[ctrlz]

Originally Posted by Fraxum

We have only a few tests so we have no idea how many have it or who has it.

This situation should improve dramatically in the next few weeks. The social distancing and self-quarantining of anyone with symptoms should slow the spread and buy us some time.
In the US everyone is used to the idea that he can go to his doctor with a runny nose and leave with a script for antibiotics and blood work. There are guidelines for patients with respiratory symptoms that determine the real need for covid-19 testing. The idea that, this time, guidelines will be STRICTLY followed is something of a cultural shift affecting both health care workers and patients.
I am the director of a hospital laboratory. In the next two weeks testing will become more common (though probably still "rationed") and the media will hit us with a barrage of numbers playing up the doomsday scenarios. This is what they do. Sit tight and follow the practical guidelines from the CDC, not nonsense on social media.

[NYJets12]

Originally Posted by legendary70

how much is the stimulus package for an individual and his fam?

I seen $500 for each child also

[DorkMissile]

My wife and I are both in our 40s, no kids, put over 15% of our wages into retirement in order to knock down our middle class income. We claim zero federal, zero state, and still pay in $8k a year. And like every year - we pay it in as soon as we get our W2s so that we are not burdened with it later in the year when we have stuff going on.

Just to find out the rest of the country is going to get a extension and the government is going to issue a stimulus that we won't qualify for.

[Zack46]

I heard $1000 for every adult in the family. Plus $500 per child.
2 payments of the same amounts.
1 in april and 1 in may. Direct Deposit into checking account.

Is this what everyone else is hearing?

[hotlap]

Originally Posted by Fraxum

We will see how everyone feels in a few months. It is going to get bad and many will die becuse we are not prepared at all. I hope not you.

There are many places already with not enough hospital beds. We have only a few tests so we have no idea how many have it or who has it. We may be worse off than Italy. We oficially are becoming a third world country. Have fun while you can and follow the rules to at least try to be safe.

Sorry to be a downer. :(

Put down the CNN. It’s going to be alright.

[DC5]

Originally Posted by hotlap

Put down the CNN. It’s going to be alright.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by DorkMissile

My wife and I are both in our 40s, no kids, put over 15% of our wages into retirement in order to knock down our middle class income. We claim zero federal, zero state, and still pay in $8k a year. And like every year - we pay it in as soon as we get our W2s so that we are not burdened with it later in the year when we have stuff going on.

Just to find out the rest of the country is going to get a extension and the government is going to issue a stimulus that we won't qualify for.

I don't mind deadline extensions and even the stimulus, but to know that I worked my a** off all my life to get where I am, and (therefore?) never ever qualified for anything in either country I've lived and paid hefty taxes in (I'm a naturalized immigrant), always on time, never taking semi-legal shortcuts, well, is not a happy thought. Nevertheless, there are many who will be hit harder by the aftermath, so I won't complain.

[Mark19]

Originally Posted by DorkMissile

My wife and I are both in our 40s, no kids, put over 15% of our wages into retirement in order to knock down our middle class income. We claim zero federal, zero state, and still pay in $8k a year. And like every year - we pay it in as soon as we get our W2s so that we are not burdened with it later in the year when we have stuff going on.

Just to find out the rest of the country is going to get a extension and the government is going to issue a stimulus that we won't qualify for.

Right there with ya, man.

[Jaxcam02]

Honestly I'll probably invest in the down stock market

[Aragorn]

Our tax guy is also certified public accountant, and I remember him telling me something a few years ago that I haven’t forgotten. He said that when the upper class jacks up the country it’s up to the middle class to step and save the day. At the same time when the lower class need assistance it’s usually the middle class that is leaned upon to help. Not to sounds whiny, but it kinda sucks to be middle class!

[jrah]

Originally Posted by Mark R

Most of my money I spend on fast cars and motorcycles, weed, and whores. The rest I just waste.

Like what you did there. Was thinking of the best sarcastic reply I could come up with but couldn't top this.

Stay safe and and sane y'all!

[Neil350]

2020: Get a check. Doing your 2020 taxes in 2021, did you receive a stimulus payment from the federal government...

[LT4Greg]

Yeah Neil350, it’s not free money like some people think!

[Number 3]

Originally Posted by Fraxum

We will see how everyone feels in a few months. It is going to get bad and many will die becuse we are not prepared at all. I hope not you.

There are many places already with not enough hospital beds. We have only a few tests so we have no idea how many have it or who has it. We may be worse off than Italy. We oficially are becoming a third world country. Have fun while you can and follow the rules to at least try to be safe.

Sorry to be a downer. :(

Yes, many more will become ill and many more will die. But I very much doubt we are worse off than Italy. Where is any data that would suggest that? There is none other than people worrying and speculating. 3rd world country???? Where on earth have you come to that conclusion? No 3rd world country could even talk about a ONE TRILLION DOLLAR stimulus package, hence the topic of this post. In a 3rd world country there would be NO ONE asking if they were going to take their stimulus check and BUY CAMARO PARTS. Seriously, this thread is an example of how well off we are as a country.

Sorry but you are more than a downer, you have been beaten.

Again, Social Distancing won't cure this, it just helps. We are just getting some positive news on potential treatments. There is no vaccine yet. With a vaccine (took 6 months to develop) the Swine Flu Pandemic lasted for well over a year (2009/10). So this likely doesn't go away any time soon. But getting beaten down by the negative media that craves your clicks wont' help.

Cheer up! Spend time with your family. And wash your hands. And be grateful if your restaurants and bars aren't closed and you are forced into Shelter at Home, which we now have in Illinois.