Thread: How has Coronavirus affected you ?

Originally Posted by OhOh

Look through the threads, as I have already replied to your question previously. I'll leave it to you to locate it.

So, you haven't. Righto - keep up your hypocrisy, it could have been an interesting exchange of experiences

Originally Posted by Switch

Agree with most of that PH. The ingrained culture that drives Asians to shop daily for fresh produce will not sit easily with them.

Another opnion: it's not just culture, it's income level. Some ppl shop for fresh produce everyday or 2 days because they don't have a fridge or much $$. I know of people - temporary, minimum wage workers. Security guards, factory or construction workers. They are all migrant workers from other provinces.

Sometimes 4 or 6 of them share an apartment which is 20-24 sq meters. For the security guards - tje lack of space isn't too much of a problem bcos they're on shifting schedule, so not all 6 of them stay in the place at one time. But most of these ppl don't have much money to buy food. They used to eat/ buy food in canteens daily. Now that most canteens are closed, they have to cook for themselves. Without a fridge or much money, they can't stock up on food.

Yesterday, when I bought fresh veg from the small corner store, I noticed that the other ppl buying seemed to procure less stuff than normal. One or 2 eggplants, a handful of string beans, etc. The lockdown (3 weeks already) is taking its toll.

Three out of 5 Filipinos belong to low income households. Got this infographic from my work group.

Originally Posted by Edmond

Are they touching people?

Same as other people. The virus just isn't spread by touch.

Originally Posted by Edmond

Or do people bow before them, then place basic food items into their bowls without any contact?

And who do they give their surplus offerings to? Family members and down and outs from my observations.

^^
Indeed Katie. Growing rumours of a total lockdown imminent here in Phuket with lots of advice on social media to stock up on food and essentials. Conversely, a lot more comments from people saying they just don't have the money to stock up on anything.

I've just been told that I don't have any classes until May as schools are closed. They are saying that they can only pay me 60% of my salary, which I am pretty sure is illegal due to the fact that I just signed a 12 month contract...

Originally Posted by Wally Dorian Raffles

I am pretty sure is illegal

Unfortunately not mate...

TOKYO REPORT | SOCIETY | EAST ASIA
Coronavirus and Foreign Teachers in Japan
With Japan’s schools shut down, what happens to foreign teachers?

By Hayden Marks
March 11, 2020
Coronavirus and Foreign Teachers in Japan
Credit: Pixabay
On February 27, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the abrupt request for all elementary, junior high, and senior high schools across Japan to close down for spring break two weeks early, beginning March 2, in an attempt to combat the spread of coronavirus throughout Japan. Whilst this was merely a request and not a forced closure, almost all prefectures and boards of education (BOEs) have complied.

As a result of the closures, foreign born English teachers across the country have been thrust into the precarious situation of not really knowing how it will affect their wages. For example, on February 28, the General Union posted an update explaining that because any closures at this point are not technically mandatory, teachers must be paid at least 60 percent of their average wage if they are ordered not to attend work. Yet there are some companies that have still attempted to get away with not paying their teachers. For example, on February 29, Peppy Kids Club informed all of their teachers that they could either take paid holidays or accept a two week lay-off without pay — a move the General Union has described as sickening, not to mention illegal. They also claim that another large language school has attempted to do the same, but, at the time of writing, the union had not specified which school. Furthermore, General Union reports that several undisclosed private language schools have laid off their part-timers for the two week period, which according to the Labor Standards Act, is also illegal, as the law does not differentiate between full and part-time workers.

Despite all of this, the good news for many English teachers is that, for the most part, companies appear to be doing the right thing by their employees. Interac for example, released a statement saying that despite closures, teachers will receive full salaries. Based on conversations with several Borderlink and Altia teachers, their situations seem to be the same. Some report that they are expected to go into work and find something to do, while others have said that they have been asked to stay at home. The decision makers in all of this appear not to be the dispatch companies themselves, but the BOE they are contracted to.

Coronavirus and Foreign Teachers in Japan – The Diplomat

^ I work for one of the companies mentioned in the last paragraph - but they must have changed their tune since that article was published. I am under the impression that what they are trying to do is borderline illegal or illegal, and discussions are still taking place despite many schools and companies sending
their teachers emails last night after Abe's announcement.

Originally Posted by PAG

^^
Indeed Katie. Growing rumours of a total lockdown imminent here in Phuket with lots of advice on social media to stock up on food and essentials. Conversely, a lot more comments from people saying they just don't have the money to stock up on anything.

That must be the case for lots and lots of locals that have been out of work for the past month, with no proper savings behind them, or the prospect of employment coming anytime soon.

Perhaps it's time to add extra padlocks and a gun to the stocking up shopping list.

Originally Posted by PAG

^^
Indeed Katie. Growing rumours of a total lockdown imminent here in Phuket with lots of advice on social media to stock up on food and essentials. Conversely, a lot more comments from people saying they just don't have the money to stock up on anything.

This is worrying. Thai Govt locking down people's businesses and day-to-day income, with promises of bail-outs (that are actually dependent on confusing criteria and obfuscation). Crime rates will take a spike soon if this continues more than a few weeks.

^ have they put loan repayments for houses,credit cards,mobile phone contracts and cars on hold ? if not there will be problems

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

Same as other people. The virus just isn't spread by touch.

And who do they give their surplus offerings to? Family members and down and outs from my observations.

Video I saw they did the praying bit, then from the prone position the donor tossed his goodies into the monk's bin and they went their ways.

Working online...

urgh...

Very colourful.

Originally Posted by aging one

Any person who violates the order faces hefty fines and possible imprisonment.

They came out with that shit where I live. So the missus went out to try and buy me 3 boxes of Leo. Was told to come back when dark. Yep she got the beer as arranged.
Apparently all the Ma and Pa shops are working as normal, but not openly. But you have to take your own shopping bag.

Originally Posted by aging one

Chiang Mai folks get out and secure your liquor before the 10th.... Ant!!!

Way to go... Hey Toots, you got your post in. What is your post count now?

^ let me know, its your MO AO

+1

Had some other essentials arrive this evening also, ready for the Apocalypse now:












That's just the bar fridge / freezer, inside one is jammed too.

Originally Posted by happynz

Working online...

urgh...

I'm gonna go ahead and question this. You don't need a mask to teach online...

^^ Have you got a spare room mate... I can bring a box of Leo!

Originally Posted by Mendip

Have you got a spare room mate... I can bring a box of Leo!

Yes I do but no need to bring the Leo, got plenty of that too.

^ I could pound that beer supply in a night. Well almost.

Originally Posted by bsnub

I could pound that beer supply in a night. Well almost.

Haha... that's me set for quite a while I'd say. In fact I'll probably need help with it.

Mostly on the vino these days and the beers is for guests.