Three weeks later, we’ve all become experts at passing time without the benefit of coffee shops, restaurants, gyms, bars or the Strip.
Because passing time is what hundreds of thousands of Nevadans are doing with casinos and businesses shuttered throughout the state.
coronavirus: what you need to know
Everyone is supposed to be confined to their homes often with children because schools are also closed until the coronavirus passes.
But beyond marathon binge-watching, or videogame playing, WHAT are you doing as you sit and home day after day after day?
Katherin Von Arx is a KNPR listener, a currently laid off casino worker and she runs a job listing page on Facebook.
She said she is not getting a lot of listings on her job site but there are some chain restaurants and coffee shops that are hiring.
Caller Mary is a teacher. Besides trying to keep distance learning going for her students, she has set up workout stations around her home to keep her exercise routine going.
She's also trying out new recipes from a vegan cookbook her brother gave her for Christmas.
Longtime reporter and Nevada Public Radio contributor John L. Smith said he's filling his days by catching up on reading and learning the technology that is keeping us all connected.
"Learning to negotiate the new social communication systems like Zoom and other things that I hadn't used before," he said, "That's been interesting as well."
The social distancing rules have changed the nature of reporting. Instead of attending a news conference held by the Culinary Union, Smith listened over a conference call.
KNPR listener Alicia Mejia said she has taken her sit-in circles into the online space.
The circles are just groups of 50 to 60 people sitting in a circle and talking.
"It's just a way for everyone to connect and hold space and support each other each other during this challenging time," she said.
She said holding conversations over Zoom or Skype is obviously very different than in person but it works to give people that human interaction they are craving.
Caller Kevin suggested getting outside every day to enjoy the fresh air and he suggested tackling projects like cleaning out the garage.
He worked a year remote at a radar site in Iceland when he was in Air Force.
"You just gotta be creative and be positive and keep an open mind," he said.
Caller Lars suggested creating a workspace separate from the living space as a way to separate living from working and to give children, who might not understand why mom and dad can't play with them, a physical barrier.
And Rory suggested parents add to their children's learning by teaching them a new life skill every day like changing a tire, sewing on a button, or ironing a shirt.
For those who are really struggling with the loneliness and isolation, there is help:
Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 800-950-6264 or text NAMI at 741741
Katherine Von Arx, KNPR listener; Alicia Mejia, KNPR listener
