Thought I'd give an update.
I'm self-isolating at home. I have some chronic health conditions that put me at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 so I am attempting to limit contact as much as I can. My parents are elderly and also have chronic conditions. Fortunately they are taking this seriously and are isolating themselves too. I've been showing them various technologies like online grocery shopping and FaceTime. It's been hilarious. I showed them some of the various filters on FaceTime. First they were so excited they could see me and then the filters just cracked them up. I also have many friends with chronic conditions, autoimmune conditions, etc. So I'm doing what I can by staying at home.
I am able to work at home which is good. My federal agency finally allowed 5 day a week telework so that is what I am doing, along with the rest of the team I'm on. It took too long - my ultimate boss is a fucking idiot (Trump) - but at least they finally took action.
My friends and I had a cocktail hour yesterday via Google Hangouts. I read somewhere that having a drink while video chatting is called a 'quarantini'. I was amused. I highly recommend video or audio chatting if possible. Or just calling on the phone.
Baltimore is not on total shutdown but restaurants are closed except for takeout/delivery and gatherings larger than 50 is banned. Just about everything is canceled, which is necessary. I expect at some point we will likely go to the mandatory stay at home except for going to pharmacy or grocery story like the San Francisco area has done.
Finally, Midwest works at a hospital. He works in a lab. He's been fastidious about masks, hand washing and sanitizing but it's likely he has already been exposed. Fortunately, he should only have a mild case as he's younger and in good health. But one never knows. I'm worried for him, as is Chicago, his wife. And his work environment is hard. There isn't enough equipment or staff to do all the testing needed quickly. They are doing what they can but it's a very tough now. Partly that's because like most hospitals in the US it always runs at near capacity with as few staff as possible. I really hope this experience changes how hospitals are run. Of course, that's true for US medical system as a whole of course.
I am so very grateful that COVID-19 so far doesn't seem to affect the very young much. My three toddler buds, including Midwest and Chicago's little one, are probably in the clear.
Given my health issues, and my parents, I don't know when I will see Midwest. It won't be anytime soon. I understand the necessity for this but it is really sad.