Thread by @BSalasManzanedo

So this is a thread for friends and colleagues in the US on how fast the Coronavirus spreads. You just can't imagine.
Last sunday, 580 positives, today, a week later, 6.200 positives, and the country is in state of alarm, a pre-military situation.

#COVIDー19 #COVID2019 #Covid_19

So what happened?

Last sunday, march 8th, no one could imagine this today.
It was the demonstrations for women day all across the country and life was normal.

Some voices saying the demonstrations should be cancelled, but they happened.

On monday 9th positives start to spike. Mainly in Madrid.

Tuesday 10th Madrid local Government decides to lock down schools and universities for 15 days.

Remote working is recommended but not mandated.

Wednesday 11th the spike in positives continues. Decision to lock down public buildings, libraries, sport centers, theaters, and any concentration od 1.000+ people.

Surprisingly, Atco Madrid plays vs Liverpool in Liverpool in a stadium full of people.

Thursday 12th the hike continues. Multinationals start to send their employees home (especially motivated by widespread positives in many different places).

People start to realize this is no joke, the mood starts to change to concern / fear. Shortage in supermarkets.

Friday 13th positives rising x2.

Decision to lock down bars, restaurants, clubs.

Spanish Soccer League halts. Basketball League halts. All sports stop their competition.

Rumours of a country lock down over the week end.

People realize the coronavirus is all around. Fear.

Today, saturday 14 th de goverment has declared state of alarm. what does it mean.

1. all businesses close except food stores, hospitals, pharmacies and a few others.

2. the government takes control private hospitals and has the ability to convert hotels in hospitals

(public health service, and we have quite a good public service over here, fully overwhelmed, saturated).

3. people must stay at home. you can't go to the street unless you go for food, medicines, hospital or workplace. not allowed to wander around, must go direct. severe fines.

4. the army is put in alert in case their support is needed. war hospitals ready to be installed and all the army medical service ready to act and support civil health service. army personnel ready to control and block roads/cities if mandated.

these are just the main ones -there are few others- but they give a flavour of what the situation is like now.

you can imagine the mood. or better said, you cannot imagine.

no one could imagine a week ago.

With this thread, I want to share how fast things move.
It is hard to believe but it is like that.
Almost no one could imagine this.

There are steps and measures that Governments can take (and will, but they normally go very slow as their economic impact is huge).

My learning is that this is very much about individuals, about leadership, about generosity.

1. If you have a company, send your employees home and tell them not to go out, not at all. not for running, not for anything.

2. In your free time, stay at home.
Don't meet people. Don't go out.
You can get / pass the virus without knowing and you have to help cut the chain

3. Look around and see how you can help.
- Call people to feel close, warm.
- Support SMB owners that have to shut down and are going to have a hard time.
- Cheer them and tell them you'll be there as soon as this finishes.

- Help parents who are struggling with remote education with their kids. Support them, tech them, help them find resources.
- Open your products for individuals and businesses.
Many people are going to have a hard time.

So this is basically it. Hope it helps to open eyes.

Act now ! Right now !