Q1) Isn't this drastic?
A1) It might but for those that would like to err on the side of caution this is a way to do that. In addition if you read some (article 1, article 2) of the latest articles about how long we might expect to go through then you might have a better picture of what's to come.
Q2) Is this a cult?
A2) No, not a cult. Cults have a central leader, are religious-based, and try to change what you believe in. That's not happening here. We make decisions as a group and if you decide this is not for you you can just leave. It's that easy, nobody is trapped.
Q3) Are we allowed to go to the store, visit family, or other outings?
A3) Nobody will forbid you from doing anything like that. Anyone can go out but to preserve a safe space it's discouraged and members are asked to do it only if needed. Plus it would be an inconvenience for yourself since you have to do your 2-week quarantine when you get back and as you can imagine that's a pain. So while the rest of us are in the living room watching movies or just hanging out you'll be stuck in your room for a while.
Q4) How do we handle shopping for necessities?
A4) Whatever we can't order online we would perform bulk shopping runs every couple of months by one or two people. When you get back you would do the standard 2 week quarantine in their room. But is it really any different than what's happening in California, New York, Italy, and other places? People are being told to stay at home which is pretty much quarantining yourself. Here we are basically doing the same thing just as a group and voluntarily being more diligent about it.
Q5) Won't we get bored?
A5) At times it will happen. But at the same time with some adjustment and adjusting your perspective this can be a great time to spend the time to work on projects, learn something new or take on a course. Just depends if you see the glass as half full or half empty.