Theories On What Will Happen If We Are Told To Stay Home?

[usedtobedemgurl]

People do not have a lot of money in their bank accounts. If this virus hits us hard, schools and businesses could close down. People would stay at home. A lot of people will not be able to afford rent, or mortgage. The banks cannot afford to take back everything. In theory, what will happen with power, rent/mortgages, water, etc. if folks cannot pay their bills? If everyone is basically in the same boat, will they just let bills float until everyone gets back to work? I do not want three quarters of this country to end up homeless. I am worried about myself, as well as others. Anyone have any ideas what could happen?

[Blues Heron]

1. This is where capitalism fails because in theory it's pay to play

no pay, no play. You'll be evicted if you go too long without paying your rent. So exceptions have to be made.

[Mike 03]

2. It might even be risky to get the mail

Even though Dr. Bill Wattenburg was a nasty talk show host, his background was in science and he talked quite a bit about what to do in the event of a pandemic (which he expected to happen). His advice might not apply to this current pandemic, which appears to move in fits and bursts--as opposed to sweeping through a community rapidly.

He said stay home for two weeks, don't open the door, don't gather with others and don't get the mail.

I'm thinking that operations like utilities, credit card companies are going to be just as vulnerable to this as individuals. They may have to halt operations too. They may have to suspend billing procedures or "work with" customers.

Their people may not be able to go to work either. We may even lose certain services for periods of time. So they may not send out bills during the worst periods, or move to a different/delayed billing cycle. In fact, they may not be able to provide services.

It's in the self-interest of companies to work with customers, because if they push it too far people will declare bankruptcy and monies owed to them will be rendered unrecoverable. (We are talking about a worst case scenario here, perhaps unlikely to happen). If the system of payments breaks down, it would destroy companies. The government could conceivably step in and order them to provide services if they threatened not to. The government could "pay" the utility provider to provide services for a certain period of time, in effect making a loan to the company and paying the bills of the population until things settle down. This wouldn't be easy on ordinary people, though, who would eventually have to scramble to pay these bills. A lot of people who have striven to stay debt-free might suddenly find themselves in debt due to circumstances beyond their control, but most of the country would be in the same position.

In China (and now Italy), this pandemic is hitting both supply and demand.

[The Genealogist]

3. I suppose in this scenario things will go to hell in a handbazkst quickly

I will be lucky in that i work from home for a hospital system, which will not just close down. But for many people it would be a major disaster.

[CaptYossarian]

4. I'm thinking the divorce rate will skyrocket.

If everyone is staying home, that includes landlords and bank officers. That includes people paid to cut off power, etc.

Just put a "Quarantined" sign in the window--and hang a little garlic for those bank officers.

We're all in the same boat.

[jberryhill]

5. If everyone has to stay home, who is going to come and evict you?

If someone shows up, just start coughing and wheezing as you move toward them.

Problem solved.

You're welcome.

Next?

[SammyWinstonJack]

6. Ha.

[3Hotdogs]

7. + 1

[Thyla]

8. 2 weeks of sleeping in would be nice...

Worrying if I have 2 weeks worth of beer less so.
Panic drinking what beer there is in 3 days not so great either.

I work at home though so I'd still have to do that, at least I'd have some company.

[Happy Hoosier]

9. I work from home, so I'd be okay for a bit...

... just gotta make sure we have enough food for the duration.

[Kilgore]

10. We are ready

Freezer is full
Pantry is well stocked
12 cases of beer is on hand.
4 big jugs of vodka are on the shelf (for disinfection purposes )
250 gallons of diesel for the generator
150 gallons of propane in the tank
Chain and padlock for the front gate.

Bring it on.

[rownesheck]

11. I would love to be ordered to stay home!

I would rather die of starvation at home than have to go to work! Or wait? I could eat my lawn. Maybe I won't starve and my grass would stay mowed! Wins all around!