Coronavirus concerns mega-thread

Check the usps website no mail is going in. Duno when this alert was placed but yes your package may not make it if it hasnt already.

 

Welcome | USPS

It's that USPS has suspended guaranteed shipping- it will ship, but will not ship on time and there might be other issues.
But yeah it's a heck of a time to ship to China.

 

Thats a good mindset to have.

 

Has anyone had any communication from Alice's Collections recently? Where are they based?

Kinda worried. They're normally really quick to answer emails.

 

I am not concerned about the virus at all although I am in HK. The only concern for me is the delay in shipping......!

 

My order just shipped from the 4PX warehouse so I think to some extent, things are working ok! Just a bit slowly.

 

good to know that, I am holding back on the orders, maybe will start early next month. I am using 4PX as well. wondering if you are based in HK as well. I also concerned about buying black cloth for my boys, not sure if they will be rejected...

 

As of February 9th, they were fine. I received a package from them and wrote to let them know I received it and everything was good, and to wish them health and to stay safe! They replied that they are far from the epicenter, but it's still suggested that people stay home to help stop the spread. So they might just be doing that - staying home.

I've also heard from Fdoll. They currently cannot cast dolls due to quarantine.

 

My package is going to JP. But I think they all get sent to the same warehouse.

 

Thank you! After posting that I received a reply to my email (of course). I was advised that all orders are about 45 days behind schedule due to the epidemic and quarantine. I Hope everyone is as safe as possible.

 

I think there may be delays and shortages in orders placed.

 

Oh for sure. Delay in mailing. Already few places in the world are blocking any mail/parcel from Asia area. Iplehouse announced this yesterday. I know for sure Xagadoll isnt producing any dolls at the moment since everyone isnt working due to the outbreak. I just learned this today because I have a order from them and its being delayed big time. A lot of people are starting to hold off making order on their dolls currently.

 

My order from Myou has been delayed a few months. It was supposed to be delivered around the time the outbreak started.

 

I think there will probably be some delays with orders shipping out/being delivered, especially if it was ready to ship when the outbreak started. I'm not sure how it will affect orders still being processed though.

 

I just ordered from LUTS thinking it was ok even though they are based in South Korea. They’ve been posting on Instagram, they are having a sale right now, I figured they were still continuing business and relatively safe (as in, based away from the epicenter of the outbreak but I don’t know where their offices are, I’m just assuming) so I excitedly placed my birthday order.

TBH, I don’t give a poop about a doll if it means their workers are working in dangerous conditions. I didn’t even think to look at Korea’s numbers. It’s too late now as my order is in process. It’s ok if my order is delayed. I don’t want PEOPLE in danger just to make a freaking doll. I do hope everyone stays safe.

I am recovering from a wicked respiratory virus right now and have actually been quarantined in my house because of it (do not recommend RSV) so I’ve had a tiny taste of what some people are having to go through and it sucks. I can’t imagine having to work through something like this. Ugh.

 

Just come to update that Acbjd has reply my email and telling me that some factory in china had temporarily shutdown and those clothing I ordered might take about 2 more month to finish.

It's alright to wait. I agree that safety should come first now.
Pray for all.

@Flittermice they are slower but still reply... as far as I could tell. I believe that they are base in china.

 

@Moonsugar I'm in the same boat as you. I didn't even think it over and placed a birthday order with Luts since I recently found out they have European dealers. I already have anxiety issues and this is totally pushing me over the edge. It's not the wait that is making me anxious but the possibility of me losing money I've saved for years and get nothing in return in the end. I really don't want to bother the dealer by constantly asking for updates either so...

I really don't want anyone to get hurt trying to meet deadlines regarding a luxury item. So instead of panicking I am currently putting my energy into hoping and praying that everyone who gets into contact with the Covid-19 virus can make a good recovery despite their health or age. I'd wait as long as need be to make sure no more people get harmed by it. I am actually amazed that some companies cease to operate because of it, grateful too.

