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#WritingCommunity , What has your experience of #Covid19 been so far?

covid pandemic blogging

Anyone else obsessively check the covid status in their country? No? Just me?

I confess to refreshing the coronavirus stats each morning and evening in Singapore—to check the rise in stats. And it is Always a rise.

I check India, because that’s where a lot of my family live.

I check Malaysia, because that’s like my second home.

I check the US: friends and family.

The UK: friends and agent.

Italy: a very good friend lives in North Italy, and we all know exactly how bad things are over there.

Not that I do not care about the rest of the world, but I’m human. And self-absorbed. My caring is not unconditional and all-encompassing as it should be. I’m terrified for those I know and cherish.

Around me, I see varied reactions. India is at the,”It won’t happen to us,”–Italy, US and the UK were there very recently. Singapore is an oasis of calm control and I’m super-privileged to live here, but it is a tiny nation very connected to a globalized world.

Today is my Italian friend’s birthday, but unlike other years, I’m not able to send her a gift. She visits her mother with the groceries, but leaves them on the doorstep after a brief hello from a distance. Another friend in India is unable to visit her mother who has broken a limb and is in hospital. Yet another in the US is unable to tell her mother with alzheimers why she can’t visit this weekend. So many are struggling to explain this summer holiday of isolation to their children. I also see a garbageman, a frontliner, as far as I’m concerned, doing his job with pride. I hear of courage and grace under pressure from medical professionals. I read about the experiences of the Chinese and the Italians–their lives in quarantine. I read about a 34-yr old who died in Malaysia, after attending a massive religious gathering. He had no underlying conditions. I hear about 2 youngsters in Italy who 3-D-printed lifesaving valves and saved 10 lives, but now face being sued.

What a change 3 months can bring–January this year, I was still promoting You beneath Your Skin in India while juggling parenting-the-parent duties. It seems like all of that happened years ago.

I’m so tempted to whine– at the plans that did not come to pass, the cancelled tickets after a grueling year–but I know people stand to lose so much more, lives and livelihoods are at stake. I’m a privileged little pigeon holed in my coop, slightly embarrassed to admit that my writing life pre-and-post-Covid is remarkably similar–I mostly stay at home, anyway. I can afford to keep writing, and That’s a privilege, too.

So while I wait for India to sail through or explode in a Covid nightmare, and worry about all my friends and family spread across the world, I’d love to hear from you.

What has your experience of Covid been like? When do you think it will end? What is it like–groceries, panic, isolation–or life as usual under a pall of fear? What are you mad or happy or sad about? What advice do you have for me in these trying times?

PS: I usually tune out my husband’s conference calls, but these days, they all end with the words, ‘Stay Safe’. The new greeting, the anthem of the Covid times.

So stay safe, stay safe, stay safe, everyone. And if at all possible, stay home.

——-

My debut literary crime novel,”You Beneath Your Skin,” published by the fab team at Simon and Schuster IN is making its way into the world. Author proceeds go to Project WHY and Stop Acid Attacks, nonprofits that will need support more than ever.

It is available in India here.

Worldwide, here.

Reviews are appreciated–please get in touch if you’d like a review copy.


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Damyanti Biswas

Damyanti Biswas is the author of You Beneath Your Skin and numerous short stories that have been published in magazines and anthologies in the US, the UK, and Asia. She has been shortlisted for Best Small Fictions and Bath Novel Awards and is co-editor of the Forge Literary Magazine. Her literary crime thriller series, the Blue Mumbai, is represented by Lucienne Diver from The Knight Agency. Both The Blue Bar and The Blue Monsoon were published in 2023.

I appreciate comments, and I always visit back. If you're having trouble commenting, let me know via the contact form, or tweet me up @damyantig !

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64 Comments

  • It’s interesting to come across your post today nearly a month after it went live. Sorry I missed it sooner. For us, it’s been like running a marathon that doesn’t end. We had planned a move to Italy and given notice on our apartment before all this started. As March arrived, we couldn’t hunker down, we had to move. Except we could no longer get to Italy. We’re been helped by so many people and including our government which brought us to Italy on a repatriation flight a few days ago. I’d say this was unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced and I don’t think I’m alone there. Writing has brought me some comfort in helping to bridge the gap between reality and fear, dislodging me from being numb as I cope. Thank you for sharing this post and asking others how they are doing. Community helps in quarantine.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      Brandy, that does sound like quite the marathon. I hope things settle down for you soon. The cases in Italy are on the wane, so there’s hope of some version of normalcy soon. Great that writing has been a source of comfort during this upheaval. Thanks for visiting, and look forward to hearing from you again soon.

