The UMass system and Northeastern University have finally caved and plan to switch to remote learning after their spring breaks. That's 100,000 more students out of school.
Michigan is following suit today. Michigan State U is going to online classes as of this afternoon; University of Michigan no classes tomorrow and Fri. and then starting back up online-only as of Monday. Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan also going to online. Wild to see all the closures coming.
We have had two identified cases here in Michigan and many public meetings/events have been canceled and we are waiting to see what the regular schools will do. From what it looks like in Italy, I think closures now are a good idea. The best case scenario is to do all of this and in a month have us all say, did we really need that? Rather than wait and try to "close the barn door after the horse ran out."
Governor Cuomo just announced today that SUNY universities will also be switching to online learning for the rest of the semester, as of next week. The math department at my school was in absolute chaos today trying to figure out how to make the switch to distance learning. Not sure what I'm going to do for my lab classes lol.
Thank you, @lauraf for starting this thread.
Not a cancellation but the Final Four basketball will be played without fans
@jeanne-mayell. you're welcome
Also - everyone - I have cancelled myself - I have dropped out of all indoor group activities (dance class, chorus, etc.) for the time being, have let know all "in charge" type people know why, asked them to consider postponing all upcoming events. Also BCC'd many peers in these same groups, and all are being very supportive, acknowledging that I'm the first to "jump" and thanking me for paving the way so they may also.
It occurred to me last night in the middle of a dance class - as much as I love this and as much as I lover performing, it won't matter a lick if I'm dead of COVID, so what do I care if people end up hating me for quitting? At least they'll be able to hate me in person and not posthumously.
The NBC season cancelled.
Tom Hanks and RIta Wilson have the virus, as stated in another thread.
I found this article today:
Closing Schools Saved Lives During the Spanish Flu. Can It Work for Coronavirus?
We have a vastly different set of circumstances now, particularly for working families.
I am hoping though that this will be a catalyst though for more flexibility when it comes to work and study. For everyone who is shut out of balancing work and family, or accessing work or study. I also can't ignore that shutting down and slowing down commuting and travel is likely to have a marked effect on emissions.
As others have mentioned before on this forum, I believe the Covid-19 pandemic will force us find new solutions and change how we live and work. Will we have healthcare reservists in the future for example?
Also - everyone - I have cancelled myself
Not making light of your decision, but I love you for this. I giggled when I read it.
I want to cancel myself too ... but then I realized, especially since I work from home and am otherwise a total hermit, that I don't have anything to cancel ? ?
As of now, my kids' school (elementary) remains open. Not sure how much longer I'll continue to send them. My husband works in a hospital as an electrician...won't even go into the fears that brings out in me....I'd like to cancel all of us, honestly.