Corona Log Entry- July 28,2021

Corona Log Entry July 28, 2021

       It is a beautiful, sunny day here in Western New York State. The temperature hovers in the high seventies (F). We had been to the Gym and stopped for coffee and bagels afterwards.

     The Olympics are in progress in Tokyo, Japan. We watch them and admire the strength and stamina of the participants. The events seem other worldly, with no audiences of cheering fans and families. The athletes themselves give everything they have. The quality of the athletic events is superb. Above all of this  is the fear of the Corona Virus. Several athletes have been barred from competing, due to positive Covid-19 tests. The population all around the events are as much in fear of the virus as the athletes. Still, the athletes compete valiantly. Bless them for their youth and vitality.

     In the greater world around them, the Delta variant, of the Covid-19 virus, is running rampant. Scores of countries are under a new siege from this virulent infection, including that of the U.S. Viral infections are in places, five times what they were a few weeks ago. Hospitals are once again filling up with Covid-19 patients.

      Some call it the “pandemic of the unvaccinated.” Because, 97 % of the new patients are unvaccinated. It is tragic that these many people are sick and may pass on, because they didn’t get the vaccinations that are free and readily available. People cite any number of reasons for their decision. There is a growing animus towards them, for their recalcitrance. Some think “They brought back the plague.”

      To make a bad situation even worse, children are now becoming sick in larger numbers. It is a group that the original virus had not had much effect on. The CDC has decided that schools, reopening in September, must require children wear masks indoors. The Federal Government is thinking about requiring all of its civilian employees to do the same. California has already instituted the masks indoor policy. It is getting pretty ugly out there.

       States like Florida are experiencing a tidal wave of new infections. The Governor there still resists mask-wearing and other stringent measures of protection and prevention. It is a political issue there and several other states, where the vaccination level of its population is as low as the 30% level.

        The Drug giant Pfizer is now recommending that fully vaccinated people might consider getting a third shot of serum, as a booster against the new Covid-19 variants. Scientists are suggesting that the longer the virus is around, the more variants may develop. We all await the CDC’s decisions here. If they say it is necessary, the shots will probably be paid for by the Federal Govt. If not, the shots cost upwards of $ 150 per dose. Either way, we will seek out the third shot. Our lives are worth that much to us.

       Internationally, the situation is worse. There are whole countries that have never made much head way against the original virus. The new variant is an awesome specter that is over whelming them. Even the wealthy countries are under siege. Locally, Canada has agreed to reopen its border with the U.S. as of August ninth. The caveat is that each prospective entrant must be tested for Covid-19, within 48 hrs. of entry. Each test costs $158. People must also have plans for sequestration, at their own expense, should they test positive. Curiously, after all of the posturing by U.S residents, the American border is not yet open. There are no immediate plans for it either. I would guess that the Delta variant is on everyone’s mind.

      On the economic front, the stock market chugs merrily along at the 34,000-pt. level A few minor retractions occurred, during announcements of medical onslaughts. They were soon corrected. The unemployment rate in the U.S stands at 5.9%. It is curious, because everywhere we go, we see “help wanted signs.” Restaurants and other retail outlets are restricting hours of operation,  because they can’t find enough workers. Some suggest it may be because recent Congressional Relief Bills have awarded the unemployed $300 a week, in addition to their U.I.B benefits. Many make more money sitting at home, rather than going to work.

      In Washington, Congress is still negotiating with the White House on the contents of the Trillion Dollar “Infrastructure Bill.” If and when something does get passed ,you may rest assured that each and every one of these recalcitrant members of Congress will be at each and every one of the shovel and ribbon cutting events, when new projects begin.

       Also, in Washington, a hearing of the new Congressional Committee to investigate the roots of the January sixth insurrection was held. Gritty, riveting testimony, from four Capitol Police officers who had been injured in the melee caught the nation’s attention. Graphic videos of the assault reinforced their testimony.  The Republicans still insist that the riot was a “love in ,” just like any other day at the Capitol. These four valiant officers were visibly upset at the callous indifference. Committee members vow to get to the bottom of this insurrection, to determine how it started and who organized it, no matter where the testimony leads. Several members of the former White House staff, and even Congressional members themselves, may be called to testify.

      In a greater sense, there is a weariness in the population. We all thought that the virus was waning and that we had come through the pandemic. Now, we find that a fourth wave of the virus might be even more destructive than the other three. We will have to collect ourselves, do whatever we have to do,  to get through this awful viral attack, and get by, one day at a time.

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                                (962 words)

                             Joseph Xavier Martin