People everywhere are comparing quarantine to the movie Groundhog Day. It feels like the same day over, and over, and over…. and over again.
So what if we have to do this for a few more months? What about several more months? How will you deal? Will your mental health be okay? Your physical and emotional heath? Your finances? It’s been a trying time for everyone, and a few more months like this sure does sound pretty grim.
We recently published this article, “My Self-Isolation Quarantine Diary,” which you should read if you haven’t already. You’ll get a good laugh out of it. I think we’re all in the same boat.
Please vote below and leave a comment if you’d like. We hope you’re staying sane and healthy.
For many, self-quarantining for a few more months, would be financial suicide. I understand that there are a lot of people here that are retired and no matter where they are, they will do okay. But there are also a multitude of people that would lose everything if they were forced to lose their financial revenues for “a few more months”. Maybe in tomorrows “survey”, you might want to ask the question: “Are you Financially prepared if you need to self-quarantine for a few more months”? I would really like to see the results on that survey.
Self quarantining I agree I think the next survey should address the financial ability to provide for a few more months.
That’s because they don’t understand what a budget is and how to live within it. They were never taught by their parents. They were never taught this in school. They are the group that wants self satisfaction right now instead of working hard and saving for what they want. GIMEEE, GIMEEE, GIMEEE… They want bigger and better right now. They want a $80,000 to $120,000 College Education. They want a $250,000 mortgage. They want two brand new cars in the drive (each at $40-50k). They have $30,000 in credit card debt. And the financial companies are just one of the enemies. They want to give you as much debt as you can handle. They make a ton of money and those in this trap are supporting them. It’s called debt slavery. When we were younger, we were there for many years until we learned how to get it right. We had to learn the hard way. We’re retired now (early) because we changed our ways. Those in debt have to also learn the hard way. None will be on this forum though unfortunately…
TravelingMan,
I could not have said it better myself. My family lived through the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and WWII. We recycled everything, before the word was invented, and have continued to live that way. Now I have kids that are more conservative than we are. Our daughter has been laid off, but not worried as she planned for it to possibly happen one day – and that day has come.
There are millions still working and making an income. Many employers have realized that the employees are as productive and the majority are more productive working remotely and have decided to either totally switch to that or give the employees a choice. The majority of service workers have been able to continue their jobs so it is not just one type of worker. On top of that there are thousands of businesses that are reporting the best first and second quarter earnings in years. Thousands of jobs were offered to people during this time and chose not to pursue those options. Most lenders have incorporated terms for people to repay loans and rent. We have survived many economic downturns, we will survive this one too.
Money is useless to dead people, but just the cost of capitalistic freedom.
Everyone should make their own choice on the matter. There are States, like Florida, that are reopening without any incidents. For example: I don’t need the money from our business but I prefer to go out to a Restaurant, as long as they are following mandates about their social distancing. If someone is still not ready to go back out, then they have the option of staying at home. Just because someone chooses not to remain at home, does not mean they will die. But I do see and respect your concern.
I certainly could/would handle it but where I am now, Pennsylvania, will start phasing in opening of the state by counties. Using a 3 tier system, red, stay at home, yellow, open but with restrictions and social distancing. The final stage is green, open. We will be going to the yellow stage Friday and will remain in it for a month as long as parameters are met. There’s always a possibility of going back to red, but if parameters are met will go green. If we don’t go backwards but also don’t meet the requirements to move to green we’ll stay at yellow.
Sure most people could, the economy can NOT.
Those on retirement programs should be okay. But, for younger folks and families with lots of debt and no financial cushion to fall back on, disaster has already arrived or is on their doorstep. Stimulus checks helped but that was a short term fix and very expensive. States that are “opening up” before their rates have peaked are telling us that their economies are more important than lives and essential to their future. This is a very unusual and serious dilemma and, according to the experts, it will be with us for some time.
It’s no more serious the flu seasons in the past. We are all being manipulated.Could this being an election year have anything to do with the fake press reporting false numbers of covid-19 deaths,and the push for mail in ballets?
Because the ENTIRE WORLD is in on US of A’s election? I doubt that, come on…….
It is called “collateral damage” and Big Brother has no qualms about it.
The problem is the economy and not mental. People need income. Economy needs businesses open.
We have camped for 2 months at a time in our 6.5 X 10 foot trailer, staying at home in our 1200 sq ft home is a breeze.
Being retired I’m really not doing anything drastically different then I was prior to the shutdown. Other than the face mask thing and the shortages. I’m probably not representative of a cross section.
Sparky, I guess I am in the cross section somewhere and I am in the same space and reality that you are in.
Open up, if you want to stay home, stay home, if you want to go out, go out, that is freedom. I believe I have a better chance of dying in a motorhome fire than from this virus. I am 74 and in good health so I am not worried, just like 99.5% of the people should not be worried.
This is a very unpatriotic attitude. Americans are being asked by their Federal, State and Local governments to sacrifice for the short term to benefit our country as a whole. You should be ashamed and I bet you were raised better, by parents who understood sacrifice during wartime. You shame yourself, sir, and do not deserve the freedoms you believe in.
