Throughout the pandemic-related shutdown, neighborhoods have been uniting from a safe distance to spread a message of love and hope. Homes around the country have been decorated with hearts and rainbows in an effort to spread cheer, even as we maintain at least 6 feet of space between us.

Spreading Love & Positivity From a Distance

Hearts have been popping up in windows and doors all around the world, with many US communities joining in on the fun.

Walking around any US neighborhood these days, you’re going to spy hearts, rainbows and other cheerful decorations along with messages of hope. Some hearts are in windows or on doors while others have been created out of sidewalk chalk. From painted hearts to paper rainbows, the whole world has joined together in this pandemic-safe way to show each other a little love.

Show Essential Workers a Little Love

One main message that participants hope to share is support for our essential workers, the people who are keeping our country running right now. From healthcare workers to bus drivers, we’re united to show love to those who are caring for us all.

On military bases, many of our troops are still reporting for duty. Medical personnel and others are still working daily to keep things going. Seeing hearts and other images of support in windows is just one way that we can show them appreciation.

UnityPoint Health, a division of Blue Cross Blue Shield located in the northern midwest, shared a free printable template with their community. Everyone can download, print and decorate hearts to hang in their windows!

You could also consider adding a message of hope. Write with washable paints or special window markers. Just remember to reverse your letter so they can be read from the other side of the window!

Window Hearts Scavenger Hunt for Kids

In addition to spreading support for essential workers, the window hearts have provided a second opportunity to connect from a distance. With playgrounds closed and little chance for social interaction, parents have started taking long walks with their children. It’s a great way to break up the day while also getting fresh air and exercise.

On the way, may families have started to hunt for hearts!

By turning their daily walks around the neighborhood into scavenger hunts, kids and parents are creating an extra twist of fun. Some families look for new hearts daily while others record the locations of hearts. Families can work on counting all the hearts they see and trying to beat their daily totals day-to-day.

Kids for Global Peace shared a fun how-to printable to get started with your own window heart!

More Fun Ways to Share Love & Support

The fun and caring can keep going beyond hearts. Families and neighborhoods are banding together to organize coordinated window messages.

During March, many communities celebrated spring with shamrock and rainbow hunts. April saw neighbors hunting for colorful eggs in windows. Other neighbors are organizing zoo or safari themed hunts by placing stuff animals in windows or posed in yards and on porches.

Some cities have banded together to do a nightly round of applause for healthcare workers and others performing essentials jobs right now.

Coordinate Socially Distant Love & Support Online

Military communities are used to connecting online, especially via social media. Facebook and NextDoor are two useful tools to help you create and coordinate messages of love in your community.

Use your neighborhood group on Facebook or NextDoor to connect with neighbors. Explain what you would like to do and provide a “start date.” Share the effort with local organizations, like the base chaplains, CDCs and community groups.

Then place your decorations in the window and take a walk! See how many other houses you can find that have joined the movement.

Has your family seen hearts and rainbows on your walks? Sound off in the comments!

As states across the US started to issue stay-at-home orders, the main topic has been when our country would reopen. Now, states face tough choices over reopening: how fast, how much, how soon.

Nation, States Face Tough Choices Over Reopening

The subject of reopening and resuming normal life has been batted around by politicians, medical experts and media pundits for weeks. There has been lots of information released on every side of this issue.

We’ve found stats and facts, backed by reliable experts in the field and from a variety of media sources, to help explain what’s a stake.

Differing Realities Across All 50 States

The reality is that infection rates and death tolls look different in every state right now. There are clear hotbeds, like New York City, and places where COVID-19 seems to have barely arrived, like Montana.

On that same note, each state has implemented a variety of different techniques to reduce spread and treat those who are ill.

With so much difference in spread and response, each state and, in some cases, individual counties or cities, will likely need to “reopen” on a variety of timelines.

There is no one hard or fast answer here. What works for one city, county or state might nor work universally.

States Should Remain Closed – For Now

There are many who believe that states should remain closed until infection and death toll reductions benchmarks have been reached in order to prevent further spread of the virus.

Right now, the CDC projections show a national increase in total COVID-19 deaths by early August. This increase currently predicts 137,000 COVID-19 related deaths, as of May 4, in a model by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

The latest model reflects a doubling of the projected death toll as compared to the IHME’s April 17 predictions. That early prediction estimated approximately 60,000 deaths by August. The US has surpassed that estimate, with almost 80,000 dead in mid-May.

Per a May 7 report, the daily death toll was predicted to reach and hover around 3,000 per day by June 1. This prediction is based on data compiled by FEMA and many believe that returning to business as usual too soon could lead to an increase in this already high projected death toll.

In fact, scientific models seem to support that there will be an increase in infections and deaths, should states reopen partially or fully prior to meeting White House and CDC guidelines. The IHME modified their projections based on the expectation of relaxed social distancing and increased travel.

“(R)ising mobility in most U.S. states as well as the easing of social distancing measures expected in 31 states by May 11, indicating that growing contacts among people will promote transmission of the coronavirus,” the IHME report noted.

We Need to Return to Business as Usual ASAP

There is no doubt that the US has been hard hit economically as a result of the pandemic.

