Bad news for some areas that have done well so far.

From the Wall Street Journal:

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading from cities to rural communities
that have a higher share of older, at-risk residents, a trend that has
implications for the stress it may put on local health-care systems as
well as the push by many governors to ease economic restrictions and
reopen for business.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins
University shows in the two-week period between April 20 and May 4,
newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in nonmetropolitan areas outpaced those
in metro areas by 30%.

The virus’s spread to nonmetropolitan areas, where resources for
testing and medical care tend to be in short supply, could present new
dilemmas for state officials charged with determining when and how
much to relax stay-at-home rules. ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-is-spreading-faster-in-rural-communities-with-aging-populations-11589601660


--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
https://www.avg.com

On 5/18/2020 11:54 AM, wrote:


Bad news for some areas that have done well so far.

From the Wall Street Journal:

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading from cities to rural communities
that have a higher share of older, at-risk residents, a trend that has
implications for the stress it may put on local health-care systems as
well as the push by many governors to ease economic restrictions and
reopen for business.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins
University shows in the two-week period between April 20 and May 4,
newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in nonmetropolitan areas outpaced those
in metro areas by 30%.

The virus’s spread to nonmetropolitan areas, where resources for
testing and medical care tend to be in short supply, could present new
dilemmas for state officials charged with determining when and how
much to relax stay-at-home rules. ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-is-spreading-faster-in-rural-communities-with-aging-populations-11589601660




Our very rural town has recently experienced an uptick in confirmed cases.

I don't know how to think. I understand the reasons to take the
recommended precautions, social distancing, isolation, wearing
masks, etc. with full realization that I am not qualified to
judge as to how effective they are.

I also understand that if this goes too much longer we may face an
economic hit that could take a decade or more to recover from.

One thing that really ****es me off though. In the once or twice
visits a week I make to a local convenience type store to pick up a few
necessary items, I've noticed that most older folks are wearing
masks and gloves but the younger people ... mostly teenagers
don't bother with either. They congregate around the store
and the Dunkin' Donuts within taking no obvious heed to the
warnings and recommendations.

I am not arguing that masks and gloves solve anything. I don't
know if they do or not. But those who wear them at least are
demonstrating that they are *aware* of the precautions that are
recommended and are trying to comply. The younger generation
isn't.


--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
https://www.avg.com

On 5/18/20 12:27 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/18/2020 11:54 AM, wrote:


Bad news for some areas that have done well so far.

Â*From the Wall Street Journal:

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading from cities to rural communities
that have a higher share of older, at-risk residents, a trend that has
implications for the stress it may put on local health-care systems as
well as the push by many governors to ease economic restrictions and
reopen for business.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins
University shows in the two-week period between April 20 and May 4,
newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in nonmetropolitan areas outpaced those
in metro areas by 30%.

The virus’s spread to nonmetropolitan areas, where resources for
testing and medical care tend to be in short supply, could present new
dilemmas for state officials charged with determining when and how
much to relax stay-at-home rules.Â* ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-is-spreading-faster-in-rural-communities-with-aging-populations-11589601660





Our very rural town has recently experienced an uptick in confirmed cases.

I don't know how to think.Â* I understand the reasons to take the
recommended precautions, social distancing, isolation, wearing
masks, etc. with full realization that I am not qualified to
judge as to how effective they are.

I also understand that if this goes too much longer we may face an
economic hit that could take a decade or more to recover from.

One thing that really ****es me off though.Â* In the once or twice
visits a week I make to a local convenience type store to pick up a few
necessary items,Â* I've noticed that most older folks are wearing
masks and gloves but the younger people ... mostly teenagers
don't bother with either.Â* They congregate around the store
and the Dunkin' Donuts within taking no obvious heed to the
warnings and recommendations.

I am not arguing that masks and gloves solve anything.Â* I don't
know if they do or not.Â* But those who wear them at least are
demonstrating that they are *aware* of the precautions that are
recommended and are trying to comply.Â* The younger generation
isn't.



We haven't been out and about that much lately, but have noticed that
everywhere we do go, you cannot get in to any commercial establishment
without wearing a mask. I was in Lowe's yesterday to buy paint, and
everyone was masked and keeping a safe distance.

