I'm a bit shocked but not surprised and hesitate to even bring it up but....

Two AL facilities and one party at a large hotel for a group of doctors so far. I suppose we will see most or all NH type gigs go away for awhile.

Speechless.

Scott

I just had one cancel. One resident came down with flu like symptoms,and before they knew,they were nearly all sick. I miss my hugs and handshakes,but I guess that is the way it will be for a while.

I've had over a dozen cancellations in two days. I'm going to have to start busking. Maybe selling body parts if no one throws me any coins.

Canceled so far is a photography trip to Italy and a three day gig at a Jazz festival in Brazil. The Country club where I work 4-6 nights a week is contemplating shutting down. So far, 6 cases have been identified in Kentucky. 4 are in a hospital a mile from my office.

Lets keep our fingers crossed.

Russ

Nothing canceled yet, but two are requiring signing forms at the front desk with health questions. I expect some to go under quarantine.
Ed

The news isn't helping as usual...they are fueling panic...even hording toilet paper is happening now...

The news isn't helping as usual...they are fueling panic...even hording toilet paper is happening now...

+1 Lee you must have just seen that story on WESH-TV we did too. Here in The Villages people are so panicked they have been stealing hand sanitizer from the rest rooms and other public places.

I echo Tony’s comments that are in the next post.

How many people died from the flu in 2019?
So far, 14,000 people have died and 250,000 people have been hospitalized during the 2019-2020 flu season, according to preliminary estimates from the CDC.Feb 14, 2020

And there are more people dying from the flu every day ...
One state governor declares a state of emergency, and all the rest have to follow ...

OK, I understand the run on hand sanitizers and face masks, but TOILET PAPER?!?
Is that in case stores shut down?

Isn't it amazing how the media hype goes absolutely nuts trying to instill fear in people with something they know the average person has absolutely no control over the situation. When I was working in the media world, the old saying was "If it bleeds - it leads."

Keep in mind that over my lifespan there have been far more infections diseases that got little of no press coverage to speak of. For example, there is nothing more contagious than TB, and Baltimore held the title of have the highest rate of TB than anyplace on the planet back in the 1960s when I was first married and working in the medical field. Once a week, I traveled to one of Baltimore's TB Sanitariums to draw blood and do blood gas analysis on TB Patients in Mount Wilson Hospital. The mortality rate at that time was horrendous, patients spend on average at lest a year in the hospital and some, including one of my aunts, spent 2 years there. She managed to survive.

When I went to draw blood at Mount Wilson, I wore a scrub suit, gloves, special mask, hat, booties, gown and changed gloves between each and every patient contact. After doing all the bloodwork, I then went into a decontamination room, stripped down, took a hot shower and all my work clothes were bagged and incinerated. Then I walked into another room where my street clothes were in a locker with an ultra-violet light inside it. Yes, TB is that contagious.

Keep in mind that in the history of this nation we have lived through yellow fever, typhoid, TB, swine flu, mad cow disease, Ebola virus, you name it, it has been here, and for the most part, managed to survive pretty much unscathed. Eventually, someone comes up with a vaccine and the virus is pretty much eliminated until it morphs into a new and more deadly virus.

Nursing homes in my part of the world usually close for a couple weeks every year, mainly because of another highly contagious disease - C-Diff. C-Differential is a highly contagious infection of the colon that kills thousands of elderly people ever year. It is very, very contagious, most people that contract this disease are placed in isolation rooms where they go through the most horrendous bout of dysentery for up to a month, loose enormous amounts of weight and dehydrate. It's a horrendous disease - I should know, I've been through it. I had enough music jobs though that loosing one or two a month just didn't amount to a hill of beans.

This virus is contagious, but not nearly as contagious as others we've experienced. Just use a common sense approach, wash your hands and face frequently, and stay away from individuals that have symptoms of a URI and you will likely go unscathed with this one as well.