  • The Liberacy says:

    Coronavirus dos and don’ts— check out my site for more advice on this.

  • I’m calm. There is panic around here in TN.

  • mercuryrizing says:

    Living with chronic pain on a daily basis is difficult enough, but during the Covid-19 Pandemic it is more so. For some of us, this disability is invisible to the rest of the World, but to us it is our own living Hell!

  • You’ve got a nice blog.

    It’s an honor to be here 🙇 . I hope I can make good friends with you💐

  • Parul Thakur says:

    I am in the same boat as you, D. Checking the stats for most of the places. Particularly India and US. In India, I have the instant updates our states and I am tracking that too. We are home but there are days I am worried.
    This is just so new and unprecedented. I hope we all remain safe and this ends soon. No Idea when though 🙁

  • Kristi says:

    I only daily check the stats of my home state of Indiana. I don’t think it’s being self-absorbed whatsoever to not keep track of the rest of the world. I still see news of how things are progressing elsewhere, but if I checked the stats of other locations every day, it would make me go crazy. And what good does it really do? Knowing how the numbers are rising everywhere won’t change what I can do here and now. I have gone through my own period of whining about it, though, for about a week earlier this month, as everything started cancelling and closing around here. Fortunately, now shelves are not as empty as they were, and while it’s not “life as usual,” things are definitely calming down after the initial quarantine-induced panic. Now we just pray and wait.

  • Erika Beebe says:

    Hi Damyanti, I am obsessed with the numbers and stories like you. Scared, yes for sure as my current state in the Missouri is risky. Both my fiancé and I have essential jobs and must report in. My children shuffle back and forth between my house and their father’s home. I am doing everything I can to be optimistic. With the talk of turning stadiums into hospitals, I admit, I am worried. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Obsessivemom says:

    I realise, like you, how very privileged I am to have a safe home and to have my dear ones in safe places too. When i watch the news and see thousands of migrant workers thronging bus stations or walking hundreds of kilometers with small children without food, it breaks my heart. It’s a tough time. Stay Safe is the best wish for us all.

  • Librarylady says:

    Excellent post. I found you on Old Poet Truth Troubles. It seems we’re all a little obsessed with the numbers these days. I’ be been collecting positive stories too. – anything to ward off the doom and gloom. I’ve been working in a public library until Friday – closed to the public but open to employees. But now closed altogether. So today starts a new phase of my life. We’ll see how it goes.

  • Vinitha says:

    Here in the US cases are increasing at an exponential rate. We are staying inside from the 13th of March. Husband is working from home and kids too are home. My solitude is gone. Some days I feel okay. Some days I feel terrible. I realized that I wasn’t writing stories in my journal like I used to do. My priorities have changed from spending time reading, writing and learning to referee the kids fights most of the time and to cook, wash dishes, clean up and do that again and again till I go to bed. ( These are my normal chores as we don’t have a maid, but now I am doing it all the time.) Husband is in calls from 6 am to 10 pm which on some days go till 1-2 am. That means I am not getting to talk to adults and share my anxieties. Yesterday I realized how badly my mental health was doing when I got to talk to my husband in between his work calls (he is working on weekends too due to a critical project). I feel corona is killing our mental health by forcing us to stay inside. But going out is not wise either. I am sure everyone is affected one way or the other. My kids are missing their school and friends.
    This is a tough time for all of us. Stay safe, Damyanti.

    • Librarylady says:

      Thank goodness for our blogging community! It certainly helps to have adults out there to talk. To. Hang in there, and try to keep writing.

  • G. J. Jolly says:

    I didn’t mean to take so long in finding the time to write your post this time. It isn’t as if I have anything that pressing to do. Life for me during this pandemic is relatively that same as it’s been for about eight years now. Because I can’t drive a standard-transmission vehicle due physical limitations, I’ve been stuck at home most of the time. I’m an introvert so the isolation hasn’t been difficult to deal with. I had made a radical change in my writing at the beginning of this historical escapade, before I knew the ramifications of this epidemic. I switched from writing fiction to writing nonfiction.