--
MAGA - Manipulating America's Gullible Assholes

On Mon, 18 May 2020 12:27:58 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 5/18/2020 11:54 AM, wrote:


Bad news for some areas that have done well so far.

From the Wall Street Journal:

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading from cities to rural communities
that have a higher share of older, at-risk residents, a trend that has
implications for the stress it may put on local health-care systems as
well as the push by many governors to ease economic restrictions and
reopen for business.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins
University shows in the two-week period between April 20 and May 4,
newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in nonmetropolitan areas outpaced those
in metro areas by 30%.

The virus’s spread to nonmetropolitan areas, where resources for
testing and medical care tend to be in short supply, could present new
dilemmas for state officials charged with determining when and how
much to relax stay-at-home rules. ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-is-spreading-faster-in-rural-communities-with-aging-populations-11589601660




Our very rural town has recently experienced an uptick in confirmed cases.

I don't know how to think. I understand the reasons to take the
recommended precautions, social distancing, isolation, wearing
masks, etc. with full realization that I am not qualified to
judge as to how effective they are.

I also understand that if this goes too much longer we may face an
economic hit that could take a decade or more to recover from.

One thing that really ****es me off though. In the once or twice
visits a week I make to a local convenience type store to pick up a few
necessary items, I've noticed that most older folks are wearing
masks and gloves but the younger people ... mostly teenagers
don't bother with either. They congregate around the store
and the Dunkin' Donuts within taking no obvious heed to the
warnings and recommendations.

I am not arguing that masks and gloves solve anything. I don't
know if they do or not. But those who wear them at least are
demonstrating that they are *aware* of the precautions that are
recommended and are trying to comply. The younger generation
isn't.

===

I call it "Age Related Immortality Syndrome." I had it at one time,
and with a bit of luck, survived to know better. There's no known
cure other than lessons learned the hard way.

--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
https://www.avg.com

On 5/18/2020 12:53 PM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 5/18/20 12:27 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/18/2020 11:54 AM, wrote:


Bad news for some areas that have done well so far.

Â*From the Wall Street Journal:

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading from cities to rural communities
that have a higher share of older, at-risk residents, a trend that has
implications for the stress it may put on local health-care systems as
well as the push by many governors to ease economic restrictions and
reopen for business.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins
University shows in the two-week period between April 20 and May 4,
newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in nonmetropolitan areas outpaced those
in metro areas by 30%.

The virus’s spread to nonmetropolitan areas, where resources for
testing and medical care tend to be in short supply, could present new
dilemmas for state officials charged with determining when and how
much to relax stay-at-home rules.Â* ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-is-spreading-faster-in-rural-communities-with-aging-populations-11589601660





Our very rural town has recently experienced an uptick in confirmed
cases.

I don't know how to think.Â* I understand the reasons to take the
recommended precautions, social distancing, isolation, wearing
masks, etc. with full realization that I am not qualified to
judge as to how effective they are.

I also understand that if this goes too much longer we may face an
economic hit that could take a decade or more to recover from.

One thing that really ****es me off though.Â* In the once or twice
visits a week I make to a local convenience type store to pick up a few
necessary items,Â* I've noticed that most older folks are wearing
masks and gloves but the younger people ... mostly teenagers
don't bother with either.Â* They congregate around the store
and the Dunkin' Donuts within taking no obvious heed to the
warnings and recommendations.

I am not arguing that masks and gloves solve anything.Â* I don't
know if they do or not.Â* But those who wear them at least are
demonstrating that they are *aware* of the precautions that are
recommended and are trying to comply.Â* The younger generation
isn't.





We haven't been out and about that much lately, but have noticed that
everywhere we do go, you cannot get in to any commercial establishment
without wearing a mask. I was in Lowe's yesterday to buy paint, and
everyone was masked and keeping a safe distance.



Yes. I released you from my Bozo Bin last night and left Nomen by his
lonesome. Let's see if we can discuss stuff without going overboard
with the politics, uh? Deal?

The daily covid-19 reported cases in Massachusetts and particularly in
Plymouth County that I have been tracking has *not* plateaued yet.
Cases are still on the rise. Our governor has announced a four-phase
"opening" plan but has not given any details as to timing. He's supposed
to do so today ... or possibly delay it further.

I don't think some realize that a "plateau" doesn't mean much other
than the number of new cases daily isn't rising. It also isn't
diminishing. Based on current numbers I think MA still has a way
to go.

