The Laughing Wolf

COVID-19 7Mar20 How To Do It Right If You Have/Have Been Exposed To COVID-19

COVID-19 13Mar20 The Game Of Loads And Vectors Gets Real For America

Starting with a bit of humor today, as the vast majority of people in the U.S. have not been paying attention and for them the world turned upside down yesterday. Beloved celebrities, sports, music, movies, and more. For the majority, many of whom who reacted with anger and more, the Game Of Loads And Vectors just got real.

For me, I just wish this one had been real. Fake news, outstanding troll, and really well done. Sadly, it’s not and what follows is all too real and all too frequent

Thanks to Larry Correia and Jessie Barrett for this

There really isn’t a lot to say right now. This never has been (and never could have been because of the Chinese) about prevention. It is about slowing the rate of infection so as not to overwhelm the medical system. It is about slowing the rate of infection to allow time to ramp up resources, do research, and develop both treatments and vaccine(s). It is about protecting as many lives as possible, along with the economic health of the Republic and its Citizens.

Sadly, we are behind the curve. Not because of the Administration or Trump or Pence, etc. No, the failure rests squarely on the shoulders of the elite, the pros, the deep bureaucracy/deep state. Don’t believe me? Well, here’s this in the New York Times and here’s this in Reason. Then, go read this about a different aspect of the failure of the CDC to prepare to perform their basic and fundamental mission.

Why does it matter? Well, immediately it matters because that lack of preparation and failure to do the job not only spreads infections, but results in needless deaths. This comparison of the difference in outcomes between Italy and South Korea puts it in black and white. It also matters in a few months, when we vote not just for candidates, but between freedom or an expanded inflexible incompetent bureaucracy (a la China, Iran, and several other countries). Seriously, use the interactive graphic to compare outcomes between those with robust systems and competition to those that are state monopolies. Interesting difference, no?

As for why those now braying that it is no worse than the flu are wrong, this is just one point but it is a good one. Those saying it’s just the flu are idiots on par with those claiming it doesn’t exist and those claiming we’re all gonna die. Ultimately, there is no real difference between them.

Is it going to get worse? Yes. The infection will spread. Potentially to millions of Citizens. What matters is the rate of spread. The more it is slowed down now, the better the outcomes on every level. The spread is not a failure on anyone’s part. The rate of spread, however, may well be a massive failure on the part of the bureaucracy if it is anything but slow.

Again, there is no need to panic. In some ways, it is worse than the flu, and in others (for others) it is not. What is needed is rational thought, rational preparedness and response, and just general rationality. To get the latter (or most any of the rest) turn off the media. Then, try turning on your brain. Read, study, listen, learn.

But, hey, don’t listen to me. I’ve only been a science writer (former journalist) for more than 30 years covering medical/biomedical research during much of that time; been involved with medical/biomedical research to varying degrees for more than 10 years; and earned my basic Military Emergency Management Systems certification and badge. Obviously, by the standards of the politico/media elite, I have no clue what I’m talking about.

As always:

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.

Other COVID19/COVID-19/2019-nCoV articles:

COVID-19 12Mar20

COVID-19 11Mar20

COVID-19 7Mar20 How To Do It Right If You Have/Have Been Exposed To COVID-19

COVID-19 12Mar20

The last week has had me really wanting to just bang my head on the desk, the wall, or any other hard surface. Or, to hit the already way-to-slim strategic alcohol reserve. Those seem to be the two best responses to the needless panic and media-fueled hysteria over COVID-19.

Yes, it is serious though as we are getting good data (finally!) we are seeing less impact here than is being seen elsewhere. As noted in previous updates, that is because of better health, better health systems, better public and private sanitation, better air quality, and a few other factors. The key for us remains to keep it from overwhelming the health system which it can and will do unless the rate of spread is slowed. Here, unless you are older (70+) and/or have an underlying health condition(s), the odds are it will be more like a cold or flu. If you are in the demographic mentioned, then you have a far greater chance of serious illness or death. Again, so long as we can keep on top of it, and not let things get out of hand, this should remain the case.

That is why I am glad for the travel ban, and I personally would have expanded it a bit. It is why I am glad to see schools, sports, and others cancelling events or going to virtual attendance and participation. It breaks vector chains, which along with good hygiene to lower personal viral loads, should slow down or effectively stop the spread for now. I also fully expect a partisan reaction to it, given that the opposition also fully and strongly opposed the China travel ban, which has been proven to have been effective.

As for the media/political complex, please go read this and then go read this. The media has worked hard to lose the public trust for quite some time, and they can’t understand why people don’t trust them — even as they openly lie about events for partisan purposes.

