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* AP…
President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is declaring the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, as Washington struggles with providing Americans with relief and officials race to slow the spread of the outbreak.
Speaking from the Rose Garden, Trump said, “I am officially declaring a national emergency.” He said the emergency would open up $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak.
Trump said he was also giving Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar emergency authorities to waive federal regulations and laws to give doctors and hospitals “flexibility” in treating patients.
Trump spoke as negotiations continue between the White House and Congress on an aid package, but there was no announcement of a breakthrough, as House Democrats prepare to vote on their own measure Friday.
* The Question: How are you holding up so far?
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 2:50 pm
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I’ve actually been sick, but pretty sure its the flu and not Covid-19 given the symptoms. Quiet a few dirty looks when I was still taking public transportation, though.
Comment by NIck Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 2:52 pm
Funny Trump gives the guy who covered up for,Epstein more authority
Comment by Annonin' Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 2:52 pm
9 months pregnant and my biggest concern is a shortage of hospital beds when I go into labor. Please practice social distancing, people!
Comment by wildcat12 Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 2:55 pm
I had a LOT of anxiety but it’s getting a bit better now. Taking care of elderly parents and encouraging them to cocoon. High School now canceled (with e-learning to start next week) through April 6. Plenty of vodka and frozen pizza. We’ll make it.
Comment by Team America Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 2:55 pm
Better than poor Liz Uihlein, it seems.
Comment by ??? Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:00 pm
Keeping calm and carrying on. Making a greater effort to keep my hands clean.
We will survive this. Be patient and make the necessary adjustments responsibly.
Comment by Practical Politics Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:01 pm
Other than the panic buying at grocery stores, I wonder how packed the bars will be this weekend because there’s nothing else to do? And if Champaign even attempts to close their bars, riots would ensue…..
Comment by Wylie Coyote Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:02 pm
I am completely fine, but worried about everyone else.
Comment by Lil Squeezy Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:03 pm
The commercial private labs and the normally competitive retailers (Walgreens, Walmart, CVS and Target) who spoke at the Rose Garden presser to join in a united front to combat the virus has made me feel quite a bit better. This is a public private partnership like has been brought together in the past to fight a common enemy.
Comment by Responsa Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:03 pm
Healthwise — fine, but a bit nervous. Every sneeze, cough, ache, or pain, and I wonder “what if?” I’m in a high risk category, because, at almost 72, I’m “elderly”, though I sure don’t think of myself that way! Fortunately, I don’t have any underlying health issues.
I’m also frustrated by all the closures and cancellations. I completely get that they’re necessary, but I tend to have a busy cultural calendar, and it’s basically empty now.
Also, as I mentioned elsewhere, my 50th college reunion is cancelled, and, well, I won’t ever have another. (There is some talk about a “virtual reunion”, but that wouldnt’t be the same. Most of the fun of reunions is just hanging out.) However, friends and I are likely going to plan a personal reunion in the fall, if possible, so not a total loss.
And I am angry - angry at the federal government’s lack of an early and strong response. State governors shouldn’t have to take the lead. They did, and I’m grateful to Pritzker, but situations like this need a coordinated federal response, and we didn’t get it.
Comment by JoanP Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:06 pm
I work for the State and have the ability to work from home, but still being told it’s not an option. Can’t believe the Governor hasn’t made this happen. Seems pretty irresponsible at this point.
Comment by Angry Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:07 pm
I’ve been stocking up for the past 2 weeks, finally finishing this past Tuesday with some small luxuries.
I planned to be impacted as little as possible, and so far so good.
Even the pets have all their needs stocked up for the next 60 days.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:08 pm
Well I am certainly put at ease by the promise of a new drive through testing experience. /s
The fact that I can’t convince people who are decision makers to make a decision before they have a massive problem and the gross incompetence I have encountered from administrators is among the most disheartening interaction I have had with any government official.
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:09 pm
Started working from home effective today. Heard a few employees from my firm were sent home yesterday which is a bit concerning. Worried about elderly family members and check on elderly neighbor daily. I expect the weekly grocery trip to be a zoo this weekend. Waiting for the daily presser (hoping CPS is smart enough to shut doors to help minimize contagion).
Plenty of TP in stock in the casa!!
Comment by ktkat1 Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:10 pm
I and my coworkers can easily work at home but so far my State employer is not having us do so. Meanwhile there are sick people in my building continuing to come work. I am frustrated.
Comment by Anon Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:11 pm
Listening now to the President’s announcement and responses to the press.
I’ll have to read it for details, but it strikes me as about a week -10 days late for containment - a massive mitigation effort will now be necessary.
Just spoke with Offspring #1, who works for a NYC public agency. Apparently they’ll be working from home next week. Said his Director was being good, helping the agency keep its focus on saving lives.
