I don't recall seeing self-check-out kiosks at markets when I moved away from NYC, but I prefer self-check-out unless I have too much stuff to fit on that small shelf at the kiosk. Theoretically, you could walk in, pick up all your groceries, pay, and go without ever coming near another person.

Actually, what am I thinking? I'm living in the land of valet parking. I laughed to see valet parking at the airport and shopping malls and certain supermarkets around here the first time. Anyway, we love our convenience, so probably delivered groceries would probably become the norm around here during a pandemic, like how you can get practically anything delivered in NYC.

Yeah, you could have the pandemic germs delivered straight to your doorstep and save the trouble of getting them the old fashioned way.

In short, no you can't do much about it. If you're caught, you're caught.

Everything starts as flu symptoms.

There was a post somewhere by an ER doctor saying if you're young and healthy, don't come to the ER ( this was assuming you just had the normal flu ). They were worried you'd pass your flu to those who had compromised immune systems, children, the elderly, and most importantly them. A sick doctor is one that cannot help anyone.

+1 on the avoid people.

One of the groups that will get the limited stock of medical supplies is truckers who move food. I don't see the pizza delivery guy getting the same treatment, but I would not be surprised if someone was able to wrangle whatever pre-treat that would be available for the delivery crew of a large "to your door" grocery company.

That is part of why they won't be tolerated. They'll be shown the road with directions on how to get to the nearest treatment/refugee center. At least in my area.

I know several people involved in Vermont's contingency planning. I can't go into details, but from what they've bounced off me and by reading between the lines, there is an expectation that a lot of city people will try to become backpack survivalists with maybe a week of supplies and your firewood and water. It is anticipated that some of them aren't going to being to given more than one order to move along.

The Coast Guard (and I imagine all the armed services) now make pandemic planning required training. This DHS phamphlet outlines it pretty well. Kind of long, but section 3 answers most of the questions/speculation voiced in this thread.

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/CIKRpandemicInfluenzaGuide.pdf