In April, the unemployment rate rose to 14.7% and over 25 million people are now unemployed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4.4 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits in the week of April 18. While this is down from 5.2 million the previous week, according to reporting by Fortune.com, but also marks the fifth straight week of new unemployment filings over 3 million.

Many are worried about further economic collapse should the economy and businesses remain shutdown in the longer term. There have been protests in many states and cities pushing for immediate, full reopening of their states.

White House and CDC Reopening Guidelines

The White House and CDC have issued a multi-phase plan to help guide states as they consider reopening.

Each phase has infection and death toll benchmarks that indicate initiation and progression to the next phase.

• Initial Data Requirement Suggestions: in order to consider reopening, the White House recommends that states have a 14-day downward trajectory in flu-like symptoms and COVID-19 like symptoms. It is also recommended that states observe a downward trend of documented or tested COVID-19 cases in the 2 week period. Hospitals should also be operating outside of crisis mode, with the ability to treat all patients. There should also be a robust testing program

Cautious Reopening Under White House Guidelines

While these phases of reopening provide a blueprint for the nation, states are not required to adhere to them. They are merely suggestions from the White House and CDC.

Phase 1: the initial data should indicate a general downward trend in infections over a 2 week period with a return to non-crisis healthcare with robust COVID-19 testing.

• Individuals: all vulnerable individuals should remain sheltering in place. Everyone should be respecting maximizing social distance protocols and avoiding all gatherings of over 10 people. When in situations when where social distance cannot be maintained, protections, like face masks and increased hand washing, should be practiced. Non-essential travel should be limited and all travel should be followed by a period of self-isolation.
• Businesses: all businesses should encourage telework as much as possible. If employees must remain at work, closing common areas to prevent the spread of possible infection is recommended. Non-essential business travel should be avoided.
• Schools: all schools that are currently closed should remain closed
• Gyms: should only reopen if strict physical distancing is possible
• Senior Citizens: visits to nursing homes and assisted care facilities should be avoided
• Large Venues: sports stadiums, places of worship and concert venues should remain closed
• Bars: stay closed

Phase 2: there should not be a rebound to pre-Phase 1 infection rates with a continued downward trend in order to proceed.

• Individuals: vulnerable individuals should stay at home, but gatherings of up to 50 people can resume with appropriate physical distancing maintained
• Travel: non-essential travel can resume
• Businesses: continue to support telework as much as possible
• Schools: can reopen
• Gyms: can remain open with strict physical distancing and sanitation
• Senior Citizens: avoid visiting nursing homes
• Large Venues: can reopen with moderate physical distancing protocols
• Restaurants/Bars: bars may operate as standing room only with a limited capacity; restaurants can operate with moderate physical distancing and limited capacity

Phase 3: there should be no rebound to pre-Phase 1 infection rates with a continued downward trend in order to proceed

• Individuals: vulnerable individuals can break self-isolation, but maintain physical distancing. Everyone else should minimize the time spent in close proximity to others.
• Travel: non-essential travel can continue
• Businesses: no restrictions on staffing in any sector
• Schools: remain open
• Gyms: can remain open, with proper sanitation protocols
• Senior Citizens: visitors are welcome, with strict hygiene practices being followed
• Large Venues: can resume with limited physical distancing practice
• Restaurants/Bars: bars may operate with increased occupancy, but remain standing room only. Restaurants can resume operations with limited physical distancing protocols

What do you think of the White House’s reopening guidelines? Sound off in the comments!

Troops are reliant on the military medical machine. But there isn’t much, if any, recourse when something goes awry. For years, the Feres Doctrine has prevented military personnel from doing anything.

With a late 2019 legal decision, the Feres Doctrine loosened up and finally gave troops options to seek justice when their medical care isn’t up to par.

What You Need to Know Now About the Feres Doctrine

Just what exactly these changes mean for you, your family and your medical is an important issue. One that we all need to be tracking as things shift.

What Is the Feres Doctrine?

In 1950, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that greatly expanded immunity for the US government.

It’s connected to the 1946 Federal Tort Claims Act. As part of this law, the federal government gained immunity to claims that arise from wartime combat. In 1950, the Supreme Court added non-combat or incident of service injuries. Meaning that sexual assault, toxic poisoning, medical negligence and other non-combat related injuries cannot be the basis of legal action against the US government or military.

Justice Antonin Scalia acknowledged that Feres was wrongly decided in 1987.

And then the Supreme Court left it up to Congress to fix.

Over the years, Congress has attempted to correct Feres, but major changes haven’t been made.

Until now.

How Feres Changed in 2019

As part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, military troops would be able to seek just compensation for medical malpractice by military doctors. In order to initiate the process, there is a new claims procedure being put into place.

This bill, however, stops short of allowing military troops to sue, a right that civilians have in the case of medical malpractice.

Additionally, there are limits to compensation and imposes financial burdens on troops making medical malpractice claims. The Department of Defense will be liable for only a portion of compensation due to a victim of medical malpractice by a DoD doctor.

The government will also not be liable to pay attorneys’ fees. Fees recovered by attorneys are limited to 20% of the paid claim.

Military Docs Missed Major Health Problem

The most recent changes were moved forward by Congresswoman Jackie Spier (D – CA). Earlier in 2019, Congresswoman Spier introduced the Sgt. First Class Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act.