Amen!
I’m headed down to Texas today, then headed lakeside in Kansas the week after, so I’m done.
I don’t know about Kansas, but here in Texas I don’t think things are all that great right now….my opinion only, of course.
There are people that are posting here that are just thinking about themselves. People say that I’m healthy and I won’t die if I get infected by this virus. That very well may be, but this virus has killed people who were very healthy. The other side of this is that if a persons decides not to shelter in place but ventures out into public places and gets infected (may show no symptoms, may get sick and recover, or die). What about all the other people they were close to during their ventures and may have infected those people, How many of them will die? Because of your actions, you may have killed someone. Maybe that was a Grandfather, or Grandmother, or Husband, or Mother, or Brother, or Sister, or Son, or Daughter that are grieving their death of a loved one. Just because I didn’t want to stay home, unless your venture out was for essential items.
I am so glad to finally hear someone else say what I have been thinking. Through no fault of my own, I have at least four of the issues that put me in high risk category. I am tired of being made to feel that my life doesn’t matter. I know that there are two sides to this. I don’t want anyone losing their job or business but I also don’t want to die. People like me are not expendable.
Order on-line; pick up at drive thru’s; avoid contact as much as possible.
One of the major contributors to the spread are HVAC units. Specifically, those without HEPA filters and UV lights.
There is surface contamination and air-borne contamination. Keeping the surfaces clean seems straight forward if you read the product application instructions. Many products require a “wet” time of 5-10 minutes. How many just spray and wipe?
But when it is air-borne (micro-droplets in particular), the HVAC systems just blow that for miles throughout a building. Some land on surfaces. Some remain air-borne for some time. How many of those droplets does it take to develop and contract CV?
Wear a mask inside a building. It’s no guarantee but it may help reduce risk. Especially if you are the carrier. If it stays in the mask, it might not get in the HVAC system.
For those not familiar with HVAC, it stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
For those running outside, your breath will carry much further than 6′. Your heavy breathing pushes air much further than just walking.
We’re going to keep spreading this as long as there are incompetent persons making irrational decisions.
I could stay in and be self sufficient but I REFUSE
Please keep us informed about whether or not you get the virus and whether or not you survive. No conscience on how many you might infect or kill?
Live Free or Die has morbidly morphed into Safe at Any/All Costs. It is extremely sad to see that millions who have died over the years fighting for our Liberty are so quick to toss it away in only a couple of months. This will go down as the biggest overreaction to a bad flu in the history of mankind.
I agree in that it may be an overreaction, as I cannot seem to find the real facts – facts are surely not in the media any more – they seem to like to take the scare tactic. As to loss of freedom – I don’t see any loss. I can still own guns, vote, get in my car and drive, go to Home Depot and the grocery store, etc. I’ve gone longer without a hair cut, and I don’t think that is a freedom. My boss has canceled my promised vacation plans more than once. I have been in the hospital or sick in bed before for about this period of time and I have not blamed anyone for my loss of freedom for those things. In my years in the Army, during Nam, I was told when I could and could not leave the base, I was told when and when not to wear my uniform, and we had to use ration books to buy things at the PX. I didn’t complain about lack of freedom – I was fighting for it. Like Gregory said in a later post – we are all in the same storm but each of us are in a different boat.
I am not looking forward to more stay at home time but I will do it to protect the ones I love and the medical system. Could I live with myself if my actions caused a grand child to develop complications from Covid or my children? NO!
Do I want my Grand kids to say good bye to having Grand parents at the young ages of 3-10~ No!
Am I going to miss pontoon time on the lake with my kids and family & friends…yes but I will get over it for everyone’s safety.
This too will pass~ hopefully sooner than later…
I’m planning on staying home for a year or two until there’s either a treatment or a TESTED vaccine. I’m buying garden seed for a fall/winter garden and making sure I have enough left over for next spring and fall–trying to minimize trips to the grocery.
Let businesses reopen with reasonable precautions. Younger people can take the risk. I’ll avoid shopping anyplace where masks are not required on both employees and guests. (Maybe every other day can be a mask-required day for patrons.)
Interestingly, our county has 34 cases–only one is for someone above 65. And we have a lot of retirees.
Let people pick their own level of risk.
You betcha!!!!
Don’t know who wrote it, but IMHO it’s spot on regarding this time we are in and quarantining.
Perspective:
WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT …
I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it’s not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.
For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.
For some that live alone they’re facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest & time with their mother, father, sons & daughters.
With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment some are bringing in more money to their households than they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales.
Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.
Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk and eggs for the weekend.
Some want to go back to work because they don’t qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.
Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour workday.
Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don’t believe this is a big deal.
Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.
So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.
Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing.
We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey.
Realize that and be kind!

Great perspective!
Good view, but we never were in the same boat or same storm. Or in other words the same life situation. I find that people finally realizing this and not labeling it anything but the fact that we are individuals, not clones. If that is what it took for people to open their eyes, it sure sends a sad signal where the human race was headed.