My own employer has said that we won't shut down, no matter what happens. He's not kidding. I hope the virus dies down as swiftly as it appeared.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones and don't hesitate to help out people who need it. Spread the love and we'll get through this.

 

As someone else mentioned earlier, but the virus can't survive long on packages or dolls. The reason why orders are being backed up is because employees and artists are focusing on preventing health, as they should.

 

The latest word on the virus is that it's likely to become another regular in the list we encounter, so "cold and flu season" will likely be "cold, flu and COVID-19 season". Apparently there are a lot more cases who have no to very light symptoms, so the reported case numbers worldwide were on the low side, since up til now, the main testing has been on people exhibiting severe symptoms. That's why cases without direct China-contact were coming as a surprise. (They expect expanded testing will jump the number of infected, but it's likely something not sudden, but that's been progressing around unnoticed for some weeks now.) The medical experts are expecting roughly 60-80% of the population will eventually be infected and/or carriers.

I saw a CDC mention that they don't know how long the virus can survive on dry surfaces, but info on the type of coronavirus responsible for SARS says that virus can live about a week on a dry surface. (which is longer than the estimates voiced earlier in the situation). Sounds like I'll pick up my next doll boxes with plastic gloves and let them sit a week or two before opening.

 

Yeah, the covid-19 is being over hyped. I feel for those in China. Hoping everyone can get back to their lives soon.

 

Honestly, I just can't seem to get too worked up over it at this point. China's population is close to one and a half billion people, and they've had only about eighty thousand known cases, and of those, about three thousand people have died. Keeping in mind that virus related mortality rates are generally highest in the very young, the very old, and people with otherwise compromised immune systems, the statistics aren't exactly terrifying. It's a nasty bug to be sure, but so are some strains of the flu...which sometimes kill, but generally leave people feeling like hell for a few days, and then they're back to work. Of course the CDC is concerned - that's their job, especially when the threat is a pandemic...but it doesn't spell the end of the human race, or even the likelihood that you or I are going to catch/die from this thing. I think the press is having a field day working everyone into a frenzy...because that's their job.

 

Interestingly with this strain, the lowest mortality rates are in the very young. The age group 0-9 has 0 deaths, and it's less than half a percent for ages up to 50, with no significant jump until 70. I don't know the average age of the teams working at BJD companies and dealers, but this seems like something that's a good sign for their health, though I'll still hope for them to all avoid illness in the first place.

 

One of the passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise who contracted the virus has been documenting/blogging his recovery (Jeri Back Home, Carl Continues Coronavirus COVID-19 Recovery In Nebraska: Part 19)

If his experience is what 80% of the "mild" cases are, then it makes the virus less scary for those that have healthy immune systems.

EDIT

To summarize, it was very much like colds he's had in the past, and his primary treatment has been drinking lots of Gatorade. He still has the virus in his system, but his symptoms at this point are very mild.

 

I'm concerned about attending conventions and doll events scheduled for this year such as Anime North in Toronto. It's a very crowded event. Not sure if it will be postponed. It's suppose to take place May 22nd - 24th.

 

When I had the flu in January, for a couple of days I couldn't stomach drinking water, so I drank a Powerade over the course of two days instead. That little bit of sugar is a life saver when it feels like normal water is choking you.

 

I hope for everyone to avoid illness. But that's pretty much my point - there is a lot of fuss right now because it's 'new'. There have been strains of the flu in the past, for instance, that were far more virulent and deadly, killing tens of millions. This is just the press causing a panic. I've seen a few people walking around wearing little drugstore masks. Yikes.

 

Hi,
I didn't read all the answers but as a lot oh members said, I don't think there are big risks to receive a package from China.
Furthermore, Covid19 is, like flu, a winter virus, so normally when spring will come and temperature rise, the epidemic will stop naturally. I think about stargazer_i for his convention. It's around 20°C in Toronto in May, I think it will be ok ^^

In fact, it's not really to shipping from Asia which restrain me, it's more the customs passing.... Would they not block our packages because coming from China with paranoia around corona ?