Sgt. 1st Class Stayskal, an Army and USMC veteran, had seen military medical personnel repeatedly due to breathing problems and growing concerns over his health. Each time, he was told it was just asthma or pneumonia.

It was only when he sought another opinion from a civilian pulmonologist that Sgt. Stayskal learned that he had Stage 4 lung cancer. Military doctors and specialists had apparently missed a 3cm mass in one of his lungs.

This gross negligence spurred Congresswoman Spier and other political allies to create a movement for legal change, introducing the Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act and pushing to allow troops to seek justice against medical malpractice.

This incident follows upon decades of troops being injured or dying, in military service, in non-combat situations.

Army Capt. Katie Blanchard was attacked with gasoline and lit on fire by a civilian colleague. The civilian employee had been brought to the attention of supervisors. He was seen as a threat to others, ultimately completely disfiguring Capt. Blanchard.

She was not allowed to seek damages from the military.

Navy Lt. Rebekah Daniel died during childbirth at a military medical facility. Her surviving spouse, Walter Daniel, sued and the case rose to the Supreme Court in May 2019. Ultimately, Walter Daniel v. United States was denied Supreme Court consideration. However, Justices Ruth Bader Gindberg and Clarence Thomas called for a review of the case.

Lt. Daniel’s case will not benefit from the most recent changes to Feres.

The Feres Doctrine’s roots are in another Supreme Court case from post-World War II. Lt. Rudolph Feres had served his country in Europe, and survived. Only to be killed in a barracks fire after the war.

Lt. Feres’ widow attempted to sue the US military for negligence in the death of her husband. The fight took them to the Supreme Court, which handed down the decision preventing troops from suing in all cases of illness, injury or death related to any military service.

This law has been allowed to stand, with limited changes, since then.

How New Feres Will Impact You

If you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice by a military doctor, you have up to two years after the incident to submit your claim to the DoD. The process for actually submitting a claim remained undefined at the time of publication.

After review, approved cases up to $100,000 can be directly paid out by the DoD. Cases approved for settlements in excess of $100,000 will be referred to the US Treasury for additional review.

In order to be considered, your medical malpractice must not have occurred in a combat zone.

Medical malpractice cases that predate 2017 have no options for recourse. However, cases occurring in 2017 will be able to file claims through the end of 2020. Following that, cases must have occurred within a two-year window, prior to the date the claim is being submitted.

Were you the victim of military medical malpractice? How do you feel about the changes to Feres? Does it go far enough? Sound off in the comments!

January 2020 started out as normal as possible. By the middle of April, the entire world had changed entirely.

How the World Has Changed Since January 2020

Back in January, Americans hadn’t really heard of coronavirus or COVID-19. If it had crossed our radar, it was as a distant threat – not something that would pause life as we know it.

2020: A Very Interesting Beginning

In January, Americans were caught up in the daily drama of President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. There were daily updates and new developments as Congress determined whether his alleged actions should result in his removal from office.

Generally, our worries were inward facing: impeachment, the wild winter weather, Kobe Bryant.

We were shocked as Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, announced that they would become financially independent and move to North America immediately.

The attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad rattled us deeply. It felt too close to the other recent embassy attacks in 2013. Many celebrated when US forces killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani. And we all worried when Iranian forces retaliated by shooting missiles at US bases. The rising toll of troops suffering from varying degrees of TBIs kept us glued to our seats.

Australia suffered a devastating bushfire season, with an estimated one million animals dying in the weeks-long blaze. We cried when images of scorched koalas or kangaroos flashed across our newsfeed.

Everything felt a little too fast, a little too much. It was the longest year ever – and it was only February.

Many Feel It’s the Longest Year on Record

By early February, the first coronavirus death outside of China was recorded in the Philippines. Nations across the globe began to tighten their borders, with many restricting or preventing travel from Chinese nationals. However, this looming international health crisis still didn’t seem real to Americans.

President Trump was acquitted on February 5, effectively ending his impeachment trial.

The Democratic presidential primaries continued their months-long slog toward the summer convention. Candidates launched barbed one-liners at each other in debates and attempted to appeal to the diverse liberal audience for support.

Still, coronavirus was lurking in the background as we marched toward March. The world watched as several cruise ships were quarantined in Japan, confirmed cases of COVID-19 aboard. Funny TikTok videos and grim daily Twitter updates competed for our attention on social media.

Still, the problem mostly seemed contained to Asia.

We saw a severe winter storm slam New England while Antarctica recorded the hottest ever temperature of approximately 65ºF.

Commenting on the possibly retaliatory firings of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, his brother Army JAG officer Lt. Col. Yevgeny Vindman and EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland was more pressing news than discussing coronavirus.

But by the end of February, coronavirus had spread from China, South Korea and Japan to Europe, Africa and North America. Major world sporting events, like the Tokyo Marathon, are impacted. The Marathon reduced its size to just 200 elite runners instead of the planned field of 38,000.

And the US recorded it’s first coronavirus death on February 29, 2020.

Swift Slide to Pandemic & Global Lockdown

From that very first death on the last day of February, many parts of the US swiftly moved from total ignorance to complete lockdown.

