because there’s a chance that he’s overstepping his boundaries. He should just play it cool. Play it safe. Just pop out on the balcony tomorrow night and ask her how it went, if she was nervous, if her arm hurts.

It’s fine. He doesn’t need to be her caretaker. It’s good enough that they’re neighbors, two people in a short-distance relationship of six feet (or more) apart, unlikely friends in this strange time. It’s too much for him to hope to find love in this time of COVID-19. It’s enough that they’re just two people helping each other stay safe from COVID and booking appointments together. Maybe in a month or two they can be friends who are fully vaccinated against the virus. Two people who still take precautions against the infectious disease but who can live life in a little less fear because their chances of contracting the virus are lowered to about 5%. Two people who can smile at each other without their masks on.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Levi gets his vaccine two months after Petra. Like many other people, he suffered few side effects from the first dose except for a sore arm the very next day. The effects of the second dose are far worse.

He was warned by Petra, who told him that the effects of the second dose were like getting hit by the flu virus and a truck at the same time. He was also warned by various anonymous persons on the internet that were kind enough to share their vaccine experiences on online forums as well as medical professionals that posted informative online videos on YouTube. No warning could have prepared him for how bad the side effects really were.

Levi feels the effects of the second dose ten hours after he returns home from his vaccine appointment. At first, his arm just aches and he feels slightly drowsy. He doesn’t think much of it, thinking that these effects are mild compared to what other people are experiencing. After a few more hours, his body feels terribly cold and his entire body is aching. Everything irritates him more than usual: the light streaming in from his balcony hurts his eyes, the rattle of the air vent is grating to his ears, and the pounding of his head makes him want to bang his head against the wall until he passes out. To put it lightly, he feels like shit.

Petra said she only felt some muscle pain and had a slight fever for a few hours, but Levi feels like he can barely walk. The night Petra had her second dose, she only came out for a few minutes to talk to Levi before leaving to sleep early, but Levi doesn’t think he can even manage that.

Lying on the couch with a blanket draped over his body and an ice pack on his head, Levi manages to reach for his phone on the coffee table and type out a brief text message.

Levi:

Staying in tonight. See you tomorrow if I feel better.

Petra:

🙁🙁🙁

I hope it’s not too bad.

Feel better soon!

I hope you feel better tomorrow 😊

Levi wonders what she means when she says she hopes he feels better tomorrow. Does that mean she hopes he feels better so that they can see each other tomorrow? Or maybe he’s overthinking it and she’s just being polite. It’s normal to say “hope you feel better” when someone is feeling awful, isn’t it?

He doesn’t want to think about this too much. He should just rest instead of mulling about what Petra’s messages really mean. With a sigh, Levi turns his phone screen off and leaves it face-down on the table so that he’s not tempted to check his texts every time he gets a new notification.

Levi settles down against the pillows on his couch and wraps his blankets around him. He’s already taken a Tylenol, but it has only managed to dull his headache and not get rid of it completely. His limbs still feel achy, although not in the unbearable way they did an hour ago. He wonders if he should eat something. He had downed a Gatorade when he first got home and then drank another bottle a few hours ago, but he hasn’t eaten much except for a slice of bread and half an apple. It would probably be best for him to eat something else, but he doesn’t have the energy to get up off the couch and prepare something. Even a packet of ramen feels like it would be too much for him to handle at the moment.

He tosses and turns on the couch until he finds a position that he doesn’t hate. He’s not sure how he’ll be able to sleep when he feels this uncomfortable. He thinks it’ll take him at least an hour or two, but he drifts off without realizing and doesn’t wake up until he hears the ringing of his doorbell.

Groggy with sleep and muscles still aching, Levi gets up from the couch, his blankets dragging behind him as he checks the door. When he looks through the peephole, he doesn’t see anything. He’s too tired to even be angry about someone ding-dong ditching his door and he’s too feverish to even wonder why somebody would ring his doorbell only to abandon his doorstep moments later. He’s about to walk back to his couch and collapse into another dreamless sleep, but the thought that he might have accidentally called for some takeout while in his post-vaccine delirium forces him to yank open the door.

There isn’t anybody in sight nor is there a bag of takeout. Instead, there’s a basket with a note on it. Levi bends down to read the neat script printed on the paper:

Hope you feel better soon! I made some food that might help since you’re probably not in the mood to cook for yourself. 😊

-Petra

Levi stands there and blinks at the basket of food, wondering if this is all part of his fever dream. Maybe he hasn’t woken up yet. Levi is sure he’s dreamed this all up, but his body hurts too much for him to be still dreaming. He’s about to go in and text Petra to ask her if she really had left the basket of food for him, but he looks up to see the apartment door across from him cracked open and his gossipy neighbor looking at him, only her eye visible. Startled, Levi quickly grabs the basket and shuts the door behind him with a slam.

He carries the basket with him to the couch, setting it on the table. When he picks up his phone, he sees he has over a dozen messages. Most of them, unsurprisingly, are from Isabel, but when he scrolls to the bottom he sees he also has one from Petra. He taps on that one first.

Petra:

Cooking post-vaccine sucks!! I know from personal experience 😥

Left you some goodies outside your door jic you don’t feel like cooking. I hope you enjoy!

If it’s from Petra, then it’s safe to inspect the package. Levi lifts the cloth covering the top of the basket and peers inside. He pulls out a colorful tumbler first. The container is a pretty and pastel peach color that fades to white at the bottom. On the side it has a label with the same neat handwriting the first note had. “Peach smoothie,” it says with the ingredients listed in smaller print at the bottom: peaches, banana, greek yogurt, almond milk, honey, vanilla & cinnamon. When Levi looks at the other containers, he finds that they’re labeled similarly.

It’s difficult to explain how Levi feels as he sits on the couch and eats the rice porridge Petra had packed. The porridge is still warm, steam escaping from the thermos when Levi had first unscrewed the cap. Earlier, he hadn’t been in the mood to eat, but now he finds he can’t stop as he shovels spoonful after spoonful of rich, hearty porridge in his mouth.

It’s warm, Levi thinks, and he continues to eat. He no longer feels the chills that had confined him to his couch and forced Levi to wrap himself in layers and layers of blankets. He just feels warm and content, the rich broth from the rice porridge filling his belly and warming him from the inside out. There are tender chunks of chicken breast that Levi devours hungrily and tiny pieces of julienned ginger that balance the porridge out with a kick of spice and just the tiniest bit of sweetness. Levi doesn’t remember the last time he’s eaten so well.

He feels … so content as he sits back against his couch, upright for the first time in hours. He nibbles on the apple slices had cut for him, making sure to admire the little rabbit-ears she had taken the time to carve into each one. In between sips of the peach smoothie, Levi ponders.

Is it normal for neighbors to make food for their neighbors when they’re feeling ill? Is it something good acquaintances do? Is it something friends do? The last one is possible, although Levi has yet to receive a care package from Isabel or Farlan. Then again, he wasn’t planning on sending them one for their second doses, although he’s seriously considering it after experiencing the second dose side effects firsthand. It could be that his post-vaccine delirium is causing him to imagine things that aren’t there: affection, fondness … love?

Levi downs the rest of his smoothie and decides to sleep it all away.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Levi does feel better the next morning, but he doesn’t feel entirely okay either. He feels … strange. While the symptoms he suffered from previously are now gone, Levi finds himself suffering from new ones. They aren’t as uncomfortable as everything he had yesterday — fever, body ache, chills, headache, to name a few — but they make him feel anxious nonetheless. He could be one of the few cases suffering from deadly side effects after the vaccine.

Like any person without a medical degree or a friend in the medical field, Levi takes to the Internet to find answers. He looks up all the uncomfortable symptoms he’s feeling: chest pain, heart palpitations, light-headedness. When he thinks he’s found a consistent answer among various medical sites, he immediately calls Farlan over Zoom.

“I think I’m dying,” he tells Farlan immediately after his friend picks up.

Farlan furrows his brow, his blue eyes filled with concern. “You mean … you didn’t manage to get COVID right before your second dose, did you?” Farlan runs a hand through his honey-blond hair, looking around his apartment for things he needs to drive over to Levi’s house: his wallet, keys, a first aid kit. “Are you okay? I’ll drive over there really quick.”

“No, no. Not COVID,” Levi says quickly. He rubs his hand over his chest. “It’s just … I’ve been feeling strange. I’ve been getting heart palpitations. Sometimes my chest hurts and I feel lightheaded. I think I might have myocarditis.”

Farlan blinks once. Twice. He takes a deep breath and then breathes out. Calmer now, he says, “I thought we talked about you self-diagnosing yourself with different diseases. Just because you’re a hypochondriac does not mean you’re qualified to make these types of calls about your health.”

“I’m serious this time!” Levi says. “It makes sense, doesn’t it? There are other people who have taken the vaccine and have developed pericarditis and myocarditis. I’m not being paranoid.” Levi admits to being quick to diagnosing himself with diseases in the past, many of which were probably impossible for him to contract in hindsight, but he doesn’t know why Farlan is scolding him for being careful about his health.

Farlan sighs. He leans back against his chair and rubs his eyes. “Alright,” Farlan says. He sits up. He doesn’t look angry anymore, just tired. “Tell me everything in detail this time and don’t leave anything out.”

“Well, I told you,” Levi says. “Chest pain and heart palpitations and dizziness -”

“And these all started right after you received your second vaccine?” Farlan asks.

“Yeah, I …,” Levi’s voice trails off. He pauses just a moment and realizes it’s not the first time he’s experienced these symptoms. He’s felt it once or twice before, these strange pangs in his chest and his heart fluttering oddly. “It happened before. When I was with Petra.”

Farlan smirks. “Well, congratulations. It looks like you’re not sick. You’re just an idiot,” he tells Levi and then adds, “and in love.” Before Levi can deny it, Farlan hangs up.

Levi is still spluttering at his screen when a message from Farlan pops up.

Farlan:

Ask her out.

Levi stares at the message even as a million little notifications from Isabel pop up asking him why he called Farlan without her. He thinks about the message. He thinks about asking Petra. He winces when the thought of it brings an odd, sharp pain to his chest, the same one he’s been feeling all morning.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Petra smiles when she sees him that night, her eyes crinkling the way they do when she smiles and her mask shifting upwards. Levi still doesn’t know what her smile looks like, but he’s imagined it every night for weeks on end.

“Feeling better?” she asks Levi. She leans against the railing, her arms resting on top. Levi stands his railing too, but he doesn’t lean against it the way Petra does. It’s perhaps the closest they’ve gotten in all the time they’ve spoken with each other. “The second dose is really something, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Levi mumbles. He wonders if he looks terrible, if his face is pale or cheeks flushed, if there are bags under his eyes, if he looks any thinner than he was the day before. He hopes he doesn’t look too horrible.

Petra rests her head on her arms, eyes looking up at Levi. “So what are you gonna do once your two weeks are up and you have the antibodies?” she asks. “I mean, don’t go crazy and crowd surf at an unmasked concert, of course, but maybe you could go out and eat at a restaurant if they have outdoor dining or something.”

“Actually, I was thinking of staying home,” Levi says. His palms are sweating already and his heart is doing that thing where it’s beating erratically against his chest. His head is feeling strange. There’s a chance that Levi might faint and fall off his balcony where he’ll fall four stories until he hits the ground. He almost doesn’t believe it when he hears himself say, “I was actually wondering if you wanted to eat dinner at my place once my two weeks are over.”

Petra’s eyebrows are lifted in surprise. Maybe if she weren’t wearing a mask right now, Levi would see her lips shaped in a perfect O. After a moment, she asks, “Are you really asking me to have dinner with you on your first night of being fully vaccinated?” Her tone is teasing. It makes Levi blush and he almost regrets asking her until Petra says, “I’d be honored. Do you want me to bring anything? I can cook pretty well.”

“If you really want to,” Levi says. He doesn’t know how he’s still standing. A part of him feels as if he’s still on his couch in a fever-filled haze, suffering from the effects of the second vaccine. There’s no way all of this isn’t a dream. Subtly, he wraps his arm around his torso and pinches himself in the ribs. It hurts too much to be a dream.

He’s two weeks closer to seeing Petra without a mask on.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

The night of the dinner, Levi finds himself frantically running around his apartment. He took the day off work just to clean his apartment even though he cleans it at least twice daily already. This time, he’s taken the liberty of dusting off the corners of the ceiling and making sure to get all the dirt from behind the furniture. He’s even cleaned the inside of each and every cabinet, including the very top cabinets that are a bitch for him to clean.

It’s overkill, Isabel and Farlan told him. They told him to just treat it like a normal dinner, to just pretend as if they’re the ones coming over instead of Petra, but Levi can’t do that. The difference between Petra and his friends is just too vast. For one thing, he knows that Farlan and Isabel don’t mind a bit of dust, but he’s not sure the same can be said for Petra. Because is so careful in following COVID prevention guidelines, he’s sure she would appreciate the extra time he takes cleaning his apartment just for her arrival.

He couldn’t decide what to buy for dinner. He knows Petra had offered to bring some food over for tonight, but it feels rude to assume that she’ll provide a full-course meal. The problem with ordering food himself is that he doesn’t know what kind of food she likes. Mexican? Italian? Chinese? Indian? There are too many possibilities. He doesn’t know if she has any food preferences or allergies either, and he’s far too nervous to ask her. Levi doesn’t know how to cook for shit, so ordering takeout is the norm for him, but it’s different when you’re ordering for another person. In the end, he orders one dish from different restaurants hoping that at least one dish will be able to satisfy Petra.

Then there’s the question of what to wear.

“Just wear anything,” Farlan groans. He’s splayed out in his chair and looking up at the ceiling. He hasn’t looked at the past dozen outfits Levi has suggested. “Wear your all-black grunge number or a three-piece suit. I’m sure it doesn’t matter.”

“I can’t just wear anything,” Levi hisses. “What will she think of me?”

“You’ve seen each other at 2 AM with only pajamas on,” Farlan points out. He yawns, not bothering to cover his mouth. “I’m pretty sure you two know each other well enough not to mind the other person’s fashion choices.”

“You should wear those tight leather pants,” Isabel says. She leans forward in her seat, her head in her palm with her elbow resting on her knee. “With that see-through shirt. And put some hair gel in your hair. Also maybe put on some eyeliner.”

Levi blinks. “I don’t have any of those things.”

Isabel groans. “I know, your wardrobe is sooooo boring!”