 

That's... the concern, actually. 80% of coronavirus cases are so mild and minor people could easily think all they have is a cold, or even allergies... and then in the other 20% there's severe pneumonia and lung damage, that even if the patient doesn't die, they're still really, really ill. People are concerned because even if you, personally, don't feel very bad, the people who catch it from you could be hit a lot worse.

 

Very valid, and I realize that I am lucky to have a fairly robust immune system (and that is the perspective that I wrote from), and that's not even a guarantee that I will respond well if I contract the disease. I am going to do my part to follow CDC guidelines. My previous post did sound overly myopic, and I'm not dismissing anyone's concerns.

 

Unlikely. Even if it's found/mutates to survive shipping and remain virulent, the virus is now in enough countries that shutting down shipping (in which case the package wouldn't make it to customs anyway) would probably make no appreciable difference. You'd have to stop shipping from basically everywhere.

 

I actually placed an order for a doll from China during the outbreak without realizing it- oops! I did reach out to voice that I wasn't concerned about timelines and understood if the processing/shipping was delayed.

I'm not worried at all about the virus being shipped in packages (if I was I'd leave it in my garage for a day or two extra) but moreso that the post office workers may be ill/not working or may have other restrictions. Even though I hear the sentiment that the virus is so widespread there's little point in control measures (like stopping mail, sending kids home from school, limiting travel) one of the bigger issues I see is that for the ~20% of cases with a severe reaction, the healthcare infrastructure will struggle to keep up. I'm relatively young and healthy and likely to have mild symptoms, but even then if I'm contagious for a month or longer with the disease I could pass it on to many loved ones/strangers and they aren't all likely to be as lucky. The faster the virus spreads, the more severe cases to hit the ERs and doctors offices all at once, which means people will be triaged according to severity and many could die while waiting for care.
My personal plan is to purchase a few extra items and stay home as much as possible- work on dollie projects and watch netflix- not because I'm worried about myself but to limit the overall community burden that is expected as the virus spreads.

I think it's dangerous to compare Covid19 to the seasonal flu. Yes, the flu recedes naturally when temperatures rise, but it comes back year after year and still manages to kill a significant number of people even though we have been inoculating the public for almost a century ( thereby creating some herd immunity and reducing symptom severity). The heat won't simply kill off covid and we'll never see it again, even if it goes away its likely to be temporary and we will then see an explosion of cases in addition to the regular flu a few months down the road. We are a population with zero immunity to Covid19, no vaccines (and likely not for at least a year due to human trials, then there's the issue of mutation), and our system already struggles to keep up with the regular flu cases. Not to mention that many densely populated counties also have older populations on average, like Germany, Japan, and the US and are therefore likely to be hit harder by the virus.

This concludes my soapbox rant!

 

just noticed that Alices Collections have removed their warning about NY and coronavirus causing shipping delays, so assume things are getting back to normal, although it will depend a lot on where their suppliers are based, since they are agents for companies all over China (with clothing especially).

My friend's mum flew back from China just less than a week ago, after being forced to remain in quarantine for weeks after her planned visit for Chinese NY (luckily she was staying with family). Although she had to go the long way around Wuhan, which is normally a major airplane hub. So I'm sure customs officers won't be holding up parcels from China over this virus, if they're not worried about people from China entering the country.

Meanwhile living in a 2-university, city centre, student accommodation, approx half of the 450 residents, including my flatmates, being international travelers just here to study (many went travelling in Christmas break until end of January) and knowing that literally anyone who's been in contact with someone who returned from holidays in Italy the past 2 months, etc etc - well you can't avoid everyone! I am stocking up enough in my room to last a possible 2 week quarantine situation, since anything is possible - at least I won't run out of breakfast cereal or loo roll for a while! Unlike the shops Anyone would think it's the apocalypse but with British people apparently loo roll, anti-bacterial wipes and ibuprofen are indispensable in a crisis (judging by the empty shelves).

 

The flu virus mutates every season, though. If it weren't for that, it wouldn't be necessary to come up with a new vaccine every season. Best way to protect yourself and others is washing your hands often and thoroughly (forget about hand sanitizer, scrubbing your hands with soap and water for 30 seconds is actually more effective) and if you got a cold, wear a face mask around other people to protect them from catching your germs. Personally, I'm not really concerned, right now. The flu kills hundreds of thousands of people every year - until the coronavirus reaches those dimensions, I'll refrain from panicking.

 

Totally agree. It's pointless to shut down shipping when actual human carriers can board flights and flit around internationally. In the modern world, containment is next to impossible.

 

@vicemage Thank you for all this info. I wonder if it will become a modern chickenpox where parents make their sick kids interact to get them to build an immunity to it.

So I've been wondering, should we send cards (or write one big email wishing the best) to the dollmakers in China? Our hobby kind of revolves around them, and their artistic skill.

 

Well you don't need to worry about getting the virus by receiving packages (just like what others said, the virus can't live for long without a host). But the shipping will take much much longer not only because of the current restriction of international shipping but also quite a few people in China are still under quarantine and unable to go back to work (ordered a Granado head on December 12th 2019 and still haven't shipped yet, and I'm located in Shanghai China).

That's a very lovely and kind thought! =)

 

I will be thoughtful ordering anything now, because the production countries are still struggling with the virus. I assume the Asia end is starting to return to normal in places, but in my own homeland the outbreak has just started and that affects how much I'm willing to spend on unnecessary items as it might be I will have to stay out of work/school soon.There's forty new cases and hundreds of possible affected within two weeks, while we were free of the virus earlier. The officials aren't really helping and are spreading false news like you cannot spread it and can go to work if you don't have visible symptoms. Flights from north Italy are coming in every day without quarantine and folks return to work and school. Some self-quarantine but others are ignorant. Nobody knows whether the situation will be like Italy in three weeks due to too light attitudes (because this is how Italy had it three weeks ago and the amount here is now growing almost exponentially). I am afraid now, although a month ago I myself said this virus will never spread in our civilized land and the officials here would know how to act. But it seems in the end in this matter China had more balls, probably because they are familiar with stepping on individuals' rights for the greater good. I'm sure nobody here would be left to die of starvation if officials just quarantined folk coming home from Italy and not let them go teach our kids the very next day.

So no new dolls at least, as a wait in the customs is always a risk that the parcel goes missing, and if the virus strikes here properly, stuff like outside EU parcel sorting for private persons will be the first functions to be cut. During this whole global outbreak, I haven't ordered anything, because I don't want to be unsure about the wait times. I hope this is at least good for the environment as consumption of unnecessary goods drop, and it has made me think twice about needing all the props for my dolls and made me realize I've done well without buying anything. So maybe after all when this is over and if I am still alive then, I won't be buying anything after all.

 

I cannot speak for everyone but in my experience shipping has been business as usual. Several orders from China and Korea via EMS have arrived very quickly! My company is issuing out work from home orders so the one bright-side is avoiding a trip to the post office to sign for packages. I am trying to limit my travel as the virus continues to spread rapidly in the US.

 

I have 3 packages held up in Seoul Korea. As of the 5th March there are no planes to New Zealand.
I wish I had known this was going to happen. Nothing on T V here about that. Dollmore actually let me
know via email. Thank you Dollmore.
Only 5 confirmed cases here at the moment, but more are expected. We are still in containment mode.
I have a compromised immune system as does my husband with diabetes and we are slightly older.
So I am worried for sure. We have all been told to take this seriously. No more touching other people, washing hands for at least 20 seconds, no touching your face. We have been told the virus could remain on an object for at least 24 hrs if not more, they just don’t know yet.