By mid-March K-12 schools were closed. Businesses and even the federal government moved toward teleworking options to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Suddenly, parents were attempting to both work-from-home while also supervising and facilitating distance learning.

President Trump also began giving daily briefing from the White House press room, supported by Dr. Anthony Fauci. Reports and recommendations from the White House often conflicted each other as well as the recommendations of the CDC and WHO.

States attempted a piecemeal approach to contain the spread of COVID-19. Some states quickly moved to cancel schools and limit public gatherings. Others are still not responding with any preventative measures.

The US death toll, as of April 6, has topped 10,000. In just one month, we have gone from complete denial to pandemic, from one death to tens of thousands.

A Nation of Hand Washers

Except in those places where the state or local governments haven’t acted, Americans are staying inside. We wear face masks when we leave the house and we stay 6 or more feet from everyone.

Every cough and sneeze in public is met with glares of suspicion, followed by people nearby swiftly scuttling far away.

Now, coronavirus dominates our news and conversations. The 2020 election and all the contention over President Trumps controversial presidency seem to have largely faded into the background. We’re all just focused on our daily survival.

Juggling working, educating kids and sanitizing our homes has taken firm priority in our lives.

Vacations are effectively canceled through at least June. Schools are closed for the year. Professional and college sports pulled the plug on whole seasons.

Suddenly, our world has shrunk. We have the four walls of our homes and any additional land. We have walks in the neighborhood or on unpopulated trails, staying far from all others.

Hands are washed ad nauseam. Never have counters and doorknobs been so very clean. Even groceries and mailed packages are being sanitized in an effort to keep COVID-19 far from our own doors.

The world has changed since the heady beginning of 2020. We’ve become more careful and also more community focused. Many of us are realizing the joys of interacting with people in real life instead of from a screen. Everything has become a little bit cleaner, more sanitary. Everyone has become a whole lot more worried, more aware of our own mortality.

And more grateful for the blessings we currently have: a roof over our heads, food on the table, the promise of tomorrow.

How has your world changed with the pandemic? Sound off in the comments.

Abuse. You think it means bruises and physical violence. Maybe aggressive name-calling and emotional torture. But putting conditions on and tying love to money is financial abuse – and it’s a real problem in the military community.

However, financial abuse is hard to spot. It’s so often hidden as budgeting or “being smart with spending.” Exerting so much control over finances, in such a way that one partner is subservient to the other, is abuse.

And we need to start talking about it ASAP.

We Need to Talk About Military Spouse Financial Abuse

What is financial abuse?

Simply put, it’s tightly controlling the spending, earning and maintaining financial resources. This can include:

• connecting use of joint accounts to “good behavior”
• denying access to debit or credit cards
• preventing a partner from working or controlling earnings
• down to the penny accounting for spending

That’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how finances and money can be used by one spouse to control the other.

It’s Happening Right Next Door

Your neighbor. The couple you know from the squadron or unit. You.

Spousal financial abuse is literally happening all around you – and you might never know it. It’s sneaky and easy to hide.

I’ll never forget the moment when a friend told me that she had “lost” her debit card. My immediate reaction was to call her bank and request a new one.

“No,” she explained. She’d simply lost the privilege of using the debit card connected to the joint account she shares with her husband. He felt justified in removing her access to money because…

Honestly, it doesn’t really matter why he took away her debit card. Not cleaning the house to his preference was one reason supplied. Another was not seasoning dinner to his liking. Her fitness level, style of dress, socializing with others.

There were endless reasons supplied over three or so years. Each one blamed her for something he didn’t “prefer.”

It’s About Control – Not Love

For my friend and everyone trapped in an abusive relationship, it’s all about control.

Abuse, no matter what form it takes, is always about control and power. It is never about love.

What financial abuse does particularly well is to remove the abused partner’s means of escape.

Leaving often requires some money to get started. Money for a bus, plane or train ticket. Cash for a hotel room or short-term lease. Even just a way to pay for a cab.

Without access to money, the abused spouse is effectively trapped.

Military Life Seems to Make This Easier

As Lizann Lightfoot noted in an article on Military.com, military budgets are often stretched to the very limit. With payday arriving every two weeks, military families – especially those who are young or have additional debts – might structure their spending around when money arrives in their account.

Creating a budget to account for spending, debt and frequency of income – that’s normal. It makes sense, especially for families who walk a financial tightrope.

But a lot of “common” money practices aren’t normal:

• hiding “his” money to pay for basics between payday
• losing access to accounts, credit cards or debit cards
• receiving a strict “allowance” to pay for all household basics
• giving over control of your paycheck entirely
• refusing you or your children the resources to pay for food, clothing, hygiene supplies or shelter
• refusing you access to participate in the financial planning aspect of the family

These six reasons are, again, just the tip of the iceberg of financial abuse. Whatever methods the abuser takes, the intent is always about power, control and limiting their partner’s access to resources.

Military life makes it uniquely easier, in a sense, for one person to gain that level of control over the other.

Moving every three years limits many spouses’ career or job options. Without a steady salary or income, it’s not uncommon to think about “they earn it all, so they can spend it as they see fit.” It’s a justification for limiting one partner’s access to finances.