He shouldn’t have asked Farlan and Isabel for their help. He ends up with a mask, a sky-blue button-down, his darkest pair of jeans, and more anxiety than he had this morning. Petra should be here any minute and he’s feeling strange again. The same symptoms as before plague him: dizziness, pains in his chest, heart palpitations. The chime of his doorbell is enough to make him jump out of his seat on the couch and almost fall on the floor.

Levi scrambles for the door, pulling it open. There Petra stands, mask on and a bag full of food she’s prepared for tonight. She looked nice more than six feet away when they were standing on their balconies, but she looks even nicer standing right in front of him. He’s about to say as much when he notices the door across from them open and his neighbor’s eye peep out from the crack. Startled, he pulls Petra in just as she’s saying hello and slams the door behind her.

He breathes a sigh of relief only for his breath to hitch in his throat when he realizes that he’s trapped Petra in between him and the door. They’re standing far closer than six feet apart. It’s closer than six inches apart. It’s even closer than six centimeters. He can count every strand of ginger hair on her head, every eyelash, every freckle sprinkled across her cheeks.

Startled, Levi stumbles backward and apologizes. “S-sorry,” he stammers. His cheeks are flushed red with embarrassment, the heat made worse with his mask on. “The woman in the apartment across from me was staring.”

“Oh, yeah,” Petra says. She looks behind her, although there’s no way for her to see the neighbor now that Levi’s door is closed. When she turns back, her eyes are crinkled. “She talks a lot, that one.”

“Yeah,” Levi mumbles. He stares at Petra. He can’t help it. There’s a smile hidden behind her mask. He can see it if he only asks. He’s closer to seeing it than he’s ever been. Soon, he’ll know what lies beneath. Cautiously, carefully, Levi asks, “Would you like to take off your mask?”

“Sure,” Petra says. She unhooks the elastics from her ears. She removes the mask from her face, looks at Levi, and smiles.

It’s more beautiful than Levi could have imagined: a dimple in her cheek, freckles sprinkled across her skin that her mask had always covered until today, and just the slightest overbite in her smile. It makes Levi’s heart do a weird flip in his chest, worse than he’s ever felt before. His palms are sweating and he’s feeling light-headed. He’s not sure he’s even breathing.

Breathlessly, Levi tears off his mask. “Can I kiss you?” The question falls from his mouth without him thinking. He’s about to take it back and apologize for being too forward, but Petra takes a step closer to him.

Her smile is dazzling, growing wider as Petra takes a step. Her eyes crinkle the way they always did on the balcony. “Sure,” she says and reaches to place one hand on the back of Levi’s neck before pulling him in for a kiss.

It’s perfect.

#rivetra #snk #covid 19 pandemic au #levi ackerman #petra ral #requests #asks #answered #anon #anonymous

[rosesloveletters]

As we approach the anniversary of Heath Ledger’s passing, I would like to use my platform to discuss a few things I find increasingly important that we, as fans, keep in mind: Do NOT mock his death. Do NOT harass his family, friends, etc. (don’t ever do this, but especially not this week or the day of.) Do NOT use his death to signify your online presence. Those of us who appreciate this hard-working, loving, giving soul deserve the freedom of expression granted to us, given that we remain within the bounds of positivity, consideration for others and for Heath Ledger himself. 

(image: Heath photographed for The West Australian on June 9th, 2001.)

I implore you to treat everyone with respect and to honor Heath in a way in which you would honor a loved one; be kind, courteous, respectful and tactful whenever you are discussing his passing and remain conscious of others and their feelings regarding this subject. It is a subject of sensitivity for many and I ask that you consider how others might feel when approached with the topic. Do NOT pass around photos of him that the paparazzi took on that fateful day. This is a blatant disregard for Heath and his privacy; He was unable to consent to having those photos taken, for obvious reasons, and I am certain that he would not have consented, given his distaste for the paparazzi and having felt as though his life was ‘on display’. 

Remember to treat him and others with respect. It is the bare minimum of common courtesy when dealing with such a raw topic; Heath would be honored by how most choose to remember him and I think that he would be humbled by the legacy he’s left behind.

On another, more important note, we must to remember a few things regarding the late Heath Ledger: 

He did not die because of his role as The Joker in ‘The Dark Knight’. 

He did NOT die of a suicide. 

Heath was struggling with insomnia, illness, his break-up with Michelle and (presumably) depression (though I don’t believe that was ever officially confirmed) at the time of his passing and we must remember how sensitive a subject this is, for his family, loved ones, friends and fans alike. 

For more factual information on his passing, I recommend visiting these links provided: 

Friends and Family Remember His Final Weeks 

Some important quotes from this article to take into consideration: 

“Gerry Grennell, Ledger’s friend and dialect coach who lived and worked with the star while he was shooting The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus in the final weeks of his life, spoke with PEOPLE in 2017 for a cover story on Ledger, nine years after the actor’s death. He recalled his friend being “exhausted, emotionally and physically” while battling a lingering pneumonia-type illness.”

“Grennell said the star’s mood was low. “He missed his girl, he missed his family, he missed his little girl — he desperately wanted to see her and hold her and play with her,” he added, referring to Ledger’s former girlfriend Michelle Williams and their then-2-year-old daughter, Matilda. “He was desperately unhappy, desperately sad.””

But in his final weeks, Grennell said Ledger knew he was spiraling. Still, he couldn’t stop himself from taking the pills. “He said, ‘I got to stop, it’s not helping, I’m not well, it’s making me feel more upset,’” Grennell continued. “It wasn’t helping with the relationship issues, it wasn’t helping with missing his kid, it wasn’t helping his sleeping — and he knew that.”

“Being such a social guy, having to be a bit of a hermit, or wear hats and glasses was super annoying,” he added, describing the lengths to which Ledger went to avoid the paparazzi. “His happiest I remember was times like when we were in Bondi on the beach catching waves, and nobody really looking his way, and when he moved to Brooklyn and could walk around with nobody bothering him.”

Heath Ledger’s Father Kim Speaks of Son’s Death - Trigger Warning: Kim Ledger mentions seeing EMS removing Heath’s body from his home in new York. This video and its message is EXTREMELY important; if you choose to view no other material listed here, please watch this short interview. 

Statements Made by Heath Ledger’s Sisters

Heath Ledger’s Sisters Clear Up Rumors About His Death In New Documentary

Some important quotes from this article to take into consideration: 

Though the doc doesn't elaborate on the "demons" that plagued Ledger's final days, it does change the narrative about his mental state at that time. According to the actor's family, Ledger's role in The Dark Knight didn't depress him, as so many tabloids had reported. It energized him."It was coming out that he was depressed and it was taking a toll, and we were going, 'What?'" Bell said. "It was the absolute opposite," Kate Ledger added. "He had an amazing sense of humor, and I guess only his close family and friends really knew that. But he was having fun. He wasn’t depressed about The Joker."

That's about as far as the film delves into Ledger's death. Instead, I Am Heath Ledger chooses to focus on his life. It may not be a complete picture of the actor, but after nearly a decade of rampant rumors and tabloid gossip, it's nice to see Heath through his own lens.

Speculation into Heath’s passing has been vast, leaving much to the media to exaggerate and perpetuate; there is very little evidence or proof that lends to the fact that Heath was an ‘addict’ as has been portrayed, however this statement can be found on his Wikipedia page: 

“Ledger was "widely reported to have struggled with substance abuse.” Following Ledger's death, Entertainment Tonight aired video footage from 2006 in which Ledger stated that he "'used to smoke five joints a day for 20 years” and news outlets reported that his drug abuse had prompted Williams to request that he move out of their apartment in Brooklyn. Ledger's publicist asserted that some reportage regarding Ledger and drugs had been inaccurate.”

When discussing his death, please keep in mind that a large portion about his personal life has been over-exaggerated and therefore, research is key.

Heath’s private life is not something we should pry into and we should be respectful of the fact that we simply do not have the information to conclusively determine certain theories. It is among human nature to ask questions and want answers, but it is our responsibility to know what is appropriate and how we should go about researching such a topic. 

Do not pry into Heath’s private life; be mindful of the information you choose to share and treat him as you would treat any other person. Just because he is a “celebrity” does NOT mean that every detail of his life should be public access. Treat him how you would want to be treated; you are not entitled to his private life, nor is anyone other than those he was closest to. 

We have countless interviews and testimonies to his character from family and friends, those of which prove to be the most accurate. 

Check out this video: Famous People Talking About Heath Ledger to hear some of these positive testaments to his character.

Drug abuse is a very serious matter; I do not condone Heath’s decision to abuse prescription drugs, nor should any fan; his death provides a testament to the dangers of prescription pills and we should remember to be mindful of their effect. Prescription drug abuse is a serious matter and we should not overlook the seriousness of it.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Opioid drug abuse, visit the link provided for the CDC’s help and resources

Please remain respectful while researching his passing and use discretion. Information perpetuated by the media has proved time and time again to be harmful to those in the limelight and Heath was a victim of that as well. Respect the fact that we do not know of his private life and accept that we do not have the right to know. There is a large amount of information present, providing speculation into this subject and I advise you to research with caution, as some of it is damaging to Heath’s character. 

Most importantly, use this time to remember Heath for the incredibly gifted and talented soul that he was. As fans, it is important not only to understand his passing, but to keep his legacy alive through the ways in which we choose to honor and remember him. 

Heath Ledger’s death was a tragedy. His family and friends still grieve his passing and his daughter, Matilda, is without a father due to his premature death. Please be respectful and courteous of this and honor Heath in a way in which he would be proud of. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post. With much controversy surrounding Ledger’s death, I felt it necessary to speak out on a couple of things, especially with the anniversary of his death coming up. Please feel free to add onto this post any way you would like, especially if you find more information that is factual and important to share within the community.

 I will reiterate: BE RESPECTFUL. BE COURTEOUS. BE KIND. Do NOT harass his family and friends. Do NOT mock his death. Do NOT share offensive/upsetting images or media that is damaging to his character, now or ever. Respect others who choose to use this time simply to remember this wonderful man for all that he was and do not discuss his passing with anyone who might be triggered by the mentioning of it. 

This community is a loving, caring and amazing place where we choose to remember Heath in our own ways and keep his memory alive through the creations and art we all share. Build each other up and listen to one another; treat each other as if you are looking at Heath directly and show the world the same kindness he showed while he was among us. 

Thank you. 

#heath ledger #tw: death #tw: suicide mention #tw: drug abuse #tw: drug overdose #tw: drugs #my stuff #okay to reblog #I triggered myself so bad to make this post please appreciate it and take it all into consideration

[myocsfanfictions]

The Road Ahead of Us - TWD Season 2

The Walking Dead Fanfiction

MASTERLIST

They had left Atlanta behind, trying to reach Fort Benning; but during an apocalypse nothing ever goes at it is planned. Sarah and Nicolette will have to face new challenges and dangers. How will they survive?

If you like it, please reblog

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Chapter 9

NICOLETTE 

It was crazy how fast the night has come as soon as Glenn started the car to bring the three of them to Maggie’s farm. For as much as she had wished for that day to end, Nicolette couldn’t help but feel anxiety raising inside herself to finally see it happen. 

“Where did ya say Shane had gone?” T-Dog asked with tired voice.  

Nicki looked away from outside her window, to turn towards the man. 

“I don’t know exactly where” Nicki said “But he went with the man who shot Carl to take some medical stuff” it was some school, if she remembered correctly. Apparently when the hospital was overrun, in the school has been set up something like a medical centre, where people could be taken care of. But it had been overrun too. 

“Medical stuff as in?” asked again T-Dog. 

“Shouldn’t you be resting?” asked Nicki with a frown. 

“Too painful” he almost chuckled, making the girl shake her head. 

“The doctor, at least I hope he is a doctor” said Nicki “Needs to operate Carl” 

“Operate as in surgeon?” asked Glenn panicked. 

“Focus on the road” said Nicki pointing ahead of her, before lean her back against the sit “But yeah. Bullet exploded. There are still five fragments, too deep to get just removed” 

“Well, shit” said T-Dog after a moment of silence. 

“Yeah...” Nicki nodded her head “Shit”. 

The rest of the ride was silent. The sun was completely gone once they finally could see the shape of Greens’ farm. Everything was dark, only the lights coming from the house could be seen. As they arrived next to the fence, Glenn got out of the car to open the gate, so that they could get through. 

“They’ve got fences” T-Dog said with wide eyes making Nicki nod her head. 

“All around” she said. 

“This could be the safest place we’ve encountered so far” since the CDC turned out to be a timing bomb, what T-Dog had said was probably right. 

They drove inside, following the path towards the house. Glenn stopped the car just few feet from the wooden steps. 

“So do we ring the bell?” asked Glenn as they walked towards the entrance, making Nicki frown looking up at him. 

“What?” she asked. 

“We're past this kind of stuff, aren't we?” T-Dog added, making Glenn look at them shyly. 

“Having to be considerate” 

Being polite seemed so strange now. Having to deal with people who were still civil, made her feel uneasy. It was like she was forgetting how to proper behave, what her parents had taught her. 

“Maybe... we can knock” she muttered as Glenn nodded his head a bit unsure. 

“Did you cIose the gate up the road when you drove in?” the three of them turned to their right a bit startled, to see Maggie coming out from the shadow with a little smile. 

“Uh, hi” started Glenn with a little blush, trying to act confident “Yes, we closed it. Did the latch and everything” Nicki looked at Glenn with a frown as he continued talking to Maggie “HeIIo. Nice to see you again” he said “We met before briefly” 

“Look, we came to heIp. There anything we can do?” T-Dog asked tiredly. 

“Can I get in, Maggie?” asked Nicolette. The girl looked at her and nodded with a small smile. 

Nicki opened the door and entered the house again. She looked around and she spotted the blond girl, Maggie’s sister with the other boy turning to her. 

“You’re back” Beth said with a little smile, walking towards her “Have you brought your friends here?” 

“Not all of them” Nicki said keep looking around “Where’s Shane? Is he back?” 

Beth bit her lips and shook her head. 

“Otis too” she said. 

Nicki took a breath turning towards the room where Carl was in. It was dark now. Hours had passed. Shane should have been back by now.  

Nicki walked towards the room and looked inside. Everyone was silent, observing Carl who was still sleeping. At least he was still breathing. As she stepped inside, she saw Rick look up towards her, that nodded her head. 