For those who still claim the CDC and more government are the be-all and end-all, and just what we need to deal with things like this, go read this from the New York Times. (Hat Tip Instapundit) When you’ve lost the Times… Keep in mind that the CDC, WHO, FDA, etc. are first and foremost political agencies and not medical/health agencies. You don’t build power and budgets by sticking to your tasks after all. Don’t think WHO is mostly political (despite some good people working for it)? Then why was it only yesterday that they declared this a pandemic? (Hint, China).

Speaking of China, this bullshit about calling the Wuhan virus the Wuhan virus, the Wuhan coronavirus, etc. being racist is beyond ridiculous. Telephone call for those pushing that: West Nile, Lyme Disease, and the Spanish Flu would like a word with you… Also, counter-intel types: pay attention to who starts this, as you likely will find Chinese money and influence at work, sometimes in the highest levels of government.

Do me a favor: anyone who wants to help me build up the strategic alcohol and tobacco reserves so I can keep wading through the raging torrents of stupid out there, please feel free to do so.

But, hey, don’t listen to me. I’ve only been a science writer (former journalist) for more than 30 years covering medical/biomedical research during that time; been involved with medical/biomedical research to varying degrees for more than 10 years; and earned my basic Military Emergency Management Systems certification/badge. Obviously, by the standards of the politico/media elite, I have no clue what I’m talking about.

As always:

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. Should you be paying attention? Yes. Hell yes. Should you be preparing? Yes, better late than never. And good luck finding/getting stuff.

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.

Other COVID19/COVID-19/2019-nCoV articles:

COVID-19 11Mar20

COVID-19 7Mar20 How To Do It Right If You Have/Have Been Exposed To COVID-19

COVID-19 11Mar20

Want to avoid the suffering of COVID-19? Do these three steps: 1. Shut off the media. 2. Wash your hands and follow other basic flu protocols. 3. Don’t panic.

Pretty much too late for that for most, but turning off the media is a good first step to a rational response to all that is going on. If you think you’ve got COVID-19 or have been exposed:

I’m pleased to see that two of Indiana’s largest universities are implementing e-learning as a means of helping slow/stop the spread. A number of other colleges and universities are doing the same. Now if we could get all schools, colleges, and universities here and across the nation to do it… My recommendations of the last two days still stand. We need to get ahead of things to win The Game Of Loads And Vectors.

I’m also disgusted. I’m disappointed in the panic; disgusted at the reprehensible and frankly dishonest reporting and panic-mongering by the politico-media class; and, at the apathy towards the clear need to reform and refine our capabilities to fight threats like this.

As always:

Use the interactive graphic to keep track of things. Is COVID19 an epidemic? Yes. Is it a Pandemic? Not according to WHO, but most everyone else is saying yes, it is. Is there need for panic? No. Should you be paying attention? Yes. Hell yes. Should you be preparing? Yes, better late than never.

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.

Other COVID19/COVID-19/2019-nCoV articles:

COVID-19 7Mar20 How To Do It Right If You Have/Have Been Exposed To COVID-19

COVID-19 10Mar20

Two interesting things out of the South China Morning Post this morning. First, the apparent airborne vector for COVID-19 may be able to travel twice as far as the official “safe distance” and stay in the air 30 minutes. If true, very interesting. For now, recommend a grain of salt until this can be verified outside of China. No offense, but anything out of China has to be taken with a grain, or tun, of salt. Two, Asian markets are rebounding this morning as deal hunters go shopping. Not at all unexpected, and what any smart investors should be doing.

A study in courage this morning is this report on why COVID-19 seems to be worse for men than women. Biological males and females are different, who knew!

I will up my recommendation of yesterday, and possibly double-down as well. In the Game of Loads and Vectors, we need to be aggressive to win. Well, the school district I referenced yesterday has shut down ALL schools for two weeks and gone to e-learning. This gives time for things to stabilize and for all schools, busses, etc. to be cleaned and sanitized.

Yesterday, I recommended that this be done state-wide. Today, I will say I think it should be done nation-wide. Yes, it will be something of a hard reset; but, it could just be the firebreak that the coasts (particularly West) need and to keep things from cascading in the interior. This will be politics with a capital P, but it also makes some good epidemiological sense.

For individuals, I continue to recommend hand-washing and good hygiene. I still do not think masks are a good idea for most people unless they have something (other than COVID-19) and don’t want to share/start a panic.

If you are 60+; have smoked and inhaled smoke into your lungs for an extended period of time; currently smoke and inhale smoke into your lungs; have COPD; or, have other underlying health conditions: I strongly urge you not to travel, to limit public exposure, and to take up strict flu protocols. This population is the most susceptible and the population with the worst outcomes for COVID-19. This is also the only population where I would recommend talking with your doctor about the advisability of wearing a mask during limited public exposure.