    Stay content and safe, Damyanti.

  • Suzy says:

    I have friends and family in many countries. We are all linked up in someway – through whatsapp or FB or messenger. And I prefer to hear from them that they are safe and well and what’s happening in their countries. . The stats are very depressing but I follow the NZ stats as I live here and one can’t shut those out. My cousin in Switzerland sent us a stats map so now and then I check that to see what’s happening around the world. Let’s hope and pray this ends soon. NZ is now in full lockdown for 4 weeks at least. We can socialise with members of our household only. I’m very grateful that we have a fantastic PM in Jacinda Arden. She provides so much stability and calm in stressful situations. Take Care. Be safe.

  • I just posted a blog yesterday on this very question (in my own way) anyway. But to add, a large number of the cases that are recorded in the Southern edge of our state began at separate funeral services and spread from and among those attendees. . .there is that family in Jersey who has lost too many of its members already from passing the virus around during their weekly family dinners. . .very sad, but it illustrates that if the important things need to be avoided, then the superficial activities, like shopping or dining out, are absolutely worthy of dismissal.

  • Rajlakshmi says:

    I look at statistics everyday, mostly India US and Australia. The situation here is been changing rapidly. Our offices were declared closed and everyone was asked to take their stuff by the evening to allow remote working. The supermarket has run out of basic stuff like sanitary napkins and salt. Had to visit atleast 4 shops before we could find any. Normalcy seems so far away. Stay safe Damyanti. Take care.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      Stay safe, Rajlakshmi. I hope the supply issue sin your area are sorted out soon. SIngapore has a fragile normalcy, there’s still no lockdown though entertainment venues are closed now, but I’m not sure how long all of it will last.

  • rolandclarke says:

    I’m reading this some days after you posted, Damyanti – partly as I’ve been attempting to finish the latest draft of my WIP. Also, as I’ve been reading posts on Covid-19 and feeling powerless, especially when people have called me paranoid as they ignore what’s happening. Today, I see India is going into lockdown. As most of my family is in the UK, I was relieved when the government finally instigated a lockdown.

    But here in the US, too many are following Trump’s lead and calling Covid-19 fake news. Even some of my wife’s family were casual about it. We’ve been self-isolating as a couple who both have chronic diseases, plus currently flu symptoms as we do most years. Now, one of my wife’s sons has tested positive – two days after he was helping her start her. The problem with self-isolation is the failure of others to respect it. And the consequences?

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      I’ve been following the news from India, UK and the Us with mounting concern. I hope everyone realises that the frontline workers are the only ones who should be out a this dreadful time for all of humanity. I hope you and your wife are all right–being casual about this virus can teach us lessons we may not be prepared to learn. Sending love. PLease let us know how you get on.

      • rolandclarke says:

        Totally agree about the frontline workers. We keep attempting to focus on the positive stories, but keep getting overwhelmed by the crazy behaviour. Now my wife’s son seems to be improving, except his wife is close to throwing him out. Self-isolation continues to be a dream.

  • I’m an American, a nice apartment in downtown Denver, with my husband and eight year old daughter. I write mystery novels set on Lesvos, Greece and on March 9th I was due to take a prolonged research trip to Lesvos. Two weeks before I found out I was pregnant. The biggest shock then was the change in our lives and worrying about breaking it to my daughter who didn’t want a sibling. My OB-GYN didn’t see a problem with me taking the trip as pregnant women weren’t seen to be at risk and I am, as I remind my husband, mind-numbingly healthy.

    Then everything started changing. Turkey opened their borders and refugees flooded through the country to the Greek border. Riots erupted on Lesvos after the prime minister ordered the island mayor to build new camps. A Greek friend discouraged me from leaving. On advice from my primary care physician I decided to switch my ticket to Scotland instead and just take a week and a half to relax. Two days before my flight Trump shut down the borders to incoming flights from Europe. Shortly after that my daughter’s school closed.

    We left Denver for my father’s ranch in the country because we didn’t want to be stuck in a city if/when the fear it. Safe as we are now, it’s a struggle. My daughter doesn’t understand a lot of what’s happening and misses her friends terribly. My sister is a pharmacy technician at our regional hospital and she’s already exhausted.

