Here's what it's like in Singapore now; we are in code orange. Due to being such a fabulously global, interconnected country, we have the highest number (and rate per capita) of Covid-19 cases outside of China and the terrifying Japan cruise ship. So what does this mean? For starters, this:
Are you a doomsday prepper? Got a fortified bunker of food, respirators and water purifiers? Great, you're in luck! Everyone else will face very limited/no stocks of masks, hand sanitizer, thermometers gloves, wipes, and rubbing alcohol.
Here in Singapore, the third densest country in the world, this is scary. We have ordered from far and wide, stayed up until midnight to await new stocks, and suffered from stress and anxiety. (Which is admittedly nothing compared to the mental health impact on those in much of China with limited movement.)
And even antibacterial pet-wipes are wiped out!
Why do we need this? Well, in Singapore, with world-class medical facilities, of 75 cases, 5 are in ICU, and only 19 have recovered. So while the global statistics can be confusing, in Singapore we get daily alerts for all cases and contact tracing. I don't like the ICU, so to me, that's why.
My online shopping portal has morphed into a bit of a zombie shopping haven - here are the suggested categories on the main page.
Last week, we had panic buying, with toilet paper, instant noodles, and rice clearing off the shelves temporarily. This week, it has gotten better ($66 SGD = $62 CAD = $47 USD).
So, for those of you overseas, where this may seem distant, I would urge you to consider a few doomsday prepping activities. Apparently, mask supplies are now limited globally.
Also, it takes a surprising amount of practice to don masks correctly, and to avoid touching your face (which I do on average 400x per minute). Barry is shown here attempting alternative styles.
I have redecorated to enable doorway and mask hooks at the doorway (ed. note pink mask is just for demonstration purposes, as it's not actually reusable).
Masks do not need to prevent you from taking selfies, of course.
It's important to still have fun, and to smile with your eyes. (Sarah says this is called smize).