I am also becoming convinced that this is going to be around for a
long, long time unless an effective vaccine is developed. I heard
a guy (the former head of the CDC) say that people are talking of
a second round in the fall or winter. He thinks that's a misnomer.
He said what it really means is the virus never went away to begin
with. It's just waiting until we let our guard down and the next
wave could be much worse because it will coincide with the
seasonal flu outbreak.

2020 sure sucks so far.




--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
https://www.avg.com

On 5/18/2020 1:57 PM, Keyser Soze wrote:
Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/18/2020 12:53 PM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 5/18/20 12:27 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/18/2020 11:54 AM, wrote:


Bad news for some areas that have done well so far.

Â*From the Wall Street Journal:

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading from cities to rural communities
that have a higher share of older, at-risk residents, a trend that has
implications for the stress it may put on local health-care systems as
well as the push by many governors to ease economic restrictions and
reopen for business.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins
University shows in the two-week period between April 20 and May 4,
newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in nonmetropolitan areas outpaced those
in metro areas by 30%.

The virus’s spread to nonmetropolitan areas, where resources for
testing and medical care tend to be in short supply, could present new
dilemmas for state officials charged with determining when and how
much to relax stay-at-home rules.Â* ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-is-spreading-faster-in-rural-communities-with-aging-populations-11589601660






Our very rural town has recently experienced an uptick in confirmed
cases.

I don't know how to think.Â* I understand the reasons to take the
recommended precautions, social distancing, isolation, wearing
masks, etc. with full realization that I am not qualified to
judge as to how effective they are.

I also understand that if this goes too much longer we may face an
economic hit that could take a decade or more to recover from.

One thing that really ****es me off though.Â* In the once or twice
visits a week I make to a local convenience type store to pick up a few
necessary items,Â* I've noticed that most older folks are wearing
masks and gloves but the younger people ... mostly teenagers
don't bother with either.Â* They congregate around the store
and the Dunkin' Donuts within taking no obvious heed to the
warnings and recommendations.

I am not arguing that masks and gloves solve anything.Â* I don't
know if they do or not.Â* But those who wear them at least are
demonstrating that they are *aware* of the precautions that are
recommended and are trying to comply.Â* The younger generation
isn't.





We haven't been out and about that much lately, but have noticed that
everywhere we do go, you cannot get in to any commercial establishment
without wearing a mask. I was in Lowe's yesterday to buy paint, and
everyone was masked and keeping a safe distance.



Yes. I released you from my Bozo Bin last night and left Nomen by his
lonesome. Let's see if we can discuss stuff without going overboard
with the politics, uh? Deal?

The daily covid-19 reported cases in Massachusetts and particularly in
Plymouth County that I have been tracking has *not* plateaued yet.
Cases are still on the rise. Our governor has announced a four-phase
"opening" plan but has not given any details as to timing. He's supposed
to do so today ... or possibly delay it further.

I don't think some realize that a "plateau" doesn't mean much other
than the number of new cases daily isn't rising. It also isn't
diminishing. Based on current numbers I think MA still has a way
to go.

I am also becoming convinced that this is going to be around for a
long, long time unless an effective vaccine is developed. I heard
a guy (the former head of the CDC) say that people are talking of
a second round in the fall or winter. He thinks that's a misnomer.
He said what it really means is the virus never went away to begin
with. It's just waiting until we let our guard down and the next
wave could be much worse because it will coincide with the
seasonal flu outbreak.

2020 sure sucks so far.

.




My non medical opinion might be like yours...I think that the reason why we
have hit a plateau is because most of us are isolating, using masks when we
go out, and dousing ourselves in Purell. I wipe Purell on my face, too, and
s o far have kept it out of my eyes. Wife was told her private offices
downtown for herself and staff were commercially disinfected and locked,
waiting her return. AC there is off. She will avoid public transportation
when her office reopens.


It appears that even the experts have been duped by this virus. Recent
reports indicate that the number of those infected is far more wide
spread than thought even a week ago. The former head of the CDC also
warned that covid-19 is a particularly bad virus as viruses go.

Sometimes I think it would have been better to "catch it" early on
and hope for a recovery. But then again at 70 years old, we are in
the high risk category. Decisions, decisions.




