Yesterday, I talked about numbers, and what numbers truly matter. There was discussion on why so many of the statistics being presented (esp. by media) are useless. There was also a question that was begged: Is the government telling us everything.
The short answer is no, as with any wartime activity — and this is being treated as a war in many respects — there is no need for the public to know everything. This isn’t because loose lips sink ships; it’s because floppy mouths in an industry working hard to incite panic and score political points could use some of that information to kick the panic even higher. President Trump pointed out that he could indeed cause a panic and had tried not to, in response to a stupid question yesterday.
In the same news conference, Dr. Birx made mention of 100,000 to 200,000 deaths. In fact, listening to her, and then re-reading what she said to be sure I had indeed heard and remembered correctly, I’m left with the impression that she sees this as what will happen if we flatten now and continue quarantine (by any other name). I think 200k deaths is what she sees as worst case, with 100k deaths the goal. The comments of others who spoke seemed to share this outlook. The President honestly seems to think that we can keep it below 100k; but, he also backed Dr. Birx and her assessment.
Which leads one to wonder what they know that is not in the public domain. Something is known that scares those in leadership. Something that has made the President willing to put our economy in the tank and erode freedoms. I have suspicions about what some of it may be, but I also think further public speculation is not a good idea. For those with an analytical bent, pull up the session and watch when Dr. Birx speaks. Watch her, listen closely, then go back and this time when you view it watch what you can of the President and others. Watch the body language, listen carefully to his language. Then, tell me I’m wrong. Really, I hope I am.
If you are not watching/listening to these updates, you really should. What you get in the media is rarely close to what you get first hand. You also do get to hear at least one or two reporters with something of a clue ask a good question. You can skip the networks and other dreck, and see it live from the White House.
I really can’t blame them if they are not telling us everything. Look at the media-inspired panic of the initial lockdown and the chaos that has resulted from that. I have to admit, I’ve wondered a couple of times if some families are having toilet paper casserole for dinner given how many bought that (and apparently only that).
Since the media isn’t going to say it, once again, COVID-19 is not Capt. Tripps. It is not the flu. Chill, distance, and use good hygiene. STOP THE PANIC!
Also, a reminder once again: if you are sick or think you are sick, DO NOT GO TO WORK OR TO VISIT PEOPLE. Stay the frack home. Don’t be Stupid, go to work/out, and insist on getting up close and personal to everyone you meet. Yes, Stupid is capitalized as I work with Stupid, who did just that. Don’t be Stupid.
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As always:
If you suspect you have COVID-19 or have been exposed: call your state health department and work with them so that you can be dealt with in a way that minimizes the chance of spreading the virus to those helping you and to the general public. Can’t get them? Call your local department or see if your health service has online/telemedicine screening set up; or see if one who has will let you use it even if you are not in their network. Do not go out in public, and don’t go to an ER or other facility without calling ahead. Be smart.

Use the interactive graphic to keep track of things. Is COVID19 an epidemic? Yes. Is it a Pandemic? Yes. Is there need for panic? NO. HELL NO. Should you be paying attention? Yes. Hell yes. Should you be preparing? Yes, better late than never. And good luck finding/getting stuff.
Want to avoid catching COVID19 here in the U.S.? Wash your flippin hands frequently, wash them thoroughly every time you use the bathroom, then follow with hand sanitizer after every washing, use hand sanitizer liberally when you can’t wash on a regular basis. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and stay away from those who don’t. Also, keep your bugger hooks out of/away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Do NOT shake hands with anyone, and avoid touching or being touched by strangers. Or your strange friends.
Avoid travel if at all possible. If you have to travel, or go out for any reason, use lots of hand sanitizer and go to full flu protocols. If you have to use a public restroom, take full precautions including using paper towels and such to handle faucets, doors,etc. Believe it or not, this was highly recommended before now, and major grocery chains have long told employees to use those practices to avoid getting or spreading colds, flu, etc. Not many actually do it, but…
If you own a business, make sure your employees know the above protocols. Have someone who refuses to wash their hands or otherwise follow the protocols? Talk to them, write them up, and if necessary fire them as they now pose a risk of infection to you and your customers. Extreme? Yes, but while the CDC and others are working to slow it down, odds are it is already here and could hit hard and fast. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
I want to reiterate that there is no need for panic, but there is a strong need to be alert, be informed, and be prepared.
Good Sources Of Information On COVID-19
Instapundit (no longer doing roundups, but great articles from Glenn and his team)
South China Morning Post (decent, some salt may be needed)
Business Insider (decent, even if they did fall for some lies about Trump)
New England Journal of Medicine
Additional link to Johns Hopkins
More to come
Local Independent Businesses That Need Your Support
Oaken Barrel (Twitter at @OakenBarrel)
More to come
Other COVID19/COVID-19/2019-nCoV articles:
COVID-19 13Mar20 The Game Of Loads And Vectors Gets Real For America
COVID-19 9Mar20 The Game Of Loads And Vectors
COVID-19 7Mar20 How To Do It Right If You Have/Have Been Exposed To COVID-19
Quick Additional Thoughts On The Bureaucracy
COVID-19 28Feb20 Reasons To Hope, Reasons To Fear
COVID-19 A Plea To The Politicians (And Media)
COVID19 The Situation In China Gets Even Weirder
COVID19 24Feb20 Raising DEFCON
COVID19 21Feb20: Just Look At The Blooms Dear
Update & Quick Thoughts On Preparedness
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