Good luck,

Gary

I read this online, and make no claims to it's validity, but I like the jist of it.

"I'm a doctor and an Infectious Diseases Specialist. I've been at this for more than 20 years seeing sick patients on a daily basis. I have worked in inner city hospitals and in the poorest slums of Africa. HIV-AIDS, Hepatitis,TB, SARS, Measles, Shingles, Whooping cough, Diphtheria...there is little I haven't been exposed to in my profession. And with notable exception of SARS, very little has left me feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed or downright scared.

I am not scared of Covid-19. I am concerned about the implications of a novel infectious agent that has spread the world over and continues to find new footholds in different soil. I am rightly concerned for the welfare of those who are elderly, in frail health or disenfranchised who stand to suffer mostly, and disproportionately, at the hands of this new scourge. But I am not scared of Covid-19.

What I am scared about is the loss of reason and wave of fear that has induced the masses of society into a spellbinding spiral of panic, stockpiling obscene quantities of anything that could fill a bomb shelter adequately in a post-apocalyptic world. I am scared of the N95 masks that are stolen from hospitals and urgent care clinics where they are actually needed for front line healthcare providers and instead are being donned in airports, malls, and coffee lounges, perpetuating even more fear and suspicion of others. I am scared that our hospitals will be overwhelmed with anyone who thinks they " probably don't have it but may as well get checked out no matter what because you just never know..." and those with heart failure, emphysema, pneumonia and strokes will pay the price for overfilled ER waiting rooms with only so many doctors and nurses to assess.

I am scared that travel restrictions will become so far reaching that weddings will be canceled, graduations missed and family reunions will not materialize. And well, even that big party called the Olympic Games...that could be kyboshed too. Can you even
imagine?

I'm scared those same epidemic fears will limit trade, harm partnerships in multiple sectors, business and otherwise and ultimately culminate in a global recession.

But mostly, I'm scared about what message we are telling our kids when faced with a threat. Instead of reason, rationality, openmindedness and altruism, we are telling them to panic, be fearful, suspicious, reactionary and self-interested.

Covid-19 is nowhere near over. It will be coming to a city, a hospital, a friend, even a family member near you at some point. Expect it. Stop waiting to be surprised further. The fact is the virus itself will not likely do much harm when it arrives. But our own behaviors and "fight for yourself above all else" attitude could prove disastrous.

I implore you all. Temper fear with reason, panic with patience and uncertainty with education. We have an opportunity to learn a great deal about health hygiene and limiting the spread of innumerable transmissible diseases in our society. Let's meet this challenge together in the best spirit of compassion for others, patience, and above all, an unfailing effort to seek truth, facts and knowledge as opposed to conjecture, speculation and catastrophizing.

Facts not fear. Clean hands. Open hearts.
Our children will thank us for it."

#washurhands #geturflushot #respect #patiencenotpanic

I've just forgotten for a while about this thing and sent some of my demos to some restaurants (because I remembered that I want some money)...

In Russia it's in an early stage, I guess, or there's a lot of denial. But large public events are banned (people still have to use overcrowded public transportation).

Now there's also a new wave of economical crisis. Well. It's still either trying to do some work or just going crazy.

One girl I know who had graduated conservatory has been playing guitar and singing just outside in the street for about 4 years now, it's her income.

I picture how in terms of crisis street will be a place to work... Or maybe playing online would be a more up-to-date version of it.

It's true that information can work like a virus itself. In some sence we are just walking servers, processing every bit of information which comes through eyes and ears.

Hi Dave,
That post says it all.

We’ve had 3 deaths here, and they were all elderly. Roughly in their 80’s /90’s.

The young kids and babies haven’t been affected, and that’s one age grouping that they usually worry about with flu.

What the media doesn’t tell you over here, is the survival rate, the amount of people who have actually gotten over it. They just just want to keep spreading the fear, by telling everyone how many got it overnight and how many died around the world.