He was so pale and tired. And Lori had red eyes from the tears that she had been sheading. 

“Hey” Rick said as Glenn and T-Dog entered the room too. 

“Um, we're here, okay?” said Glenn as his eyes moved from Carl to his parents. 

“Thank you” Lori said. 

“Whatever you need” added T-Dog. 

Rick had his face in his hands, trying to keep it together. There was nothing that they could do, just wait. 

“Nicolette” said Lori, just before the girl could leave the room, following Maggie, Glenn and T-Dog. The woman extended her hand for Nicki to take. Nicolette walked closer to her taking it. 

“Thank you” she said with glossy eyes “You’ve put yourself in danger to get me, thank you” 

“It made more sense for you to be here” Nicki answered as the woman squeezed her hand a little. 

“How is he?” Nicolette asked turning to the boy. 

“If they don't get back soon” said Hershel checking Carl’s wound “We're gonna have a decision to make” 

Nicki observed him doing it. He uncovered Carl’s abdomen and she frowned seeing it swollen and pale.  

“And that is?” asked Rick with weak voice. 

“Whether to operate on your boy without the respirator” at Hershel’s words Nicki frowned. Shane and Otis were on a run because they needed those stuff. 

“You said that wouldn't work” Lori said with wide eyes. 

“lt's extremely unlikely” Hershel said “But we can't wait much longer”. 

As the man stopped talking, Lori got up and quickly left the room. Rick looked between his wife and his son, before turning to Nicolette. 

“Can you stay here with him?” Nicki’s eyes widened. 

“Me?” she asked. 

“It’ll only take a minute” Rick said before leaving the room, not giving Nicki much of a choice. Nicolette took a breath before sitting on the chair next to Carl. It wasn’t like she could do anything but observe the boy, trying to ignoring the needle in his right arm; the one right under her gaze. 

“What is your name?” asked Hershel as he checked Carl’s blood pressure. 

“Nicolette” she said with a little frown “Are you trying to make conversation?” 

“No” the man answered “It’s just that I didn’t know your name” Nicolette found herself chuckling a bit as the man glanced up to her. 

“He’s not going to make it, is he?” she asked leaning her back against the chair. 

“You don’t have to think about it” 

“It’s true, though” she answered to the man “There’s no point on hiding it. I suppose that’s how the world works now” Hershel observed her silently for a moment, before shaking his head. 

“The world is the same” he said making Nicki frown. 

“Doubt it” she said bending forward to put her head between her hands as she watched Carl. If everything was the same, they could have brought him to the hospital. 

“You’re not from Georgia, right?” the man asked as he was checking Carl’s bandage. 

“No, sir” she answered “I’m from San Francisco”  

Hershel frowned a little. 

“How did you meet these people?” he asked. Nicki looked up at the man. 

“By chance” 

Suddenly, Carl coughed making her and Hershel get up. 

“Carl?” Nicki said with wide eyes as the door got open to see Lori and Rick enter the room. Nicki moved aside to let Carl’s parents get closer to their son and she put herself at the end of the bed. 

“Where are we?” he asked looking around confused as Lori was stroking his hair with a smile. 

“Hey, little man” said Rick with a sweet voice “That's Hershel. We're in his house. You had an accident. All right?”  

Nicki observed the scene before her, with a little smile. The way they stood next to him, trying to calm him, to make him feel safe. In that moment she realized that she had lost that. She was far away from her family and if something was to happen to her, her parents wouldn’t even know. 

“lt hurts, a lot” Carl said trying to see what was causing that pain. 

“Oh, baby, l know” said Lori sweetly trying to stop him from moving “l know” Rick took a breath trying to not cry in front of his son, to keep him calm. 

Carl then looked around him once more before his gaze landed on Nicolette. 

“Nicki?” she nodded her head as she saw the boy smile a little towards her, before turning to his mother. 

“You should have seen it” he said weakly. 

“What?” Lori asked. 

“The deer” he answered with a dreamy smile “lt was so pretty, mom. lt was so close” Nicki and Rick shared a quick look before the girl could see him almost chuckle happily.   “l've never been...” Nicolette frowned when Carl stopped talking. His eyes were open but he wasn’t moving at all. She wasn’t even sure he was still breathing. 

That wasn’t normal... 

“Carl?” as Lori called her son’s name, he started to make erratic and uncontrolled movements. He was shaking badly, making the all bed shake too. 

“What the hell?” Nicki exclaimed covering her mouth with her hands as Rick tried to stop Carl from moving, but Hershel put himself in between. 

“Don't. lt's a seizure” he said as Nicki observed the boy with wide eyes and her hands on her hair “lf you hold him down, you couId hurt him” 

That was almost terrifying. She had never saw someone having a seizure. It seemed like he was in pain and it was clear that he had no control over his own body. 

“You can't stop it?” asked Lori in panic. 

“He has to just go through it” explained Hershel, pushing Carl on his side, so that he could not hurt himself. Rick held Lori close as she sobbed and cried. As for Nicki, she had stepped back until her back was against the wall. She couldn’t stop looking at Carl as she felt her legs give in to make her sit on the ground. 

After infinite moments, Carl finally stopped and Lori and Rick ran immediately at his side. But the boy was passed out once again. 

“His brain isn't getting enough blood” explained Hershel as Nicki pushed herself up once again “His pressure is bottoming. He needs another transfusion”. 

He needed Shane to come back. Where the hell was he? Carl couldn’t hold on anymore. He couldn’t wait anymore.  

Nicki took a breath before she walked out of the room, running outside feeling suddenly sick. She ran down the stairs and thrown up on the ground. Her knees were bent and her hands where on her thighs as she tried to let it all out. She hadn’t eaten anything and she felt so tired. 

“Nicolette?” Glenn rushed to her, rubbing her back as she finished “You need to eat something” 

“I don’t know what I need” she said with a groan hating even the idea of open her mouth to eat something. She didn’t want to eat, or drink, or sleep. She was tired, but she could do nothing but being awake. 

“Someone should go look for them” Nicki muttered as Glenn brought her closer to him. 

“What?” he asked as he rubbed one of her arms, sitting on the dirt. 

“Shane and Otis” she said exhausted “He’s going to die if they don’t make it back” 

“We can’t, Nicki” Glenn said shaking his head. 

“Why not?” she asked with closed eyes, feeling a sudden headache. 

“We’re just gonna make it worst” Glenn said “More people are gonna getting hurt” 

Nicki shook her head tiredly. 

“Carl’s gonna die” she muttered. 

“Don’t talk like this. Come on” said Glenn trying to helping her up “Let’s get you inside” 

“Is she alright?” she heard Maggie’s voice. 

“I think she’s exhausted” Glenn explained as he was supporting Nicki’s body “She needs rest and food” Maggie nodded her head, leading them inside, so that Nicolette could lay on the couch. 

“What a fucking day” Nicolette muttered as Glenn set next to her, rubbing her arm. 

“Yeah” he said “You’re right” 

After that Nicolette slipped in the darkness. She slept with no dreams and she felt like her slumber had lasted centuries. And when she woke up, she widened her eyes and immediately set up. 

“Hey” said Maggie that was just entering now “Calm down, it’s ok” she knelt next to Nicolette. 

“How long have I been out?” Nicki asked. 

“Not that much, actually” Maggie said “Maybe an hour or so. Glenn just got outside” Nicki nodded her head feeling it be a lot lighter than before. She needed that sleep, but she couldn’t be knocked out for too long. She wanted to know what was happening. 

“Is Shane back?” she asked looking around, but Maggie shook her head making Nicki groan a little. 

“I know you don’t get distracted” Maggie said turning to the table “But I’ve made you a sandwich. You should eat it” 

“Thank you” Nicki said turning her body towards the coffee table taking the bread in her hand. She smelled it, not even sure if it was real or a dream. It felt like ages that she had last eaten something like that. As she bit down, she swore she had never eaten something so good. It was like living again. 

“Look who’s back with us” T-Dog said sitting on the couch next to Nicki who smiled as she was chewing. 

“I could say the same thing” she said with full mouth noticing the man being healthier than few hours before. 

Suddenly they heard the noise of a car getting closer. Nicki, T-Dog and Maggie shared a look, before getting up. Immediately, Nicolette saw Rick, Lori and Hershel ran out from the room to go outside. They all followed them and a rush of relieve hit her as she spotted Shane getting out of the car. 

“CarI?” Shane asked as Rick and Hershel ran to him. He seemed exhausted, shaken up, terrified and limping. 

“There's still a chance” said Rick as Hershel took the big bag Shane had on his shoulder, then he started to look behind the man’s back, making Nicki do the same. 

“Otis?” Hershel asked. At the question Shane’s eyes got wider as he looked down shaking his head. 

God, Otis was dead... 

“We say nothing to Patricia” exclaimed Hershel “Not till after. I need her” the he run inside. Nicki looked up at Maggie who was crying, sobbing from next to her. 

“Was he Patricia’s husband?” Nicki asked making the other girl nod her head with closed eyes.  

They didn’t want this. It wasn’t supposed to go this way. 

Nicolette turned again towards Shane that was now hugging Rick. His eyes always wide and in shock. Nicki wondered what happened. What he had seen. How Otis had died. 

“They kept blocking us at every turn” Shane said with trembling voice “We had nothing left. We were down to 10 rounds. Then he said--” he stopped to took a shaky breath, Nicki had never seen him like that. Not even after the attack at the camp. 

“He said he'd cover me and that l should keep going. So that's what l did. l just... l kept going” Shane kept saying “But l-- l looked back and he-- l tried. He wanted to make it right” Rick put a hand on his shoulder trying to reassure his friend. To make him calm down. Nicolette observed Shane, wondering how bad must have all been. The man had always been strong and reliable. Something terrible must have happened if even someone like him was that broken. 

**********************************************************************************

If someone else wants to be add to the tag list just let me know ;)

@reichelhache​

#twd #the walking dead #twd fanfiction #the walking dead fanfiction #twd imagine #the walking dead imagine #carl grimes #carl grimes fanfiction #carl grimes imagine #carl grimes x oc #carl grimes x reader #daryl dixon #daryl dixon fanfiction #daryl dixon imagine #daryl dixon x oc #daryl dixon x reader #season 2

[orneryoracle]

Grammar Police

For so long I have wanted to sit and write.  Me and about 15 million other people.  I am not concerned with “being heard” - it is more for just writing to write.  Also, My journals take up way too much space.

I have always been afraid to write for public consumption.  Why?  I have horrible grammar, sentence structure, syntax and punctuation.  However, I can spell and I know the differences in there, their and they’re; and I also know (and use) the proper placement of an apostrophe.  Let’s just say that in this day and age, I feel like I am more than halfway there.

I remember having a conversation with my friend, the linguistics professor, about texting language.  She said to me that as long as points were being communicated and understood, it was grammatically correct.  WHAT?!  Okay, I am in!  Then I was out.  Then back in.  Aaaaaand out.  I had another friend remind me that there are many artists and creators.  Writing is like all kinds of art - it will be different.  (Hold on to your hats people because I am all over the place).

Should I continue with this endeavour, what you will find will be my penchant for spelling some words in proper English (behavour; endeavour; theatre) and some in my Southern slang (y’all).  You will also find, I write as I speak.  Literally - write. As. I Speak. What you will not find are shits given to proper punctuation (comma? semi-colon? what is the proper use of a hyphen?); proper placement of prepositions (they will often be at the end of things); and any other faux pas of the literary world.

You see, I grew up in a very small town and often, the teachers we allowed to teach what they thought important to growth.  This was WAY before standardized testing.  You know when teachers were ALLOWED to do things and plan as they saw fit?  I remember going into my new 8th grade English class and the teacher had a sentence written on the board.  She then randomly called on people to go to the sentence and diagram it out. I had never performed this, to date.  All my years in honors English classes and I had never diagrammed a sentence.  I was petrified (still am, actually).  Everyday was a prayer that I would not be called upon - or if so, then I would get something easy like a noun.  Oh, she would also leave out the punctuation.  RAT FARTS!  

One would think that this trauma would make me want to learn as much as I could.  And it kiiiinda did.  But not really.  I just found people better than I was to read my work before I turned it in.  (I have always known how to delegate and outsource.) Usually my older brainiac sister - who is a genius at anything academic.  It gave her a chance to ridicule me for my ineptitude - but really a small price to pay to get her expertise.  Her skill was worth way more than her insults.

I am not uneducated, I do hold a Master’s Degree.  Which was considerably painful for someone who enjoys writing but doesn't enjoy PROPER educational writing. Especially when I am reminded that unless you are exploring a PhD, no thought is original - or your own.  You know nothing.  If you think it - find a reference.  This was also considerably eye opening that I truly did not have an original thought.  If I could think it I, indeed, did find a reference.  Dammit!

 If you are going to be the English language police -please go away...or better yet, use this as a sample in your class of what NOT to do.

Lastly, a reminder: wash your hands and stay home.  You may be out and enjoying your life, but you could be bringing this new thing, we cant fight, home to loved ones.  Be responsible.  Just because YOU are healthy does not mean people around you or people around other people are healthy.  Latest research shows it lives 3 hours IN THE AIR; 2-3 days on PLASTIC AND STAINLESS STEEL; and 24 hours on CARDBOARD (delivery anyone?!?!). Look it up it is on the NIH website.  They are like the health gurus that the CDC follows.  So you lose a few months of “freedom” - please consider trading a few months for multiple lifetimes.

#humor #essay #metaphysical #lightworker #everydayhumor #nursing #socialdistancing #grammarpolice #syntax #properenglish

[differentnutpeace]

CDC Director Fears 'Impending Doom' If U.S. Opens Too Quickly

Amid growing optimism about the rising pace of vaccinations in the U.S., the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has one request for the American people: Don't act as if the pandemic is over – it's not. หวย บอล เกมส์ คาสิโนออนไลน์

In an emotional plea during the White House COVID-19 Response Team briefing on Monday, the CDC chief, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, described a feeling of "impending doom."

"We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are and so much reason for hope," Walensky said. "But right now, I'm scared."

The cause of her concern? A rising number of coronavirus cases in the United States. The most recent seven-day average is just below 60,000 cases per day – a 10% increase compared with the previous week.

Hospitalizations are up, too: about 4,800 admissions per day over the last week, up from an average 4,600 per day in the previous seven-day period. And deaths, which tend to lag cases and hospitalizations, have also begun to rise: increasing nearly 3%, to a seven-day average of about 1,000 per day.

