KP also is refusing to do tests for anyone, no matter how severe the symptoms, unless hospitalized. I have an immunosuppressed friend with asthma who (likely) has it and they’re being denied a test.
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KP is an option for healthcare at my company – didn’t take it because there’s no KPs in my county – and I’m really glad right now that I have my doctor, who I love, and an insurance company who’s straight up “yeah we are waiving all COVID testing costs.”
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My company just announced that they are postponing all 2020 merit increases (supposed to go into effect April 1) indefinitely. There was a caveat that they will reevaluate later in the year if things change but I do not expect they will change enough.
Part of me really likes this approach of everyone hurting a little instead of a few hurting a lot. They have also extended the offer of 10 additional PTO days to handle impacts of COVID-19 (personal health concerns, taking care of someone with symptoms, child care due to schools being closed, etc.) and all you need is an email to your manager and HR.
We are a manufacturing company and I think they are handling COVID very appropriately. We have assets that manufacture a glass product, and this means there is a swimming pool full of molten glass in many different facilities across the country, they cannot shut down easily and if they do shut down it is millions of dollars, many months, and major safety risks to start back up. They are doing everything they can to keep people safe at work while still operating and it is very reassuring to me. I cannot imagine how difficult it has been for the leadership of the company to make decisions during this time.
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Depending on what product y’all make, I imagine you’re considered essential manufacturing?
Glad your company is taking this seriously.
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Yes we are considered essential manufacturing (we make raw materials that go into filtration, medical supplies, n95 masks, essential infrastructure, and more). While I wish that everyone could be sent to work from home I realize that is not a reality in our work place and they are going above and beyond CDC and state recommendations for those who are still at work.
They are also sending out tips to manage stress, at home ergonomics, fun/educational things to do with kids during this time, additional resources for you or your family to use (online therapy, online dr appts, financial guidance, finding services/supplies for you and your family, etc.). I was not around in 2008 but our company literally lost money and still gave bonuses (like 5-10% of what they were supposed to be but still something). I have never been more grateful for my workplace and I hate seeing that people in this forum and in my life do not get the same luxuries we do. If anyone would like me to forward the resources I have received please PM me and I will pass them along.
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Good for your company, and the offer to forward stuff is very sweet. <3
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Chaplain Friend (board certified chaplain who currently works for a medical school) told me many hospitals are considering blanket DNR orders for covid-19 patients who code blue to conserve PPE supplies and because by the time they don the PPE there’s not much chance of resuscitating them.
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I have also seen this in the news. It’s horrible.
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Fuck Kaiser.
ETA: I’m in the angry stage, folks. I’m reducing my exposure to news and a lot of other things right now because the sheer fuckery and the anger it brings me is exhausting.
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The number of people I know who have it/suspect having it now is past counting. I now know 2 people who have had to go to the ER and (extended circle) am acquainted with someone who has died.
well, a week ago this hadn’t got real yet for me. Now it’s all extremely real.
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Sending love to you all today
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Jesus. Big hugs to you, anomalily, and everyone in your circles. I’m so sorry.
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I’m so sorry.
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BIL is just getting over it, nearly certainly. One degree from a known case, with a sick child as the likely intermediate, severe headaches, fevers that were hard to control with meds, Loss of sense of taste, sleeping like 18 hours a day, dry cough. Dingus didn’t connect that’s what he had until he talked to his parents 
He lives half a mile from us, but luckily we haven’t seen him for 13 days.
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Today is 2 weeks since I’ve been properly in public. I’ve been looking forward to this day coming and going. I mean, I’ve been grocery shopping once a week since then, but that doesn’t have nearly the same exposure levels.
My hospital has a case, got them in a few days back. It’s someone from the church my wife’s uncle used to pastor. There’s a good chance that whole church has had extended exposure. Most of those people are in someway either related to or family friends of my wife. Here’s hoping, praying, and cursing.
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I had my phone on silent since I am working so I just jumped about a foot in the air when it went off with emergency alerts about the lakefront being shut down.
Geez, city of Chicago, this is a really really bad time to give me a heart attack!!!
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Best way to support the SO of someone in the ER? They aren’t allowed to visit due to covid restrictions. They’re financially stable, but health wise it is scary. Food delivery? Offering to listen?
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Delivery takeout. Offering to listen. Sending fun/distracting things – cute kitty photos, good articles. Sharing a Netflix password.
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Digital chat time, coffee/tea/alcohol/etc.
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Delivery of food and/or their legal intoxicant of choice?
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