 

Sweden here.
Our number of confirmed cases just went up from 204 to 347 since yesterday and the level of how serious the situation is considered have just been raised. For the moment things are mostly fine. The majority of the cases have been in the larger cities and most of them are people who have recently come home from high risk areas. The earliest cases are allready recovering. But there are a few cases where they have not been able to establish any such link, making it possible that it it spreading from person to person locally. No fatalities, but a few people in intensive care. I suspect the next couple of days are going to be... interesting.

Denmark have decided to not allow large events with more than a certain number of people (1000, I believe). There is a doll convention in Denmark in early April, but it's small so I think it will be fine.

Personally, I'm not overly worried, but I will make sure to stay up to date.

 

Hi @Kiwiana an Aussie here - I didnt know about no flights into NZ either! Its hard being so isolated from the rest of the world. I work right near the north Sydney hotspot of cases... I am on immunosupressents for crohns disease so it is a little worrying. I think for the doll community it will just add delays - I hope no companies go out of business however I assume people will still order.
Stay safe (and sensible - is it just Australia with the toilet paper crisis?) everyone

 

This has gotten so out of hand. People in Iran are dying from alcohol poisoning, having been convinced that slugging down some bootleg booze will prevent/cure COVID-19; in one area where 18 have died from the disease, 30 have died from methanol poisoning. My daughter, who goes to a major university, has just been informed that her classes are now going to be completely virtual - because three people who traveled internationally and live hundreds of miles away have been diagnosed. Of course they are the only people in the entire state to have contracted the disease, but 60K healthy students with butt-kicking immune systems are now without campus classes.

Yes, I am annoyed by mass hysteria. Yes, this virus kills a higher percentage of infected people than the flu (is it 2 or 3? I forget, but still something ridiculously un-terror worthy), which wipes out tens of thousands of people every year...but come on. Costco is out of Purell and Clorox wipes? Have people gone completely insane? I'm waiting on two dolls from China - one from LLT and one from Loong Soul, and I am actually grateful for the expected wait times - both around June - because this whole thing will probably have blown over by then. Viruses mutate - the number of new cases and the corresponding death toll have already taken a HUGE downward plunge in China...in fact, only 7 new cases and no deaths reported today. I seriously wish people would just get a sane and rational grip. [/rant ]

 

Purell and Clorox wipes are actually less effective than plain soap and water and scrubbing your hands for 30 seconds ... Also, face masks are pretty useless for healthy people and preventing infection. It does make sense to wear a face mask when you're sick (like, with a cold or something like that) and out in public - the way they do it in Asia. Also, it sounds like doctors are still on the fence whether the corona virus is actually more dangerous and lethal than the flu virus. There's still the possibility that lots and lots of mild cases slip under the radar because people don't realize they got it and thus, don't get tested (thinking it's only a cold). If you only test the moderate and severe cases of an illness, of course the percentage of people will be a lot higher than when you also catch the mild cases.

I find it kind hilarious in a somewhat macabre way that people totally fly off the handle about this corona virus that, so far has infected 113,000 people and killed a good 4,000. Worldwide. Like, folks, there's not even half as many people sick with it, right now as there's people DYING of the flu every year. No one ever goes this nuts about the flu, like, EVER. And what's with all the toilet paper hoarding, people? It's the CORONA virus, not the NOROvirus. Are you using that toilet paper to wipe your noses or what?

Sorry for the rant. I just don't get it. I guess it's all just another sign that common sense is not so common anymore, these days ...

 

I think a lot of the fear comes from the fact that there are still many things we don't know about this virus, such as how long it can survive on hard surfaces and the mortality rate (the number mentioned by experts here say it's likely well under 1%, while I've heard regular people name much higher numbers, people will tend to exagerate when no one is there to contradict them).
There is also the economy aspect that I think frighten a lot of people. But I agree, some people does blow things completely out of proportion.

 

The economy aspect wouldn't be a problem if everyone and their Aunt Edna weren't losing their sh*t (pardon my French) and throwing common sense to the wind. If people kept freaking out over the flu like this, we'd all be living in an almost perpetual state of chaos. *sigh* I just want people to be reasonable ...

