Rower Michelle Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 One of the benefits of being in a "flyover" state (aka one of those square states in the middle" is the COVID prevalence has been pretty low compared to other areas across the county. After micro analyzing my county data, I felt comfortable to dip my toe in the waters. Last week I had a few experiences in the real world that I wanted to share with you all: a trip to the hairdresser, the dentist and the PCP. If this weren't a pandemic it would be an odd book title... The hairdresser: for a haircut and of course, the highlights. I scheduled the first early morning appointment on a Monday, plenty of time to de-germ the place. BIG stop sign at the door, do not enter without a mask. Upon entry I was greeting with bleach aroma. Next up, the waiting area, gonzo. There's a sign in station where the stylist took my temperature, and a release form. Sanitized pens along with wipes and a contaminated pen bin. Obviously the lawyers got involved, initial and acknowledge in 9 different places, sign the form and place my clearly printed name along with appointment time and cell phone number. The hairdryers have been dispersed all over the salon, no more rows. The stylists were armed with large disinfectant bottles, spraying every conceivable surface before and after each use. Everyone had masks on. Minimal talking too. They are getting tired working through the massive backlog. The dentist: pretty much the same entry as the hair salon, with the addition of giant portable air ionizers in many different locations. We were greeted as if being prepped for open heart surgery. It was like a CSI crime scene. The staff was covered in hooded jumpsuits, masks , eye protection and facial shields. There was a short release of information, about the quarter of the size of the salon's. We could visibly observe the staff running around with canisters of sanitizing wipes, even the x-ray machines that don't touch you face. Everyone was is great spirits happy to get back to work. The PCP: are you ready for this??? Almost business as usual. The waiting area was intact, although completely empty. The front office staff was not required to wear masks, there was no plexiglass partition installed, the place did smell like bleach.. Regular community pens with no "post use bins" I had to sign a short release about COVID exposure, the shortest form of my three visits. The doctors and nurses were wearing surgical masks, no facial shields . Holy cow! To be fair when I called to schedule an appointment, they did ask questions about my potential exposure to COVID. I asked my doctor about this his response was curious: the world has over reacted. The practice is taking all reasonable precautions, pre-screening patients, not allowing visitors, wiping down surfaces, they are following the county health guidance where masks are optional. They have had zero patients with COVID and statistically the COVID risk is less than a quarter of one percent So why was I there in the first place-- "runners knee", I've had knee pain for the last three weeks and needed an x-ray, because as you all know we can not have any aches or pains that can be ignored. Evidently in my lockdown boredom, I haven't paid any attention as to how much exercise I was actually doing and inadvertently added a few extra hours a week without realizing it. That comes under the heading of "oh duh". PCP says in our county the risk of contracting COVID is .00001% (yes that is four zeros). He said that doesn't mean I can head to physical therapy because he's worried about COVID complications and lung cancer. With the saddest of faces, he said we should still hunker down for a while longer. Carry on... Michelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LUNGevityKristin Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 I'm glad things are so good in your county, Michelle! A hair cut and highlights sounds pretty amazing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 Michelle, My general practitioner and medical oncologists are still strongly suggesting I remain indoors. But, I do have a GP appointment this afternoon. It is actually set for a time the clinic is closed so I can avoid running into anyone. I thought that was a good idea. Martha is cutting my hair and doing a pretty good job also. My dental practice also is suited up for a moon walk. I had my exam and cleaning last week. I had to wait in the car until a hygienist came and collected me. Before I got out of the car, I had my temperature taken with one of those remote sensors. No one was in the waiting room and I was escorted to the treatment room. Also, no one was manning the front desk and my dentist said he'd bill me for my deductible. Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lin wilki Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 It feels like we are in a sci fi movie! At some point I hope this is in the rear view mirror and becomes a bad memory Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Cornett Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 My big outing was a picnic on Sunday with two friends - socially distanced by more than 8 feet, didn't share food or drink. It was much needed time away from home and was enjoyable. I think I venture out next month for a dentist appointment and a pulmonologist appointment. Big fun in Fort Worth! Out of curiosity: are any of you dealing with well-meaning friends who are giving you advice to "live your life again"? I can't seem to make a couple of them understand just how risky it is for me out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 Susan, Friends and family are in my “go forth and mingle” posse! I get riled up and go “colonel” on them. Tis nice indeed to blow off a little steam! You are right in abiding by masking and social distancing so.... Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouT Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 Like many of you I've stayed home for the most part. I've made a few trips to drop things off at the memory care unit where my wife is. They are in lockdown for the last 12 weeks, but I do get to speak with her daily. I too had to go to my dentist and they did have shields on as well...it's all pretty surrealistic out there right now. I've also been hearing that cases are rising here in NC, but information is sometimes scant (is it infections or case or hospital admissions, etc.), so I "mask up", keep hand sanitizer on me and a small spray bottle with bleach solution to clean things I have to touch. Having to stay home has allowed me to do major projects around the house, but they're all done and frankly I need to get out a bit...I guess I'll continue to load my car up with my two pooches and take them for a ride (they love rides)... Stay safe everybody... Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Cornett Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 Thanks, Tom. I needed to hear that - I look to you as a barometer for the situations we encounter. 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgetO Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 It's interesting to hear everyone's experiences in the outside world. Michelle, your account of the differing precautions and releases was fascinating! About physical therapy-- are video appointments available? My wife injured a hamstring a few weeks ago and has had PT appointments on line. She has a connection with the PT on her smart phone and I'm the "cinematographer" who holds the phone so the PT can see her. There are, of course, some limitations, like not being able to do hands on strength testing, but it's worked pretty well. The PT has prescribed exercises and observed her doing them, and she's almost entirely recovered. We have more COVID her than in Kansas. Out county is the last in Oregon to open up. We're set for Phase 1 opening tomorrow, Everyone is required to wear masks indoors (other than at home) and outdoors where social distancing is difficult. Gatherings are still limited. There's a church in Oregon that held several services and other events without distancing or masks, and over 200 people have been infected. Pretty scary! Everybody stay safe, you hear! Bridget O Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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