When one partner controls all the income and expenses, without input from the other, that could be financial abuse.

What Can You Do?

In our community, we’re used to relying on others for support and resources. Financial abuse is no different.

If you suspect a friend or acquaintance is a victim of financial abuse:

• offer support: I’m here for you…
• help them process: How does it feel when…
• validate their feelings: Thanks for sharing…
• offer resources: Can I help you find…
• give them a way out: Could we make a plan, just in case…

Military spouses in abusive relationships of any type have resources built-in to help support their survival.

If you are in an abusive relationship, you can make a report. Your report will either be restricted or unrestricted.

Restricted reports:

• report to Family Advocacy Program clinicians or advocates, or to your PCM
• law enforcement is not involved
• chain of command is not involved
• access to counseling and an advocate to help formulate your next steps

Unrestricted reports:

• law enforcement conducts an investigation
• chain of command is involved
• support available from CoC includes no-contact order or protective order
• access to all Family Advocacy Program resources
• rights to access legal services
• assistance applying for transitional compensation

By reporting to command, financial allotments can also be set up to help the abused spouse stay financially stable during this period of transition.

How do you and your spouse or partner handle the finances? Sound off in the comment!

Coronavirus is impacting almost every corner of the globe, causing a wave of stay-at-home orders.

At this time, it is still uncertain how long coronavirus survives on surfaces. The WHO estimates that the virus can linger from a few hours or a few days.

How to Clean Your Groceries to Avoid COVID-19

Unfortunately, we all still need to eat. Which means grocery shopping yourself, using a service to facilitate store pickup or option for delivery. To keep yourself and your family healthy, it’s important to follow a few safety tips.

Staying Safe at the Grocery Store

We’re all wiping down all the surfaces in our homes regularly, so we’ve got cleaning wipes on-hand. If you’re running low or forget your stash, use the wipes at the store to thoroughly wipe down your shopping cart to basket.

According to the Huffington Post, it’s advised to scrub the handle of your cart. This means that you’ll want to do more than just a quick swipe. Put a little muscle into your cleaning.

If you’re shopping with a younger child, you should also wipe down the entire seat, including the metal parts of the cart.

Carry hand sanitizer with you. Use it after you clean off the cart. Then use it again after you have checked out.

Avoid using cash, if possible, Instead, use your credit card. If you need to sign a physical receipt, use your own pen.

This will help minimize the amount of possible transfer. Lots of people touch these places every day, and you don’t know how safe they are being right now.

You Touch It, You Buy It

Follow one simple rule at the store: if you touch a product, it becomes yours.

Yes, you do want the best produce and you need to check the ingredients list. Unfortunately, you and lots of other people are also touching all the things. And they might not have completed sanitation measures to eliminate possible germ transfer.

Instead of doing a touch test on produce, do a visual check for bumps and bruises. If you see something off, don’t buy that particular piece of fruit or veggie.

For packaged items, stick to what you know – especially if you have an allergy or dietary restriction. Now is perhaps not the time to try new brands or foods.

If you do need to pick up product, Huffington Post experts recommend using a plastic bag as a glove. Pick up the produce and immediately place it into another plastic bag or your own cloth produce bag. Tie the bag and stash it in your cart.

Avoid Contamination at Home

After you’ve secured the groceries, you need to bring them into your (sanitized) home.

Dr. Jeffery VanWingen shared his essential tips in a now-viral video.

He suggests setting up one surface, like a counter or table, as a cleaning space. Divide it into two zones: clean and not clean.

Use these main points from his video to help protect your family:

• wash produce, like fruits or veggies, in warm water and give a gentle scrub for about 20 seconds
• use a cleaning spray, like Lysol, and a paper towel to give all nonporous packaging a good wipe down; think: ice cream cartons, yogurt containers, bread bags, plastic bags of snacks
• move bread and other bagged items into a clean container, then seal it
• remove cereal bags and recycle boxes immediately

If you don’t want to do this cleaning process in your house, you could also do it outside.

Instead of two zones, have a “clean” bin to place groceries into after you’ve wiped them off.

Dr. VanWingen suggests skipping cloth or reuseable bags right now, in favor of single-use plastic bags. If you’d prefer to use your cloth bags, it’s important to clean them between grocery store trips. Good Housekeeping recommends popping cloth bags into the washing machine and giving plastic-y bags a good wipe down with warm soapy water.

Basic Safety Measures to Avoid COVID-19

First the good news: according to the CDC, it is not believed that coronavirus is transmitted via the GI tract. This means that you shouldn’t get sick if you eat food with COVID-19 germs on it.

However, since this is such a new disease, scientists are still working to understand its transmission and infection process.

To stay safe no matter where you are going, follow these basic safety precautions:

• wear a fabric mask or face covering, like this no-sew version
• wear gloves
• avoid touching objects unnecessarily
• pick off-peak times to visit shops and stores
• wash your hands frequently, especially after handling objects, coughing, or sneezing
• use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands
• wipe down carts and shopping baskets with disinfecting wipes

The most important way to prevent the spread of coronavirus is to stay at home as much as possible. Limit your trips to essential needs only, like trips to the doctor, grocery store or pharmacy. Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people and stay at least 6 feet away from people outside of your immediate household.

