River Cruisers: How Are Things Where YOU Are?

[notamermaid]

Talked to a shop assistant today who said: "Staying within a 15km range? No way am I doing that." I think a lot of people are not happy with that decision. It only applies to hotspots though. Everything is so quiet here. Hardly a soul in the streets after dark.

 

Big news: Moderna vaccine is recommended by the EMA, now tomorrow still the approval by the EU itself required. Looks good.

 

Tried to get an appointment for my eligible elderly relative today. After several tries got through on the telephone line to the answering machine: "for a vaccine appointment press 1..." I did and got a message saying "we have a high volume of callers, please also try in evening hours." It was after 8pm. Annoyance level rising. Gave up. Perhaps more luck tomorrow.

 

Hope they get the temperature storage problem adjusted to more favourable levels so we do not need to travel more than 20km to get a vaccine. Moderna should be easier to distribute.

 

Luxembourg will open shops and a few cultural establishments from Monday, disbelief over that with officials here in Germany. I expect those living near the border will be happy, they can go shopping in Luxembourg. Luxembourg officials say the toll on mental health is getting too great, people need more normal life so lock down measures will be reduced also for that reason. Walking through empty streets with no cultural life anywhere, I can understand the decision. But for myself and my family I am calmer for there being not much happening here in Germany. Just wish I could use a voucher in a local clothes shop and go to the library next week, but it will pass. Just 25 days to go. Looking forward to snow and films to watch and books to read.

 

notamermaid

 

[Host Jazzbeau]

43 minutes ago, notamermaid said:

Talked to a shop assistant today who said: "Staying within a 15km range? No way am I doing that." I think a lot of people are not happy with that decision. It only applies to hotspots though.

...

Hope they get the temperature storage problem adjusted to more favourable levels so we do not need to travel more than 20km to get a vaccine.

 

This is what you call a real 'Catch 22' problem.  Lockdown to 15km range but nearest vaccine is 20km away.  Prognosis for reaching herd immunity?–none...

[notamermaid]

12 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

 

This is what you call a real 'Catch 22' problem.  Lockdown to 15km range but nearest vaccine is 20km away.  Prognosis for reaching herd immunity?–none...

Oh, my, I had not even realized! I suppose many people live closer, should help and thankfully it is only in the hotspots. But then they need the vaccine most... I wonder what they would say in Mainz (our state capital) if I pointed it out to them?

 

notamermaid

 

 

 

[Roz]

Our worst hot spot in TN right now is tiny Moore County, famous as the location of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. You would think all those whiskey fumes would kill the virus. 😎

[Host Jazzbeau]

15 minutes ago, Roz said:

Our worst hot spot in TN right now is tiny Moore County, famous as the location of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. You would think all those whiskey fumes would kill the virus. 😎

I recent meme I saw said:  "Whenever I get a panic attack, I put a paper bag over my head ... and drink all the Bourbon in it.  Seems to help!"

[AnhaltER1960]

12 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

 

This is what you call a real 'Catch 22' problem.  Lockdown to 15km range but nearest vaccine is 20km away.  Prognosis for reaching herd immunity?–none...

No, not a catch-22 effect, rather a Chinese whisper- effect (we call it "Stille Post" in Germany, when redistributing messages leads to losing information. We do not have the exact wording of the directives yet (just a political agreement). However it was made clear, that the 15-km-movement restrictions will apply to unnessesary trips like excursions, private visits. Going to work, medical treatment, care for relatives will not be affected. Also going to a district court to appeal, if rules would be too strict ....

[notamermaid]

Haha, yes, guilty of cutting the info short. Sorry. Of course, medical appointments can be taken and for a medical procedure an accompanying person can even stay in a hotel. You are not supposed to travel for leisure. Prove of the vaccine appointment is available through the letter they apparently send you beforehand. Glad to read that for a court appeal you are allowed to travel as well, I am sure people will be thinking of appealing... Mind you, I have my problems with that 15km for leisure as there are some shopping areas I like for food shopping which are a little further. And for the soul I like to drive into the snowy hills - 50km round trip.

 

Much complaining about the extension to 31 January alround coming from those most affected. I am glad officials realized the role older children play in spreading and schools are closed.

 

Oh, well, I should not say it but I will - it could be even worse.

 

notamermaid

 

[vada_9]

Well here in Brizvegas we have just entered a 3 day lockdown. The dreaded UK strain has been transmitted to a hotel quarantine worker and we hope to nip this in the bud before it escalates. The panic buying was crazy this morning. On a personal note, I have now made 4 major holiday cancellations (along with stacks of little local ones), the latest for next week.  We have so much credit around the world it is hard to keep track of it all. At least we are all healthy and still optomistic that we will be able to leave our state sometime soon.

[Canal archive]

Thursday is family zooming time for us and our grandson is certainly settling down to home schooling and is with friends sorting out problems on ‘FaceTime’ my daughter said overhearing several nine year olds discussing nouns was a bit surreal. DH has just returned from the weekly shop not very busy but the couple ahead of him in the supermarket queue had just had their first vaccinations 💉 causing quite a lot of interest, they were both in their 80s I don’t expect to get the call until the end of Jan beginning of Feb but will let you know. CA

[notamermaid]

My elderly relative's vaccine appointment has been sorted, I am relieved. Things are not going well in the population generally.