--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
https://www.avg.com

On 5/18/20 2:07 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/18/2020 1:57 PM, Keyser Soze wrote:
Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/18/2020 12:53 PM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 5/18/20 12:27 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/18/2020 11:54 AM, wrote:


Bad news for some areas that have done well so far.

Â*Â*From the Wall Street Journal:

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading from cities to rural
communities
that have a higher share of older, at-risk residents, a trend that
has
implications for the stress it may put on local health-care
systems as
well as the push by many governors to ease economic restrictions and
reopen for business.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins
University shows in the two-week period between April 20 and May 4,
newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in nonmetropolitan areas outpaced
those
in metro areas by 30%.

The virus’s spread to nonmetropolitan areas, where resources for
testing and medical care tend to be in short supply, could present
new
dilemmas for state officials charged with determining when and how
much to relax stay-at-home rules.Â* ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-is-spreading-faster-in-rural-communities-with-aging-populations-11589601660







Our very rural town has recently experienced an uptick in confirmed
cases.

I don't know how to think.Â* I understand the reasons to take the
recommended precautions, social distancing, isolation, wearing
masks, etc. with full realization that I am not qualified to
judge as to how effective they are.

I also understand that if this goes too much longer we may face an
economic hit that could take a decade or more to recover from.

One thing that really ****es me off though.Â* In the once or twice
visits a week I make to a local convenience type store to pick up a
few
necessary items,Â* I've noticed that most older folks are wearing
masks and gloves but the younger people ... mostly teenagers
don't bother with either.Â* They congregate around the store
and the Dunkin' Donuts within taking no obvious heed to the
warnings and recommendations.

I am not arguing that masks and gloves solve anything.Â* I don't
know if they do or not.Â* But those who wear them at least are
demonstrating that they are *aware* of the precautions that are
recommended and are trying to comply.Â* The younger generation
isn't.





We haven't been out and about that much lately, but have noticed that
everywhere we do go, you cannot get in to any commercial establishment
without wearing a mask. I was in Lowe's yesterday to buy paint, and
everyone was masked and keeping a safe distance.



Yes.Â* I released you from my Bozo Bin last night and left Nomen by his
lonesome.Â* Let's see if we can discuss stuff without going overboard
with the politics, uh?Â* Deal?

The daily covid-19 reported cases in Massachusetts and particularly in
Plymouth County that I have been tracking has *not* plateaued yet.
Cases are still on the rise.Â* Our governor has announced a four-phase
"opening" plan but has not given any details as to timing. He's supposed
to do so today ... or possibly delay it further.

I don't think some realize that a "plateau" doesn't mean much other
than the number of new cases daily isn't rising.Â* It also isn't
diminishing.Â* Based on current numbers I think MA still has a way
to go.

I am also becoming convinced that this is going to be around for a
long, long time unless an effective vaccine is developed.Â* I heard
a guy (the former head of the CDC) say that people are talking of
a second round in the fall or winter.Â* He thinks that's a misnomer.
He said what it really means is the virus never went away to begin
with.Â* It's just waiting until we let our guard down and the next
wave could be much worse because it will coincide with the
seasonal flu outbreak.

2020 sure sucks so far.

.




My non medical opinion might be like yours...I think that the reason
why we
have hit a plateau is because most of us are isolating, using masks
when we
go out, and dousing ourselves in Purell. I wipe Purell on my face,
too, and
s o far have kept it out of my eyes. Wife was told her private offices
downtown for herself and staff were commercially disinfected and locked,
waiting her return. AC there is off. She will avoid public transportation
when her office reopens.


It appears that even the experts have been duped by this virus.Â* Recent
reports indicate that the number of those infected is far more wide
spread than thought even a week ago.Â* The former head of the CDC also
warned that covid-19 is a particularly bad virus as viruses go.

Sometimes I think it would have been better to "catch it" early on
and hope for a recovery.Â* But then again at 70 years old, we are in
the high risk category.Â* Decisions, decisions.





I kind of intellectually enjoy the ignorant comments of those who claim
experts like Fauci "got things wrong" or "changed their minds" on X, Y,
or Z. Real scientists in these fields regularly adjust their views as
new information becomes available.

I remember bits of a paper my wife wrote in grad school that posited how
much of Freud had become irrelevant. Had Freud himself been around, he
would have offered his own corrections, additions, and deletions.


