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I've read the earlier post about this issue but my situation is slightly different and I'd like an outside perspective. I'm one of the parents in the custody arrangement but I'll phrase the question as neutrally as possible to avoid bias. [more inside]
posted by mezzanayne at 11:08 PM - 12 answers

We are attempting to make our own facemasks here with a bandana. But as it says in the title I have floppy ears (I used to absently fold them all the time when I was a child) and now because of this the elastic straps don't stay on. We've created a version when it just wraps around the back on my head but it keeps slipping. Could anyone offer any tips on how to create a good fitting mask with my Bert from Sesame Street ears ?
posted by Webbster at 1:10 PM - 14 answers

I'm trying to work out if I should change my produce washing ways during this time. I usually rinse them (and rub) under cold water if it's a large piece of fruit or vegetable (like apple or potato) and soak in a mix of vinegar and cold water and then rinse clean with cold water for small things (grapes or brussels sprouts). These days, I have heard of people using hot water and even soap. Is that really necessary?
posted by massofintuition at 12:51 PM - 12 answers

I'm someone who needs to use a computer. I found Back Mechanic, but it didn't seem to speak directly to the specific set of issues facing people who sit (or stand) at a desk all day. I'm looking for resources that have a similar "outlook" to Back Mechanic (well researched, based in clinical experience), but specifically oriented towards desk workers. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 3:29 AM - 1 answers

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is part of the recently-passed CARES Act, the coronavirus relief bill. It permits small businesses/nonprofits to apply for loans which can later be forgiven if used for payroll and a few other things. It's supposed to go live Fri April 3 with money channeled through the SBA down to your bank where you apply for the loan. But it seems the banks have no clue. I couldn't get any answers. What's your experience? [more inside]
posted by mono blanco at 9:39 PM - 12 answers

I was going through my stuff and found I still have an unused N95 mask that I had for when I work outside to avoid allergies. I could use it myself but think it would go to better use by a health care worker. [more inside]
posted by Justin Case at 5:09 PM - 8 answers

This is a UK friend's question. "I don't want CPR and I don't want a ventilator if I come down with the Rona. I don't want to go to a hospital at all, if possible. What forms I need to sign and how do I accomplish the distancing requirements for the witness? My temperature is 37.4 and was lower in the last few days, so I really don't want to risk passing it on if I've got it."
posted by Mistress at 3:40 PM - 6 answers

I am trying to balance protection and comfort and ease of wearing. The PPE that I have made at home, from fabric, has been on the tight side aka I would wear it in an infectious area but wouldn't wear it through the day. [more inside]
posted by societypages at 11:44 PM - 12 answers

I haven’t been out in a month and have to use Uber to pick up prescriptions that aren’t eligible for delivery. The city just recommended masks; the only one I have is a surgical mask a neighbor left on all the doors in the building. Should I wear it? [more inside]
posted by dianeF at 6:35 PM - 16 answers

A friend needs to know, and my ideas of who to call are stumped. Even mentioning places that used to do it, so I can call them and see how they're handling the stay-in-place orders, would help a lot.
posted by clew at 5:54 PM - 9 answers

I have to give myself a subcutaneous injection in the stomach from a prepared needle twice a day for the next little while. I think I'm doing it wrong. You've done it before. Walk me through it please? [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 2:22 PM - 21 answers

We've been sheltering in place for over 2 weeks now and I just got a runny nose. I'm not worried that it's Coronavirus, but it made me wonder how I got it - does this mean I failed at social distancing or do we harbor colds for weeks in our bodies before showing symptoms? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 7:18 AM - 19 answers

I am having some pretty severe anxiety at the moment. Is there a doctor in Toronto I can call and get a prescription for some short-term/emergency anti-anxiety medication? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:11 AM - 8 answers

I've been trying to isolate myself as much as possible for more than a week now, with the intention of visiting my parents (both over 65, one with a health condition that creates additional risk). However, I live in a multi-resident building and any time I walk out my front door, I am in a shared space. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:11 AM - 14 answers

Lately I've been waking up about every hour-and-a-half to two hours. I can go back to sleep (usually) but then I'm up again another 90-120 minutes later. I figure it's after I hit the first REM cycle or so because I generally wake up after dreaming. The dreams are not bad dreams, and there's nothing in them that would jar me awake. Sleep habits haven't changed. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by schroedinger at 6:45 AM - 15 answers

It seems that we should be wearing masks. I don't have any, and I don't sew. Where can I get some? [more inside]
posted by AMyNameIs at 5:47 AM - 16 answers

I took antibiotics for a severe sinus infection in late January. As is typical for me whenever I take antibiotics, the low grade acne all over my face disappeared and my skin finally got smooth after a year of crummy texturing. Fast forward to mid February and my skin turned so oily I started having to rinse my face with water every 6 hours just to get some relief. I'm still a greasy mess. What do I do now? [more inside]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 2:12 PM - 14 answers

Where I live it is okay (for now) to run outside, and I try to do that daily or so to get a little exercise and maintain my mental health. There is a park with a track near me that has remained open, a great place to run. I'm considering wearing a mask while I do it to keep myself and others extra safe from coronavirus spread. Is this a good idea, and if so, what type of mask would be good for it? [more inside]
posted by Mechitar at 12:41 PM - 9 answers

During my time sequestered at home, I am finally building the audio-isolation booth for voice-over work that I have been planning and designing for over a year. The construction is a pretty basic framing job (with a few tweaks and flourishes to optimize for soundproofing), and part of the construction involves installing fire- and sound-retardant insulation in the wall cavities between the studs. And therein lies my question: [more inside]
posted by Lokheed at 11:00 AM - 9 answers

Having been working from home and isolating in my apartment with my partner. Partner has come down with cold symptoms and is staying home from work. How am I supposed to follow isolation procedures from them in a one-bedroom apartment with limited supplies? Is it even worth bothering? [more inside]
posted by noxperpetua at 10:26 AM - 11 answers