Monday, November 30, 2020
COVID Dashboard
Washington State's new Risk Assessment dashboard shows COVID hospitalizations doubled in November. In order to avoid overwhelming any one hospital or region of the state with cases, the Washington State Hospital Association is working with Microsoft and the Department of Health in monitoring ICUs (Intensive Care Units), where capacity is likely to be exceeded first.
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Houses of Worship
The closure of houses of worship, like other social venues, is essential to stopping the spread of disease. Observing the behavior of members of the church across the street, it is clear that the social distancing we are accustomed to at the grocery store does not apply to faith-based situations. While they are compliant in wearing masks, they congregate in the lobby like sardines in a can, hugging each other then dispersing all over town--a recipe for disease transmission.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Make it Work
President Biden--like President Roosevelt--is faced with a national emergency threatening our society from coast to coast. Roosevelt championed Social Security, and Biden can too.
When there is a shortage of caregivers for disabled seniors because caregivers have to cancel shifts in order to care for their kids stuck at home, something is dreadfully wrong. Biden can change that.
Biden's campaign to provide housing for all during an era of pandemics is intrinsically linked with Medicare for all and the social services it takes to make it work. Housing, Employment and Health.
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Thanks Giving
I give thanks that the smoke is gone and Trump soon will be. We will eventually have a COVID-19 vaccine, so give thanks and stay home this Thanksgiving.
Youth Sports
As Dr. James, health officer for San Juan County remarked about school sports,
Indoor activities should be conducted in small (five or fewer) consistent pods of kids. No gathering of spectators, parents, other teams, or kids.
Given the current surge in cases, even if it was officially allowed, competing against other teams, especially from off-island, is a very bad idea. One unmasked, infected, and likely asymptomatic kid around 10 other kids, and suddenly we may have a large and uncontrollable outbreak on our hands.
Friday, November 13, 2020
Stay Home
Pandemic travel restrictions nationwide are the only way to avoid disaster. Otherwise, all the efforts at public health compliance in one state are destroyed by out-of-state visitors, especially during the holidays.
COVID-19 is back where it was in March, prompting WA Governor Inslee to issue a travel advisory.