How has your life changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Sound off in the comments.

Since January, when the coronavirus and COVID-19 first reached US shores, this pandemic disease has virtually shutdown life as we knew it. Across all duty stations, our military community is feeling the direct impact of coronavirus, too.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic is Impacting Your Military Life

We’re all feeling the effects of self-isolation and social distancing. But there are some unique circumstances for military troops and their families.

Troop Movements Halted by Pandemic

Military brass spent time since late January pondering just what to do about troops leaving for and returning from deployment, as well as PCS moves. On March 25, the DOD announced a halt to all overseas troop movements.

What this means is the troops scheduled to deploy or return from OCONUS deployments are officially on hold until at least May 11. Troops deployed around the world will be staying put. For units scheduled to leave, they’re staying where they are until further notice.

While this is likely welcome news for families who were getting ready to say goodbye to their loved ones, it’s been heartbreaking for those waiting for homecoming. Even with reunions days away, all movements that weren’t already actively in progress were halted.

In addition, as of March 16, there was a CONUS stop movement order issued on government-funded travel. This includes PCS orders. Service members who are anticipating or already have PCS orders should immediately contact their chain of command for further guidance.

Since PCSing is a stressful time, Move.mil has issued guidance to help troops navigate these unprecedented times.

Teleworking for Troops

Given the current pandemic, unit commanders have been given additional flexibility in allowing remote work, as possible.

Not all troops are able to telework, since some essential activities require service members to be physically present. However, teleworking options have been opened up with wide availability.

To see if your job could be handled remotely, in part or in whole, please coordinate with your immediate supervisor and chain of command.

Out-of-Area Leave Cancelled

Trips that were planned outside of your military family’s immediate local area have been canceled both by the US DOD and many state or local governments. Forty-five states have issued stay-at-home orders, in part or in whole, that prohibit leaving your home except in very specific, essential circumstances.

Troops are able to take leave, so long as they remain at or near their duty station.

Leave outside of this restrictions is cancelled, including CONUS and OCONUS travel.

DODEA, Public & Private Schools Closed

Across the US and the DODEA system, K-12 schools are closed.

Students and teachers are all transitioning to distance education, navigating this new reality together.

Families should support their child’s education by coordinating and communicating with the school and teachers.

On-Base Services

Fitness centers at some military bases remain open, while others have been closed. This appears to be a base-by-base decision, with final approval given to base commanders.

Base commanders also have the last say about closing libraries and other on-base facilities. Commanders are consulting their branch leadership and medical professionals to make decisions. Closures will likely change as the infection spreads throughout the US.

The commissary and exchanges remain open on most, if not all, military bases. Some bases have curbside pickup options at both the PX and the commissary. Check with the management at your locations to see what’s available.

Medical & Pharmacy Services

Some military MTFs are still seeing patients for routine appointments. However, that is not the case for all clinics or specialty care providers. You should contact your provider’s office to see if your appointment is still happening.

Military pharmacies have also issued a contingency plan to guide beneficiaries and ensure medications will be filled as needed. These may include staggered pickup times and moving some patients to retail or mail-order prescriptions. As a final option, some military pharmacies may end up closing.

For TriCare beneficiaries using civilian medical providers and retail pharmacies, it’s important that you contact your healthcare team to verify their policy.

Off-Base Services & Retail

Restrictions vary by location, since policy is largely determined by state and local government officials. As noted above, 45 states are under some form of stay-at-home or shelter-in-place guidance.

In many locations, the following places are closed:

• libraries
• movie theaters
• concert or music venues
• playgrounds and parks
• running and hiking trails
• shopping malls
• non-essential businesses
• gyms

In addition, many restaurants have moved to takeout or delivery only.

How has the coronavirus pandemic impacted your military life?

The Army has a long history of fighting infectious disease. Prior to World War I most battlefield deaths were caused by disease. Researchers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) are significantly contributing to the ongoing COVID-19 response. WRAIR has a robust infrastructure and decades of experience that allows researchers to rapidly respond to outbreaks and develop tests, vaccines and treatments on an accelerated timeline. With clinical research sites and laboratories all over the world, the military and civilian scientists can identify and prepare for emerging infectious disease threats.

“WRAIR was established 127 years ago to combat these type of health threats,” said WRAIR Commander Col. Deydre Teyhen. “We have every confidence in our civilian and Soldier scientists to work at the speed of relevance to develop new products to protect and treat our Service Members, beneficiaries and the global community.” WRAIR has a long legacy of response to emerging infectious diseases. It was the first to test humans for the current Ebola vaccine, Ervebo, and develop a Zika vaccine from conception to human testing in less than 9 months. These are just a few of their many accomplishments in the field.

Dr. Kavon Modjarrad is the director of WRAIR’s Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch (EIDB) and is leading the COVID-19 efforts to develop a vaccine. “We have been working on this since the beginning of the outbreak. If we hadn’t done that, we’d be weeks behind,” he said. Modjarrad’s experience with other coronavirus strains will be invaluable to these efforts. He was a researcher on the first human trial of a Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) vaccine candidate and recently published the results. It is a coronavirus strain with a fatality rate of nearly 40%.