If the Chinese are actually telling us the truth, woke up this morning and heard on the news that their rate of contracting the disease and deaths , is going down rapidly. More of a seasonal problem, and that things might be improving with warming weather. Hopefully not a lie.

Same crazies over here, hoarding toilet paper, hand sanitizer and tissues.
Had a mother and daughter charged with brawling in a supermarket the other day.. Trolley stacked to the brim with toilet paper, and some other poor woman just wanted a pack. They started to beat her up. Limit was 4 packs, but they had a trolley full., limit now is 1 or 2 packs .
Crazy part is they make the stuff in Sydney, a few miles away.

Kind of reminds me of these zombie horror movies , humanity going nuts,

Half expected my grocery delivery guy to be carrying a shotgun, just in case the delivery truck got hijacked for the toilet paper, might become a more dangerous job than driving an armoured truck , full of cash.
( just joking, we aren’t allowed to own firearms).

Insanity fueled by the media. Just watched the local news here and there was exactly one story that wasn't about the corona virus. On the other hand, people have to be smart enough to ignore the hype and just use common sense.

...still, given the fact that it seems to be most lethal to the elderly, and given the closed environment of a nursing home, wouldn't this be a place to exercise extra caution? Plus, most of the NH entertainers aren't exactly 'spring chickens' either. Just sayin'.

chas

Follow medical advice as they will be the best to tell you what is going on.

All of the above say that youngsters are sound, as are fit people, however if you have underlying medical problems then make sure to take precautionary measures, as you are a high risk category.

The biggest problem is that you can be infected and contagious for 5 days before you show any symptoms, thus you can pass it on without even knowing about it.

Like all these things it is fine balance between what you do, and don’t do, and is very difficult to get 100% right.

As I said at the beginning, follow the medical expert’s advice and we should get through it.

Bill

Just today, 4 out of 7 NH facilities cancelled for March. Others are awaiting corporate guidance/orders. I'm disappointed, but totally understand as they are concerned for the well-being of their residents ... bring on that 'global warming', heat is said to allay the virus ...

The curve of infections is jumping up at a pace in Germany now that is making authorities cancel all big events. Like France and Spain (!), we will soon have numbers like Italy if nothing is done immediately.
Top virologists are warning the death rate among the elderly can reach more than 20%. So, no, it is not about artificial panic.
A recent study has crushed hope that the virus will be significantly weakened by warmer temperatures, so there is no time.
In Germany there are 28,000 intensive care beds. If the curve goes up as steeply as at the moment, hospitals will have to make brutal decisions whom to put on oxygen blood enrichment and whom to let pass away. That’s the situation.

In North Korea, patients can be simply shot to death. Talk about a brutal decision..... https://bdnews24.com/world/south-east-as...-in-north-korea

Yet, North Korea claims that it has no Coronavirus case. https://www.newsweek.com/north-korea-cla...-deaths-1491172

OK, it can always get more brutal...

All St. Patrick's day events have been cancelled. Berea College has shut down for the semester.

Russ

I Just got my first 2 cancellations for March - I expect more will follow. Some of the places are
requiring a temperature check on arrival.

Deane

Definitely difficult times we are in. When people are hoarding toilet paper, you know there is panic. Went to visit someone in a NH 2 days ago and the wife and I had to be interviewed and get passes. Smart decisions on their part, but I am hearing that you can have it for a week, not know it, and still be contagious.

I have my annual check-up for my knees on Thursday ... got a call today saying if I have a cough or otherwise don't feel well to call and reschedule ...

One of the things I don't understand is that our Governor has suggested the cancellation on all events that will have more than 100 people ... so an event with 99 people id safe, but 101 people is not ?!? ...

What I find amazing is that more than 10,000 people just returned home from the Conservative Political Action Conference, one person there tested positive for Carona Virus, yet no one other than that person has become ill.