    The best thing that has happened out of all this is the love and care that has poured out of my husband. He doesn’t show an ounce of stress or frustration. He’s been nothing less that our greatest support.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      That’s a lot to adjust to, Rachael. I hope you’re keeping healthy and safe, as well as your family. Your sister is a frontliner in this war against the virus, and I’m sure her contribution is appreciated. And it is so good to hear that your husband has been such a support. I wouldn’t know what I’d do without mine, either.

  • Natasha says:

    Sending you virtual hugs, D. I feel you, I hear you.

    It’s been good so far for us, in our privileged, sanitised bubble. Our condo is taking incredible measures to safe guard our well being. There is a literal lock down here tough it is yet to be announced in the state of Haryana. It’s nice to wake up to a quiet morning, and look out of the window and see just one or two odd runners/walkers. The roads are empty and isolated. And peaceful. I’m glad so many people in my community are taking safety measures and staying indoors.
    The otherwise busy park downstairs, this time of the year its bare empty. No chattering kids on their spring break to be seen. It’s almost surreal.

    I’m feeling more at peace. I’ve stopped scrolling through the feeds and reading too much unnecessarily as it was adding to my anxiety. I’m now more at peace WFH, writing a bit, rustling a meal with the family- everyone’s dolling out some delicious recipes. The door bell doesn’t ring anymore.
    Life seems to have slowed down from the break-neck scramble it was for me till two weeks back. The ear had started on a roller coaster ride. Suddenly there’s a lull “after” the storm.

    I chant more these days -rather more wholeheartedly and send a lot of healing light to the world. I feel like a world citizen. And I’m glad that even though the virus has wrecked havoc, it’s brought so many of us together as a world community.

    Nature is healing. And that’s the silver lining to the doomsday clouds.

    So far, so good. Fingers crossed. Let’s see what the day ahead portend.

    You stay safe and lovely.
    Big energy hugs and all my “lobe” :)))

  • Lynda Dietz says:

    Here in the US, I’m frustrated and saddened by those who continue to insist things are being blown out of proportion, or that any of the precautionary actions of our government have been decisions based on it being an election year. I would hate to think that people have so much hatred toward one political party or another that they’re making themselves willfully ignorant of the medical facts the CDC is sharing with us on an ever-changing, daily basis. Like you, Damyanti, I check the CDC world map each day to stay updated on family and friends all over the worl, and my heart hurts for them.

    I’m not one to panic, but I’m also sensible enough to recognize that the quicker we isolate and contain this thing, the quicker it will run its course. And yet, I’m embarrassed at the comments I hear online: “I call this the Boomer Remover virus” / “I don’t care because I’m healthy and I can fight it off” / “I’m not letting the government tell me what to do” / “This is one step from martial law” / “I’m not canceling my plans” and similar.

    I regret not speaking out at the grocery store last week as a young person (late teens/early twenties?) went on, loudly, about how the precautions being taken at that store were “so stupid” and unnecessary and how COVID-19 was no worse than the flu, etc. I changed lines because I was on the verge of causing a scene in my anger, and that’s not me. The fact is, if the store were not taking any precautions, people would have been complaining that they were endangering everyone. The cashier I had was literally shaking from fear . . . these people are at their jobs risking illness so we can still buy food, every day, with hundreds of people going through each line—and a teenager who probably gets all her news from Buzzfeed lists is making it even harder.

    I’m sorry that we’re all inconvenienced. I hate it. I hate that my adult children suddenly have no jobs and no income right now because their workplaces (small businesses) are closed . . . maybe for good, if they can’t bounce back. I hate thinking that our savings/investments (that we could have used to help them) are tanking. I hate not visiting my in-laws to provide some cheer and company, or even a hug, because they’re 87 and 89 and need to stay safe. But our government has had to make some extremely tough, very unpopular decisions to keep as many of us alive as possible, and all we can shout is that someone’s treading upon our rights to go to a restaurant? No, people. Please don’t stay in denial. The world is in trouble and we are all hurting together. We can be better than this.

  • macjam47 says:

    I check what is going on but I try not to be obsessive about it. Many stores and businesses have shut down where I live, schools are closed for the rest of the year in my state, and restaurants and bars can only sell carry-out or deliver. Our grocery stores are nearly bare, but hopefully they will return to normal before too long. They’ve gotten a shipment of toilet paper which was completely gone last week. There is little meat or fresh produce. We stay in except for when needs necessitate our going out. We are well and so far so are our sons and their families. My oldest son can telecommute and my youngest son works in an essential industry, so he does go out. Just praying he doesn’t get sick.
    My husband and I have cabin-fever, but do take walks in the neighborhood. We live in an over 55 community, so everyone is practicing social distancing.
    Take care, Damyanti.