And, once again, please stop the panic. Yes, this is scary and we don’t know nearly as much about it as we should. That said, the largest reason to slow the outbreak is not to save lives, but to prevent overloading our medical system — which would result in far worse outcomes and many (possibly many many) more deaths. Keep in mind, that while people have died here in the U.S. from COVID-19, the flu has already killed some 20,000 people this season.

The key to this is to stay alert, be informed (which means learning, not reacting to fear mongering and panic-incitement by the politico-media class), and be prepared.

Along those lines, I’ve been meaning to go back and say something about this post by Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit, which looked at this article on preparing for COVID-19. Glenn makes the point that:

“This logic, though the author doesn’t quite seem to grasp it, actually applies to all varieties of prepping. The better you can look after yourself and yours, the less of a drain you are on emergency resources. The press wants to treat prepping as selfish, but it’s actually the opposite.”

The media does all it can to portray preparedness and “prepping” in a negative light. Just note the show referenced in the article as one example. Part of this is pure elitism of a media class that lives almost exclusively in the bubbles on the coasts (particularly NYC). Part of it is pure politics, as having prepared, resilient, and self-reliant Citizens runs contrary to enshrining victimhood as a reason to expand government.

Practical preparedness always pays. Not only for you, but for society as a whole. Having larger numbers of people prepared and not a drain also allows more efficient triage in an emergency of any type, as well as a more efficient application of potentially limited resources. All the more reason I need to get back to writing about same and getting the book back underway.

Selfish is not preparation. Selfish is panic buying massive amounts of items, far more than needed, and hoarding them. Selfish is going into work or public places sick, or breaking quarantine to do a public event. Selfish is deliberately encouraging a panic for your own gain.

Don’t be selfish. Be smart, and be prepared.

As always:

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.

Other COVID19/COVID-19/2019-nCoV articles:

COVID-19 7Mar20 How To Do It Right If You Have/Have Been Exposed To COVID-19

My Politics

While there are many who presume my politics, I think it is time to lay them out again so that people who think can know what they are. In some regards, it is simple:

I’m a cranky individualist who is getting crankier by the day.

In more refined terms, I am a small-L libertarian, classical liberal, fiscal and defense conservative, and strict Constitutionalist. I believe that the best government is a small government, and that real (not crony) capitalism is the best system to bring people out of poverty and ensure prosperity for all.

I despise the current leadership of both the Democratic and Republican parties. There may be a few exceptions in there, but neither party puts the well-being of the Republic and its Citizens ahead of their own power and money. That is changing a bit in one case, but absent constant push they will go back to what they’ve been doing for decades to the detriment of the Republic.

I’m a small-L libertarian because the Big L party is nuts and unserious. I really want something like what is described in The Probability Broach, but that is for now a dream. Yes, I’m an Amazon Affiliate, see the disclaimer upper right.

I’m a classical liberal in that I believe that property rights are inviolate, and the first and most important property we have is ourselves and our lives. I believe that each individual should make the decisions that are best for them, free from interference. Yes, people will make bad decisions, and in that case it is not up to the government to save them from themselves (impossible anyway), especially using taxpayer dollars taken at gun point from the rest of us. That is not charity, it is mugging dressed up in a fancy suit. If individuals or a group of individuals working as a charity want to do something, that’s great and fine as they are doing it with their own funds and of their own free will.

I believe that freedoms do come from God as noted in the Constitution, not the government. I want to see freedom restored and expanded, so that we can (and will) do more. Everyone should be free to live as they see fit, with their rights only coming to a stop when they impinge on the rights of another. Morality can’t be legislated or forced on people. So, please quit trying. Also, stop trying to force immorality on others.

I do believe that we need the best defense possible, and that such is incorporated into the Constitution. I think that whatever size government, though I want a small one, needs to be frugal and stretch every dollar as far as possible.

I believe in trimming the government back to the limits of the Constitution. It is bloated, the regulatory environment onerous and out of control, and all branches of government have failed to do their sworn duties and obligations.

I believe that we, the Citizens, need to make educated and informed decisions for ourselves and for our voting.

I don’t think that those who disagree with me are automatically evil, mean, etc. In fact, there are any number of people who disagree with me that I like and can talk to. The othering, the denial of Grace and forgiveness, and the violence have to stop.

What you do in your own home is up to you, provided that all involved consent. Who you love, and how, is really none of my business — again, provided it is between parties capable of forming consent. Don’t demand that I endorse anything you say or do, on any subject, as that impinges on my rights and even on my responsibilities. That includes the extremely anti-freedom (fascist even) PC and related codes. Cancel culture needs to go, now.

Don’t demand I vote a certain way, for a certain party, or anything else that removes my right to vote my conscience and beliefs. My Dad raised me to vote for the best person, not a party, and his words are wise. Heed them.