The EIDB research team has been working on a vaccine for almost three months now with promising early results. “Personnel at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), in partnership with other laboratories in the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC), are working quickly to develop a safe and effective vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. In the first days after COVID-19 was first identified as a new threat, we began designing our vaccine approach.  On January 9^th, when the first genetic sequences of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the illness known as COVID-19, were published, we started work on our vaccine,” said Modjarrad.

“Currently, my core team of approximately 20 scientists is designing, developing and testing several different versions of our vaccine in mice to identify the most promising candidate.  From there, we plan to take that vaccine forward for testing in larger animals and humans. We are currently on track to begin recruiting for a first-in-human trial in July and start the first vaccinations in September,” he said.

The team is also working closely with academic, government and industry efforts to develop other vaccines in an effect to get a vaccine to the public as soon as possible. “WRAIR is a singular national asset for developing vaccines, whether our own homegrown candidate or another on which we partner. We want to get a horse across the finish line as fast as possible, whether it’s ours or someone else’s, to protect our military families and civilians as soon as possible. At this early stage, having several vaccines in the pipeline improves the chances and pace of getting a successful vaccine for the public,” Modjarrad shared. 

The team is facing many challenges particularly that currently, there are no FDA-approved vaccines against any coronavirus. They also have some advantages. “We have experience studying other coronaviruses and we have developed some vaccines against some of those other coronaviruses. I have been fortunate to be the principal investigator of the first-in-human vaccine for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus at WRAIR.  The approaches we took for that vaccine and other approaches that are being used for COVID-19 have been tested for other viruses as well. This gives us a little bit of a head start in making a vaccine for COVID-19,” he said.

Like many first responders and health care professionals, they are facing the challenge of this work amid a pandemic. They face the same daily challenges of taking care of children and parents while working to prevent the spread of the virus.

In addition to working on a vaccine the scientists at WRAIR, as part of the Army response, are working with government and industry partners on a range of efforts to prevent and treat the illness. Modjarrad said, “In addition to the vaccine, there are other prevention strategies, to include specific antibodies that can be used as treatments. We are also working with partners to understand how best to select plasma, a fraction of blood, from survivors that can be transferred into sick COVID-19 patients as another treatment option. Our Experimental Therapeutics Branch is also partnering with industry and using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to screen libraries of more than six million compounds for their activity against COVID-19 to design new drugs from scratch.  They are working on existing drugs that can be used for COVID-19.”

With talented researchers such as Dr. Modjarrad and his team, there is a lot to be hopeful for regarding future treatments and the prevention of COVID-19 and other coronaviruses.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Nothing brings on the happy tears like a good military homecoming video. It’s a feel-good moment to brighten anyone’s day.

And your day could sure use brightening – especially if you’re stuck in social distancing mode thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Military Homecomings to Watch When You’re Social Distancing

Settle back, grab the tissues and hit play on these amazing, emotional military homecoming videos that we can’t ever seem to get enough of!

Military Homecoming Compilations We Adore

What’s better than just one happy homecoming? Obviously it’s a whole bunch of these joyful moments smushed into one big video.

Cue the happy tears…

Okay, now that’s the sweetest! I’ve never seen such huge smiles or snuggly hugs!

Holiday Homecomings That Make Us Tear Up

Yup, it’s still spring and 100% not the holiday season. But a solid winter time homecoming, full of holiday cheer, is appropriate no matter what season it is!

And these sweet reunions definitely are putting us in a better mood today.

Is there a better present than your parent coming home from deployment just in time for the holidays?

I don’t think so!

Okay, fair to say: we’re obsessed with these holiday-themed military homecomings!

Pets Who Are Pumped Their Buddy Is Back

Scratch the holiday-theme as our fave military homecoming videos.

Now, we’re on to pets who are just over the moon happy that their best buddy is home.

Oh my gosh! So many kisses and snugs from that sweet pupper!

Fun fact: even rough, tough Marines are suckers for a cute pooch. Their mascot is a dog, after all.

These doggos are the best ever and deserve all the snacks.

Surprise! Your Soldier Is Home Videos!

Everyone loves a surprise. And these sweet families got one of the best unexpected gifts ever – their service member arriving home!

I think someone is slicing onions in here.

Yes, this is all about military troops surprising their families. But we couldn’t resist throwing in a reverse surprise that caught a sailor 100% off guard!

Too Cute Kids Who Just Got The Best News Ever

Military families go through so much during deployments, but kids are the heroes.

We’re suckers for any time that a child gets the best news ever – mom or dad is home!

That school day just got 100% better!

No matter the actual score. We already know who won this game!

Best. Photobomb. Ever.

Homecoming Proposal Videos To Make You Smile

The waiting is hard on partners. But these love birds got the best homecoming surprises ever!

Surprise homecoming + proposal = amazing!

Love is love is love is love!

I’ve learned that Marines are basically big ol’ softies!

TV Show Homecomings That Are Too Sweet

We love military homecomings. But do you know who else does?

Actually pretty much everyone!

And these fun TV reunions made all of us tear up.

Ellen: Doing the most to make us happy since forever.

Well, that was sneaky and wonderful!

Oh my gosh. I love Steve Harvey and some brotherly love, too!