  • I do check what’s going on but I’m not obsessed with this COVID-19 scare. It’s an election year here in the U.S. and I firmly believe some of the decisions coming from the White House have much to do with that process. I am fortunate (some may not see it that way) that I currently work for a company considered ‘essential’ (had to return to a J-O-B to offset writing income), so I head to work daily.

    What bothers me is customers who complain about service; the majority of our staff are sheltering in place and folks should be more patient (and stop touching everything). My housemates and I are calm about the whole thing but are cleaning and disinfecting more often as a precaution. Honestly, I’m not worried about it; I haven’t had a flu since 1992 and no flu shot since before then (if I ever got one, I don’t think I have). More people are dying from pneumonia but irrational fears rule the day.

    The more crowded this planet becomes with our species, the more common this type of pandemic will be. Talk about a time for Zero Population Growth measures!

  • Dr Kathakali S Bagchi says:

    truthfully speaking – its getting as if worse than we could have imagined, being seated in a so called developed world!

  • JT Twissel says:

    I don’t know which is a worse threat to the US – Donald Trump or the pandemic. I was a hippie in the seventies and so I know how to live on rice and beans and find alternatives to TP. Plus, being a writer, I’m used to social isolationism. The crazy DT has released, God … I don’t know how to deal with that.

    • I agree! Blown way out of proportion – all for re-election. He and his cronies are gettin’ fat off this, don’t think they’re not…big money changing hands over this.

  • I’m in self isolation with three children and my sanity intact. We have 9 cases in Trinidad and Tobago. All are imported but I feel like community spread is coming soon. We had panic buying (toilet paper frenzy) but that slowed down and people were actually trying to return the toilet paper.😅 Bars, beaches, restaurants are closed but there is still delivery, curbside pick up and grab and go available.
    All in all there is a stillness and an uneasiness but if and when the community spread starts, it’s going to get crazy.

  • Stay safe yourself. We are desperately missing our grandchildren and our American one turned one two days ago, but I know that our May plane tickets will be cancelled and we won’t be able to see her for months. Our London family, that we usually see every week, are keeping separate as we are over 70. And yet, we are among the luckiest in the world with a spacious house and garden, good neighbours, free health service and, being retired, no job to lose. I hurt for the many round the world who have none of these benefits.

  • hilarymb says:

    Hi Damyanti – thankfully being in good health, even though over the age, I’m fine and life carries on. One brother and his wife are relatively near – though without a car it’s difficult to get there … I’m pretty independent and get on with things. Thankfully I had plans to get on with various things as Spring and summer came along – now there’s more time … to make life easier as I age further.

    However I do think of many others who aren’t in quite the comfortable situation I’m in … and the blogging fraternity is great to be amongst … I pop in to FB – but I really don’t like it. It’s keeping positive and helping others as much as possible …

    Actually I think I will get fed up with the phrase ‘stay safe’ … so must invent something else – I’ll have to mull the thought over … so for now look after yourself, and with many thoughts … for everyone else – there’ll be so much to deal with – Hilary

  • Silk Cords says:

    California is more panic than actual pandemic at this point. Food and other sundries are limited on store shelves, but there’s still enough available. Sometimes it does take a little hunting though. I’m almost 52 and have some health issues that put me at a slightly elevated risk. My mother is 70, and in perfect health, so she’s probably less at risk than me. We’re both taking a “use common sense levels of caution and prevention” mendset but refuse to panic.

    We’re about 15 minutes into a state-wide shelter in place order going into effect here. That probably makes sense given how fast this virus spreads, even if it’s not that fatal compared to many others. Our governor has also threatened to declare martial law however. He’s just a little drunk on his own power, lol

  • Damyanti take care because this is a very real issue that can affect so many of those we love. Taking normal precautions with good health practices will see most of us through and there are excellent guidelines for that being issued in every country. My daughter visiting us from the US has to return home in a few days and she is concerned about being in a plane for hours not knowing who may have it to share on the plane. You can be a carrier without exhibiting any symptoms for a while.