--
MAGA - Manipulating America's Gullible Assholes

On Mon, 18 May 2020 13:22:31 -0400,
wrote:

On Mon, 18 May 2020 12:27:58 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 5/18/2020 11:54 AM, wrote:


Bad news for some areas that have done well so far.

From the Wall Street Journal:

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading from cities to rural communities
that have a higher share of older, at-risk residents, a trend that has
implications for the stress it may put on local health-care systems as
well as the push by many governors to ease economic restrictions and
reopen for business.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins
University shows in the two-week period between April 20 and May 4,
newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in nonmetropolitan areas outpaced those
in metro areas by 30%.

The virus’s spread to nonmetropolitan areas, where resources for
testing and medical care tend to be in short supply, could present new
dilemmas for state officials charged with determining when and how
much to relax stay-at-home rules. ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-is-spreading-faster-in-rural-communities-with-aging-populations-11589601660




Our very rural town has recently experienced an uptick in confirmed cases.

I don't know how to think. I understand the reasons to take the
recommended precautions, social distancing, isolation, wearing
masks, etc. with full realization that I am not qualified to
judge as to how effective they are.

I also understand that if this goes too much longer we may face an
economic hit that could take a decade or more to recover from.

One thing that really ****es me off though. In the once or twice
visits a week I make to a local convenience type store to pick up a few
necessary items, I've noticed that most older folks are wearing
masks and gloves but the younger people ... mostly teenagers
don't bother with either. They congregate around the store
and the Dunkin' Donuts within taking no obvious heed to the
warnings and recommendations.

I am not arguing that masks and gloves solve anything. I don't
know if they do or not. But those who wear them at least are
demonstrating that they are *aware* of the precautions that are
recommended and are trying to comply. The younger generation
isn't.

===

I call it "Age Related Immortality Syndrome." I had it at one time,
and with a bit of luck, survived to know better. There's no known
cure other than lessons learned the hard way.

Some of us, old or young, are just suffering from Covid fatigue. You
can only tell scary stories for so long before people get tired of it.
Drop a plastic bubble over nursing homes and assisted living
facilities if that is appropriate but it is getting harder to convince
healthy people this is a threat worth losing your job, your business
and your way of life over.
If Covid is going to kill me, kill me and get it over with. Just stop
****ing with me.

On Mon, 18 May 2020 13:42:16 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 5/18/2020 12:53 PM, Keyser Soze wrote:
On 5/18/20 12:27 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/18/2020 11:54 AM, wrote:


Bad news for some areas that have done well so far.

Â*From the Wall Street Journal:

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading from cities to rural communities
that have a higher share of older, at-risk residents, a trend that has
implications for the stress it may put on local health-care systems as
well as the push by many governors to ease economic restrictions and
reopen for business.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins
University shows in the two-week period between April 20 and May 4,
newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in nonmetropolitan areas outpaced those
in metro areas by 30%.

The virus’s spread to nonmetropolitan areas, where resources for
testing and medical care tend to be in short supply, could present new
dilemmas for state officials charged with determining when and how
much to relax stay-at-home rules.Â* ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-is-spreading-faster-in-rural-communities-with-aging-populations-11589601660





Our very rural town has recently experienced an uptick in confirmed
cases.

I don't know how to think.Â* I understand the reasons to take the
recommended precautions, social distancing, isolation, wearing
masks, etc. with full realization that I am not qualified to
judge as to how effective they are.

I also understand that if this goes too much longer we may face an
economic hit that could take a decade or more to recover from.

One thing that really ****es me off though.Â* In the once or twice
visits a week I make to a local convenience type store to pick up a few
necessary items,Â* I've noticed that most older folks are wearing
masks and gloves but the younger people ... mostly teenagers
don't bother with either.Â* They congregate around the store
and the Dunkin' Donuts within taking no obvious heed to the
warnings and recommendations.

I am not arguing that masks and gloves solve anything.Â* I don't
know if they do or not.Â* But those who wear them at least are
demonstrating that they are *aware* of the precautions that are
recommended and are trying to comply.Â* The younger generation
isn't.





We haven't been out and about that much lately, but have noticed that
everywhere we do go, you cannot get in to any commercial establishment
without wearing a mask. I was in Lowe's yesterday to buy paint, and
everyone was masked and keeping a safe distance.