 

No news from my boss as regards work, no tourists and no helping out at local authorities that I could be assigned to. Loss of income due to weekend work not happening, still got my basic salary, though, so I am lucky.

 

Sorry to hear about the new lockdown @vada_9 hope it works.

 

My worry about my dear folks in England is rising. I am frustrated because I feel the UK has not been doing enough to keep the virus out. They have this great position as an island to be able to control their borders more. We in Germany have nine bordering countries and no chance unless we are willing to completely upset the EU and millions of people passing through our country in cars and trucks. I do not mean politics just logistically it does not work when you are in the middle of Europe.

 

It is grey, the snowfall was minimal and I have not seen the cats for three days, so my mood is going down. On a positive note, my library has now limited pickup service, like click and collect at a shop. Will try this out.

 

notamermaid

 

[pacmom]

Happy new year to all!  Have been lurking and enjoying reading the threads for quite a while.  Found out that we in Ohio can start to get our vaccine on 25 Jan.  DH and I will definitely get it.  It seems like each day another that we know has become covid positive.

It is another grey Ohio winter day.  One would think that after living here for 30 plus years I would be used to it.  Not.

We have had our May barge trip in southern France cancelled.  DH has a very bad case of cabin fever. Will have to find some fix it jobs for next week.  Right now it is just church and the grocery store.  We are blessed to have a pastor who sees that we social distance, wear masks and has the church sprayed after each service. 

Take care all, stay safe and well. Pat

[Canal archive]

Notamermaid your not the only one who is frustrated our borders do seem to be open to all in sundry regardless, in the mean time we seem to be producing variants of this revolting disease at an alarming rate. On the good side our scientists are recognising them and sharing the information with the rest of the worlds scientific community, not like the original origin, a complete ban on flights then would have saved so many lives. Onwards and upwards off to feed the birds. CA

[AnhaltER1960]

On 1/7/2021 at 12:38 PM, notamermaid said:

(...)

Mind you, I have my problems with that 15km for leisure as there are some shopping areas I like for food shopping which are a little further. And for the soul I like to drive into the snowy hills - 50km round trip.

 

Much complaining about the extension to 31 January alround coming from those most affected. I am glad officials realized the role older children play in spreading and schools are closed.

 

Oh, well, I should not say it but I will - it could be even worse.

 

notamermaid

 

Though other countries had a much stricter curfew, this reduction of mobility is unprecedented in Germany. This year, despite still young, produced a lot of unprecedented events by now .....

 

But things arent eaten as hot as they were cooked. We have the new directive out in our state of Saxony-Anhalt. The 15 km limit will apply only in hotspots, defined by 200 infections per 100.000 inhabitants within 7 days, mearured five days in a row. The county of Wittenberg does have that level, but their health authorities did work over the festive season. The City of Dessau was above that threshold before Xmastoo. But they shut down the health authorities during the holidays and now miraculously the figures have dropped significantly B-).

 

The 15 km limit cannot apply before Jan, 16th, 15 km count from the city limits (not the address) and not for work purposes. I am sure your employer can confirm you are supposed to get some winterly photographs from the region for the relaunch of the website. Short letter and enjoy the trip.:.-)

[Coral]

(COVID-19) We just got an email from work asking if we would be available to get our vaccine within the next 2 weeks. Fingers crossed!! I work in HigherEd. 

[acwmom]

47 minutes ago, Coral said:

(COVID-19) We just got an email from work asking if we would be available to get our vaccine within the next 2 weeks. Fingers crossed!! I work in HigherEd. 

Congrats! I haven't even been able to schedule mine yet Our local hospital feels their 17yo volunteers and work-from-home employees should get it ahead of community physicians.🤬

[Coral]

8 minutes ago, acwmom said:

Congrats! I haven't even been able to schedule mine yet Our local hospital feels their 17yo volunteers and work-from-home employees should get it ahead of community physicians.🤬

I sure hope you get yours soon! Medical people do need to be first. 

 

[notamermaid]

1 hour ago, AnhaltER1960 said:

The 15 km limit cannot apply before Jan, 16th, 15 km count from the city limits (not the address) and not for work purposes. I am sure your employer can confirm you are supposed to get some winterly photographs from the region for the relaunch of the website. Short letter and enjoy the trip.:.-)

Good idea. I was wondering if this could work for going to Luxembourg. Probably not - only if I was working for the Upper Moselle tourist board!

 

The Moderna vaccine got the approval as expected, not sure when roll-out will be, but there are not that many doses to be had so no real impact from that vaccine for quite some time. Good news is that the Biontec Pfizer can now be six jabs out of one vial instead of five. 20 Percent extra is really good.

 

I saw a a report today about a zoo in Rhineland-Palatinate nearing bankruptcy. Now the state and local authorities will get together to find a solution. The "Kurzarbeit" scheme with reduced hours does not work in a zoo of course, as the animals want to be fed everyday, no matter if there are paying visitors or not. They cannot reduce the number of employees or their workload.