  • John Holton says:

    Apart from checking the CDC website once a day to see the progress of the disease, I don’t pay much attention to the news. Seems the newswriters in the US think they’re all screenwriters and they’re writing a disaster film.

    • Silk Cords says:

      Wow if that one isn’t the truth. 🙂 People love to complain about the political bias the various news outlets have, but ALL of them have a bias towards fear and loathing to create ratings.

      • Agree…but it’s not a BIAS…it’s an understanding that knowing how to tweak those irrational fears brings $$$ to the big companies. Keep people scared, easier to control…hence, martial law. Remember, we have a President who loves Putin and wants to be like him – “President for Life”. Scary. Canada’s lookin’ real good right about now and they haven’t closed their borders to US citizens.

  • I try to check the news just once a day for any new developments, but that’s it. Otherwise, it’s depressing, and with everyone isolated, that’s dangerous.
    Grocery stores are starting to get more stock in, but they were only half full the beginning of the week.
    I’m not worried for me but my parents are both in their eighties and I worry for them.
    I’m also concerned about our economy. This could easily put the whole world in a recession. If people can’t work, they can’t pay bills or produce what we need. If that goes on too long, it’s going to get really scary here.

  • Sonia Dogra says:

    Well I’ve been upset. I’m worried most for my parents who are old and live alone. For my spouse who is in another town. I check news updates continuously. I’m trying my bit to educate and help the less fortunate people I know. I’m moving my house next week, moving to a new city and I’m worried about sending the luggage and travelling with my children. I can’t avoid this. I keep texting family in the US, UK and Australia. I imagine the worst and shed tears too. I try writing when anxious. Research helps me take my mind off it. So it’s been anxious. But I pray and tell myself it will be fine.

  • I am constantly checking online and on TV, even radio. I am a senior with some medical conditions so have to be doubly diligent. Keep in touch with my son and his girlfriend partner by phone and Facebook messaging (they had some kind of virus and have been in self isolation for a couple of weeks, but are getting better and working from home). Facebook also to other family (lots of cousins in Canada and the US) and phone and email to friends in my neck of the woods. Try not to be anxious and despairing, but really sometimes wonder how it will all go or if it will go. Try to keep busy writing, doing client work (freelance editing from home office), reading, listening to music, cooking and go for daily walks ,weather permitting. Trying to be in self-isolation but honestly it is difficult when no one else is around to get my groceries and the online grocery stores have high delivery prices.

  • Unishta says:

    You are just reflecting the sentiment of the times. I am only selfishly happy that my near and dear ones are near me . I can imagine how worrisome it must be for you . I used to follow very closely conditions in other countries when my daughter was overseas .
    But these days particularly I am so overwhelmed with work( cooking, cleaning , teaching, baby sitting, doing physio) with an arm that is still far from recovered.
    I have no time to check the daily progress of the virus but my doctor daughter returns from hospital each day with new stats that are scary.
    All we can really do is stay safe, calm and even pray because collective prayer can create a positive energy
    Our PM made a brilliant appeal to his countrymen this evening to apply restraint and determination to collectively battle this virus.
    Take care and stay calm.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      I hope your arm recovers completely very soon, Sunita. It must be hard to do all the chores when you aren’t fully back to normal.

      Thanks for your daughter’s service to the nation–she’ll be at the forefront of this war against the virus—prayers for her protection, and eventual victory.

      I’m outwardly calm, but worry about my parents–no help for it however. Take care, too.

  • We don’t even have to check here because you can be watching something on TV and inevitably, there will be breaking news about it, I do turn on the early news show when I get up, to find out how much the counts have risen overnight. I’ve always been an early shopper but it kind of irked me last week when I went to the grocery store at 6:00 a.m. and there were a lot of vehicles already in the parking lot and lines of people and a lot of empty shelves.

    Stay safe, everyone!

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      This panic buying thing is all over the world–as is the anxiety. Standing with you in solidarity. Hugs!

  • KDKH says:

    My husband and I are fine working from home, but my oldest daughter and her significant other both have coronavirus. It appears to be fairly mild; we expect a full recovery. My youngest has moved home from college, because they sent all the students home, fearing the need to isolate full floors of their dorms due to a positive Coronavirus test. I’m glad to have him home, honestly.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      Sorry to hear about your oldest daughter and her partner–so glad it is a mild strain. And I can understand the need to hug loved ones closer–I’m sure your youngest is as happy as you are , to be home with you.

