Chicago Travel Order - 14 day quarantine

[Chey]

Idaho is the only state on the entire Empire Builder route subject to the order, so unless Oregon's numbers get so bad that it ends up on the list in early September, it shouldn't affect your plans.

Thanks but actually, I'm coming from FTW to LAX before I take the CS to PDX... my bad, I didn't mention that. This trip has been on my bucket list forever, never gone further north on the CS than San Jose and never having ridden the Builder at all. I'm also booked on the SWC to Lamy where I meet my ride home. I've done that trip before but not since the changes to Lamy.

Where the real problem comes in is the Builder doesn't get into CUS until after the SWC departs (the Eagle isn't an alternative for the same reason). So I would have to get a hotel in Chicago overnight. Now with the quarantine in effect I don't want to take the chance on being stuck there. My crystal ball isn't telling me what's going to happen with this pandemic or how the quarantine might affect me, or even how long it will be in place. I'm inclined to cancel the trip but I'm really bummed about it.

 

[the_traveler]

The TE is not an alternative choice because it departs BEFORE the SWC!

 

[Dakota 400]

f this COVID pandemic has taught me anything, it is to no bother planning travel more than a few days out, and don’t assume that travel to be much more than to a neighboring state (if that).

Very well said. I am concerned about traveling too far from home for fear that I won't find a restroom open when I need one.

 

[Chey]

The TE is not an alternative choice because it departs BEFORE the SWC!

Yeah, that's basically what I said, it's not an alternative because the Builder misses both regardless of which leaves first.

My only respite would be if the Builder was so late that the metro lounge would be open the next morning by the time I got there. I think I could get away with it if I never left CUS and I know the Builder has a history of lateness. I haven't checked to see if it was *ever* that late or if so how often. I'm certain I'd get disappointed

Forgive me for dreaming. I want to dream. I soooo wanted to take this trip.

 

[the_traveler]

My bad! I read the “same reason” as “for some reason”.

I need a trip soon! (Or sooner!)

 

[flitcraft]

Based on the information I've seen and heard, COVID-19 is more transmissible than seasonal influenza, but it's not necessarily more dangerous. ...the likelihood of catching COVID-19 is greater than catching the flu, but you're not necessarily more likely to become seriously ill from it.

There is no comparison between seasonal influenza and COVID-19. COVID-19 is associated, not just with serious respiratory issues, but in addition with heart, liver, kidney, bowel, and lung damage that persists after the infection is quelled. Cytokine storms causing massive organ damage are far more common in COVID-19 than in other respiratory infections. Large numbers of small blood clots resulting in strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms have been seen in patients who had apparently 'recovered' from COVID-19, many of them younger patients.

Dr. Nicholas Hart, the physician in charge of treating Boris Johnson, and a recognized expert in respiratory infections, has called COVID-19 'this generation's polio,' because of the future legacy of serious and permanent medical consequences for survivors of the disease which, in his opinion, will seriously impact public health resources for the foreseeable future.

As my colleagues in public health put it, this isn't the flu. It's something that can have far-reaching and permanent consequences for survivors. Do not take this disease lightly, please!

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Very well said. I am concerned about traveling too far from home for fear that I won't find a restroom open when I need one.

Thank goodness for Wawa's (where I am). I go for daily walks at different locations and for a while the state and county parks had closed their bathrooms (or removed the port-a-johns). I always made sure I knew where the nearest Wawa was. 99% of the time I would buy something to "pay" for the use of the bathroom (that's something I've done in the past, especially if I were to use a bathroom at a fast food place w/o the intent to get a meal - I'd get a soda)

 

[Old MM]

I have never in my adult life worried about the flu. Ever, ever, ever.
This is not the flu. Everything about it from the transmission to the case fatality rate, but especially that - for several months it's been pretty consistent, of known cases, 1 in 20 people get it will die, and it's a tortured and lonely death. I'm not going to take that lightly. Survivors often have organ damage and other complications that no one knows if will resolve or not. Not taking that lightly either.
If we had more testing it's possible the case fatality rate might be lower than 4-5%, but we don't have the data to make that determination.

 

[PVD]

Living in NYC I can't begin to describe the level of anxiety people felt as took hold. We were as close to the breaking point as you can get. The unknowns made it worse. Remember, when this first took hold, there were no treatments, no vaccine. At least with the flu, there are vaccines, which we know are not fully effective, but at least when a vaccinated person gets the flu, it is usually not as bad. Rapid flu testing is also widely available, and if diagnosed early, anti virals like Tamiflu are somewhat effective. A good vaccine would be a blessing, but at least treatment protocols and medications have improved.

 

[the_traveler]

One thing that upsets me about it is they have drive thru testing, drive thru food pantries, drive thru restaurant meal pickup, etc... What if you do not drive - like me?

 

[Bob Dylan]

Living in NYC I can't begin to describe the level of anxiety people felt as took hold. We were as close to the breaking point as you can get. The unknowns made it worse. Remember, when this first took hold, there were no treatments, no vaccine. At least with the flu, there are vaccines, which we know are not fully effective, but at least when a vaccinated person gets the flu, it is usually not as bad. Rapid flu testing is also widely available, and if diagnosed early, anti virals like Tamiflu are somewhat effective. A good vaccine would be a blessing, but at least treatment protocols and medications have improved.