Ironically, the old press moto "If it bleeds -it leads" is still going strong. Nearly every channel on TV is beating on this drum 24/7 and now you cannot purchase hand wipes on Amazon or in the grocery stores - they're sold out! Kinda like the weather forecast when the forecaster calls for snow. Yep, gotta stock up in bread, milk and toilet paper before that snow hits. Snow must make people poop more than usual.

Gary

Same here, the minister of health has advised all events over 1,000 people to be cancelled, below 1,000 it‘s up to the organizer - of course it‘s an arbitrary number, but I guess they have to state a limit somewhere...

What they are saying is "we don't trust you to make a sensible decision, so we are going to set some regulations" ...
Here in RI, a City Council voted to not cancel the St. Patrick's day parade ... Some people were saying they made the wrong decision ... one councilman said "It's easy, if you have concerns, don't go to the parade" ...

Tony as a Rhode Islander I felt they made the right decision having the parade. Now I understand that decision has been reversed and it’s canceled? Is that true?

New York City cancelled theirs today. Not sure about Lil Ole Rhody, though.

Gary

Steve, Apparently you saw that news before I did, and it's true ... pressure from the Gov. who wants to appear squeaky clean before she exits RI and tries the national political scene ...

„It‘s easy - if you have concerns, don‘t go to the parade“ - No, that‘s a false conclusion. Even if someone avoids going there, (s)he will suffer the consequences later when many more people get infected and infect him in the supermarket later...

I had several cancellation calls today, including jobs for Thursday and Friday. In addition to that, my transmission puked in my old Jeep, so I spent the day looking at cars (thank God my son is a manager at CarMax). I get my 4X tomorrow and a new car too. Talk about broke!

Yes, the situation is serious in MI. MSU closed down for March and there is panic at the State Capitol (wife works there).

Silver lining is the amount of time freed up to dig into the 4X and hopefully this thing will pass.

Congratulations....definitely a silver lining to your cloud.
Ed

Plus one!

Tony you’ve said a mouthful about Governor RATMONDO also known QueenAMondo.

Believe me, I pray that this virus reaches an immediate end, but we can't live in a bubble ...

Clever, Steve, I hadn't heard those ...

zuki, best of luck with the car and the 4X ... can't wait to hear some of your work ...

Thanks Ed

Thanks t. I'm digging deep because I think I'll have to find additional venues to play. The 4X features - I will use them all, just like Donny suggested - he is so correct (mix it up).

How dumb is that. By the time the temperature is taken the person taking it has maybe also been infected if it is coronavirus. Just cancel is the safest. Sounds like too much trouble to me.

President Trump has advised nursing homes to end all non-essential visits.

There‘s no other way than to stop events and protect the elderly. In my federal state, Northrhine-Westphalia, the case number has increased by the factor 10 in 10 days, from 86 to 901. If you project this curve, 50% of the population (= 8 million) would be infected on April 21. It‘s an incredible growth rate. We have to stop normal life.

The NBA has suspended the rest of the season, and some NHL teams are choosing to either play without fans, or cancel. There goes my Star Wars day at the Flyers this Saturday.

Who wants to go to a flyers game anyway? I do feel for those who work in the arena losing paydays; the athletes, who can afford some time off, continue to get paid..

A full time singer/ songwriter friend has received multiple cancellations this week.

Most of you know I'm not a pro sports fan, but this game is a Christmas present from my son, and he, and HIS son, and I went last year, too. It was a blast! Major league hockey games are like full scale rock concerts with incredible audio and light shows. For me - it's all about the boys. My grandson is a big rime Gritty fan, (Flyers mascot) and watching his excitement is super contagious. (poor choice of words, given the reason for this post?) Anyway - it's not about the game - it's about the grandson, the son, and the LIGHTSABERS!!!!!!!
Now, I'm sad again.

The NHL just "paused" its season, following the NBA. Two teams had already announced they would play without fans, though no NHL players have been diagnosed. However, sharing facilities and locker areas with NBA players influenced the decision.