Yes. I released you from my Bozo Bin last night and left Nomen by his
lonesome. Let's see if we can discuss stuff without going overboard
with the politics, uh? Deal?

The daily covid-19 reported cases in Massachusetts and particularly in
Plymouth County that I have been tracking has *not* plateaued yet.
Cases are still on the rise. Our governor has announced a four-phase
"opening" plan but has not given any details as to timing. He's supposed
to do so today ... or possibly delay it further.

I don't think some realize that a "plateau" doesn't mean much other
than the number of new cases daily isn't rising. It also isn't
diminishing. Based on current numbers I think MA still has a way
to go.

I am also becoming convinced that this is going to be around for a
long, long time unless an effective vaccine is developed. I heard
a guy (the former head of the CDC) say that people are talking of
a second round in the fall or winter. He thinks that's a misnomer.
He said what it really means is the virus never went away to begin
with. It's just waiting until we let our guard down and the next
wave could be much worse because it will coincide with the
seasonal flu outbreak.

2020 sure sucks so far.

You have to be careful reading too much into "new cases" if they are
doing a lot more testing. A better metric would be hospitalizations
and deaths. That should also be balanced on where those cases
occurred. If they are in care facilities, they should have been
isolated long ago so that is an isolation failure more than a rise in
covid failure.

On Mon, 18 May 2020 14:55:19 -0400, wrote:

On Mon, 18 May 2020 13:22:31 -0400,
wrote:

On Mon, 18 May 2020 12:27:58 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 5/18/2020 11:54 AM, wrote:


Bad news for some areas that have done well so far.

From the Wall Street Journal:

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading from cities to rural communities
that have a higher share of older, at-risk residents, a trend that has
implications for the stress it may put on local health-care systems as
well as the push by many governors to ease economic restrictions and
reopen for business.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins
University shows in the two-week period between April 20 and May 4,
newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in nonmetropolitan areas outpaced those
in metro areas by 30%.

The virus’s spread to nonmetropolitan areas, where resources for
testing and medical care tend to be in short supply, could present new
dilemmas for state officials charged with determining when and how
much to relax stay-at-home rules. ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-is-spreading-faster-in-rural-communities-with-aging-populations-11589601660




Our very rural town has recently experienced an uptick in confirmed cases.

I don't know how to think. I understand the reasons to take the
recommended precautions, social distancing, isolation, wearing
masks, etc. with full realization that I am not qualified to
judge as to how effective they are.

I also understand that if this goes too much longer we may face an
economic hit that could take a decade or more to recover from.

One thing that really ****es me off though. In the once or twice
visits a week I make to a local convenience type store to pick up a few
necessary items, I've noticed that most older folks are wearing
masks and gloves but the younger people ... mostly teenagers
don't bother with either. They congregate around the store
and the Dunkin' Donuts within taking no obvious heed to the
warnings and recommendations.

I am not arguing that masks and gloves solve anything. I don't
know if they do or not. But those who wear them at least are
demonstrating that they are *aware* of the precautions that are
recommended and are trying to comply. The younger generation
isn't.

===

I call it "Age Related Immortality Syndrome." I had it at one time,
and with a bit of luck, survived to know better. There's no known
cure other than lessons learned the hard way.

Some of us, old or young, are just suffering from Covid fatigue. You
can only tell scary stories for so long before people get tired of it.
Drop a plastic bubble over nursing homes and assisted living
facilities if that is appropriate but it is getting harder to convince
healthy people this is a threat worth losing your job, your business
and your way of life over.
If Covid is going to kill me, kill me and get it over with. Just stop
****ing with me.

===

Since neither you or I are at risk for losing our jobs, we are in the
enviable position of only worrying about our way of life. That's a
real thing of course, and a year lost at this point of our lives is
never going to come back. We were suposed to be cruising Italy and
the Greek Islands right now and then taking the trawler north for the
summer. Neither of those is happening of course but I'm resigned to
it. I'd just like to get our deposit money back from the cruise ship
company before they go bankrupt. With any luck we'll be able to take
a road trip north in June or July.

Meanwhile the stock market is up big time today on encouraging news
about a possible Covid vaccine. Let's hope it pans out while we've
still got a few good years left.

--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
https://www.avg.com