Comment by dbk Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:14 pm
Last night mrs Blue and I drove to Chicago. I was scared a bit by the past two weeks events. Not anymore. Somebody must not have told the 10,000 or so trucks we encountered. The place is bustling today. Lots of hand sanitizer around. When I woke up tis morn, I called the old financial analyst. I bought. And bought. Prolly too much. But the grandkids are either gonna love me or hate me. We’ll see. Going out to eat in LincolnPark soon.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:15 pm
I just wrote a lengthy post but it disappeared. Drove to Chicago last night. Must have passed 10,000 trucks. The place today is bustling.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:18 pm
Doing fine so far. Wife is good; I just have my normal winter sinus problems.
We always keep a good supply of stuff around. Only real extra buying I’ve done was pick up large bottles of Tylenol and Advil, since those are recommended for the fever associated with the virus. Won’t go to waste because she uses Tylenol for arthritis and I use Advil for my knee.
Expect we will come down with it at some point; grandkids stop by the house every afternoon walking home from school. We’re just being cautious since we are both around 70 and have some underlying conditions (which are under control with medication).
Comment by RNUG Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:18 pm
I was scared. Not anymore. Americans dont take this stuff lying down. Me either.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:19 pm
Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good so far. Have “Curb Your Enthusiasm” to watch and laugh, the current season, and Larry David being a petty jerk, his character/usual self. Not pleased about having no sports to watch, but safety first, by all means.
Good not just because I’m feeling well but also because loved ones, colleagues, etc, are doing well. But definitely concerned about our country and the world getting a grip on this pathogen.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:22 pm
Being diligent.
Not hoarding, but at good levels.
Watching family and friends (from afar) keeping tabs on the vulnerable a bit more.
Taking this extremely serious, as serious as those who understand our challenges best say I should.
Humor to moments, “Keep Calm and Carry On”
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:24 pm
I am chuckling . Every liquor store we drive by is packed. Gotta love me some chicagoans.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:25 pm
A week ago or so there was a QOTD asking how worried we are about COVID-19. At the time I wasn’t worried at all but that has since changed. I now see the global impact this virus can have if not taken seriously. Although the mortality rate is low, hundreds of thousands of people sick at the same time could drastically impact lives in numerous ways. An overwhelmed healthcare system will lead to a greater number of deaths.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:26 pm
I am higher ed faculty member. We are expected to be on campus in our offices even though our students are now working online. Not sure why as our teaching will all now be done from computers. Social distancing is easier said than done in
office spaces.
Comment by Busy Mom Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:27 pm
Got back from Disney World about a week ago. Had an Upper Respiratory Virus the whole time there. Had people looking at me on the buses and rides with looks that could kill. All better now but it’s interesting being sick at a public place in the midst of a pandemic.
Comment by NeverPoliticallyCorrect Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:27 pm
Feeling much better than I was Wednesday. But our state and local response is still too slow. Private sector has been amazing. Feds need to agree on a relief package and close up shop at the Capitol for a few weeks.
Angry and Anon — Yep. Beyond frustrating. The lack of action and decisiveness is SOP for the state (and all gvt really). Amazing and disheartening to see it play out real time in time of crisis. At the least, they need more communication as to what is being planned.
Comment by ImHere Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:28 pm
All good here. We’re pretty far removed from known hotspots. Wife and I have worked out plans with our respective employers to cover the days the kids would normally be in daycare should schools and daycare close. We usually shop for multiple weeks at a time so no panic buying.
Risks are to Grandparents so not using them as daycare obviously.
Comment by Mason born Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:29 pm
If any of you is sick–corona or flu–what are you doing out in the public instead of @ home either working or recovering?????
Comment by d. p. gumby Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:30 pm
Please explain how Gov Pritzker keeping state employees in the office and endangering them is “progressive”? Especially in light of a national state of emergency declared by Trump.
Comment by Mitchell E. Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:31 pm
My family is making sure that I do not go out where I could be infected. Not a great problem.
I am a problem solver and manager by nature and training. The ignorance about Covid-19 is frustrating.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:31 pm
Doing fine. My wife and I went to the local Jewel before lunch. The parking lot was full and the lines were long for a late morning weekday. The shelves were clearly picked over and not a roll of TP to be found.
Our local school district and a number of others have closed school for next week with spring break being the week after.
Comment by No Longer A Lurker Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:34 pm
Practical Politics @ 3:01pm verbatim.
Comment by Skeptic Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:36 pm
Worried about a tsunami of sick patients descending on my hospital. I see no reason why we will not be “Italy” in 3 weeks. I sure hope I am wrong.
And it has been very frustrating trying to encourage family members to be prepared for a period of “protective isolation” at home. So much denial and resistance. “we only eat fresh food” “I’ll wait until there are 1,000 cases in Chicago” “You worry too much” The sluggish action from the federal government keep hundreds of millions in denial.
Comment by Groundhog Day Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:39 pm
Feeling like it’s early.
Comment by Rich Hill Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:40 pm
So far so good.
I am continually amazed at co- workers and others who continue to say, “I just don’t get. All these cancellations and stuff.”
Comment by don the legend Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:42 pm
Generally good. Neighbors are calm, family is calm, friends are calm. Good amount of food on hand but nothing crazy. I think the federal announcement this afternoon plus a weekend will do a lot of good.
