COVID19 Thread

[KeithS]

So we are a few weeks into this thing now - how are we all doing?  Adjusting okay to life at home?  Ready to rampage through the streets?

Things are okay for us - our work from home routine is going okay.  And I'm not spending any money at all - no shopping, no transport costs, no lunches at work.  I should be able to afford a good trip when this is all over.

We still aren't sure if Brian and Patti will make it out in September - they haven't formally cancelled, but with the borders still closed, I can't honestly see it happening.  Unless there is a seismic shift in the number of cases in the US, then I don't see our government allowing US visitors in by September.

How are things in Thailand Greg?

[ajp]

I'm late to the discussion, but given the length of time, not so bad a thing.  I started WFH on March 18th and will be until at least June.  My company is started to feel the pinch with the economic downturn but still surviving at present.

We had a big holiday booked August/September, cruising Alaska, driving Canada and finishing with a week at DL.  We finally make the agonising decision last week to cancel. I'm sure I'll get to see Galaxy's Edge sometime soon.

[DisneyKaren]

It's been a busy time for me between Pilates, camera club and catching up with friends and family over Messenger Video calls and Zoom - I'm catching up with people more frequently as we all have more time and nobody needs to travel.  I'm also slowly sorting my photos from China.  Thanks to the Govt subsidy I'm now up to 4 days a week which is a relief.  I work from home 2 days a week and go into the office for the other 2 days.  Like many companies we've found a way to adapt our services so we'll see this through.  Thank goodness for this subsidy, it will save businesses.

My trip for Oct/Nov to California is unlikely.  We have the cancel for any reason policy if the airline doesn't cancel it first.  If Qantas don't extend the use-by date for the flight credits from this year, we'd consider a cheap trip to Hawaii for the same time next year if things are open by then.  Otherwise my next international trip is likely to be my 50th in 2022 at WDW!  

Good luck to those home-schooling, especially when a couple of you are also trying to teach other kids online!

[calisota]

For me things are pretty normal. There is a curfew here between 10pm and 4am but that doesn't have any impact on me. I still go for my daily walks and, if anything, its easier with the lack of tourists taking up space. 

Supermarkets and 7/11's are still open, you just have to sanitise your hands and have your temperature taken before you are allowed in and be wearing a face mask. I put my mask on now as soon as I step out of my door just as a habit. Luckily it was part of the culture to wear masks so everyone is pretty comfortable with it. There are no shortages in the supermarkets and I went to an open air fresh food market this morning that was operating as normal and picked up a kilo of mangoes, a kilo of tomatoes and a kilo of potatoes for a grand total of $3 AUD.

Like Keith, I'm probably saving money at the moment by not eating out, not going for coffee, not going to the movies and especially by putting off travel plans. I don't know if I'll be going to Australia for my parents wedding anniversary or not. It's in October and even if flights are operating I wonder if it might still be necessary for me to spend 4 weeks in quarantine in Australia and then 4 weeks when i get back here.  That's two months spent locked in a room just for a 2 week visit.

Things are getting hard here for a lot of Thai people who have lost their jobs. A bread (or rice) line has sprung up here in the mornings to help those who just cant get food at the moment so I'm donating money to that when I can. I think that if travel restrictions are lifted at some point then those of us who can and want to travel should do it to try and bring life back to economies that rely on tourism.


Greg

[DisneyKaren]

That's fantastic prices Greg and nice that you're helping those less fortunate.  It certainly is tough times for many and I am suddenly much more grateful for my job!  I think those of us earning money are saving at the moment with less opportunities to spend.  My savings will certainly be going on a trip once it's safe to travel.  If international borders open I'll be relaxing in Hawaii for a week or two next winter.  In the interim once state borders open I'll take a couple of short breaks out of state to visit friends and family.

A shame you may miss your trip to Australia this year Greg, however perhaps a belated celebration for your parents down the track.