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Walensky said those numbers are especially worrisome because the pattern looks similar to the trajectory of European countries, including Germany, Italy and France, which are now battling a new wave of infections.

President Biden echoed her dire warnings.

"We're in the life and death race with a virus that is spreading quickly, with cases rising again," Biden said at the White House on Monday afternoon. "New variants are spreading and sadly some of the reckless behavior we've seen on television over the past few weeks means more cases are to come in the weeks ahead."

"We're giving up hard-fought, hard-won gains. And as much as we're doing, America, it's time to do even more," he added.

The U.S. has now passed 30 million total confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Biden called on states and localities to reinstate mask mandates, calling masks "the only way we ever get back to normal." He also reiterated his goal of having "a July 4th that's closer to normal." When asked if he thinks some states should pause their reopening efforts, Biden said "yes."

Walensky and White House senior adviser Andy Slavitt said they would meet with governors Tuesday to discuss the increased supply in vaccines. Walensky said she would counsel governors and other leaders to stop lifting restrictions as quickly as they are, given that a surge may be imminent.

The White House YouTube

"Just please hold on a little while longer," Walensky said. "I so badly want to be done. I know you all so badly want to be done. We are just almost there, but not quite yet. And so I'm asking you to just hold on a little longer to get vaccinated when you can — so that all of those people that we all love will still be here when this pandemic ends."

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, agreed.

"If we open up completely now, that is premature, given the level of infection" currently seen in the U.S., Fauci said. He added that even as the warm weather gives us the urge "to just cut loose, we've just got to hang in there a bit longer." The likely reason for the uptick in cases, he said, is that states are opening up too quickly.

Walensky noted that the CDC has added substance use disorders to its list of underlying conditions that can increase the risk of severe COVID-19 or death.

On the subject of vaccination, the news was considerably better.

"We are vaccinating the country as quickly as humanly possible," Slavitt said, noting that the U.S. has averaged 2.7 million vaccinations a day over the last week. On Sunday, that number stretched higher still: 3.28 million vaccinations.

Among seniors, 73% have now received at least their first dose. Among all U.S. adults, 36% have received at least one dose. And more than 50 million Americans – nearly one in five adults — are fully vaccinated.

Vaccine manufacturers are on track to meet their targets, Slavitt said, and Johnson & Johnson will soon deliver 11 million doses.

Biden touted the increased vaccine supply of 33 million doses available this week, and said his pandemic response team will expand vaccination sites to ensure that 90% of Americans can get a vaccine within 5 miles of their homes. Ninety percent of American adults will be eligible for vaccination by April 19, he said.

The White House announced two new federally-run mass vaccination sites in communities identified as high risk: one in St. Louis and the other in Gary, Ind. Together the sites will be capable of administering 6,000 shots a day.

Biden also announced plans to help at-risk seniors and people with disabilities get vaccinated, including with transportation assistance.

Officials also discussed the latest in terms of vaccine "passports" like those proposed in the European Union and announced in New York, that would offer proof that a person has been vaccinated or tested negative for the coronavirus.

Slavitt reiterated that the federal government does not see its role is to create such a passport or hold that data: "We view this as something that the private sector is doing and will do," he said, following requirements set by the federal government.

An interagency process is now under way with requirements for equitable and free access, data privacy and security, and availability in multiple languages.

Unlike the EU, the White House will not have government administer such passports. Slavitt explained the administration wants to be sure that Americans are comfortable with getting vaccinated.

"We do know that there is a segment of the population that is concerned that the government will play too heavy-handed of a role in monitoring their vaccinations," he said. "In point of fact, it would discourage people, to feel like that was the role we're playing."

Instead, the plan is what Slavitt calls "the best of all worlds:" the government putting forth guidelines, but not itself being the keeper of vaccination data.

[paxtonrqqo444]

A Complete Guide to :Best hand sanitizer Wipes for hygienic life

PURELL Hand Sanitizing Wipes

Clients keep a bundle of these hand sanitizer wipes all over the place: their vehicles, their work areas, rooms, restrooms, and for a few, their packs. "I admit that a ton of drive-through suppers are eaten in a hurry. I can't stand the idea of taking care of paper and coin cash that have been passed around by a zillion germy hands, and afterward Best Hand Sanitizer eating," one analyst says, so he leaves these in his vehicle to tidy up after dinners. Also, as indicated by him, these are the best since "they aren't excessively perfumed, and they don't appear to dry out my hands." These are even darling by different specialists and medical caretakers. One client was an attendant for a long time. She concedes that "nothing is superior to past cleanser and water; HOWEVER, that is not generally accessible." If you can't get to a sink, she thinks these are an astounding other option. "I never abandon them, in my vehicle at the pony horse shelter and even in each restroom in my home. I'm perfect cognizant BUT OTHERS may not be is the reason I generally have them." And one more specialist thinks these are far better than the "cruel wipes at the clinic." He utilizes them for his hands, yet says they successfully clean his "stethoscope, identification, pens, injury scissors, PC console, telephones, and so on," and includes, "I am totally a germ phobic during influenza season! These wipes carry out the responsibility and I am not reluctant to contact the thing in the wake of cleaning it down."

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes

barrassing to be a 22-year-old with Wet Ones, yet kid do they prove to be useful," thinks of one client who utilizes them to wipe her hands as well as tables, her telephone, and tablet. The main drawback is once in a while Wet Ones sends "topic" bundles. "The last time I requested, they had Shrek on them. That is to say, I'm now a school kid with Wet Ones, I didn't require Shrek on them to make me look any cooler," she includes. What's more, numerous clients utilize these to wipe down open transportation seats. "With the energy of new objections comes the genuine expanded presentation to Airplane Ick," says one client. When she plunks down, she takes out the movement packs "and gets the chance to function (as individual travelers respectfully deflect their making a decision about looks." If you need any tips, she clarifies how she does it: "We hit the safety belts, armrests, each niche and corner of the dreadful folding tables and whatever else we may contact. I'd prefer to think it is extreme and pointless, at the same time, goodness yuck, when you finish and take a gander at the wipe, ya know ya made the best decision."

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand and Face Wipes Singles

Analysts keep these independently enclosed wipes by totes, diaper packs, even a "mansack." As one client clarifies, "My better half chuckled at me when I began my EDC sack/strategic man satchel period of life, yet no single thing in her own tote gets pulled and utilized as regularly as the Wet Ones I keep in my mansack." He proceeds, "Cafés, companion's homes, out in the yard, in the midst of a get-away, in the recreation center, whatever, any place, I generally have my Wet Ones available." The accommodation of reserving them anyplace implies they prove to be useful after a "taco gorge," or utilizing the bathroom after "somebody who has not yet idealized the squat," as indicated by one commentator. The wipes are additionally antibacterial, so for one client that implies they are extraordinary for the "'shake your neighbors hand' partition in chapel, during influenza season, another composes." Dozens of analysts likewise notice that individual packs last more. One says, "The single pack is helpful too on the grounds that you don't risk drying out your entire pack when you open another one."

Germ-X Hand Sanitizer, Aloe, Pump Bottle

Commentators love the expansion of aloe in this hand sanitizer from Germ-X. "The aloe variant leaves a decent aroma on all fours dried out inclination in the wake of utilizing it," one client composes. Another said that aloe is so alleviating they even "use it as face ointment in light of the fact that the Green Aloe keeps my face too delicate, and germ free." Others note how huge of a shipment this is, with one analyst saying "I have no clue about how or when I will up this sanitizer." Many have thought that it was helpful in "a high traffic zone" or in a business or school setting. In addition to the fact that reviewers realize their hands don't get as dry with this sanitizer, yet they likewise rave about its germ-slaughtering capacities. "I know hand sanitizer is getting negative criticism, however I think it functions admirably enough to keep most of the bugs under control," one said. Another referenced it "keep[s] those specialist visits away," and a third said they use it to "cut down on the danger of affliction in the house" where their little girl with leukemia lives.

Hempz Triple Moisture Herbal Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer

Most hand sanitizers with hefty liquor content profoundly dry out your hands on the off chance that you use it frequently. However, this Hempz sanitizer vows to really hydrate your hands, and almost four dozen clients affirm how saturating it is. One client works in retail so as she clarifies, "I'm continually cleaning my hands subsequent to contacting cash and shaking individuals' hands, particularly during influenza season." But her "hands would follow through on the cost" and remain dry for the entire winter. Subsequent to attempting this sanitizer, she expresses, "This hand sanitizer truly accomplishes do something amazing and helps keep them delicate and saturated. I saw following utilizing it the distinction in my grasp's delicate quality." And a clinical expert even gives this sanitizer her blessing: "This improved dampness and still purified my hands perfectly." A couple caution that it has a truly solid aroma, yet one client says it's truly "not as overpowering as some have depicted." She states, "It is a please grapefruit fragrance, and after starting use there is an incredibly light, delicate fine aroma left on your hands."

R&R Lotion Hand Sanitizer Alcohol-Free Re-Moisturizing Cream

One commentator "wouldn't experience the winter a long time without" this hand sanitizer-cream combo. "It's my preferred moisturizer and I get the antibacterial advantages, across the board item," one client composes. "Ideal for the dry and dried hands I get for the winter that ordinary hand sanitizer consumes," another says. Numerous commentators compliment the item similarly as a lotion since it's without liquor. "The moisturizer is rich and really saturates and is useful for touchy skin." Another includes that it "really mollifies my skin as it ensures." One client contrasted it with Gold Bond disinfecting salve, yet guarantees this is "the ideal cream," and that it's "far superior to Gold Bond and a superior purchase."

EO Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray

As per clients, this hand sanitizer (which is the shower rendition of the gel referenced above) is considerably less clingy than others since it's a splash that breaks down well into hands without heaps of scouring. One client likewise brings up that the shower doesn't "dry hands out like some different items do." Another client is really "super delicate to smells" however portrays the fragrance as "totally superb." She includes, "It doesn't trouble me by any stretch of the imagination. It smells like genuine lavender and not fake. I can't get enough of it. I even splash it on my hands when I don't generally have to." The way that it says it's natural on the name is another reward for one mother, who expresses, "Everybody cherishes the brilliant aroma and that it isn't hazardous to your wellbeing, just to the germs."

Germ-X Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer with Pump

Different analysts love this hand sanitizer on the grounds that it's sheltered enough to use on open injuries. One notes it contains "a similar fixing as in Band-Aid wound wash, just less expensive and simpler to utilize." "This liquor free hand sanitizer won't sting in the event that you have cuts, has no solid aroma, and is alright for kids," one analyst composes. "Works extraordinary for me and as an injury cleaner additionally since it's without liquor," another says. Others love the "new aroma," and the way that it "never gums up regardless of how frequently I use," as per one analyst contrasting it with gel sanitizers. "We like this since it's frothing hand sanitizers and not the solid liquor gel types that stings," one analyst composes. "It has no liquor in the item. It smells lovely too and doesn't make your hands dry after use. At the worth and cost, this is an unquestionable requirement in the event that you have children."

Germ shark hand sanitizer

Ideal for a brisk purge before eating or additional germ killing activity in the wake of utilizing cleanser, Germ Shark hand sanitizer helps stop the spread of germs and microscopic organisms in a totally sheltered equation that take out germs and doesn't disturb the skin, leave buildup, or a smell behind.

Hand sanitizer is delegated an Over-the-Counter medication in the USA. Numerous items publicized as hand sanitizers either don't contain liquor or contain not as much as Germ Shark. Some "liquor free" wipes and sanitizers likewise contain benzalkonium chloride, which as per the CDC, accessible proof shows benzalkonium chloride has less dependable movement against specific microscopic organisms and infections than ethanol (>60%) or isopropanol (>70%) alcohols as the dynamic fixing.

There are numerous neighborhood mother and pop organizations making hand sanitizer utilizing uncommon crisis details approved by the FDA under the infection flare-up of 2020. In any case, the FDA has given direction on its site that "medical services associations should re-visitation of utilizing a monetarily delivered, FDA-endorsed item when supplies become accessible."

Be cautious about the cases a few items make. Most are not made in FDA-endorsed offices (you can confirm this by visiting the FDA site and doing a quest for the organization's FDA enlistment number or labeler code). You won't discover one for a large portion of the hand sanitizers you see publicized on the web.

[asfeedin]

How YouTube’s moderators are keeping up with changing guidance around COVID-19

Oh hey, today is our 500th issue! Thanks to everyone who has been with us from the beginning, and each of you who has joined along the way. We can’t imagine a better use of our time during this weird era than bringing you news and analysis of the day’s big moments in tech, democracy, and the pandemic.

One result of the COVID-19 pandemic has been that big tech companies, which long have been reluctant to intervene in questions of content moderation, have quickly become much more aggressive. At Google, for example, the company began showing news stories from trusted sources to anyone who searched for information about the virus. It stepped up efforts to remove videos containing misinformation about the pandemic from YouTube.

YouTube also added a “shelf” of high-quality breaking news videos, along with links to the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local health authorities. As a result, YouTube says, news consumption is up 75 percent from this time last year, and links to the WHO and CDC have received more than 20 billion impressions.

And on Tuesday, YouTube took a step that, among the big social platforms, has so far only been implemented by Facebook: adding fact-check articles to search results. I wrote about it at The Verge:

YouTube will begin adding informational panels containing information from its network of fact-checkers to videos in the United States, the company said. The panels, which were introduced last year in Brazil and India, appear on searches for topics where fact-checkers have published relevant articles on the subject. The move comes at a time when platforms have seen a surge in misinformation related to COVID-19 and its origin, possible cures, and other subjects. […]

YouTube says “more than a dozen” US publishers are already participating in its network of fact-checkers, including FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and The Washington Post Fact Checker. The network is open to any publisher that is a member of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and signs its code of principles. Google recently announced that it would donate $1 million to the IFCN.

On Monday afternoon, I spoke with YouTube’s head of product, Neal Mohan, about how the company is navigating several challenges related to the pandemic. We talked about evolving advice from public health organizations, scrubbing bad content from the platform, and the company’s increasing reliance on automated systems for moderation.

“When users are searching on YouTube around a specific claim, we want to give an opportunity for those fact checks to show up right then and there, when our users are looking for information — especially around fast-moving, quickly changing topics like COVID-19,” Mohan told me.

Highlights from our interview are below, edited lightly for clarity and length.

Casey Newton: You rolled out fact checks in Brazil and India last year. What did you learn?