  • I’m just checking the numbers in my own state, and only a couple times a day, because that’s as often as the health officials update it. I do admit that I have a weakness for webcams that show how other parts of the world are faring, though. So empty!

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      Karen, yes, the next two weeks so many countries will be on lockdown. Let’s hope the slew of measures would slow this virus down.

  • I’m obssessed with the fiqures & check them about 6 times a day. I’m currently voluntarily self isolating after a trip to Portugal before it all exploded. I’m nearly at the end of the 14 days but I’ve found it far harder than I expected. I’ve also become a hypocondriac!

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      Diana, I can imagine. The current situation is enough to make a hypochondriac out of everyone. This is a new, unpredictable disease. Glad you’re self-isolating, and that the 14 days are almost up. Hope you continue to do well–keep us updated.

  • Debbie D. says:

    These are frightening times and we are in a “holding pattern” at the moment. I’m appalled about the selfish hordes raiding the stores! What about those on fixed incomes who cannot afford to buy in bulk? Everybody is out for themselves, it seems. It’s frightening to think how many people in nursing homes may be affected. I have an elderly friend with cancer who is supposed to start treatment soon and I fear for her. We are also feeling a financial pinch, along with so many others. My clients have all cancelled, meaning zero income for me. Hubby will find out next week if he still has a job; he’s on paid leave this week. And, let’s not even think about the daily stock market crashes. There goes the retirement fund! Kind of crucial for those of us over 65. In addition to the toll on people’s health, there’s a very real possibility that this pandemic will cause a worldwide recession! That said, we are trying not to panic and are taking one day at a time. This is the best advice, I think, along with try to keep busy. Spring cleaning helps the hours pass, along with walks in the park.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      Debbie–scary times re: jobs as well as health. Like you said, all we can do it wait and watch, and stay in the moment. So far, Singapore has had good control over the pandemic, but we have about 350 cases now. No deaths, but that will happen–15 are in intensive care. I’m not going out much at all, and hoping to wait this out. Let us hope it does not prove to be a long wait. Hugs to you–take good care.

  • John Hric says:

    Damyanti – in one way or another I think think we all find ourselves in this awkward place. Shocked and wishing we could do something and wishing we could find a way to care in ways beyond the normal human capacity. Our governor was ahead of the curve in shutting things down. We are just starting to see the illness breakout here. And in the news other states refuse to see the coming deadly wave. It is like watching a bad zombie movie. When our president took office he fired the pandemic team that had been put together. And he spent the last two months telling us the pandemic was nothing and it would go away. Now we have hospitals begging for protective wear so they can safely treat patients. I will say it is frustrating. There is no time for anger. There is too much to do and no time to waste on anger.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      John, I’ve been following the developments in the US because of friends and family there. So frustrating on so many levels. I hear you. So much to do, and I hope the healthcare professionals do not pay the price of the stupidity of the general populace. 10 doctors and several nurses are dead in Iran. Such an avoidable disaster, if only people had woken up early enough.

  • Jacqui Murray says:

    “Shelter in place” seems to be what we all must do here in California, USA. Especially olders. There’s a lot of harm to oldsters being left alone, without contact. I worry about that. I’m sheltering with my husband. Pretty nice!

    I look forward to reading other’s experiences.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      Glad you guys are all hunkered down. Take care Jacqui and husband!

  • I check globally every morning as well as spend a little extra (maybe too much!) time reading about my own country too. Stay safe too

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      Thanks, Samantha. Let these uncertain times pass soon. May we not have to watch stats so hard any more. Peace upon earth, peace for all of us.

  • Stu says:

    Hi Damyanti
    Really, watching the people panic (supermarkets especially) and hoard food and paper goods has been scary. Why none of the stores instituted maximum quantities is even scarier. I saw a man take four 12 count toilet paper packages (at $20/pkg), put it in a cart, and went back for more. Disgusting the way people handle their fear above others needs as well. Just mind blowing.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      This hoarding has been a feature in each country–in times of crisis, fear drives all decisions. We all want ourselves and our loved ones safe and well-provided for–we saw this in Singapore as well. The strong leadership here calmed nerves, thankfully. Let’s hope good sense prevails everywhere. Take care of you, Stuart. Hugs.