Sorry, America, the Full Lockdown Is Coming

[babylonsister]

Sorry, America, the Full Lockdown Is Coming
Politicians won’t admit it yet, but it’s time to prepare—physically and psychologically—for a sudden stop to all life outside your home.
By Laurie Garrett | March 18, 2020, 3:05 PM
Laurie Garrett is a former senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations and a Pulitzer Prize winning science writer.

snip//

Whether you are reading this in your living room in Vancouver, office in London, or on a subway in New York City, you need to think hard, and fast, about two crucial questions: Where, and with whom, do you want to spend the next six to 12 weeks of your life, hunkered down for the epidemic duration? And what can you do to make that place as safe as possible for yourself and those around you?

Your time to answer those questions is very short—a few days, at most. Airports will close, trains will shut down, gasoline supplies may dwindle, and roadblocks may be set up. Nations are closing their borders, and as the numbers of sick rise, towns, suburbs, even entire counties will try to shut the virus out by blocking travel. Wherever you decide to settle down this week is likely to be the place in which you will be stuck for the duration of your epidemic.

To appreciate what lies ahead for the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, pay heed to Italy, France, and Germany. The United States, for example, is currently tracking exactly where Italy was about 10 days ago. France and Germany, which track two to five days ahead of the United States, are now revving up measures akin to those taken by Italy, including lockdowns on movement and social activity. In a matter of days, the United States will follow suit.

If you live alone, have no family members or close friends who require your special attention, and have no alternative living space, you have no decision to make. You are where you will be for coming weeks.

Many households are now swelling as colleges and universities close, sending students to their parents’ homes, and young adults find themselves facing financial ruin amid the shutdown of theaters, restaurants, gig economy work, construction sites, and other forms of employment lacking job protection and home leave assistance. These young adults may also choose to return to their parents’ homes, or to secondary residences owned by friends or relatives.

As employers shift to work-from-home status, white-collar workers with salaried jobs need to consider where best to hunker down, allowing them strong Internet access and a home work setting. For workers whose jobs require physical presence at a work site, such as custodians, factory workers, security guards, construction personnel, taxi drivers, and the like, the relocation option is decided—stay put. But many may lose their jobs, either temporarily or permanently, due to the epidemic, and the prospect of six to eight weeks without an income stream is excruciating. Anybody facing that prospect should immediately negotiate with their landlords, mortgage lenders, and utilities, seeking long-term payment options, and scour for information regarding their legal rights if threatened with eviction, power shut-off, or lost credit due to epidemic-spawned nonpayment.

more...

https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/18/america-united-states-lockdown-coming/?utm_source=PostUp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20380&utm_term=Editor&fbclid=IwAR3t1eO_FTtTkYXvbycWT8ZdYtIIjewnyk0ZnJsx2faJEsJAACAFhkmIEnE

[evertonfc]

1. in a country with almost 400 million people

and the size of Europe, this will be interesting to watch occur.

[LovingA2andMI]

29. Not Interesting....At All. Scary is more like it....

As It will be Organized Chaos:

"Humanity thrives on the premise that order prevails as a result of deliberate intentions hence our constant urge to be its de facto custodians. However, order predates human existence and is a preserve for a higher power. The defiance of this natural law, though providing a short-term solution has catastrophic consequences in the long term. It is without saying that you do not mess with Mother Nature; advise which is to be ignored as owner’s peril.

For even in chaos and turmoil, order will always prevail buttressing the proposition that order exists in disorder. All living organisms are guided by unwritten laws, which provide guidance and natural order even for the animals in the jungle. It is this order that prevents self-harm and obliteration of our entire race thereby protecting us from extinction.

Firstly, it is important to define order in order to provide context, though its definition is marred by subjectivity. For order is a product of one’s environment and upbringing; what one might consider order might be considered disorder to another. We will define it as a state of tranquility and the existence of systems or laws by which all abide for the greater good of their own and others’ existence.

Can we then reasonably extrapolate this to mean that order is the absence of chaos? This is not the case because order can prevail in chaos. How then can we attest to the existence of order in chaos? Our natural bias is to have a predetermined process and outcome and the deviation from these will be indicative of chaos. However, to the contrary we need to determine whether desirable outcomes were obtained so as to ascertain the presence of order.

Therefore, a seemingly chaotic situation that results in desirable outcomes can be said to contain order despite producing unexpected outcomes bringing to the fore the term, organized chaos.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/organized-chaos-the-natur_b_6282156

[Spider Jerusalem]

33. 330 million is not "almost 400 million"

[tinrobot]

2. We're already shutting down on the West Coast.

I'm in Los Angeles, and the lack of traffic here is simply mind-boggling. People really are staying home.

There's also a lot of people really worried about getting sick, their next paycheck, losing their small businesses, etc.