Self-quarantining on eight acres is not a big problem. We also go on an occasional drive through the country; if you stay in the car you are still in quarantine.
Their credibility is not what it used to be.
Interesting how some people are selfish if they want to go out. And some if they want to stay home. I believe in being cautious. Support masks and distancing. But people are dying financially, mentally due to suicides, physically due to lack of medical care except for covid, domestic violence is up. Plus is there not some selfishness expecting others to take the risk for those who want to stay home. All those people we expect to feed us and enable us to shelter in place. Plus people need each other. Do I want my grandkids to grow up…sure. Do I want to be a part of that …sure. Fear and anxiety have taken over. Facts and data are hard to see. Things like our hospital is laying off medical staff because no patients. Of any kind. But we are prepared for Covid. I keep trying to find the balance with the info I have and try to look at what’s best for everyone and that one situation May differ from another. Still looking. Keeping my sense of humor and Doing my best. Can always change course if something doesn’t work as expected or something better comes along. Keep as much open mind. Thanks for listening
If I have to stay safe isolated, I will. I still need to go and get supplies though. Being rural we do not have home delivery. What I am really missing is my mom. At 92 years old I know that the time left is precious. I would rather be making memories with her.
Keep the faith…
United we stand (against the virus). Divided we fall (until no one is left). The invincible are not.
This Scamdemic is ridiculous as it is so regionally in some areas yet hardly at all in other areas. It is NOT One Size Fits all. In our county of nearly 1,100,000 population their are only 8 deaths (73 to 86 years old) and less than 550 tested positive. So to stop all cities (many have ZERO cases) is totally insane. Since there are specific persons with pre-existing issues or elderly, keep them isolated and the rest of us using social distancing and personal hygiene go back to our lives. If our Governor Nusance were to order months more Stay in Place, there will be a complete refusal to obey and massive disobedience to live free. Yes there are geographical regional areas that may have a bit longer, however there may Never be a vaccine as there is no vaccine for AIDS or Ebola or a number of viruses.
Herd immunity will save far more lives than Bubble Living. So no, this is it, we choose our Constitutional rights over Panic knee jerk rules for all.
We believe in freedom – and those who choose to be sequestered by government edict – they can stay in place.
Our lives are essential by choice. Our decision and our action we and many, many others are taking.
Talk about comparing apples to oranges. Ebola is rare and hard to spread. AIDS is spread by only certain body fluids. COVID-19 is highly contagious and spread many ways. The average age for death for COVID-19 is 40-50. Herd immunity has not been proven nor is how long the antibodies stay in effect. Nobody is losing their freedom, we are adjusting to a new lifestyle, something we do at least once every decade. We never locked doors, we did not need stop signs, traffic lights, massive freeways etc. We did not have metal detectors and security searches. The examples go on forever. You are always allowed your opinions, but at least don’t be a drama king and story teller along with it.
Your wrong
Herd immunity may or may not work. Watch Sweden. They quarantined no one and left life go on. You might want to watch this developing story…Let’s see how it works for them…
https://www.rt.com/news/484515-sweden-covid-no-lockdown/
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
Sweden 2020:
Population: 10,099,265
CoronaVirus Score as of 05/06/20: 23,918 Verified, 2941 Deaths
Agree with you 100%
Thank you for posting the other view point. We live in a county that has thousands of cases, and a few hundred deaths, but the shelter in place is causing other issues.
For one the calls to suicide prevention is up. My question is, are the suicide cases up? Local business dieing, others struggling. Yes.
We have a friend who owns a salon for 25 years. She may never open again. She also has to feed her family. Her family is also essential.
They are finding out now that this lock down in our homes is what is making us sick. We are infecting eachother over and over and then when we go out? We spread the love. So this lock down is not helping us get out of this draconian mess we are in now.
What is so hard about self-quarantining. You do your shopping online, you have like anyone else a backlog of projects to do, (that before you didn’t have time for). You can still leave the house and go for a jog/walk, just practice social distancing and wear a mask (where required). There are not enough tests to go around. Although I see reports on the news of people having their dogs tested. That just proves that if you have the money, you can be tested, even if you are a dog or cat and a human being with no money, is on his own. With all that going on we may never get completely clear of this for some time.
We can’t get groceries delivered. ie anything fresh. We live in a rural area and can’t even get a pizza delivered let alone groceries. Even tried online order and pickup at 2 grocery stores but that got delayed 2 weeks each. Not practical for everybody. I’m also an essential worker.
Been quarantining now for almost two months, had to go out yesterday for a Echo and then to the market to pick up a prescription and some other supplies, put my mask on and went in the store, all employees were wearing masks and gloves, counted 10 customers not wearing masks, actually sickening that they don’t care, some wouldn’t even maintain the 6 ft. rule, its time out in over a month, don’t think I will again til they sound the all clear. I am 80 and want to enjoy my retirement, and my wife won’t go out as she is health compromised. Luckily her sister who lives nearby is a Nurse and does our shopping.