 

@ajmailey yes people have been buying up toilet paper, hand sanitizer and cleaning products in NZ. I don’t think it has been as bad as Australia though. My daughter is in Sydney and sent photos of all the empty shelves at her local supermarkets. She can’t even find baby wipes.
The 5 confirmed cases here have been as a result of people flying in from Iran and Italy. There are a lot of people in isolation ( mainly family of the 5 ) and a lot of tests are being carried out.

 

I can't be the only one who's more concerned about this hitting the Chinese economy hard enough to put some of our favorite small companies out of business? Or do you think this will cause orders to be delayed? The sickness + mass hysteria can't be good for the struggling doll makers in affected areas.

 

As far as I know, all the companies regardless big or small are still alive. =) Order delays will be inevitable though. Item delays will happen to bjd companies and studios that make clothes/accessories (ordered some clothes here and the maker couldn't start until this month because she was unable to get fabrics).
Since China is recovering, domestic delivery services are slowly getting back to normal. International shipping, on the other hand, has become a new problem.

@Khell Unfortunately global media nowadays is really good at spreading fake news and panic. Washing hands, leaving shoes outside the house, changing/cleaning outwears frequently and avoiding gatherings are way more effective than stocking toilet paper lol.

 

I’ve definitely seen a couple people delay orders from China, but I think for the most part the greater understanding of the BJD community with regards to production delays probably helps. I have a doll on order that’s been delayed, but it’s no big deal to me, and I’ve seen others express the same sentiment. But I know in other hobbies people are really upset and trying to back out of orders, which hurts the companies a lot.

 

I just found out that a friend of mine from work will not be flying to Florida for his nephew's wedding next week as planned. The venue cancelled. The wedding is cancelled...because 4,500 people in the entire world with a population of something around seven and a half billion people have died from this disease.

 

I want to remark on a reminder that the number being listed is typically only *confirmed* cases. There's thousands of people who are being monitored that are not confirmed or cleared yet--in California alone (which also has the highest number), that number today is 10,300 people. The number of confirmed cases in the US are also going up hundreds per day as well. The reasons for the lockdowns and canceled events is not due to the number who have died, but the concern of the number that could die if it continues to spread (which it is doing so rapidly). We still don't know a ton about this disease, but we do know it's spreading rapidly and there's more then likely many people who have this we don't know about. I've seen some posts circulating indicating issues with getting tested. There's only so many people that can be tested at a given time as well. Places like Italy, some areas on FB are reporting that their hospitals are getting packed and running out of room. If it gets to this point, they'll have to start prioritizing who can receive health care. We don't want this to happen.

Also bear in mind the death rate I've been seeing vary, but as of March 3rd WHO is reporting 3.4% (Source: WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 3 March 2020 ). This is also going to be an *average* number however--higher risk groups like the elderly, especially with prexisting conditions, will be much higher risk percent. Kids are actually relatively unaffected by this. Many people, if not the majority, within the population are at a lower risk of having major complications. Bear in mind though that even if these people don't die, they may still require hospitalization and testing. Being recovered only means you lived and survived through it, it doesn't say anything regarding the last effects this may cause including physical and financial strain. Due to this, the flat number doesn't properly access the risk for a given person. However even so, someone who is at lower risk could become a carrier and pass this on to someone with a much higher risk as well, so bear that in mind. For example the situation with the nursing home in Washington, which is basically nearly worst case scenario since the majority of the people in this location likely are all at the highest risk bracket.

If you want to track the outbreak in the US, here's a good source: US coronavirus map: Tracking the United States outbreak

As for those of us who fall under the high risk group, this has some good advice on what to do: https://community.aafa.org/blog/coronavirus-2019-ncov-flu-what-people-with-asthma-need-to-know

 

This is related, but a significantly different issue, I'm intentionally doing a separate second post about this.