"paused" "suspended" "tomaato" "tomahto" ...
same ole

Got my 4X in today, but sure in heck not buying a car. Worked out the numbers at the dealership and took a lunch break to sort it out. Got in my car and had more cancellations. Think I'm going to lose all March jobs. Talk about Debby Downer - drove home without a new car - no way.

MI State Capitol cancels all events and tours until 5/1.

I wonder if he advised all not to visit his establishments?

Need a PAAS? I got one for ya!

No thx Dave, had one before. Wasn't for me.

PAAS -- hOW MUCH?
JOHN C,

March madness is now March sadness- men's and women's tournaments cancelled. MLB delaying opening day.I wonder what ESPN will have to talk about? Either way, it translates to lots of available practice time for everyone.

$250!

Healthy outlook!!

Looks like every group activity in the world is being shut down ...

Damn ... there goes the orgy I scheduled because of work being cancelled.

Don't worry, Dave, only PUBLIC activities are being shut down ...

Well now it looks like I'm going to have even more time to practice and put together a show! Just wonder how long do you all think this is going to last?

We just returned from a trip to NYC( Hopefully unscathed ) to see my daughter and her school orchestra perform at Carnegie Hall. Now I’m hearing that all performances on Broadway and Carnegie Hall are cancelled. Looks like all my little bookings are getting cancelled for this month too. This is a bad time for performers everywhere!

Musicians counting on work.

https://www.npr.org/2020/03/13/815254508...PCc8lsq7JekTSz0

Jerryghr

Getting that first March cancel was tough, but the whole month is brutal. Now it looks as if April might be a problem too. Glad my wife works. Now, Trump declares a National Emergency tomorrow. What next, Martial Law? Yikes

Just got a call from one under lockdown wanting to know if I could do a "virtual show" using a computer, ipad, phone, etc. They said they have a hook up from their computer and can project to a large movie screen. Now that is thinking outside the box. They haven't told me what platform they use....could be Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, maybe Facetime. I have to find out more. Intriguing.
Ed

ALL Louisiana schools are closed until April 13. Can you imagine the problems this will cause?
I suppose it is necessary since, if the virus spreads, many will be out of school anyway, including teachers and administrators. I hope it is over-reacting.

I hope it's over-reacting also, but better to OVER react than NOT react ...
Had Italy over-reacted, there might not have been as big a problem ...
Stay safe, all ...

This virus will probably have companies thinking of new and cheaper ways to conduct business over the internet.

With faster internet speeds 5g, etc. there will be less travel, more telephone and video conferencing, and now entertainment.

Our local music store has downsized into a smaller place, and doing business over the internet. I am using them to sell off all my unused equipment on line. I take it to them, agree on a price and collect when it is sold. No hassle, no shipping and no one coming to my house.

All the local food stores and restaurants are offering online ordering and delivery, and drive-thru pick up.

I ordered a pizza the other day, and never saw or spoke to a live person. When I picked up my pizza it was in a hot display case. I punched in my order number, the door opened, and out came my pizza.

The times they are a changing.

Jerryghr

That's interesting. I got the idea to contact the facilities yesterday and see if I can stream using Skype or whatever platform could work. Don't see why it wouldn't work. The residents will certainly need entertainment at a time like this and at the same time hopefully this could avoid a disaster for income. As it is I've had more cancellations including one that overbooked today and I had to go back home. New AD.

I have done many long distance Skype lessons previously and don't see why this can't work for NH gigs as well. I am excited about using that or something similar for the NH circuit.

Plan on calling starting Monday. Fingers crossed.

Scott... how do you imagine the residents would access your show.... on their phone, tablet or what?

Hi,
News this morning, Queensland are working on a vaccine. Testing on animals at the moment, human trials another 4 months or so.

https://www.racq.com.au/Living/Articles/Queensland-developing-coronavirus-vaccine

If anyone does this and DOESN'T charge for it, you will be setting a very dangerous precedent. After all - you are spending the same amount of time performing your show, and should be compensated. Maybe, just MAYBE give a small discount for reduced travel expenses, but I urge you - do not do this for free.