Neal Mohan: We happened to roll it out in India right around the time of their elections last year. Those are the largest elections in the world, and as a result of the number of people that vote, the election itself occurs over the course of a month. So there was time for the potential spread of a lot of misinformation between one election date and another.

We have information panels that we triggered in the case of more evergreen conspiracies, like flat earth and anti-vaccine. But what about fast-moving, changing news events where there might not be a robust Wikipedia article or a CDC entry or an Encyclopedia Britannica article to link to? And so that’s why we leaned on this concept of actually bringing professional fact checkers into our YouTube search results and triggering them there.

And our experience both in India and Brazil was positive. We think that we did our job in terms of curtailing the spread of misinformation in an otherwise sort of pretty flammable environment. Most importantly from my standpoint, we felt that we did right by our users in terms of doing our best to try to prevent this happening in those countries. And that that sort of positive result for our users led us to expand it here in the US. And our goal is not to just stop at these three countries — we want to continue to roll it out in other parts of the world as well.

One challenge of policing information about COVID-19 is that the disease itself is new, and the advice we get keeps evolving. In some cases, advice like “don’t wear masks” has changed to “everyone please wear masks.” How should a big tech platform approach that problem?

My perspective there is that we really do have to rely on sources — and in our case, that means channels — that have a track record of being relevant and credible in this space. Yes, lots of guidelines are changing, every single day, every single week. You’re literally seeing science being created on an hourly or daily basis. And so the reason why surfacing authoritative results feels like the best thing that we can do is because even if there’s a change, an authoritative source is going to give the context behind it.

So let’s say there’s a change in mask guidance. I would expect an authoritative news outlet, or a medical authority like the CDC, to give context on it and say, ‘this used to be our guidance, and our new guidance is this, and here’s the reason why.’ Or a news publication covering it says ‘CDC changes its guidelines: this is what they used to say, now they’re saying this, and this is the science that led them to change that.’ And by surfacing authoritative results, I think we’re doing what we can as a platform to deliver the most timely, but also the most credible information to our users.

I know YouTube has also been relying on more automated systems during the past couple months due to challenges with being able to bring third-party vendors into offices. How are you measuring the effect on your moderation decisions?

A lot of of this was really very, very simple, which was protecting the health of our extended workforce. And for me and I think for everybody else here at YouTube and Google, that was really the number one consideration, and frankly everything else we were going to do was going to be secondary.

You and I have talked before about the way that [content moderation] works best is through a combination of machines and machine learning, and the nuanced judgment of well trained raters who do this for a living. Without that second part, we’ve had to rely much more on handling things through appeals. Because there’s a lot of action taken by these machines, sometimes those appeals are impacted in terms of our response time. But generally speaking, we’ve been able to manage this.

Finally, we’re in a situation in which some of the people spreading misinformation about COVID-19 are elected officials. How is YouTube approaching that when it comes to moderation?

Just to be very clear, our community guidelines are based on the content. That applies to the content within the videos, and it also applies to comments and any other surface, if you will, on the YouTube platform. And so they’re not about the speaker. The policies apply equally, whether you or I say something, an elected official does, or a national leader does. This crisis is no different.

One of the enforcement examples that we gave around medical misinformation was explicitly encouraging somebody to flout state or national guidance around a stay-at-home order. And this happened in the case of the Brazilian president.

We removed a couple of videos that happened when there was an explicit call to flout those orders. Of course, you have to strike the right balance. If there are people who have different opinions or would like to express an opinion — in terms of economic trade-offs versus health trade-offs — then that discourse needs to be allowed and protected on our platform. But something that explicitly says, through false information, that stay-at-home doesn’t actually do anything, that would be an example of a policy violation, regardless of who the speaker is.

The Ratio

Today in news that could affect public perception of the big tech platforms.

Trending down: Amazon may have violated federal safety standards for providing “inadequate” protections to warehouse workers in New York, according to the state attorney general. (Alina Selyukh / NPR)

Pandemic

In less than a month, Apple and Google launched a contact tracing software toolkit to help health officials trace coronavirus. The project was driven by a handful of dedicated employees. Here’s Christina Farr at CNBC:

That speed of development was highly unusual for Apple, a company obsessed with making its products perfect before releasing them to the world. Project Bubble also required that Apple join forces with its historic rival, Google, to co-develop technology that could be used by health authorities in countries around the world.

The software, which Apple and Google now refer to by the softer-sounding term “exposure notification” instead of “contact tracing,” is due to be released on May 1. In recent weeks, the employees have been working nights and weekends to incorporate external feedback. The companies still have their critics, but the transparency has helped them win over some unlikely supporters, including in countries like Germany where officials were initially reluctant to work with Big Tech.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai says employees will not return to their offices until at least June 1st. But it seems far likelier, given what we know, that the actual return date will be much later. (Jennifer Elias / CNBC)

Prices for basic items like rice and pasta on Amazon have been fluctuating wildly during the pandemic. It turns out that dynamic pricing algorithms on the platform aren’t just about supply and demand. (Sara Harrison / The Markup)

Uber may lay off as much as 20 percent of its workforce a mid an enormous decline in the number of rides taken during the pandemic. The chief technology officer, Thuan Pham, is resigning after seven years at the company. (Amir Efrati / The Information)

Instagram launched a new way for users to fundraise for nonprofits via Instagram Live, amid the coronavirus pandemic. While the company already had Donation Stickers for Stories, Live Donations allows anyone to create fundraisers while live streaming. (Sarah Perez / TechCrunch)

TikTok added donation stickers to enable its creators to raise money for pandemic relief and other good causes. (Sarah Perez / TechCrunch)

Facebook has been quietly doubling down on online shopping and payments over the last year, including adding shopping functionality to Instagram. The pandemic is making that move look smarter than ever. (Rob Price / Business Insider)

Facebook will stream a live graduation event on May 15th for students missing in-person ceremonies due to ongoing shelter-in-place orders. The event will feature a commencement speech from Oprah Winfrey, as well as smaller speeches by Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X, and Simone Biles. Miley Cyrus will also perform. (Ashley Carman / The Verge)

China is installing surveillance cameras outside the front doors of people under quarantine. And sometimes inside people’s homes, too. The government is already using a digital “health code” system to control people’s movements and decide who should go into quarantine. (Nectar Gan / CNN)

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff spent more than $25 million to procure more than 50 million pieces of protective equipment for American medical facilities. The relative ease with which he was able to acquire the gear stands in sharp contrast to the often chaotic government efforts. (David Gelles / The New York Times)

Executives at Universal Pictures decided to release the new animated movie “Trolls World Tour” for rental on streaming platforms, rather than postponing the opening due to COVID-19. The movie has now racked up nearly $100 million in rentals, convincing Universal that digital releases can be a winning strategy. This may diminish the role of theaters even after the pandemic passes. (Erich Schwartzel / The Wall Street Journal)

Snap’s reliance on direct response ads makes it well positioned for a revenue resurgence during the coronavirus crisis. The company has also seen traffic on its Discover feature go up by as much as 75 percent for some programs since the fall. (Tom Dotan / The Information)

Stores and workplaces are equipping security cameras with artificial intelligence to track compliance with health guidelines like social distancing and mask-wearing. The technology could be important as businesses begin to reopen. (Paresh Dave / Reuters)

With schools closed due to COVID-19, parents have to play teacher’s aide, hall monitor, counselor and cafeteria worker — all while trying to do their own jobs under extraordinary circumstances. (Elizabeth A. Harris / The New York Times)

People are drinking way more now that they’re at home so much. “Sales of alcohol at U.S. liquor and grocery stores have risen nearly 26% from the week ending March 7 through the week ending April 11.” (Ray A. Smith and Bojan Pancevski / Wall Street Journal)

Virus tracker

Today the United States passed 1 million confirmed cases.

Total cases in the US: At least 1,002,459.

Total deaths in the US: More than 52,000

Reported cases in California: 45,462

Total test results (positive and negative) in California: 577,608

Reported cases in New York: 295,137

Total test results (positive and negative) in New York: 844,994

Reported cases in New Jersey: 113,856

Total test results (positive and negative) in New Jersey: 234,359

Reported cases in Massachusetts: 56,462

Total test results (positive and negative) in Massachusetts: 254,500

Data from The New York Times. Test data from The COVID Tracking Project.

Governing

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is calling on federal prosecutors to open a criminal antitrust investigation into Amazon. In his letter to Attorney General William Barr, Hawley pressed the Justice Department to look in to whether Amazon used data on third-party sellers to develop competing products. Here’s Makena Kelly at The Verge:

“These practices are alarming for America’s small businesses even under ordinary circumstances,” Hawley wrote. “But at a time when most small retail businesses must rely on Amazon because of coronavirus-related shutdowns, predatory data practices threaten these businesses’ very existence.”

The CEO of the surveillance company Banjo was part of a Neo-Nazi group in his youth, according to a new investigation. He once helped a KKK leader shoot up a synagogue. Banjo is backed by SoftBank, among others. (Matt Stroud / OneZero)

Enforcement agencies are tracking people who were recently incarcerated with surveillance apps. Some say the app is faulty to the point of being unusable, inaccurately reporting their locations, failing to recognize the biometric data it relies on, and asking them to check in so often it makes daily life nearly impossible. (Molly Osberg and Dhruv Mehrotra / Gizmodo)

Industry

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has overseen a broad shakeup in his board over the past several months. Two directors have left the company, and longtime friend of the CEO has been added. The moves were part of Zuckerberg’s campaign to consolidate decision-making at the company, report The Wall Street Journal’s Deepa Seetharaman and Emily Glazer. (Counterpoint: didn’t Zuckerberg already have near-total control over all things Facebook?)

It is far from certain that Mr. Zuckerberg’s repositioning of Facebook, and his role at the top, will lead to a lasting turnaround in its reputation following more than three years of controversy over the spread of misinformation, loose oversight of user data and the company’s competitive practices.

The departure of long-serving directors, along with those of several longtime lieutenants over the past two years, means he is navigating this moment without key advisers who might be able to help him spot potential pitfalls.

Facebook restructured some of its security teams in a move that displaces more than two dozen employees. The company said it is “investing more in automated detection” to stay ahead of evolving threats. (Sheera Frenkel and Mike Isaac / The New York Times)

WhatsApp video calls can now include up to eight people instead of just four. The new upper limit is available now on iOS, but it doesn’t appear to be available from the Google Play Store just yet. Also: I’m still waiting on my Messenger Rooms! What gives? (Jon Porter / The Verge)

Checkout.com, a British payments start-up, joined the Libra Association. I have made this joke before, but this is the traditional first step toward eventually leaving the Libra Association. (Checkout is the first payment processor to join the initiative since Visa, Mastercard and Stripe all pulled out over regulatory concerns last year.) (Ryan Browne / CNBC)

Travis Scott’s first Fortnite concert was surreal and spectacular. (Andrew Webster / The Verge)

Jay-Z ordered deepfake audio parodies of himself to be taken off YouTube. His copyright claim cited an unusual reason for removal: “This content unlawfully uses an AI to impersonate our client’s voice.” Is this a first? (Andy Baio / Waxy)

The Academy voted to significantly ease Oscar-eligibility requirements in response to the ongoing pandemic. Now, films can qualify for the competition if they are streamed, and do not have to be screened for at least one week in a Los Angeles-area theater. This applies only to the period that theaters are closed. (Scott Feinberg / The Hollywood Reporter)

Things to do

Stuff to occupy you online during the quarantine.

Take the shower challenge, men! Is it safe for work? No. Is it safe for working from home? Also no.

Watch a late-night talk show held inside Animal Crossing. It’s hosted by the writer of Rogue One.

Attend a virtual prom in Houseparty. It takes place May 7th from 8 to 10PM ET, and will include DJs you can bring into your private chats with friends.

Buy a puzzle. Or do what I do, and play Patterned on the Apple Arcade subscription service. It’s a lot of puzzles for less than the cost of most puzzles.

Those good tweets

We take it for granted today, but a single day on Twitter has more bad opinions than a peasant in the 1400s would get in his whole lifetime.

— Kelsey D. Atherton (@AthertonKD) April 28, 2020

Talk to us

Send us tips, comments, questions, and YouTube fact checks: [email protected] and [email protected].

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Tags: Changing, COVID19, guidance, Keeping, moderators, YouTubes

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[spec-manu]

Boris Johnson’s Daily Coronavirus Daily Briefing Summaries 🇬🇧

16.03.2020:

People should not go to pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres.

Our economy will bounce back because it’s fundamentally strong.

It’s much better if we can keep schools open for all sorts of reasons.

Why not enforce your advice instead of asking people to follow it?

We’re a mature and grown-up liberal democracy where people understand very clearly the advice that’s been given to them and they also understand that what we’re saying helps the NHS, helps them, and helps the community as well.

WHO says: “test, test, test.” How can you fight it if you don’t know who’s got it?

We agree testing is critical. We have 3 levels of testing: intensive care systems, hospital testing for people with pneumonia and milder diseases, and GP testing for community. We intend to scale up testing. We’ve conducted 44,000 tests and 42,000 came negative. We want to know who has had the disease and has been asymptomatic rather than who has it now.

You said 4 days ago that we’re four weeks behind Italy, we seem to be moving extremely rapidly. Were you wrong about where we were last week?

The precision at the beginning is low because the numbers are small. New numbers suggest we’re more like three weeks behind.

How long is the ban of social contact going to last?

This is a marathon, not a sprint. Minimum weeks to months and maybe longer.

You’re being vague. What does “weeks to months” mean? When will we know it’s over?

The minimum amount of time will be quite a number of week and it depends on how it plays out. We’ll be more precise with people as we go. This is a significant period of time.

Last week you said 7-day isolation, now 14. Did science move so much or did you make a mistake?

We’re learning. It’s complicated. If you’re ill and you live alone, you isolate for 7 days. If you live with others and someone else gets it, the entire household isolate for 14 days.

The four nations are not on the same page, don’t you need to be?

Democracy carries on. We all have a strong determination to have a unified view.

Advice for people over 70 includes MPs?

Yes, it’s universal advice.

=============================

18.03.2020:

We’ve hit 25,000 tests a day.

We’re asking retired healthcare professionals to come back and help NHS.

By cleansing the schools we’ll apply further downward pressure on the curve, so we’ll close the schools: from Friday 20.03.2020 for the vast majority until further notice.

We’ll give meals and vouchers for children eligible for free school meals.