As for ordering from China. I've placed a few orders for some items (not dolls, just accessories/other purchases). Based on my experience, after Chinese New Year ended, which was extended significantly for several shops and why I delayed my order, it seems like business as usual for many regions in China. I had spoken some of the places I ordered some to see what was going on and it sounds like Wuhan's really the only place that's completely locked down last I got a reply on Feb 27th. Though the factory I bought the item from on Dec 27th sounds like it may end up closing down for awhile. They also mentioned being short on staff. I do know that other areas are still not really going outdoors out of concern. We have a friend who's father lives in Shanghai.

I'm under the opinion that due to the extended time and extreme temperature variation, the virus shouldn't be able to survive through the postal system. I would be maybe a bit more mindful on shorter shipping times, but any of these are well outside of that. You can also always wash items in vinegar if they can get wet safely (which also helps set dyes in fabric) or expose it to an extreme temp to help with this.

I placed 1 order on December 27th, the tracking was generated via Speedpak on Jan 3rd. I never received this package.
I purchased a second item on February 22nd, it was shipped on February 24th and delivered on March 6th.
The third order I placed was on March 5th, it was shipped March 7th and is currently estimated to arrive between the 19th and 21st. As of today, it landed in the US.

Hopefully this helps.

 

I ordered eyes from Tianba0830 through BJDIVAS on October and been waiting impatiently for them, now they are expected to be delivered tomorrow but I don’t know how to feel about it I have concerns because of the Coronavirus, can you get it from parcels from China? Sorry if it sounds weird but will appreciate any info

 

Now that Covid 19 has confirmed cases in my area (metro Detroit) I'm actually worried about it. I'm chronically ill, but thankfully my lungs and respiratory system are fairly strong compared to the rest of my body. However I work as a courier for a pharmacy and deliver to nursing homes. If I get it I absolutely under no circumstances can work. Even then there's a chance that I had it and was carrying it inside of these homes. I can't afford to lose work, and I don't want to take any chances of getting any one sick so it's extremely nerve wracking tbh

 

@Kurtssingh I don't know where you're located but over here in Germany, the media (reputable news sources, that is, keyword being "reputable") isn't actually known for spreading fake news and promoting panic and hysteria ... I guess it depends on how dependent the specific news outlet (or "news" outlet, I mean, these days you're presented with "news" every time you log into your mail account online, more or less) is on page views, clicks and ratings. Of course you'll go for the more sensationalist stuff that gets you more clicks when your financing depends on it ...

 

The way coronavirus is affecting BID hobby to me is how expensive dollar became? Anyone going through the same situation? Before, I needed 4 of my currency (reais) to buy 1 dollar, now I need 5!!! I'm delaying my layaways this month, I hope ACBJD understands...

 

When looking for the most accurate information for the US, employers and medical authorities are saying go to the CDC - the Atlanta Centers for Disease Control - website for the most up-to-date and correct information.

 

There's loads of info on this very topic throughout this very thread, including the post directly before yours, and the CDC has addressed it as well. Take a look back through this thread, you'll find your information.

 

Now imagine how do Russians feel since 2014. Still in hobby tho.

@Fallingroses, check out this message. There's nothing to worry about.

 

The Danish BJD-convention DollConDK has been postponed. DollConDK Home

And from tomorrow, events with over 500 people can not be held here in Sweden. First death here happened today and the numbers of infected are increasing rapidly. I think that's the scary part, really. It started out with only a few isolated cases and now there are over 460 confirmed.
My boyfriend works at a grocery store and today was a bit crazy. Apparently, toilet paper is being hoarded here as well, no idea why. Certain kinds of foods too and of course hand sanitizers and such. This is despite the fact that there are no plans for keeping stores closed. People don't seem to be freaked out as much as they just appear to have rather strange priorities, in my opinion.

I mean, awareness is good, keeping oneself informed is good, following the advice given by those who spent their lives studying and researching to know what to do in situations like this is also good. But grabbing 8 packs of toilet paper, almost out of the hands of other customers waiting for the shelf to be restocked? How can anyone think that's a useful thing to do?