March 29: Clorox, sweet Clorox
Headlines:
Updated count per NYT: “At least 229 million people in at least 26 states, 66 counties, 14 cities and one territory are being urged to stay home.” If you look at the map, you’ll see that only NINE states have NO restrictions in place:
Arkansas, Arizona, Iowa, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia and Wyoming,
Tump backs off NY region quarantine order, but then later Saturday night, the C.D.C. issued a formal advisory urging the residents of the three states to “refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately.”
California had 21 million N95 masks stockpiled. All are expired. While that sounds terrible, the issue seems to be with the elastic band, as these can wear over time. According to a Pulmonologist at USCF, the expired masks still have effective filtering capacity. I think the feeling of some is best summed up by a local nurse:
“It’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, said Mawata Kamara, an ICU nurse at a private Northern California hospital who has been forced to use the same N95 masks for two weeks. “I’ll take an expired mask any day of the week. There are no germs on them.”
The President extends the social distancing guidelines to April 30th, now backing off his dream of a reunited America for Easter.
In the same press conference, the President lashed out at PBS reporter Yamiche Alcindor and encouraged her to “be nice…don’t be threatening” after she questioned his assertion that Governors are requesting equipment they don’t need. Considering I have heard him make this assertion more than once, it was a very fair line of questioning.
Today I dared to take a “social-distanced” walk, followed by an equally distanced park bench hang out with a dear friend. It was the longest stretch I’ve been with another human in two weeks! Hallelujah! To talk “IRL” to another human while seeing her face! Truly remarkable! Have I mentioned that I live alone? While our actions did not fit strictly within Berkeley distancing guidelines, we stayed far apart and were outdoors the entire time. Even obsessives like me are just doing their best. Honestly, I regret nothing.
She also brought me bleach, Clorox wipes, AND hydrogen peroxide spray! My lust for real chemicals has been fulfilled - my many years as a devotee of “green” cleaning products clearly on pause. My friends are the best.
A Note to Journalists
First of all, thank you for your service. Like many, you are out in the world seeking the truth while many of us overeat and watch the Tiger King. You’re doing your job during a dangerous and uncertain time, and instead of thanks you get mocked on social media, referred to as “fake news,” and if you’re perceived to be a real pain, maybe even mocked by the President. Thank you for doing your jobs, asking the tough questions, and speaking truth to power. We appreciate you. Stay strong and stay safe!
Winners of the Internet
An unknown musician and David Letterman look-a-like sings a new theme song for the coronavirus. I hope he signs a deal with Weird Al.
A Minnesota state trooper pulled over a speeding Doctor. He let her off with a warning AND gave her his small stash of N95 masks. Having lived there briefly, I am not surprised by this. Stay sweet, Minnesota.
Left to Right: Oakland’s historic Grand Lake Theater, a bumper sticker conveying my daily feelings, long-desired supplies, and an amazing sign seen back home in Dayton.