Exams will not take place in May and June as planned.

Anti-body test?

We’ve developed an in-house version and we’d like to spread it. It’ll tell us who’s had it and it’ll be a game-changer. If you know you’ve had it, a green light goes on above your head and you can go back to work safe and confident in the knowledge that you’ll most unlikely to get it again, so from an economic and social point of view, it could be a game-changer.

How long is closure going to last?

As minimum as we can, but we don’t know.

Will people need to go to hospitals to get tested?

Now, yes. Later, we’d like to increase the ability of the system to test more and the ability of home-based tests.

Thousands of workers working in public places will be laid off. Can you do something more for them?

This is the direct result of the government’s actions and advice, so everybody who experiences that kind of disruption is entitled to protection and support.

Any legal restrictions on people to travel?

We live in a land of liberty, so we don't want to impose those sorts of restrictions on people, but we will rule nothing out.

Are people not following advice immoral?

I’m a believer in freedom, but the more we can follow the advice the better.

=============================

19.03.2020:

We can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks.

Today we’ve put the first British corona patient into a randomised trial for drugs that may treat the disease.

This crisis is difficult because the enemy is invisible and the answer is to remove the cloak of invisibility.

We’re in negotiations today to buy anti-body tests that can tell if you’ve had the disease. If it works, we’ll buy hundreds of thousands of kits.

Even if people follow our advice, the numbers will continue to go up over the next two weeks because it takes a while for there to be a lag until things start to improve.

I pledge that if we have to use a more remote form of interrogation, I will ensure that all journalists get to ask questions.

Are you going to close pubs, restaurants, etc.?

If we need to do it, we’ll do it. Nothing is ruled out.

Some retailers are increasing prices of in-demand goods. Are you concerned that there is profiteering?

I hope retailers continue to be reasonable. Please be reasonable in your shopping and considerate of others when you do it.

CDC says 40% of patients who need to be hospitalized in the US are between the age of 20 and 54. Is there concern that the disease is affecting younger adults in the UK?

The vast majority of people who get it recover. The numbers say that, but this is a significant disease for everybody.

=============================

26.03.2020:

=============================

27.03.2020:

Over 117,000 people tested so far (14,543 positive, 759 died).

Over 6,200 patients are in hospitals in England.

 The rate of infection has been doubling every 3 to 4 days.

The prime minister (Boris Johnson) tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating at home.

33,000 hospital beds are available to treat patients.

18,000 doctors and nurses returned to work.

Will cancer patients’ operations and treatments be affected?

Those are clinical decisions to be taken.

When do you predict the peak to be?

We don’t know.

Why weren’t the prime minister and the health secretary better protected? Isn’t this at best careless and at worst negligent?

We aim to flatten the curve and reduce the rate of reinfection. We all need to follow NHS advice.

How many NHS staff are currently unable to work because they’re unwell or self-isolating? 

no answer.

Do you regret reducing the bed reductions and not increasing nurses that led the critical care bed base to be amongst the worst in Europe (Italy, for example, has twice the ICU beds)?

Over the last several weeks, we’ve freed up the equivalent of 50 hospitals across England for coronavirus patients. No health service in the world would be able to withstand a coronavirus epidemic unless measures like ours are put into place.

Why hasn’t the government shared data that led to the most sweeping restrictions on the population? Can you promise to share it?

We’ve followed the scientific advice we’ve been given. Of course, we’ll share the data and figures with you.

You say that 3.5 million test kits of anti-body are on order. Have those been tests been manufactured and by whom?

Different manufacturers - nothing on if they’ve been made or who exactly has made them.

#Coronavirus #UK #Boris Johnson

[salmenzo]

Weekly Update - Monday, May 17, 2021

Commitment - Conviction - Consideration

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.”

Walter Elliot

Good Morning,

I hope that everyone enjoyed their weekend.  I cannot believe that we are only four weeks from the close of the school year.  The virtual snow days certainly did have a positive impact on the calendar.  I am hopeful that they will be permitted by the State next year as well.  We will have to see what is decided over the next few months.

Speaking of planning for next year, we are in the process of revising the reopening plan for the fall of 2021.  A draft will be developed and the reopening committees from last year will reconvene to provide feedback.  This is all necessary as part of the latest round of federal funding.  Not spoil any surprises, but I am sure everyone can assume that the plan will account for all students and staff returning full time for full days in the fall.  Lunch will be served in all buildings.  With that said, we will follow all relevant CDC and DPH guidance.  We do not have any final word on masks for next year.  We will have to await that later this spring into the summer.  We do know that masks are required in all schools for the remainder of this school year.  While the rest of the State is readying for some changes come Wednesday, according to the Governor schools must stay the course and require masks be worn at this time.

With all the above stated, we are looking for guidance as to outdoor activities, masks, and social distancing requirements.  I have a State call tomorrow morning, and I hope to receive additional guidance.  Needless to say, it is becoming increasingly difficult to require certain rules be followed when the CDC and the Governor are suggesting otherwise.  I will keep everyone posted.

One High School Discussion and Update

As I shared with you all on Friday, this evening at 6:30 p.m., there is an Operations Committee meeting at which there will be a presentation from representatives from Silver Petrucelli on the possibility of building one new high school on the present Lyman Hall High School property.  This would be an entirely new structure.  Included in this plan are new athletic fields that incorporate the existing football field.  I have been privy to the initial draft plans, and I have to say this is very exciting for the future students in Wallingford.

If you would like to watch the meeting, please access the meeting at the following link.

https://www.youtube.com/wpsconnections/live

Vaccination Clinics

As part of the continued rollout of vaccinations in the State of Connecticut, as of today the Hartford Healthcare vaccination site at the Oakdale Theater in town is now vaccinating individuals 12-15 years old. The Oakdale Clinic site is accepting walk-ins as well as appointments. Below is the contact information for individuals looking to schedule appointments.

Hartford Healthcare at Oakdale Clinic site: https://hartfordhealthcare.org/health-wellness/covid-vaccine/schedule-

your-vaccine#. Access Center at 860-827-7690 or toll free at 833-949-5721 to register.

Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wednesday - 11:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Last walkins accepted 30 minutes prior to closing.

Preferred if birth certificate or social security card is brought with the child if no photo ID, but is not required.

YALE NEW HAVEN Vaccination Site

Commitment - Conviction - Consideration

I want to offer a special thank you to all of the staff and administration at the high school level for persevering and offering students Powder Puff this coming Sunday.  I know that this has not been easy to plan, but your commitment, conviction, and consideration for our students and the tradition has been wonderful.  I know that those playing really appreciate the extra effort that you all made to see that the game did not go unplayed this year.  Your kindness will forever be in the memories of this graduating class.  Thank you again!

Make it a great week!

Sal

Dr. Salvatore F. Menzo

Superintendent

Email - [email protected]

Twitter - @SalMenzo

Wallingford Public School District

 Wallingford Public School System Mission

To inspire through innovative and engaging experiences that lead all learners to pursue and discover their personal best.

 THE INFORMATION IN THIS TRANSMISSION IS PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL AND INTENDED ONLY FOR THE RECIPIENT LISTED ABOVE.  If you have received this transmission in error, please NOTIFY ME IMMEDIATELY BY E-MAIL AND DELETE THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE. Responses provided by this E-Mail are SIMILAR to ordinary telephone or face-to-face conversations.

[blog-cosmosuniverse1]

U.S. Sees COVID-19 Testing In

Asymptomatic People As Unnecessary

The CDC narrowed its COVID-19 testing criteria earlier this week to exclude people who show no symptoms,

even if they were exposed to the virus. The instruction came from top officials in the

Trump administration, according to a New York Times report.

The changes in guidance were quietly made to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) website on Monday.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the US should do less testing, and blamed

testing for making it appear as though the country is doing poorly against the pandemic.

The CDC now says that unless you spend more than 15 minutes in close proximity (less than 6 feet)

with an infected COVID patient, it is unnecessary for you to be tested for the virus. The CDC now

believes there’s actually very little risk that you can catch the virus unless you’re around an infected

person for a considerable amount of time and not “socially distanced” from them. You’re unlikely

to catch it if you walk past an infected person in the grocery store.

Speaking of the CDC, it also says (now) that there doesn’t seem to be any evidence that wearing a

mask or facial covering mitigates your risk of contracting COVID.   Imagine that!

Note:    Many cities, states and countries are doing whatever they can to increase the number of

"cases", which, again, means nothing.   They do this three ways:

1.  All of a sudden, for no logical reason, the city, state or country decides to greatly increase the

number of people being tested  -  usually anywhere from 5 to 10 times the previous number

of tests given.  This will obviously create more "positives".

2.  Use the newer PCR tests which have a higher amplification factor, guaranteeing that many

more people will test positive. That's what they did where I am..  The "positive" percent on all

tests given jumped from 4-5% up to 25-29%, literally overnight.   Suspicious???

3.  Counting non-existent cases, and manipulating the case numbers higher, sometimes

doubling the actual number.  A friend told me his best friend tested positive, and they marked

it down as 6 cases because he had a wife and 4 kids in the house  --  even though they were

NOT even tested and had zero symptoms.  The husband had zero symptoms also.  I've heard

of two other incidences like this.  This is an obvious manipulation of the numbers,

and who knows how much double-counting is going on.  Several cities and states in the U.S.

have been caught red-handed doing it  (more government money the more cases you report).

Same for hospitals  --  more cases = more money.

So why would cities, states, and countries do this?  That's the subject of another article, but if you

haven't figured out yet that lots of things about this virus and the lockdowns and all the restrictions

make no sense from a scientific basis, then good luck.  Just continue to accept and obey, never

question the authorities, and please do not do any research on your own or use any critical

thinking skills.  That's what your puppetmasters want.  An obedient dumbed-down populace

that will willingly accept house arrest for no truly logical reasons.  If you know the facts, none of

this can be supported scientifically.

A hidden agenda?  --  No kidding  ---  and it's about time everyone figures it out.

[instantdeerlover]

Dining in The Time of COVID-19 Safe Service With a Smile, Brings Loyalty in Abundance! added to Google Docs

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Food … from catching, growing and harvesting it, to preparing, serving and enjoying it … from hook and farm, to table and fork; each and all transcend cultures the world over. Whether it’s the intimacy of a home cooked meal or a celebration at your favorite restaurant, eating is a ceremony that serves to unify parties and satisfy the senses, while ensuring we obtain the nutrition needed.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed, nearly overnight, the entire calculus of restaurant management for serving locals or out-of-towners, to deciding what gets put on the menu, in staffing considerations and now, most particularly, in diner spacing.

For those able to get away this year, summer break brings not just rest and delight to the vacationer, but revenue to resort areas who depend on it for the largest share of their annual incomes. This season, Michael Forhez was fortunate enough to find sanctuary on the near magical peninsula of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. 

During his time, Michael and his wife, biked, swam and read while mostly self-catering three squares a day. They also visited their local favorite, the nationally famous Mac’s Shack, for fresh caught lobsters, harvested oysters, and home-made sides, all served with well acknowledged New England style hospitality. 

In those weeks Michael had a chance to get to know John Newman, whose leadership —along with an outstanding, professional staff— helped see Mac’s not just cope under such trying times, but actually thrive. We’re grateful for the time John invested in speaking with us, and hopeful that the kind of success revealed in this story might provide some ideas and inspiration for others to follow.

Michael Forhez (left) and John Newman (right) with a delicious order of Mac's Seafood. 

Dining, Cape Cod Style! 

Mac’s Shack is known for fresh oysters and live lobster that they’ll even ship to your doorstep. Founded by Mac Hay and his brother Alex 25 years ago, they’ve mastered the art of sourcing the freshest and most sustainable seafood from local fishing families, paired with the best possible service. 

Today, the restaurant has expanded to offer both casual seafood eats and elevated cuisine. They are also one of the largest employers in the area with 80 full-time employees. That number expands to 400 during summer “high season” during normal times. 

Over delicious plates of shrimp, a bucket of fresh oysters, and a few bottles of New England’s finest lager, Michael asks how the restaurant is doing.  

MF: There’s a lot to discuss here, but first, can you tell us what those early days looked like for you, your operation and team? What were associates most concerned about? What about your customers…were they still coming in��were they expressing concerns for how they could shop…if you could stay with them?

JN: The early days of the lockdown were a test of our resolve. We knew we had built a strong company, and had the team around us to persevere, but so much was unknown and Mac instituted a “one-day-at-a-time” approach. Saying that, Mac had no intention of sitting around to see what would happen; rather we took each day as an opportunity to fight. One day at a time meant doing something every day to be proactive in the face of uncertainty. 

Over the course of days and weeks, we implemented new systems for online ordering, curbside service, delivery, heat-and-eat meal kits (Mac’s Meals), Grab-n-Go platters, contactless payment, a loyalty program, a new website, and a beer and wine program in Eastham. We knew we needed to position ourselves for the best possible chance of survival, implement or invent new systems, and be alert and imaginative.  

Some employees were understandably reticent to be customer-facing, due to the risk of the virus. A few employees opted to take extended time off from work, and thankfully a number of provisions allowed them to earn some income. An overwhelming number of employees have continued to work every day, and as of the beginning of the Governor’s third stage of reopening the economy, the Front of House Staff we needed to lay off in March has also returned to work in our restaurants. 

As far as customers, something interesting happened. Second-home owners flocked to the Outer Cape beginning in March. I remember talking with customers in Eastham during what is typically a quite slow time, four months ago now unbelievably, who said, “We’re here for the duration.” 

Face masks were not yet a thing, and social distancing was just then beginning to be practiced, but what occurred to us right from the start is that we are built for this. Seafood markets and restaurants were always already held to extraordinarily high standards of sanitation, hygiene, and food quality, and we simply kicked it up a notch. Add to this, quality customer service, also a hallmark of our approach from the start, and you have the makings of providing a sense of safety and comfort for the customer. We have had the benefit in our one-day-at-a-time world of learning and adapting alongside the customer. We have figured things out together.

MF: Let’s talk a little about your operations. You’re vertically integrated, meaning you sell fish directly to your customers as well as run some really terrific restaurants. You also have a shipping business. Would you mind sharing how these segments are working together and apart in the current environment? 

JN: Yes, we have an ability to manage major segments of our supply chain, because we own two wholesale plants, five seafood markets, plus our restaurants. As you mentioned, we also ship fresh seafood and provide catering. We can move product through these respective channels, while ensuring its integrity throughout the process. 

