7-Quick Takes – The Covid-19 edition.

 This content uses referral links. Read our disclosure policy for more info. This means if you make a purchase, I get a little change to keep up my Diet Coke habit. It’s a win/win. 

 This content uses referral links. Read our disclosure policy for more info. This means if you make a purchase, I get a little change to keep up my Diet Coke habit. It’s a win/win. 

1. The Coronavirus has finally made its way into Ohio. As I mentioned earlier, there are cases in Cuyahoga County, Trumbell and Stark Counties.

Corona means crown. The virus is called that because of the little spikey things that appear around the virus under the microscope that kind of resembles a little crown. This virus is similar to another coronavirus we’ve all heard of, SARS. The official name for this new virus is SARS-CoV-2, because of its close genetic ties the other coronavirus.

This virus is not as deadly as the current flu bug, but what makes this one scary is that it is new and we don’t know much about it.  We do know that it is very infectious and that it spreads easily. We also know that it is the worst for the elderly with death rates up to 15% in the 80+ crowd.

That doesn’t mean it’s a picnic for the younger people. I read a first- hand account from a woman whose husband got the virus and had a tight and painful chest that made it difficult for him to sleep more than 45 minutes at a time. This was coupled with a terrible sore throat. Apparently, the illness lasted a full two weeks and also left him weak upon recovery- so clearly we want to avoid this one if possible.

The government is stepping up too, in a bipartisan manner.

So I’m like super left wing but did you completely miss his recent video he tweeted like an hour ago? He hit every single concern I’ve had with this entire situation and it seems to me he and his team just want to protect and help save Americans.

— UsualThree🏳️‍🌈🎃 (@UsualThree) March 12, 2020

2. All Ohio colleges were closed on Tuesday. By Thursday, all of Ohio elementary and high schools were closed by the governor starting next Monday. Some schools are making arrangements for their students to continue learning on laptops and iPads. Other parents are looking to start homeschooling. I wrote a post about that yesterday on how to get started with homeschooling in Ohio.

Our homeschool Co-op is canceled for the rest of the year as well. We only had two weeks left to go but it’s kind of sad that we can’t complete those lesson plans. I had some great stuff planned for both my Logic and General Science Classes. I feel like I left on a high note though. My Logic Class got to work through a great logical proof and identify logical fallacies straight from the Senate floor. My General Science class enjoyed making a model of blood with Cheerio red blood cells and marshmallow white blood cells with sprinkle platelets. I also made a pot of fake blood to give them an idea of blood volume. Two of my students told me how much they loved my class. It made all of those prep hours worth it!

3. This is Noah’s senior year of college, so this virus hitting when it did has been very unfortunate for him. The production of Damn Yankees that he was practicing for was canceled. The track season might be canceled next as well. We are hoping that graduation will go forward with some kind of ceremony but we’ll have to wait and see. We’re crossing fingers.

4. Rosie’s track season might be canceled as well. All the other post-season tournaments and finals have been canceled in the state. Track might get a break because it’s an outside event. If they hold it without spectators it might be okay. But for now, she’s practicing and training hard with no guarantee of a competition.

5. My musical opportunities have also whithered up. I am no longer allowed to play for mass. A memorial mass I was scheduled for was canceled. Two concerts I was to play in were also canceled. The parish choir is also done for now. It’s so weird!

Also, as of this morning, all the Catholics in the Diocese of Cleveland have dispensation to miss mass for the next few Sundays.

6. Schools being closed is going to impact Mr. Pete’s music business greatly. But so far it hasn’t impacted my son’s restaurant. People are staying home and ordering delivery food! Hopefully, that will continue. If tests become available and affordable in this area, it might be a great selling point – “Food prepared by tested Covid-19-free chefs!”

7. I’m going to guess that homeschool conferences might be canceled or postponed this year. Here’s one you can do in the comfort of your own home – coming soon!

One more thing – I have NEVER EVER suggested that the coronavirus was analogous to measles, mumps, chickenpox, or whooping cough. I have a long-time troll who likes to build her own strawman arguments so that she can kick their butts. I’ll bow to her prowess. No one kicks strawman butt harder than she does.

In the meantime, I’m seriously staying informed on this topic as much as I can and following all recommendations for safety.

Stay safe out there friends- and wash your hands!