But despite all those concerns, life does tend to go on. People are adapting quickly. I see more people going for hikes, cycling, and doing other things that gets them out without being in crowds.

[marlakay]

25. I see same thing here in southern Oregon

Normally when i walk my dog, i am retired so any time of day, i pass a few older people walking their dog. Today i passed a bunch of people, old, young, teens, moms with babies, everyone wanted out of the house and to see people. Of course we all kept our distance.

As i left my court teen daughter few houses down planting flowers, i said virus stuff keeping you at home? She said everything from school to her sports she is in got canceled.

It feels very old fashioned.

[magicarpet]

3. We live in very odd times.........

(I silently wished for a general strike and the country would come to a grinding halt to bring about accelerated and much needed societal change - like a more sustainable life style).

Fasten your seat-belts and a fix your crash helmet - for slightly differing reasons that grinding halt might becoming to pass very soon.

Interesting times indeed.

[BigmanPigman]

4. It has to happen now, not later.

We are out of time. Nip it in the bud NOW!

[uponit7771]

7. This !!! Don't let it go on

[BigmanPigman]

8. No state mandated closures in 7 states STILL!!!!!!

I just saw it on Rachel Maddow.

Texas is one of them! Unbelievable! It is shocking.

[uponit7771]

11. I live in one of those states, led by a MAGA Sucker and KKKlucker

[BigmanPigman]

12. My deepest sympathies!

Really. I mean it. At least I feel I can trust my State (CA) Govt more than the Fed Govt.

[Roland99]

14. The Great Pause

Should have happened in January

Worldwide

[Duppers]

18. The Great Pause - good term

[LovingA2andMI]

32. True...

Agree.

[gibraltar72]

5. Said this couple days ago.

Choose where you want to be and who you want to be with.

[uponit7771]

6. Talked to a guy who said I was his first customers in hours, we agree this is a slow boil to keep...

... the frogs (us) in the pot

[stopwastingmymoney]

9. We're already shut down in the SF Bay Area too

Tax season was extended to July 15 today. Accountants everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief right now. But then, we worry that our clients businesses won’t survive this.

My young friend cried today when her college graduation ceremony was cancelled

We still sleep, eat, 🍷 and go to the dog park

Thank you for sharing this excellent article

[deurbano]

20. My daughter is a senior in a San Francisco high school.

She was rehearsing for the spring musical, taking six dance classes a week, and looking forward to her final recital after 14 years of dance (six group pieces, plus a senior solo)...and to a senior solo at the annual school dance recital...and to her final season after four years as dance captain at a youth musical theater group... plus to continuing to participate in high school clubs (she's president of two)... to the prom and the senior trip to Disneyland... to other senior activities... and of course, to graduation. And it's surrealistic to be getting college acceptances online as this is all unfolding...with, obviously, no college visits this year for kids who've been admitted.

I know other people are dealing with real tragedy, and I fully support shutting it all down (and wanted them to close the SF schools earlier), but as a mom, my heart breaks for her. I was a hippie who couldn't wait to leave my high school, but she has worked really hard at a stressful, very competitive school, and she had so been looking forward to this semester as culmination and recognition for all that came before... and as celebration.

We made soda bread and cookies with green icing yesterday, and I'm proud of how she is handling it, but it still sucks. Tell your friend we're very sorry.

[marlakay]

27. My daughter is in her mid thirties

And studying full time while raising kids with her husband and part time bookkeeping job to pass CPA exam which is the hardest of about any test and you have to pass 4 of them. She just got results of first she failed by 2 pts. She is so depressed.

This is my brainiac kid who got straight A’s in school, college, masters in accounting. Wonder if this whole virus thing is subconsciously getting to her, i know she said it’s getting harder to study.

But i know what you mean as a mom my heart goes out to her.

[deurbano]

40. I'm sure it has to be getting to her. I've tried to be upbeat for my family, but it's draining, and

I can't imagine having to also take such an important and tough test at this time. She has so much on her plate... even without a level of global crisis we haven't seen since WWII! While this is a disappointing setback, she should understand she's in an overwhelming situation right now, and a future attempt is bound to be successful if she only missed by two points even now. Hope she has better luck with the remaining three.

[stopwastingmymoney]

43. I'm sorry to hear that

With everything going on, I think the best thing we can all do is give ourselves a break and admit that certain things have to wait.

I'm sure with her record, she'll have no trouble with those tests when she's not so stressed

Best to both of you

[pnwest]

26. Only the deadline for payment was extended,

filing is still due as of now, on April 15. Payments were extended to July.

[stopwastingmymoney]

39. Yes extensions still need to be filed

Last edited Thu Mar 19, 2020, 08:51 AM - Edit history (1)

But with payments waived it’s one simple form, no fuss

Sorry if that was unclear

ETA, if anyone need to extend, you need form 4868.