In checking with my "computer scientist" wife she's saying it depends on their individual systems. Most places I go have a large screen TV. I guess I will need to call the different AD's and find out what kind of system they have and how it could be projected on their Smart? TV. Maybe from a computer, bluetooth, maybe directly on the TV. It will be a learning process but it's worth finding out about.

Another thought, maybe it could even be projected to the TV's in the resident's individual rooms. Good question.

... presenting "YOU TUBE" this afternoon at 2 in the dining room.
Danger Will Robinson!!!

...and you could even do it in your pajamas.

Jerryghr

`That’s not so far fetched, my late mother was in a NH/rehab for 2 weeks. The activity director also a singer once per week would use YouTube Karaoke on screen to entertain residents, it went over real well with the patients/residents.

Paul, that had to be a very proud and exciting time for you and your family ...
I had the thrill of performing there in my late teens with our music studio's accordion orchestra ...

The article about musicians losing work is right on ... and it's affecting EVERY profession and job category ...

We did some everyday shopping today ... One thing I don't understand is the run on paper products like paper towels, napkins, toilet paper ... shelves in Walmart and a super sized market were BARE !!!

Tony, Your experience in the north matched what we also found in WalMart today here in the south.

I saw a couple in the supermarket today that checked the expiry date of canned food, only accepting dates of 2022. I don't know what scenario they were planning for - totally nuts.

Yes, that sounds insane ...

Steve, how is the situation in FL ?

Thank you Rikki, after all the negatives and fears that have been posted comes a positive post by Rikki, not surprised.

John C.

I've gotten email notices from three different service companies that their offices/service centers will be closed to walk-in customer service (paying bills, etc.) and that all such customer services will now have to be done online. This doesn't really affect me personally or the more tech-savvy seniors that populate this particular forum, but many elderly customers are not so tech-savvy (some don't even own computers) and still pay their bills, voice their complaints or requests for service, in person. Grandkids to the rescue, I suppose . Of course this will also affect the people who work in these service centers as well.

I stopped by the local Walmart early this morning hoping to beat the store traffic. No luck. The parking lot was filled to overflow at 8:30am. Shelves half bare, some totally bare. No toilet paper but plenty of ExLax (apparently nobody needs that ). Boy, sure hope this passes quickly (the virus, I mean - poor choice of words ). Stay safe everyone, wash your hands often and don't touch your ugly mug .

chas

Tony, Everything here is a mirror of what’s happening around the country. There are a couple of venues that have well known musicians coming to play. The Platters show on March 20th that we have tickets for has been canceled. Trish Yearwood, David Foster and Paul Anka shows for next week are off too. There’s usually music and dancing outdoors at 3 town squares every night, originally they were going to be held then this afternoon they canceled them until further notice.

I’m waiting to hear from the coordinator whether my weekly piano solo gig in the lobby of the cancer center will be called off. I probably won’t hear anything until late Sunday or early Monday.

DonM.... What's happening at Ernest's?

I took off the month of March for vacation. Just got back from visiting relatives in Oklahoma, and I'm playing golf and fishing. First time off other that hospitals in MANY years.
I am supposed to go back first of April.
Haven't talked to Ernest, but I suppose I should.

Today I got all the rest of my March gigs cancelled. I played my last March gig today and had to sign a form about travel -possible illnesses -etc and had my temp taken. I was the last entertainer they will have until May 1st.

Deane

+1 Tony - I went to Walmart yesterday looking for anything resembling hand sanitizer.... ha ha… fat chance of that. It was like a war zone in there. Bare shelves everywhere and 8-10 people lined up to ask the pharmacist questions.

