@mayofeb2020- Living alone has to be very tough. I think that those of us who have self-quarantined have had enough and are beginning to do what you are doing, getting out, and making sure to take precautions. How will you distance your self at your daughter's house?

@mayofeb202, @sueinmn, @merpreb, and others, Reading all responses with interest and as @sueinmn mentioned, I finally decided during the summer to make and keep some of those "postponed appts" I kept putting off Because I began to fear what the fall/winter would add to the mix with annual flu outbreaks. I've seen dentist, kidney doc, done kidney and bone density labs and been once to the hairdresser since early March and have had two repairmen inside for repairs/replacements. Put ea. appt on calendars and watched for 14 days for any covid symptoms. So far, very lucky.

Because I've lived alone and without family in state, I've found myself strangely less outwardly stressed or fearful than most others I know. Probably because I self-quarantined early on and still remind myself to start the car to keep the battery up, I am doing all I know to stay as safe as possible. Also I find it rather easy to entertain myself ... probably because I'm pretty simple minded...lol

However, early on, time just seemed to meld together and each day could be "any' on my calendar. A sense of malaise just seemed to descend and I've become accustomed to going through daily rituals and routines sort of on automatic pilot in something like a fog. Perhaps, for me, an early onset of a form of covid fatigue discussed by Dr. Poland.

Our state shut down for 2 weeks before being one of the first to reopen and now is 75% reopened. It should come as no surprise that not only have people here not observed the basic precautions but also still continue their lives "as usual".

Because I find the media news upsetting, I've been steering clear but yesterday did check a local channel for a weather report. It was shocking to learn that our small city of 200,00+ is now reporting 300 new covid cases/day and that our 184 ICU designated beds at our three hospitals are at near capacity.

We have multiple colleges, trade schools and public education choices here as well and those are adding to the increase in numbers however, the local doc giving the updated virus report made clear that it was not only the younger adults increasing the numbers but also those across all age brackets.

I found Dr. Poland's interview particularly helpful in talking about the need for increased use of air purifiers and hepa filters. The more possible ways to exchange air, the better. I'll be sharing his link with family and friends because this pandemic isn't going to evaporate or come under control anytime soon. Winter will find most of us spending more time inside as well.

Our 10 yr old is sharing online classes with 2 others and and a hired tutor. Each family "hosts" the group for one week at a time and all are observing similar virus precautions. I think installing air purifiers for their indoor instruction times will be helpful and add another layer of protection.

Discussion forums here are providing a much needed added benefit now because of the sub-groups for other interest pursuits. Thanks to all who share in these forums and a huge thanks to MayoClinic for providing this safe place to learn during these stressful, uncertain times.