This has been helpful in the current environment, because the markets, for example, have been strong during a time when the restaurant dining rooms were forced to close. You and I met in the Eastham market, which is a seafood market and “kitchen.” We produce all of our commissary products there, and also have a small grill. Thousands of COVID-19 emigres from New York City and Boston have relied not only on the freshest seafood and other grocery items available in the market over the past four months, but they have also been able to get a Cape Reuben or Scallop Plate from the grill. Recently we added beer and wine.

Note: This photo was taken pre-COVID

The Changing Winds of Buying and Eating 

MF: Living with COVID-19 has changed, for all of us, how and where we get our food. What it means to go out for dinner. What it means to serve a diner. First, how’s that going so far?

JN: Our employees have been by far our strongest asset throughout this mess. They have been brave and patient, and willing to do whatever it takes for us to be successful. Yes, we have had to train them to work in a strange new environment, but again, they have always observed the highest standards of excellence in safety and customer service. 

When employees arrive for their shift the first thing they do is log their personal “wellness” and they wear masks and gloves. They do their best to stay six feet away from everyone, which in a kitchen is impossible. Hosts and servers still greet guests in the same way, and provide most of the same kind of attention to the guests’ dining experience as always. But of course, it is different.

When restaurants were allowed to re-open for outdoor dining only, we appealed to the Town of Wellfleet to allow us to put up a tent in the parking lot adjacent to our patio area at Mac’s Shack. We adorned it with lights and spare tables spaced six feet apart. Thankfully, our guests have seemed to love it, and in recent weeks we have been able to seat parties inside as well. 

One of the major changes has been the uptick in online ordering and our servers have had to adapt to managing that system. At least one person every day has the sole responsibility of expediting online orders at our restaurants, and on a busy day in Eastham one employee may be exclusively in charge of answering the phone for curbside and takeout. 

MF: So, let’s break this down a bit. You’ve got over 500 associates, cooking in your kitchens, working the back office, on the floor selling fresh fish, and serving it up to in your dining rooms. How are they coping, and what are you doing to ensure their well-being, which I know is so important to you?

JN: Since our first conference call with management in mid-March, Mac’s message was, we care foremost about your well-being. He said, if you do not feel comfortable coming to work, please stay home and take care of yourself. However, if you do want to be part of this fight, we will do everything we can to keep you safe and healthy. We are carefully following guidelines for best practice from the CDC, the FDA, local municipalities, and other governing agencies. Our employees wear masks and gloves, and we have heightened what were already strict practices for cleaning and sanitizing. We check in frequently with our employees at all locations to provide whatever support is needed, whether operational or personal.

Note: This photo was taken pre-COVID 

Technology and COVID-19 

MF: When we met back in March I was impressed how efficient the shop was in conducting commerce. Your staff was working hard but with great care to make sure they and your customers would feel safe while making their choices. Still, you had some technology you wanted to update. Please tell us what were your initial considerations? What was the basis for your selections? How has this all worked out so far? 

JN: Well naturally we were seeking an integrated system that would allow us to leverage as many different aspects of the business seamlessly. Integral to this, was being sure any new technologies would interface with our Oracle MICROS Point of Sale (POS) technology. We selected other platforms as our platform for loyalty, gift cards, and customer retention management systems for that reason. Likewise, we went with another online ordering system that allows us to communicate and capture data in one place. 

It was evident very early on in the pandemic that we would need to figure out a way for customers to shop without having to touch anything other than the products they were taking home. Online ordering was one obvious solution, but we also began taking credit card information over the phone and offering curbside delivery, and we have put QR codes on the counters in our markets and on the tables at restaurants, so customers can simply scan with their phones to view menus on our website.

Note: These photos were taken pre-COVID

The Future 

MF: It’s hard to imagine precisely where we end up 18-24 months from now, but it’s safe to say we’ll need to keep eating. What’s Mac’s thinking for the next two years? Can we count on you and your world-class team to be with us as we push through to better days? And, what can we, the shopping and dining public, do to make it better for all of us?

JN: If this challenging ordeal offers any insights, I believe one of the most important will be a recognition that we are interdependent. Given that, it is important to be kind to one another. Whether a family unit, or a company, or a customer/salesperson relationship, we need to practice patience and kindness. This can lead to understanding. 

I feel confident saying Mac’s Seafood is here to stay. When your founder and CEO announces at the start of the lockdown that he does not expect to make any money this year, but says we have to be here because our community is counting on us, that inspires everyone to step up. 

It goes back to your first question, about our mission and vision. From the start, Mac and Alex, and soon cousin Sam, believed in the importance of community. One of the first things we did when we were told restaurants couldn’t operate, was donate hundreds of pounds of locally-caught fresh fish to nursing homes on Cape Cod. Rather than serving it to guests in our dining rooms, we gave it to a vulnerable population who needed it. Our Mac’s Meals we sold at cost, possibly less, so families who were having to prepare 21 meals a week at home, times however many mouths they had to feed, could simply heat and eat a delicious three-course dinner. These small gestures helped garner good will, and communitas, at a time when our world could certainly use it. 

MF: Well…it’s hard to top those last thoughts, John, except to say that Mac’s certainly lives up to them by design and intention. It’s not going to be easy leaving "The Cape” but we go now with great memories, great friends, and a T-shirt, too!

All the best John. All the best to you and your team! 

The Story Continues… 

Mac’s Shack is finding ways to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with numerous other businesses. These are changes that will undoubtedly change the way dining out is experienced, from a delicate approach towards taking care of employees to finding innovative ways to serve meals—and we will all benefit in the long run. 

Given the high interest in this blog and the ever-evolving nature of the retail sector during these uncertain times, we’ll continue discussing how businesses can best serve the consumer and get through these times together. 

Finally, we’d love to have your comments, thoughts, and stories on how your company has weathered the challenge. If you have a relevant story, pass it on to Michael Forhez. 

Thanks for reading! Bon Appétit, stay safe, and stay well! 

Read Other Blogs From Michael 

Life Looked so Different Just a Moment Ago—Time to Invent the Future

Enjoyed reading this blog? Leave feedback for us.

via Oracle Blogs | Oracle Food and Beverage Blog https://blogs.oracle.com/foodandbeverage/dining-during-covid-19-safe-service-with-a-smile Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://trello.com/userhuongsen

Created August 10, 2020 at 09:07PM /huong sen View Google Doc Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xa6sRugRZk4MDSyctcqusGYBv1lXYkrF

[stephenmccull]

Some Ivory Towers Are Ideal For A Pandemic. Most Aren’t.

Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California, is open for business this fall — but to get there, you really have to want it. Tucked amid verdant hills 23 miles east of San Francisco, accessible by a single road and a single entrance, the small, private Roman Catholic school receives almost no visitors by accident.

This, in the age of a pandemic, is good news indeed for its administrators.

“We can control who comes in or out in a way that larger, urban campuses perhaps can’t do,” said William Mullen, the school’s vice provost for enrollment. “Those campuses are in many cases more permeable.”

As colleges and universities across the country juggle student and staff safety, loss of opportunities and loss of revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic, even seemingly secondary considerations — how many entrances a school has, how close it sits to community foot traffic, how food is served — loom large.

Don't Miss A Story

Subscribe to KHN’s free Weekly Edition newsletter.

Sign Up

Please confirm your email address below:

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And while officials are loath to make broad guarantees about safety, they can’t ignore public health advice and thus are immersed in an effort to at least minimize the potential for harm. What that looks like will vary wildly from campus to campus, but in almost every case it will include attempts to limit close contact with others — a difficult job for educational institutions.

The stakes are enormous. Some universities are already projecting financial losses in the tens of millions due to declining enrollment and the uncertainty ahead. But at its core, this is a health problem that remains both simple and vexing: How do you open up a campus without inviting mass infection?

One preliminary answer: Don’t let too many people hang around at the same time.

“I would never use the term ‘make it safe,’” said Dr. Sarah Van Orman, who oversees student health services at the University of Southern California, a private school in the heart of Los Angeles. “I would say we’re going to reduce the risk to the degree possible to have everything in place.”

On many campuses, that means reducing class size (even if it requires adding new sections), making large survey courses online-only, cutting dorm residencies by as much as 50%, limiting or eliminating common-area food service, and perhaps even alternating students’ in-person attendance according to class level (freshman, sophomore, etc.) by quarters or semesters.

That’s in addition to the protocols recommended by the American College Health Association. The ACHA, to which more than 800 institutions belong, has called for a phased reopening of campuses “based on local public health conditions as well as [school] capacity.” Its guidelines include widespread testing, contact tracing, and isolation or quarantine of both ill and exposed individuals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laid out even more daunting instructions for what a campus should do in the event of a positive test, calling for potential short-term closures of buildings and classrooms that might extend into weeks in the middle of a semester. Among other things, the CDC said, the scenario could include having to move some on-campus residents into short-term alternative housing in the surrounding community.

Van Orman is a past president of the ACHA, but her school has yet to announce a definitive plan for the fall. That puts USC in good company. Although a rolling survey by the Chronicle of Higher Education suggests that nearly 70% of schools are planning for on-campus education, almost every institution directly contacted by Kaiser Health News was actually planning for all contingencies, with fully or partly opened campuses simply being the best-case and most publicly touted scenarios.

Making a campus virus-ready could take all summer, according to officials at several schools. Most of them don’t yet know how many students will return, and about half the schools contacted by KHN said they’ve pushed back the decision deadline for incoming freshmen to June 1, a month later than usual.

Those decisions have huge ramifications for university budgets. Ben Kennedy, whose Kennedy & Co. consults higher education institutions, said most are planning for an enrollment drop of 5% to 10%. “They’ll experience the big financial hit this fall,” Kennedy said.

At Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., a projected $50 million shortfall prompted voluntary furloughs, suspended retirement contributions and construction stops. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology reported $50 million in unexpected costs, while Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California’s 10-campus system, estimated combined losses of $1.2 billion from mid-March through April in announcing salary cuts and some freezes.

At the same time, large-scale restructuring will be required at bigger campuses in response to the pandemic. Converting some multiperson dorm rooms to singles will become the norm at many schools, although not every campus — or community — is prepared to handle a surge of students needing to find other housing as a result. Solutions are still being studied to address those who will be in close quarters in shared dining halls, bathrooms and common rooms. Some schools plan to set aside dorms for students who test positive and need to be isolated or quarantined.

“Students with existing health issues will have priority for single occupancy,” said Debbie Beck, executive director of health services for the University of South Carolina’s 33,000-student Columbia campus. “Testing in the residence halls will be critical.”

Several schools are considering ending their fall semesters before Thanksgiving, which Beck said “would further reduce risks and control the spread of COVID” as students are sent home until January. Stanford University, meanwhile, is pondering a range of possibilities that include permitting only a couple of class years on campus, perhaps alternating by quarters.

A common misperception, several officials said, is that college campuses have been “closed” since the outbreak of the coronavirus. Although student life has been restricted, other parts of many campuses have remained in operation, particularly at research institutions.

“We have research departments and laboratories that really don’t work if you’re not there,” said Dr. Jorge Nieva of USC’s Keck School of Medicine. “It’s difficult to do mouse experiments with cancer if you’re not doing mouse experiments with cancer.”

California’s two massive public university systems embody that dichotomy. California State University Chancellor Timothy White said the 23-campus CSU system, primarily instruction-focused, will mostly conduct remote learning. Napolitano expects the research-heavy University of California campuses to be open “in some kind of hybrid mode,” which many other schools likely will adopt.

“These kids are digital natives,” said Nieva, whose son was a freshman living on campus at USC before students were sent home. “A lot of what they’re experiencing, they’re perhaps better equipped to handle than another generation might be.”

Back in Moraga, Saint Mary’s will reduce dorm capacity, record lectures for online retrieval and institute strict guidelines to prevent the spread of illness — but it plans to continue a 150-plus-year tradition of close, personal education for its 2,500 undergraduates. In its case, being small is the biggest advantage.

“If we already only have 15 or 18 students in a classroom that can hold 30, then it becomes much easier to adapt to the new guidelines and protocols,” said Dr. Margaret Kasimatis, the school’s provost. “That’s a pretty good start.”

This KHN story first published on California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation.

Some Ivory Towers Are Ideal For A Pandemic. Most Aren’t. published first on https://smartdrinkingweb.weebly.com/

[gordonwilliamsweb]

Some Ivory Towers Are Ideal For A Pandemic. Most Aren’t.

Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California, is open for business this fall — but to get there, you really have to want it. Tucked amid verdant hills 23 miles east of San Francisco, accessible by a single road and a single entrance, the small, private Roman Catholic school receives almost no visitors by accident.

This, in the age of a pandemic, is good news indeed for its administrators.

“We can control who comes in or out in a way that larger, urban campuses perhaps can’t do,” said William Mullen, the school’s vice provost for enrollment. “Those campuses are in many cases more permeable.”

As colleges and universities across the country juggle student and staff safety, loss of opportunities and loss of revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic, even seemingly secondary considerations — how many entrances a school has, how close it sits to community foot traffic, how food is served — loom large.

Don't Miss A Story

Subscribe to KHN’s free Weekly Edition newsletter.

Sign Up

Please confirm your email address below:

Sign Up

And while officials are loath to make broad guarantees about safety, they can’t ignore public health advice and thus are immersed in an effort to at least minimize the potential for harm. What that looks like will vary wildly from campus to campus, but in almost every case it will include attempts to limit close contact with others — a difficult job for educational institutions.

The stakes are enormous. Some universities are already projecting financial losses in the tens of millions due to declining enrollment and the uncertainty ahead. But at its core, this is a health problem that remains both simple and vexing: How do you open up a campus without inviting mass infection?

One preliminary answer: Don’t let too many people hang around at the same time.

“I would never use the term ‘make it safe,’” said Dr. Sarah Van Orman, who oversees student health services at the University of Southern California, a private school in the heart of Los Angeles. “I would say we’re going to reduce the risk to the degree possible to have everything in place.”

On many campuses, that means reducing class size (even if it requires adding new sections), making large survey courses online-only, cutting dorm residencies by as much as 50%, limiting or eliminating common-area food service, and perhaps even alternating students’ in-person attendance according to class level (freshman, sophomore, etc.) by quarters or semesters.