But too many fools are out running around spreading it all over!

It's a Jungle out there! We need Leaders on Horseback and we have ones riding tricycles!!

 

[PVD]

One thing that upsets me about it is they have drive thru testing, drive thru food pantries, drive thru restaurant meal pickup, etc... What if you do not drive - like me?

One of the things we did here was buy 10 mobile testing trucks that park in different areas every day so people who don't drive or are reluctant to travel can get testing. We also have over 400 locations to pick up meals they really are trying...I'll attach a link that explains it better.. https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/contact/services/COVID-19FoodAssistance.shtml

 

[Bob Dylan]

One of the things we did here was buy 10 mobile testing trucks that park in different areas every day so people who don't drive or are reluctant to travel can get testing. We also have over 400 locations to pick up meals they really are trying...I'll attach a link that explains it better.. https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/contact/services/COVID-19FoodAssistance.shtml

Another example of Helter Skelter Planning by the Governments, aka " You're own your own, lots of Luck!"

 

[tricia]

Another example of Helter Skelter Planning by the Governments, aka " You're own your own, lots of Luck!"

At the national level, yes. At the state and more local levels, in many places, there are government officials doing their best to pick up the slack--and saving countless lives and a great deal of suffering. They deserve credit--and remembrance when we vote.

 

[Bob Dylan]

At the national level, yes. At the state and more local levels, in many places, there are government officials doing their best to pick up the slack--and saving countless lives and a great deal of suffering. They deserve credit--and remembrance when we vote.

I agree, but far too many State and Local Governments are basically doing nothing, which is why were in such a Mess!

 

[Metra Electric Rider]

It's a Jungle out there! We need Leaders on Horseback and we have ones riding tricycles!!

With training wheels....

The other concern I've heard, which isn't - at least I think - confirmed yet, is whether or not immunity lasts more than a short period or at all. Obviously that will be determined soon.

 

[jiml]

Very well said. I am concerned about traveling too far from home for fear that I won't find a restroom open when I need one.

For those of us with medical issues, this is a huge problem. Stores or take-out restaurants here that are "open" may have their bathrooms closed or for staff and essential workers only. Our closest McD's has construction site porta-potties set up in the parking lot for general use, which is better than nothing.

 

[PVD]

So many people were happy to see the toilets gone in the VL2 roomettes, I wonder if the current situation changes some of those viewpoints. I realize that this will not change what is already being built, just a point to ponder...

 

[flitcraft]

One thing that upsets me about it is they have drive thru testing, drive thru food pantries, drive thru restaurant meal pickup, etc... What if you do not drive - like me?

Drive-through facilities are a great thing, even if not everyone has access to them, because for those with cars, they quell another point of potential infection spreading through the community. We need as many low-spread facilities of all sorts as possible. So, my friend, while I understand your feelings, think about it this way: those drivers using drive-through facilities are not spreading COVID 19 in your community, so that even if you aren't using them, they are a benefit to your community, and by extension, to you as a non-driver, too.

 

[PVD]

That is certainly true, but in areas of reasonable density, there is no reason not to have facilities available for those who need services and don't have car access. You can certainly do both.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

So many people were happy to see the toilets gone in the VL2 roomettes, I wonder if the current situation changes some of those viewpoints. I realize that this will not change what is already being built, just a point to ponder...

What are we supposed to ponder? That the members who wanted the toilets moved should have somehow anticipated an extremely long build delay followed by a sudden global pandemic? Or are you saying we should ponder if the current pandemic will remain active and unmitigated for the three or four decades that VL2’s will be plying the rails? To the best of my understanding the bulk of the transmission danger comes from enclosed airborne transmission, so mitigation could be as simple as adding an active fresh air vent to the toilet area. The main problem there is that CAF would probably take a year or more to install each vent. Maybe the VL2’s should be turned into a case study for how not to build rail cars.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

That is certainly true, but in areas of reasonable density, there is no reason not to have facilities available for those who need services and don't have car access. You can certainly do both.

One of our Taco Bell’s made an order & pick up window at one of the set of doors into the building. So they are available for walk ups.

 

[PVD]

No, I meant in the context of not spending a bunch of time on why it shouldn't be when we already know why it is, and why it isn't likely to change. Of course the point about ventilation is valid. Ponder may have been a poor choice, since I really meant ponder to oneself, not as a thread...

 

[Barb Stout]

One thing that upsets me about it is they have drive thru testing, drive thru food pantries, drive thru restaurant meal pickup, etc... What if you do not drive - like me?

I suppose you could walk up to these various drive up places. I know that one wouldn't want to be the only pedestrian in a conglomeration of cars, but I don't think you would be refused or hauled away to jail. Back in my misty past, I recall doing that at a drive through bank ATM and also at a Taco Bell. I don't remember the details like why I did it though.

 

[PRR 60]

I suppose you could walk up to these various drive up places. I know that one wouldn't want to be the only pedestrian in a conglomeration of cars, but I don't think you would be refused or hauled away to jail. Back in my misty past, I recall doing that at a drive through bank ATM and also at a Taco Bell. I don't remember the details like why I did it though.

Depending on the type of test being administered, having the patient isolated in a car may be required to allow the testing personnel to not need full anti-virus PPE.