 

notamermaid

 

[jpalbny]

49 minutes ago, acwmom said:

Congrats! I haven't even been able to schedule mine yet Our local hospital feels their 17yo volunteers and work-from-home employees should get it ahead of community physicians.🤬

 

OMG really? That's ridiculous! I hope that you get this taken care of soon!

[AnhaltER1960]

20 minutes ago, notamermaid said:

Good idea. I was wondering if this could work for going to Luxembourg. Probably not - only if I was working for the Upper Moselle tourist board!

(....)

I saw a a report today about a zoo in Rhineland-Palatinate nearing bankruptcy. Now the state and local authorities will get together to find a solution. The "Kurzarbeit" scheme with reduced hours does not work in a zoo of course, as the animals want to be fed everyday, no matter if there are paying visitors or not. They cannot reduce the number of employees or their workload.

 

notamermaid

 

In theory yes, why not ? Just be aware that Luxemburg ist cosidered as a risk zone by the German authorities, so youd face a 10-day-quarataine on return to Germany (or does Rhineland-Palatinate special rules there?). Special rules are a speciality of federal Germany. Here in Saxony-Anhalt zoological gardens are allowed to open - just not their animal houses. Not sure, if that helps them though.

[notamermaid]

17 minutes ago, AnhaltER1960 said:

Just be aware that Luxemburg ist cosidered as a risk zone by the German authorities, so youd face a 10-day-quarataine on return to Germany (or does Rhineland-Palatinate special rules there?).

The 10 day quarantine does not apply to those staying only briefly in Luxembourg and regular commuters are exempt anyway. Just read the new regulations for our state and I think I have understood them. Much going hither and thither in that region. I cannot claim to be a commuter at my distance from the border but taking photographs would work without quarantine. It is just that they might find the idea of snow photos a bit fishy. I could claim that it rarely snows because of climate change and need to grasp every opportunity I can get.

 

Oh, and as regards river cruises: trips on ships are not allowed until 31 January in Rhineland-Palatinate. I doubt that this is going to change quickly after that. But we will see. Currently, as we are in winter season, only a handful of specialist river cruises would run anyway (Carnival enthusiasts on the Rhine) and a few scattered charters in Cologne, etc. for example.

 

I am surprised that your zoos are open in Saxony-Anhalt. Actually there has been the argument here that controlled entry to the outdoor areas of a zoo would be okay, but that has obviously not gone through. Not sure that people would want to pay the full entrance fee for that and without bistro or toilets a bit awkward. And keeping children from crowding in front of the outside glass windows of the house or the pool (for animals) is probably difficult. And small children do not have to wear masks. It is probably also a good idea to discourage grandparents from taking a trip with their grandchildren while the parents are working. Playgrounds are open and there adults have to wear masks.

 

The incidence rate in Meißen today is scary, but not as scary as Kent or London. 😱

 

Stay safe.

 

notamermaid

 

[acwmom]

45 minutes ago, jpalbny said:

 

OMG really? That's ridiculous! I hope that you get this taken care of soon!

I'll just say, monopolistic hospital systems are the devil. A good friend of mine in MI got her 2nd dose today.

Mass vaccinating is core pediatrics, yet NO ONE has thought to ask us, as a group, how to best tackle the distribution and administration issue. I had a "pleasant chat" with the local HD today😁

[notamermaid]

4 minutes ago, acwmom said:

I'll just say, monopolistic hospital systems are the devil. A good friend of mine in MI got her 2nd dose today.

Mass vaccinating is core pediatrics, yet NO ONE has thought to ask us, as a group, how to best tackle the distribution and administration issue. I had a "pleasant chat" with the local HD today😁

I understand your anger. Shaking my head in disbelief at this rather not quite so thought-through distribution and administration process. Hopefully you and others in your medical field will be heard.

 

notamermaid

 

[Coral]

42 minutes ago, acwmom said:

I'll just say, monopolistic hospital systems are the devil. A good friend of mine in MI got her 2nd dose today.

Mass vaccinating is core pediatrics, yet NO ONE has thought to ask us, as a group, how to best tackle the distribution and administration issue. I had a "pleasant chat" with the local HD today😁

You have a good point! Never thought of it that way. 

 

 

[sharkster77]

I live in Massachusetts, in my mid 60's and have a couple of co-morbidities.  During my annual physical earlier this week I asked my physician (who was a bit curt and unfriendly, not his usual demeanor--must be overstressed due to COVID outbreak, but I digress)  how the vaccine would be handled when my "group's" turn comes up.  He barked at me "NO ONE KNOWS, NO ONE KNOWS, NO ONE KNOWS!!"

 

I wonder how much of a "plan" is in place.  My guess is that folks are making up a plan as things go along.  Some governmental guidance might have been helpful.

[notamermaid]

Oh dear, I am sorry to read that. Not sure that things are working here as well as they could, but your situation certainly sounds worse. Not good.

 

notamermaid