HOUSTON — Bars across the country are taking a huge hit through all of this. In Texas, they’re now one of the few businesses not allowed to open.
But there’s a group of people whose paychecks rely heavily on bars being open: musicians.
The event was marked on the calendar: May 8, Blaggard's Farewell to Mike -- now canceled.
“It’s all tough to cancel, but tonight was especially rough," said Patrick Devlin, Blaggards guitarist/vocalist.
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Like all musicians, Blaggards, the Stout Irish Rock band, is losing gigs left and right.
“It’s definitely difficult going from such an intense schedule to zero," Devlin said.
But they’re still performing at different pubs, restaurants, even a warehouse, connecting with their fans through Facebook.
“It’s what we do, it’s what we love, and we’re ready to go back to work," Devlin said.
It’s the new virtual venue that just about all bands, including Downfall 2012, are banking on.
“We’re trying to figure out if this is what it's going to be for another 3 or 4 months, or if we’re going to have to start looking at venues," said Danny Gil, Downfall 2012 band member.
The alternative metal band has performed live on Facebook and YouTube every Saturday night since March. Their only revenue is virtual tips.
“Some nights, it’s like good money, like what we’d get from a show, and that’s great, and that’s been very very helpful. Other times, it’s not so much," Gil said.
But online is about the only avenue for performers these days.
DJ Dr. Phil Good is on day 50 of his "Live at Five."
“I committed to do it every day until this crisis is over," said Phillip Tijerina "DJ Dr. Phil Good."
He's giving a 5-hour spin show to his fans every day for free.
“It has hurt me financially so much, but thank God, the tips that come in, I’ve been able to maintain," Tijerina said.
But for all of them, they say these performances are not about the money. They’re about the music.
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some patients also have nausea, body aches, headaches and stomach issues. Losing your sense of taste and/or smell can also be an early warning sign.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk for becoming seriously ill. However, U.S. experts are seeing a significant number of younger people being hospitalized, including some in ICU.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- Follow social distancing
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
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