posted on Apr, 29 2009 @ 08:09 PM
Sitrep San Diego:
Just got back from three stores (Walmart, $.99 store, and Albertson's.
No one looked or acted ill. One cashier in Walmart was wearing gloves, all cashiers were wiping counters frequently with disinfectant. Shoppers at
Albertson's were using the hand wipes provided on carts and hands.
None of the cashiers, pharmacy people, or clerks knew the pandemic level was now five, although most were aware of the general situation. Other
shoppers perked their ears attentively when I talked the situation over with the various employees, one waiting to discuss it when me and request
information. One cashier remarked that she might stay home for the next few days as a precaution. Overall traffic was light in all stores.
Walmart was sold out of masks, had no hand sanitizers or wipes left, but a fair number of gloves left. 99-cent store was nearly sold out of bleach,
antibacterial spray and similar cleansers. Albertson's was selling anti-viral masks for a dollar each and had only a few, was nearly out of
handwipes.
Overall, people were concerned, careful, and eager for news. They understood that this was serious, no joke, and planned to take preventive
measures.
Most folks seem to have their heads on straight here.
I've instituted new protocols around my house for the duration:
1. No unnecessary trips.
2. Gloves mandatory at all times when out. Get a pair from the box by the door.
3. No shaking hands or hugs or other physical contact with people.
4. Minimize handling anything outside the house.
5. Drop gloves in outside trash before entering the house.
6. Wipe hands and face with anti-bacterial babywipe from box by front door, dispose of outside.
current panic level = 4.5 and steady