I was going to try to make my own homebrew sanitizer - 2 parts Alcohol, 1 part Aloe Gel... but neither item to be found at Walmart for my experiment! Fortunately, on the way home, I took a chance and stopped at a Dollar Tree store... and it was my lucky day - they had just put out a case of 2-packs of the 2 oz hand sanitizer bottles... $1 a piece for 2 bottles! Bonus! I got several of them at a great price. One of the clerks said they had stocked 22 cases yesterday and I got the last few packages.

What is really scary is the self-proclaimed "entrepreneurs" who are cleaning the shelves as quick as items are stocked - and then listing $3 bottles of Purell for $149 a pop on Ebay. Very very sad indeed.

Scary times these are. Be safe out there y'all!

Our Walmart had sanitizer - one 16 oz bottle per customer ...
A super market had a limit of 3 cases of water per customer ...

Don't know if they had a limit on paper goods before they sold out ...

I had a nightmare the other night. Big business will use this happening to eliminate music in nursing homes.

When it's all over, it wouldn't surprise me. It's all about money these days. If this goes any length of time, the nursing homes will be acclimated to "no music." Once the corporations who are buying up the senior facilities like chain restaurants realize they can save big bucks by running their operations without entertainment, that will become the status quo. Live music will take another hit and fade further into the background.

I hope I'm wrong!

This disturbs me and frightens me more than the Corona Virus. Just when you think society has reached it's lowest point, it rallies and shows more of it's potential.

I made that remark while we were walking the aisles trying to find something edible at my local supermarket for supper.

He first said coronavirus was a Democratic hoax. This dickhead wouldn't know if his ass was on fire and he is out to kill us all. Hopefully he goes first. And having been in contact with a coronavirus patient but still refuses to get tested he will do that for us. Sorry if you voted for him but that is something you need to reconcile with yourself.

Stores plan there stock on expected demand, however they can sometimes get caught out by a sudden change, give it a couple of days for them to get more stock from the suppliers/manufactures, and you will find it will be pretty much back to normal.

Bill

Maybe the wave of the future will be what was touched on. Not necessarily live video, but producing your own sing a long videos and selling them, or a subscription to them, to the facilities. Or some combination of it.

It's not what we want, it's not who most of us probably are, but it may be the wider part of the road ahead. It has become necessary to adapt to technology to keep up with our keyboards; this may require more of the same in the way of video technology. Unfortunately, it removes the human emotional exchange between performer and audience.

I hope this is only temporary, but this proves true, it sadly may send many of our group into retirement..

All of my gigs have been cancelled or postponed. These gigs are not at NH or Assisted Living facilities.

If "live" music is eliminated and replaced by YouTube videos, the afore mentioned phrase: "Attention! Will Robinson. Danger! Danger!" looms ominously in our musical futures.

As it is already, our auto arranger keyboards eliminate other musicians in our acts. I would encourage one not to go any further down this slippery slope.

+1

Just how contagious is the Carona Virus? Keep in mind that one of those gigantic cruise ships that ended up circling offshore for several days had just 21 cases, 19 of which were crew and 2 passengers tested positive. This out of more than 4,000 passengers crammed into a floating sardine can. Nearly everyone came in contact with an infected person, yet only 2 passengers actually tested positive. One of the medical professionals stated yesterday that the mist from a contagious cough would only carry about 5 feet and 6 feet at best, then dissipate. Additionally, there have been no mortalities in people over 50 years of age, worldwide.

The actual mortality rate is an unknown factor at this point, mainly because at the present time, it is only based upon reported cases. Medical specialist stated that there are likely many times more unreported cases, due to the fact that this merely mimics the common cold, for which people rarely see a physician, stay home, take aspirin and allow it to take it's course. After 10 days, the patient feels OK and goes about their regular, daily routine.

There seems to be more arm-chair specialists with absolutely no medical background or training making brash statements about this disease, especially in the press, where the motto is "If it bleeds, it leads."

Gary :cool