Things are humming along in the land of Roos, Devils and Snakes. I still can't believe that they are willing to throw over $200 billion to keep the sheeple from revolting, jobs or no jobs. I get the sense that the PTB were not prepared for the type of reactions from big businesses to protect their bottom line. A mere 3-4 weeks of bad trade has prompted most businesses to shut doors and stand down their workforce which is now starting to have domino effects. The landlords and banks have started to feel the pain too. It's not that the businesses are short on cash - granted some might be short but a lot of them have taken evasive action to keep enough cash as seed capital once the lock-down ends. Its funny how the bad times bring out the worst in people and how quickly they are willing to discard each other like used batteries. All that pep-talk you hear at business conferences about culture, team, synergies and cohesiveness is just BS mixed with horse manure.
The STS behaviors have been enhanced, everyone is trying to protect their hide and trying to use the current situation as an opportunity to win. Winning matters the most now. E.g. McDonald's is now selling essential items such as milk, bread and muffins in drive thru - ROFL. Most other businesses across different sectors/segments are trying to come up with some collaborative schemes to take a share of the Govt relief money which people are starting to receive. This is brilliant and hilarious to watch.
In terms of movement, we are in stage 3 lock down which is one level below NZ and Italy for comparison. One can still drive to work, visit parks etc but the message is to stay indoors and only go out for essential needs whilst maintaining distance. They are starting to hassle and fine people/businesses not adhering to social distancing rules. Using some of the breaches being reported in media, we will likely see stage 4 lock down introduced soon. The authoritarian behaviors are on full display as most people are shocked and mortified to see others flouting social distancing rules. Some are in more shock then they would be if someone abducted their kids.
There are mixed messages coming out of the various Govt departments. There is a talk of "curve starting to flatten" and then countering it with "lock down could last 6 months". I'd make an educated guess that the lock down should end within next 3-4 weeks given the cascading effects on the economy though they may not allow international visitors for another 2 months. And in about 3-4 weeks, they would have invented and introduced a global Covid-19 vaccine. Heard from one of the colleagues that they are delaying and pushing back on testing anyone under 40 years of age for Covid-19 -
I postulated that they are doing this to prevent diluting their numbers as younger people who test positive and recover quickly will aid in flattening the curve rather too early. We can't have that now, can we? Its too early for good news.
On a personal level, its been very relaxing few days staying at home. Finished reading "The Surveillance Valley" - an eye opener, thanks
@Scottie for recommending that in one of the MM shows. Reading "The Coddling of American Mind" now which was also recommended in a MM show- another great read, thanks guys. Got few more books lying on the table so, I am good for next few weeks. Skies have been very clear lately and I go out every other night hoping to spot something, lol.
Hoping everyone else is enjoying too. Make the most of this time for there may not be much time left in 3D on this planet!!