Comment by Anon For Now Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:43 pm
It’s allergy season, and I have a headache from the scented hand sanitizers everyone is using. Yes, it is truly allergies, not sick.
Annoyed about work and not being able to work from home/ but realistic about it.
Worried about friends and family in the high risk groups. Parents’ assisted living center on lockdown.
Annoyed with friends( in the high risk category and who are highly intelligent) that think this is much ado about nothing.
Going grocery shopping tomorrow. Should be an adventure.
Comment by thoughts matter Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:44 pm
We’ve got a plan in place for if we get sick. Wouldn’t mind being able to pick up a few more staples, but even if we’re exposed tomorrow, we can improvise our way through.
Just wish I could have confidence in the larger health care system.
Comment by In 630 Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:46 pm
Good. Washing hands regularly, not touching face. Staying away from people for the most part. Working, dealing with COVID 19 protocols for our business. Exercising daily, eating healthy and keeping VERY busy.
Comment by JDuc Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:47 pm
Things could be worse, considering that I am a senior with a long history of asthma who has, for the last six weeks, had a persistent feeling of rawness in the upper respiratory tracts. But I’m a bit alarmed by what the President looked and sounded like at the declaration of emergency. On the radio he sounded like someone on the verge of collapsing. Weak, unfocused, stumbling over both sentences and trains of thought. On the TV he looked like someone holding a very rigid posture so as not to betray how bad he felt. But that’s just my impression. Did the other contributors to the CapitolFax blog also have that assessment?
Comment by Comma Chameleon Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:51 pm
I’m using common sense and stocked up on stuff the family would need a couple of weeks ago. Should be fine if I get shut in. Plenty of Vodka and Jameson and beer for those quiet nights of no basketball and baseball.
Comment by Glengarry Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:55 pm
So far so good. Being as diligent as we can be. I will miss MLB opening day, but it had to be done.
Comment by pool boy Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:58 pm
Worried about my daughter trying to get home from Spain. Flights cancelled and no contact from the airline for two days. Everything else can be managed.
Comment by Retired ISP Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 3:58 pm
Josh Turner concert in Springfield cancelled for tonight, word that it will be rescheduled. Cancelled hotel room with no problem, and Lincoln Museum is giving us refund because I guess they will be closing. Still going to the gym each day and wiping down equipment anywhere I have touched and in the line of breathing in case anything escapes from mouth. Regularly spray wipe down towel with disinfectant. My daughter visited the school weight room where she works and found only one bottle of sanitizer and no signs telling to wipe down after each use. My Dad always carried a handkerchief that he replaced daily, a habit that I use carry more than one now in different pocket . Been wiping down my shopping cart before use, something I didn’t do in the past.
Comment by Arock Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 4:01 pm
–Did the other contributors to the CapitolFax blog also have that assessment?–
The hubby noted he seemed very stilted and unusually low-key. I thought it was because he’d been given a prepared text that he wasn’t really on board with.
Forgot to mention: I was very concerned Illinois’ K-12 schools hadn’t been closed as of Wednesday. Just saw that they’re closing on Tuesday. I fear JB may have dropped the ball on that one, even though I understand the reasons why he didn’t close them earlier this week -
Comment by dbk Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 4:06 pm
Wine, freezer full of food and working away from peeps as much as I can. Oh and trying really not to tp hoard ….Heard all schools are closing begin Tuesday until the end of month.
Comment by NorthsideNoMore Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 4:12 pm
No worries. Looking forward to attending a shrimp boil tonight. Yum.
Comment by Captain Obvious Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 4:15 pm
not good.
been pretty freaked out about my health since i started paying attention to coronavirus news shortly after i came down with something that got diagnosed as bronchitis in feb and am still not 100% now - scared it turned into walking pneumonia although my cough is mostly all gone and i have no fever so that’s good. my county has no test kits and even if it did i don’t fit criteria for testing so i will probably not know if i have/had this unless i or someone close to me has to be hospitalized.
also trying to figure out whether to pull my kid out of daycare, and how to make that work with grandparent help without making the grandparents sick when kids supposedly can carry this but not show symptoms
at the same time though i have family close by to support each other, plenty of food stocked up in my pantry, and my family has money saved up if the economy goes bad so i am wayyyy better off than most people
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 4:18 pm
Out of town trying to figure out when to travel back. Interesting to see different behaviors between states. The hoarding is just odd to me. I don’t know that people will take this seriously across the country without draconian measures. People out and about at restaurants and bars last night. We’re only as good as our weakest link.
Comment by SSL Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 4:40 pm
I was at Target and WalMart today. No paper products or ibuprofen in either one. Reminds me of being in Florida on vacation waiting for hurricane Andrew to arrive.
Hoping for the best for everyone. God bless us all.
Comment by DuPage Dave Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 4:44 pm
His Girl,
I’m not sure where you are, but if you’re in Chicago I’d like Rich to give you my contact info so I can help.
Comment by Cheryl44 Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 4:48 pm
So far so good, as a State employee whose employees could work from home, so wish the State of Illinois would send it’s people home.
Comment by Annon Friday, Mar 13, 20 @ 4:51 pm