[calisota]

A shame you may miss your trip to Australia this year Greg, however perhaps a belated celebration for your parents down the track.

Of course another question is...are travel prices going to be low when things first open up in order to encourage travel or high in order to recoup losses?

Greg

[KeithS]

With the collapse of Virgin Australia today, I think airlines will be hoping for any money to fill seats, so I think as long as they are covering costs, they sell tickets at a low price to drive up demand.  But I can't see ourselves going overseas for a while now.  I think we will travel locally especially as our COVID numbers are down here while the rest of the world is still struggling.  Australian governments and the people have done a great job to minimise the spread.

[ajp]

With the collapse of Virgin Australia today, I think airlines will be hoping for any money to fill seats, so I think as long as they are covering costs, they sell tickets at a low price to drive up demand.  But I can't see ourselves going overseas for a while now.  I think we will travel locally especially as our COVID numbers are down here while the rest of the world is still struggling.  Australian governments and the people have done a great job to minimise the spread.

We have the same opinion Keith.  Our plans are completely changing now, we just bought a 4WD and will buy a van one day and start travelling different parts of the country.  Although we still plan to sail on the Disney Wish and then visit WDW on the same trip, but we won't be lining up many OS trips like we used to.

[KeithS]

In breaking news, Shanghai Disneyland reopens on Monday 11 May!

• Masks must be worn by guests at all times except when eating.
• No parades or fireworks
• Park capacity cut to under 30% (around 20,000 guests)
• No meet and greets
• Dated tickets

In other news this morning:

• Disney has halted $1 billion in capital expenditure (building/expansion projects) including the new Epcot Festival building
• No Disney dividend this year - first time in many years.
• All construction is currently on hold
• New movies are waiting a release spot in the cinema - no more will be dumped on Disney+ after Artemis Fowl
• Nearly 55 million Disney+ subscribers
• No decision on reopening any other parks yet.

So there we go, lots of news!

[DisneyKaren]

Thanks Keith, I was starting to sort my Shanghai photos today and reading all the Facebook posts I so wanted to go back and be at the opening!  Of course that's more a dream world as the thought of a deadly virus still roaming will keep me at home for a little while longer.  I feel locals will head back there.  Having pre-booked dated tickets is the only way to go for the parks to ensure they stay under their new maximum.  Disney fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see how this plays out (I am sure Disney management will be watching even closer).

I wonder if all the Easter merch will be on sale, or if undated perhaps they've stored away for next year?

[calisota]

Yep, the re-opening of a Disney Park will be watched closely by a lot of people. It has to be a nervous time for all involved.


Greg

[KeithS]

Apparently Hong Kong Disneyland soft opened from 19-21 May for cast members to test social distancing plans.  It is expected that they'll be announcing their opening date for the public in the coming days - so watch this space!

[KeithS]

Looks like WDW theme parks will begin a staged reopening from 11 July.  Interesting that the US seems oblivious now to their death toll - we still can't even travel interstate here and we've only had 100 deaths.  They are opening their theme parks when they have more than that die every day.  I guess they can't stay closed forever and the US has completely lost control of the virus, so they might as well open...

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/05/plans-unveiled-for-the-phased-reopening-of-walt-disney-world-resort-theme-parks-resort-hotels-and-disney-stores/

[calisota]

To be honest, watching all the news out of the US at the moment is like watching some apocalyptic movie. 


Greg 

[DisneyKaren]

To be honest, watching all the news out of the US at the moment is like watching some apocalyptic movie. 
Greg 

I just can't believe it; I won't say more though as I don't want to start politics here (or at all really).  I am glad at this stage my Oct/Nov trip will be cancelled.  Still waiting on Qantas to cancel it as they legally have to refund if they cancel - not sure they will though.  Once borders open I'll look to travel to exotic places like Perth and Canberra to catch up with friends.  Maybe even Sydney later in the year as it may be all the Disney I get for a while.