That’s in addition to the protocols recommended by the American College Health Association. The ACHA, to which more than 800 institutions belong, has called for a phased reopening of campuses “based on local public health conditions as well as [school] capacity.” Its guidelines include widespread testing, contact tracing, and isolation or quarantine of both ill and exposed individuals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laid out even more daunting instructions for what a campus should do in the event of a positive test, calling for potential short-term closures of buildings and classrooms that might extend into weeks in the middle of a semester. Among other things, the CDC said, the scenario could include having to move some on-campus residents into short-term alternative housing in the surrounding community.

Van Orman is a past president of the ACHA, but her school has yet to announce a definitive plan for the fall. That puts USC in good company. Although a rolling survey by the Chronicle of Higher Education suggests that nearly 70% of schools are planning for on-campus education, almost every institution directly contacted by Kaiser Health News was actually planning for all contingencies, with fully or partly opened campuses simply being the best-case and most publicly touted scenarios.

Making a campus virus-ready could take all summer, according to officials at several schools. Most of them don’t yet know how many students will return, and about half the schools contacted by KHN said they’ve pushed back the decision deadline for incoming freshmen to June 1, a month later than usual.

Those decisions have huge ramifications for university budgets. Ben Kennedy, whose Kennedy & Co. consults higher education institutions, said most are planning for an enrollment drop of 5% to 10%. “They’ll experience the big financial hit this fall,” Kennedy said.

At Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., a projected $50 million shortfall prompted voluntary furloughs, suspended retirement contributions and construction stops. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology reported $50 million in unexpected costs, while Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California’s 10-campus system, estimated combined losses of $1.2 billion from mid-March through April in announcing salary cuts and some freezes.

At the same time, large-scale restructuring will be required at bigger campuses in response to the pandemic. Converting some multiperson dorm rooms to singles will become the norm at many schools, although not every campus — or community — is prepared to handle a surge of students needing to find other housing as a result. Solutions are still being studied to address those who will be in close quarters in shared dining halls, bathrooms and common rooms. Some schools plan to set aside dorms for students who test positive and need to be isolated or quarantined.

“Students with existing health issues will have priority for single occupancy,” said Debbie Beck, executive director of health services for the University of South Carolina’s 33,000-student Columbia campus. “Testing in the residence halls will be critical.”

Several schools are considering ending their fall semesters before Thanksgiving, which Beck said “would further reduce risks and control the spread of COVID” as students are sent home until January. Stanford University, meanwhile, is pondering a range of possibilities that include permitting only a couple of class years on campus, perhaps alternating by quarters.

A common misperception, several officials said, is that college campuses have been “closed” since the outbreak of the coronavirus. Although student life has been restricted, other parts of many campuses have remained in operation, particularly at research institutions.

“We have research departments and laboratories that really don’t work if you’re not there,” said Dr. Jorge Nieva of USC’s Keck School of Medicine. “It’s difficult to do mouse experiments with cancer if you’re not doing mouse experiments with cancer.”

California’s two massive public university systems embody that dichotomy. California State University Chancellor Timothy White said the 23-campus CSU system, primarily instruction-focused, will mostly conduct remote learning. Napolitano expects the research-heavy University of California campuses to be open “in some kind of hybrid mode,” which many other schools likely will adopt.

“These kids are digital natives,” said Nieva, whose son was a freshman living on campus at USC before students were sent home. “A lot of what they’re experiencing, they’re perhaps better equipped to handle than another generation might be.”

Back in Moraga, Saint Mary’s will reduce dorm capacity, record lectures for online retrieval and institute strict guidelines to prevent the spread of illness — but it plans to continue a 150-plus-year tradition of close, personal education for its 2,500 undergraduates. In its case, being small is the biggest advantage.

“If we already only have 15 or 18 students in a classroom that can hold 30, then it becomes much easier to adapt to the new guidelines and protocols,” said Dr. Margaret Kasimatis, the school’s provost. “That’s a pretty good start.”

This KHN story first published on California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation.

Some Ivory Towers Are Ideal For A Pandemic. Most Aren’t. published first on https://nootropicspowdersupplier.tumblr.com/

[dinafbrownil]

Some Ivory Towers Are Ideal For A Pandemic. Most Aren’t.

Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California, is open for business this fall — but to get there, you really have to want it. Tucked amid verdant hills 23 miles east of San Francisco, accessible by a single road and a single entrance, the small, private Roman Catholic school receives almost no visitors by accident.

This, in the age of a pandemic, is good news indeed for its administrators.

“We can control who comes in or out in a way that larger, urban campuses perhaps can’t do,” said William Mullen, the school’s vice provost for enrollment. “Those campuses are in many cases more permeable.”

As colleges and universities across the country juggle student and staff safety, loss of opportunities and loss of revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic, even seemingly secondary considerations — how many entrances a school has, how close it sits to community foot traffic, how food is served — loom large.

Don't Miss A Story

Subscribe to KHN’s free Weekly Edition newsletter.

Sign Up

Please confirm your email address below:

Sign Up

And while officials are loath to make broad guarantees about safety, they can’t ignore public health advice and thus are immersed in an effort to at least minimize the potential for harm. What that looks like will vary wildly from campus to campus, but in almost every case it will include attempts to limit close contact with others — a difficult job for educational institutions.

The stakes are enormous. Some universities are already projecting financial losses in the tens of millions due to declining enrollment and the uncertainty ahead. But at its core, this is a health problem that remains both simple and vexing: How do you open up a campus without inviting mass infection?

One preliminary answer: Don’t let too many people hang around at the same time.

“I would never use the term ‘make it safe,’” said Dr. Sarah Van Orman, who oversees student health services at the University of Southern California, a private school in the heart of Los Angeles. “I would say we’re going to reduce the risk to the degree possible to have everything in place.”

On many campuses, that means reducing class size (even if it requires adding new sections), making large survey courses online-only, cutting dorm residencies by as much as 50%, limiting or eliminating common-area food service, and perhaps even alternating students’ in-person attendance according to class level (freshman, sophomore, etc.) by quarters or semesters.

That’s in addition to the protocols recommended by the American College Health Association. The ACHA, to which more than 800 institutions belong, has called for a phased reopening of campuses “based on local public health conditions as well as [school] capacity.” Its guidelines include widespread testing, contact tracing, and isolation or quarantine of both ill and exposed individuals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laid out even more daunting instructions for what a campus should do in the event of a positive test, calling for potential short-term closures of buildings and classrooms that might extend into weeks in the middle of a semester. Among other things, the CDC said, the scenario could include having to move some on-campus residents into short-term alternative housing in the surrounding community.

Van Orman is a past president of the ACHA, but her school has yet to announce a definitive plan for the fall. That puts USC in good company. Although a rolling survey by the Chronicle of Higher Education suggests that nearly 70% of schools are planning for on-campus education, almost every institution directly contacted by Kaiser Health News was actually planning for all contingencies, with fully or partly opened campuses simply being the best-case and most publicly touted scenarios.

Making a campus virus-ready could take all summer, according to officials at several schools. Most of them don’t yet know how many students will return, and about half the schools contacted by KHN said they’ve pushed back the decision deadline for incoming freshmen to June 1, a month later than usual.

Those decisions have huge ramifications for university budgets. Ben Kennedy, whose Kennedy & Co. consults higher education institutions, said most are planning for an enrollment drop of 5% to 10%. “They’ll experience the big financial hit this fall,” Kennedy said.

At Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., a projected $50 million shortfall prompted voluntary furloughs, suspended retirement contributions and construction stops. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology reported $50 million in unexpected costs, while Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California’s 10-campus system, estimated combined losses of $1.2 billion from mid-March through April in announcing salary cuts and some freezes.

At the same time, large-scale restructuring will be required at bigger campuses in response to the pandemic. Converting some multiperson dorm rooms to singles will become the norm at many schools, although not every campus — or community — is prepared to handle a surge of students needing to find other housing as a result. Solutions are still being studied to address those who will be in close quarters in shared dining halls, bathrooms and common rooms. Some schools plan to set aside dorms for students who test positive and need to be isolated or quarantined.

“Students with existing health issues will have priority for single occupancy,” said Debbie Beck, executive director of health services for the University of South Carolina’s 33,000-student Columbia campus. “Testing in the residence halls will be critical.”

Several schools are considering ending their fall semesters before Thanksgiving, which Beck said “would further reduce risks and control the spread of COVID” as students are sent home until January. Stanford University, meanwhile, is pondering a range of possibilities that include permitting only a couple of class years on campus, perhaps alternating by quarters.

A common misperception, several officials said, is that college campuses have been “closed” since the outbreak of the coronavirus. Although student life has been restricted, other parts of many campuses have remained in operation, particularly at research institutions.

“We have research departments and laboratories that really don’t work if you’re not there,” said Dr. Jorge Nieva of USC’s Keck School of Medicine. “It’s difficult to do mouse experiments with cancer if you’re not doing mouse experiments with cancer.”

California’s two massive public university systems embody that dichotomy. California State University Chancellor Timothy White said the 23-campus CSU system, primarily instruction-focused, will mostly conduct remote learning. Napolitano expects the research-heavy University of California campuses to be open “in some kind of hybrid mode,” which many other schools likely will adopt.

“These kids are digital natives,” said Nieva, whose son was a freshman living on campus at USC before students were sent home. “A lot of what they’re experiencing, they’re perhaps better equipped to handle than another generation might be.”

Back in Moraga, Saint Mary’s will reduce dorm capacity, record lectures for online retrieval and institute strict guidelines to prevent the spread of illness — but it plans to continue a 150-plus-year tradition of close, personal education for its 2,500 undergraduates. In its case, being small is the biggest advantage.

“If we already only have 15 or 18 students in a classroom that can hold 30, then it becomes much easier to adapt to the new guidelines and protocols,” said Dr. Margaret Kasimatis, the school’s provost. “That’s a pretty good start.”

This KHN story first published on California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation.

from Updates By Dina https://khn.org/news/some-ivory-towers-are-ideal-for-a-pandemic-most-arent/

[shirlleycoyle]

‘This Is Truly a War:’ Nurses Are Staging a National Day of Protest

Nurses at hospitals from coast to coast will protest the lack of protective equipment and mounting toll of preventable healthcare worker deaths on Wednesday—in the first coordinated national action led by healthcare workers since the pandemic began.

Hundreds of participating nurses in New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, California, and Pennsylvania, will demand increased supplies of N95 masks, ventilators, and hospital gowns, a new system for sharing limited resources for the cities most in need, proper training for nurses expected to provide critical care, adequate nursing staff, and temporary housing in union hotels for healthcare workers who risk spreading the illness to family.

“This is truly a war. None of us have ever dealt with anything like this,” Maureen May, a nurse at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, and the president of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, a labor union that represents 8,300 healthcare workers in Pennsylvania, told Motherboard. May said that 12 of her local unions will stage their own actions.

“A lot of our frustration comes from the fact that there aren’t enough nurses to take care of Covid-19 patients, and the ever-changing rules for safe practice, safe protective equipment, and CDC guidelines. I have nurses telling me, ‘I can’t be the nurse I want to be right now. I just do what I can.’”

The coordinated day of action follows a series of protests led by nurses around the country to demand increased supplies of proper protective equipment, like face masks and shields, hospital gowns, and shoe and head covers—which falls short of what workers in other countries like China and Italy received. On April 3, a group of nurses at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan called for masks and hazmat suits, holding photos of their deceased colleagues. In late March, dozens of nurses at a hospital in the Bronx protested revisions of safety protocols that forced them to reuse face masks and other protective gear. In recent days, workers have protested the firings of workers who have spoken out about the lack of healthcare precautions at their hospitals. Meanwhile, some hospitals like NYU Lagone and West Hills in Los Angeles have forbidden workers from speaking to the media.

“I am extremely worried. We need way more gowns, shoe covers, and head covers,” Julia Keefe, a nurse at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, who will participate in Wednesday’s protest, told Motherboard. “There’s been an entire loss of protocols around infection control because of the shortage of supplies. Instead we’re making them up as we go along.”

Keefe says that nurses working in her hospital receive a single face mask and gown per day, which means that they likely expose other workers and patients to the virus as they walk through the hospital throughout their shifts. Some nurses wear trash bags and shower caps from home.

At least five workers at her south Brooklyn hospital have died from Covid-19 in recent days, Keefe said, noting that most healthcare workers who have died are from Black and Latino communities which have faced nearly double the death rate of white communities in New York City.

Typically, most nurses receive two patients to care for, but in recent weeks, some emergency room nurses have been required to look after up to 20 critically ill people at once,Keefe said.

“We want people to know that healthcare workers are dying here. The politicians are calling us heroes, but they’re not doing enough to prevent further deaths,” said Keefe.

Organizers expect that the healthcare community around Brooklyn will attend Wednesday’s protest at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, either by standing six feet apart on social sidewalks or holding signs in their cars.

The national leaders of Wednesday’s protests say that the Defense Production Act, which gives the federal government power to force private industry to produce certain goods deemed necessary for national defense, should be used to mandate that companies manufacture gowns, N-95 masks, and ventilators.

Healthcare workers at Temple University in Pennsylvania told Motherboard they have been given one-size-fits-all KN95 masks, which have come under scrutiny for their effectiveness, due to supply shortages of the gold standard N95 masks. Managers require healthcare workers wear these masks for the duration of 12-hour shifts, rather than change them after seeing each patient, as typically mandated.

Are you working on the frontlines on the Covid-19 pandemic? Do you have a story to share about your working conditions. We'd love to heard from you. Please get in touch with Lauren at [email protected] or on Signal 201-897-2109.

A 62-year-old nurse working in the intensive care unit at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, who asked to remain anonymous because they feared losing their job, told Motherboard that this week they have been overwhelmed by new patients experiencing severe respiratory symptoms and directives from management to “train new nurses on the fly,” without N95 masks, or “mask fittings” that hospitals typically conduct under normal circumstances to ensure that contaminants do not slip in.

“These knock-off masks make me feel like I’m wearing a piece of toilet paper on my face,” the worker said. “It’s considerably less secure than the N95 masks we used to wear. Some come out of the packaging broken, and the straps break. It’s criminal that we don’t have N95 masks.”

“You look at what the healthcare workers in China and Italy received and it puts up to shame,” they continued. “We’re wearing flimsy isolation gowns and we get one face shield for the entire pandemic.”

‘This Is Truly a War:’ Nurses Are Staging a National Day of Protest syndicated from https://triviaqaweb.wordpress.com/feed/