Spoken Query

Canton Waterfront Promenade It's Saturday and we decided to go for a short walk to get some fresh air and exercise.  At first, we were thinking if it was safe to go outside? There is a lot of confusion around this. On one hand we are told to stay home as much as possible and on the other hand, we are also been told that it is important to keep exercising - and that a walk or run in the park is OK. For instance, Mitchell Silver, New York's  city parks commissioner, encouraged residents to use parks, pointing out that spending time outdoors can reduce stress and boost immunity. Brian Labus, a professor in public health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas said,  "If you're outside walking by yourself, you're not exposed; if you're out walking the dog by yourself, there's no risk, it's when you have contact with other people that you need to be concerned. " However, last week  scientists established that  coronavirus  droplets  could  l

The Yoshino cherry blossoms are heading towards full bloom. In a normal year about 1.5 million visitors will congregate around the Tidal Basin area to witness this event. However, this year due to the coronavirus crisis, local agencies and health officials are discouraging crowds and recommending that any visitors maintain a safe distance.  This can be disheartening for a lot of people, especially if you have been planning this for a long time or traveling from afar.  So, this leads to the million dollar question: Is it safe to visit the Tidal Basin to see the  cherry blossoms ? Tidal Basin is open and accessible for strolling and walking. However, t he National Park Service has placed placards around the Tidal Basin warning visitors about the dangers of coronavirus during peak bloom this Saturday (03.21.2020) .  “Although the park is not closed, we encourage all visitors, particularly the most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with underlying conditi

We already know that the coronavirus outbreak has put air travel in crisis. Many of us with upcoming leisure trips are wondering if our flights will be canceled by the airlines or if we should be canceling them ourselves.  Such uncertainty can drive us to cancel our flights immediately, especially, if the travelers are senior citizens with pre-existing medical conditions like my parents or if you are traveling with kids.  For instance, we have an upcoming trip to Mexico in April 2020 and we are booked on Delta airlines for the US-Mexico leg and Volaris from Cancun to Mexico City. At this time, about USD 2500 worth of our flight tickets is at stake.  No cash refund unless the airlines cancel the flight. Unfortunately, if your flight hasn't been canceled by the airlines, there is a possibility that you may not get a 100% cash refund (if you have non-refundable ticket). However, a lot of airlines (including Delta) are offering e-credits/ travel credits that you will be able to u

So, this year (2020), we decided to visit Mexico to see the Chichen Itza pyramids. Our plans were made during my yearly India trip in October 2019 (much before the coronavirus outbreak happened) and since then we had started making all the reservations, i.e. flight tickets, hotels, local tours, etc. Based on our Mexico travel dates, my parents also booked their flight to the US. They arrived here in February when the coronavirus news was still at a nascent stage. However, since last week, both coronavirus and news about it have suddenly spread like a wildfire. With over 3000 people dead worldwide, a lot of countries have issued travel bans. This has led to airlines and cruises canceling their routes. Therefore, we are wondering whether we should opt out of going to Mexico  even though there are just twelve confirmed cases of Covid-19 there.  Moreover, the U.S. State Department has maintained its Level 1 travel advisory-  exercise normal precautions - for most of Mexico. Likewise,

Empty shelves at Safeway in Baltimore. Empty shelves? Well, I am getting used to it now. But, I just don't understand why people are hoarding toilet paper rolls. Are they thinking that the coronavirus will enter through their anus? While that can be true, the virus can enter through any opening of your body, it still doesn't justify why everyone is particularly going crazy over this one item: toilet paper. Is it peer or fear pressure? No, its a REAR pressure! LOL! As clearly evidenced in this video, people are struggling to find toilet paper after demand exploded amid the coronavirus crisis.  The solution to this problem is very simple-  JUST ADOPT THE INDIAN TOILET ETIQUETTE .  Indian's have been washing their butts with water since the beginning of time. This method is very hygienic and environmentally friendly. As it is WHO recommends washing hands with water and soap. So, why not adopt the same technique for washing your butt? It is more effective t

As coronavirus continues to spread around the world, fake advice on how to avoid catching the disease is also spreading rapidly on social media.  To the producers of such lies, it is a humble request:  "JUST STOP IT,”  - avoid sharing information from untrustworthy or unverified sources. Your intention may be good, but know that misinformation during such a time could spread terror and can also result in people being left unprotected or more vulnerable to the virus. As social media influencers or bloggers, please remain as diligent about the accuracy of the information you share so that you can follow proper precautions to keep your loved ones safe. To the people who are getting influenced by such lies, it is important to understand that the claims of these viral messages have not been backed by trusted healthcare professionals. Therefore, please seek accurate information from verified sources such as CDC, UNICEF or WHO and not from your favorite content creators (not even m