Got tears in your eyes? Yeah, same.

#YoureWelcome

What’s your favorite military homecoming video? Drop the link to the video or share your own personal video in the comments!

You’re working from home, and so are your kids. Leaving the house except for essentials is frowned upon. But you’ve got to keep on living, right? Even when you’re in lockdown mode thanks to COVID-19. Don’t worry, we’ve got you…from a safe distance of course.

Tips to Keep On Living In COVID-19 Lockdown

Even when you’re practicing social distancing, self-isolating or in full-on quarantine, you can still enjoy your life and be semi-social.

What Are The Essentials?

Yes, in some places you can still leave the house, but only for life-essential reasons. Things like:

• necessary medical appointments
• groceries
• medication
• work, if not already working from home (in some states work has been limited to essential employees only including grocery store employees, gas station attendants, pharmacy employees and medical staff)

****PLEASE BE SURE TO REFER TO OFFICIAL SOURCES AND YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR UP TO DATE GUIDELINES AND STIPULATIONS REGARDING COVID-19****

However, if you don’t need to leave the house, it’s better to stay home. There’s absolutely no need to:

• get a haircut
• spiff up your manicure or pedicure
• visit a bar or restaurant
• get buff at the gym
• go to the beach
• congregate in the park

Before you start your car, hop on a bus or ride the subway, be sure to truly consider the risks that now come with your trip. Coronavirus aka COVID-19 is spreading rapidly around the globe, with a mounting death toll. Every social or public interaction is another chance to pick up the virus or spread it to others.

However, you can live your life with an abundance of caution with joy and purpose!

Try These Activities When You’re Stuck Inside Solo

We love some good social distancing right now. Less germs, right? But all that alone time can get to be a bit, well, lonely.

Try these ideas to be social while staying in your own space:

• Netflix Together: you can watch your favorite movies or binge a show together, with your friends, while still staying separated with a Chrome extension called Google Party!
• Virtual Book Club: you’ve got time on your hands, and so do your friends, so read a book together and then discuss via FaceTime
• Cooking Show: hop on Facebook LIVE during your next cooking session and share it with friends, a la Jennifer Garner.
• Workout Together, Apart: jump on your Peloton and take the same “class,” use your treadmill to run the same distance or do the same YouTube workout video at the same time.

Social Distancing with Kids at Home

Maybe you’re not alone, but only because your kids are also at home since schools are closed. Days 1-3 seemed fine, but now you’re reaching your absolute limit.

Check out these ideas and resources to get you through:

• Daily Schedule: create a loose schedule to organize your days – kids do better with structure!
• Khan Academy Learning Plan: kids from PreK-12 can follow a comprehensive learning schedule from Khan Academy, a free digital learning service.
• Join LiveStreaming Content: gain some sanity and add some fun with daily LiveStreaming educational kids content from professionals!
• Exercise Together: fire up a YouTube kids’ workout, like Frozen yoga from Cosmic Kids, and get moving together.
• Think Outside the Traditional Learning Box: everything can be learning if you let it! Try gardening, baking, sorting, cleaning, reading, watching TV, internet rabbit hole searches, etc. to pass the time and explore their interests.
• Do Science Together: try easy science experiments with your kids for simple educational fun!

You’ve Got Time for Things You Never Had Time For Before

“If only I had the time to…”

Now fill in that blank. What’s something you wish you had time for, but never did because of your busy, modern life?

Due to COVID-19, maybe you’ve got time on your hands. And now you can do the things you never have time for, plus some essential household chores that just need doing.

Add these to your to-do list:

• Start a New (Non-Social) Hobby: embroidery, scrapbooking, a new fitness trend – right now is the best time to try a new hobby!
• Clean Your Closet: really go through all your clothes and be ruthless with your deep cuts, donate things you don’t want or use to a Buy Nothing community to “regift.”
• Read: pick up an actual (or virtual) book and read it.
• Garden: you’ve got some pots or land that are just begging for plants. Weed, till and plant those seeds!
• Deep Clean: it took staying home 24/7 for the dust on the baseboards to drive you crazy. Take action and deep clean your home. Do one room a day to space it out.
• Disconnect: you always say you want to socially distance yourself from the constant stream of social media or news alerts. Good news: now you can – guilt free!

Keep Living Your Life During the COVID-19 Shutdown

You can still do so many things, just in different ways, even when socially distancing yourself from others.

Try these creative ideas;

• Date Night: instead of going to dinner and a movie, watch a new release that’s streaming and enjoy a homecooked meal together.
• Exercise: your gym is a no-go, but you can still bike, hike, run and walk outside, with at least 6 feet of space between you and others. Add in some bodyweight moves for extra strength. Or tune into a YouTube workout video, for free, right from your house!
• Fancy Dining: now is a great time to make like Julia Child and cook. Pick a favorite restaurant recipe and recreate it at home. You could also make up a meal using what’s left in your pantry.

So keep on keeping on, or KOKO during COVID-19. Don’t worry, we’ve got you.

For up to date information and the latest news on Coronavirus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and WWW.CORONAVIRUS.GOV.

How are you keeping your sanity during the COVID-19 pandemic? Tell us in the comments