[brooklynite]

10. Laurie is a personal friend; I trust her judgement

[luvallpeeps]

30. I'm following her on twitter.

A smart woman who tells the truth about what's going on now, and what to expect. The truth.......what a concept.

[msongs]

13. the sheep willingly give up all their freedoms. total lockdown is an unneeded extreme IMO nt

[LovingA2andMI]

34. Sheep???

You can say this to make yourself feel better -- but it's coming. The question is what are you doing to do. Here, we are not coming in contact with National Guard and Military Troops that will be willing to stop organized chaos, by order.

Think on that before any reply.

[Turin_C3PO]

44. Total lockdown is necessary.

Only grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and gas stations should remain open.

[OhioChick]

15. A full lockdown should have happened long ago n/t

[mountain grammy]

16. That wouldn't have even been necessary

If s there had been widespread testing early. This has been predictably bungled from the beginning.

[OhioChick]

17. True but unfortunately testing was not done early...

Therefore, we should've had a complete lockdown when it became apparent.

[mountain grammy]

21. Such a huge disgrace and massive incompetence

Testing is still not widespread as it should be. Gross negligence on display.

[OhioChick]

24. I agree

Unfortunately, it's too late now.

I speak to people from many other countries and they're shocked at the incompetence here.

The incompetence is going to cost a lot of lives.

[dchill]

36. Competence was never the intention.

That's why we are where we are.

[CousinIT]

19. I hope they do grocery delivery in my area. But if stores shutter

except maybe a few (skeleton crew), won't be anything ordered, shelves won't be stocked and there won't be anything anyway.

THAT will contribute to the MASSIVE hoarding problem. And people with guns...well, you figure that out. pfft.

[Aquaria]

23. Panicking and making up scenarios about what happens if we get a harsher lockdown does no good.

Even in Italy, they are permitting people to shop for groceries, go to the pharmacy, handle essential work (police, utilities, etc) and still allow certain activities outside the home (like doctor visits). I don't expect us to do it all that differently.

My husband is a grocery worker and his employer has already informed him that he will be on "essential" status because he's the best at their inventory processing. His company expects groceries to keep going, because they must. We all need to eat, but we may be looking at strict rationing of goods and probably limited selections, for a long time. I would guess that there may be a system put in place that will assign days when we can go to an assigned grocery store for we need, or when we can pick up food/have it delivered. Be prepared for that. It will take out a lot of the sting of supply chain problems to have rationing and limited selection through the worst of the crisis.

We survived rationing and being confined to semi-isolation during WWII with people having to go to shelters and obeying strict curfews. If we could do it then, we can do it now. I predict that you'll get a surprise with how well even Americans will adapt to this new reality, when they have no other choice but to get used to it. At least now, there's so much more to amuse us in lockdown than there was back then.

For now, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, rather than running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

[LovingA2andMI]

35. This...

Is what is coming. Thank you for this truth.

[marybourg]

28. Food stores are not going to shutter.

Relax.

[The River]

38. You're Correct

reasonable concern are one thing. panic is unnecessary.
Our worst fears get amplified by social media and the fear grows.

[sarcasmo]

31. I've been finding food items on Ebay before were' all locked down..

[xmas74]

22. I don't get a choice.

All support staff are training in group homes, waiting for the shoe to drop.

If I want to keep my job I'll drive wherever they tell me and keep an overnight bag in case I'm mandated for several days. That's why I've been out stocking up so much for my daughter.

[clutterbox1830]

37. This author assumes that we have a sane leader who actually cares about American citizens.

So far this administration is letting individual state governors mostly make decisions for the public. Not all governors adhere to the same standards of quarantine. Trump has not mandated anything for the whole country yet and I do not think he will unless it is too late.
Honestly, a lot of governors who have enacted quarantine measures are getting a lot of heat from their constituents. Frankly, I see these governors receiving more criticisms than praises from the local public. Unfortunately, I can see that through these specific governor actions, they actually might save Trump reelection bid since he will definitely take all credit for leading America through this pandemic if these quarantine measure are successful. He will blame the individual governors if they do not.

[DarthDem]

41. Yeah, that isn't how this is going to go

I've been pleasantly surprised that most people, perhaps even a significant majority, understand that Mr. Trump is the one who deserves the blame. And I haven't seen many people blaming the governors. I think most people are thankful they have governors who are filling the leadership vacuum left by the federal government.

[clutterbox1830]

42. I really hope I'm wrong

However, I've seen plenty of ppl blaming governors in my area of Pennsylvania.
Yes, a lot of these people are ill-informed, but educating them on the seriousness of this virus doesnt provide them much comfort especially if they live paycheck to paycheck and cannot find work. They have to blame someone. Some are blaming Trump too, but also the governor mostly. That is how I see it.