Random Pandemic Thoughts

Happy Bastille Day! Vive la France!

I note that the French are more effective combatting the coronavirus than we are. France has 209,640 cases and 30,032 deaths compared with the U.S. 3,364,547 cases and 135,615 deaths as of this morning from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center.  The seven-day moving average for new cases in France was 577 and the average for daily deaths was 16 as of yesterday, based upon New York Times reporting. The U.S,. by comparison has a seven-day moving average pf 60,521 new cases and 724 deaths, also from The New York Times. Just a thought--1 percent of the entire U.S. population has not been diagnosed with COVID-19.

I think the statement made the Florida governor the other day about schools is probably one of the most revealing for lack of understanding of how opening the schools is materially different from reopening the economy. 

"But I'm confident if you can do Home Depot, if you can do Walmart, if you can do these things, we absolutely can do the schools. I want our kids to be able to minimize this education gap that I think has developed." DeSantis. As reported by CNN on Friday, July 10, 2020. 

I am amazed that the governor did not see the huge difference between Walmart and a school. First off, wearing masks for an entire school day is going to be a tough experience for many kids and teachers. The spaces are closer together and physical distancing is tough to maintain. Additionally, a trip to Walmart is just that--a trip consisting of minutes. A day at school is just that--a day. We need to get the virus under control before kids can get back to school safely. 

Me in a Mask
Columbia, MD
April 4, 2020

This is a pandemic people--we need to get our heads-out-of-the-sand and take responsibility for ourselves and others. I do not understand the resistance to wearing masks. I think it is clear that states where mask wearing is mandatory are doing better combatting the virus than those where mask wearing is not enforced. That is one of the reasons that I am not in Florida this week--Floridians do not understand the importance of wearing masks. 

From all of the studies I have seen, there are no health issues associated with wearing masks, with the narrow exception of underlying medical issues like asthma or COPD. Some people have suggested that CO2 builds up--that has been patently dismissed as untrue. The worst part about wearing a mask? No washing it after use!

Take responsibility for yourself and stop blaming others!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD