Most stores, including pharmacies, will be closed tomorrow on New Years Day, BUT---

[Atticus]

---on January 2nd, I think we'd best be topping off gas tanks, getting enough prescription meds to last 6 weeks, and "stocking up" on essential supplies. Put plainly, I believe there is a real possibility---if not probability---that shelves may be empty and all sorts of businesses and services we take for granted will be closed because their staff is sick.

I think many, if not most, schools will close or function only remotely.

I think this will be like nothing we have ever experienced. Do what you can to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF until at least February. Personally, I will not seek in-person medical care for anything less than a life-threatening situation.

I hope I am wrong and you are all making fun of me in a month, but that's how I see things.

[VarryOn]

1. I don't sense things are that dire...

Maybe it’s a regional thing. As of right now, I know 7 people with COVID, and all are quarantining, with no major symptoms. In fact, I saw one walking his dog about 10 mins ago. They’ll be back out and about by next week.

Here in Arkansas, I have a hard time believing my, if any, schools will will shutdown. Shutdowns are horribly disruptive to families and wherever the parents work. My wife is a teacher and their plans are to be very targeted with who stays home when a case is found.

There will be some scary case counts. Let’s just hope it flames out quickly.

[SheltieLover]

4. Not sure where you are

But Memphis region was off the charts yesterday!

https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/covid-19-cases-mid-south-latest-numbers-memphis-shelby-county-tennessee-mississippi-arkansas/522-bc327aad-9724-4d78-8749-a6504d14f17e

Stay safe! 😷

[Atticus]

8. One of us is wrong. I hope it is me. Stay safe. nt

[brewens]

2. I haven't done a huge stocking up run because I'm healing up from my right knee replacement.

I think I can Monday. I'd be trying today but there's a lot of snow. It's just not quite safe to try and get out there and in my truck.

[SheltieLover]

3. I did all that a couple of weeks ago!

Stocked on all necessities...

Fresh produce is another matter, but can survive on canned goods.

Stay safe, All! 😷

[ProfessorGAC]

5. Not Seeing That

We live in warehouse central. Things are humming along like usual. A couple hundred trucks or more per hour, each direction. Trains in & out of the intermodal stations.
The manufacturing around here is mostly petrochemical & fine chemical, but they're in full operation, including the refinery 10 miles north.
I don't see the supply issues you envision.

[Tickle]

6. it's been happening where

I work. Patients are testing positive and now the recovery specialist are all getting sick. People are working 20 hour days. On a good side no one has been hepatized and no stories of colleagues becoming overly sick.

fingers crossed of all to be healthy

[hlthe2b]

7. I restocked the pantry but am going to stock up on few things that make life less than miserable...

and may be subject to some distribution issues. I still have essential stockpiles and I eat simply, but admittedly I like my lower-carb cappuccinos made with equal parts 1/2 and 1/2 and water. I have plenty of coffee for espresso but time to go stock up on ultrapasteurized (long life) 1/2 & 1/2. Gas tank full, but got to stock up on windshield wiper solution.

[Srkdqltr]

9. Not a bad idea here in the north, this is January when we get snow or sleet or ice.

[Klaralven]

10. With the holidays over, there is less stress on the supply system

So it's not clear why there would be shortages. Especially since most Covid cases are out only a few days, like a bad cold or the flu in other years.

[70sEraVet]

11. My rural county in TN has a 42% fully vaxxed (2 dose) rate

The other 58% are driving around with Trump flags on their pickup trucks.
We are doomed.