Equal opportunity does NOT mean equal outcomes. Every system that tries to create equal outcomes has failed, and in the process killed millions over the ages even as they eliminated all concepts of freedom.

Finally, going back up a bit, freedom means taking responsibility for our own actions. For good or for ill, step up and own your convictions and your actions. Don’t blame society for your choices. Live, learn, and grow. That’s what each of us should be doing. We sometimes learn more from our mistakes.

If someone screws up, owns up, do what you can to help them get back up. Encouragement, support, or more — it’s up to you.

So, in a nutshell, there you go. Each point can be debated and expanded upon, but it gives you a rough idea of where I stand.

COVID-19 9Mar20 The Game Of Loads And Vectors

Going to have to be short and sweet this morning, as other duties call. Trust me, would rather be here doing this and other writing than doing what I have to do this morning.

An elementary school student is now the third confirmed case of COVID-19 here in Indiana. The school district where the student lives has wisely (IMO) chosen to implement a system-wide e-learning day today (diagnosis was yesterday) and has announced that the school the student attended will be closed for two weeks. Students there will take part in e-learning and other learning opportunities during that time.

Frankly, I think it would be a good idea for this to go statewide as soon as possible. Right now, we have few confirmed cases and a somewhat reasonable number of what I would call probably exposed. These are people who had more than casual contact with one of the people infected, but not constant contact.

Epidemiology is, in many respects, a game of loads and vectors. You need a certain number of microbes of any type to infect any one person — the load. That number varies based on health, hygiene, and other factors. You need a means of transmitting those microbes, such as sneezing, touch, etc. — the vector.

Washing your hands and strong personal hygiene reduces the number of microbes on you at any time, especially those that could travel via the hands to the mouth, nose, and eyes. Staying ten feet away from anyone sick is a good way of avoiding transmission via cough, sneeze, or just breathing. Being careful what you touch, using the disinfectant wipes at the store on the handles of the grocery cart, and all those other things reduces the amount of microbes that can get to you. You’ve cut the load.

Now we get to vectors. We are still in the early days of this, but we also have an opportunity to break one or more vector chains. If we close all schools, colleges, and universities; and, if along with that we urge people to stay home, cancel public events, and encourage private events to postpone, there is the chance to break vectors relating to physical and airborne transmission. Break enough of the vector chains, and the spread will slow or even stop (temporarily).

This buys time for treatments to be developed, vaccines developed and produced, and will prevent overloading the medical system. It’s a prudent move, though I doubt it will happen. If it doesn’t happen this week or next, the odds are it will be done several weeks too late to be truly effective.

As always:

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.

Other COVID19/COVID-19/2019-nCoV articles:

COVID-19 7Mar20 How To Do It Right If You Have/Have Been Exposed To COVID-19

Cigar Sunday

Since we are in some ways starting over, I thought it might be a good idea to truly start at the beginning.

Welcome to Cigar Sundays and how to enjoy a cigar. Think of this post as a sort of Cigar 101 for the new smoker, and, a bit of a brush-up for the more experienced people.

There are those who will tell you that you can only start with one type of cigar and that it had to be rolled on the thigh of a virgin, that you can only light it with cedar, that you can only light it with a special type of match, that you can only light it with a special type of torch lighter, that you have to puff/not puff rapidly, and a lot of other balderdash. Just as with someone telling you you have to rub honey in the bowl of a new pipe and let it dry before smoking, people who tell you these things really don’t know what they are talking about.

First rule of Cigar Club: There are no rules.

There is no one right way to enjoy a good cigar. There is no one right type of cigar. There is no one right way to light it, to smoke it, or anything else. Nor do you have to spend a huge amount of money on either the cigar or on related gear.

First, if you are new, I do recommend starting with something milder. Breaking in gently is not a bad way to go. The only problem is, there are a lot of expensive hot air sticks (cigars with no flavor), so go to a good store and the staff will be glad to help you find something good to start. If you are here in Indianapolis, allow me to recommend The Pipe Puffer on the south side across from Greenwood Mall. Great selection, good prices, and the staff (and many of the regulars) know their stuff.

Once you have your stick, you will need to cut or punch it before smoking. Toasting, the different types of cuts, and punching will be a Cigar 102 post. Get some advice, cut or punch, and then light up.

The key to lighting is simply to evenly apply whatever flame you use so that you get an nice even burn. Use a match, a torch, a regular lighter — whatever works for you. Take your time, get it even, then puff.

Now, the one thing I don’t recommend is inhaling. Most of us just pull the smoke into our mouths and enjoy the flavor. While I do know a couple of people who inhale into their lungs, most people find it very unpleasant. As in it makes them sick. So, just avoid it for now.

Don’t puff too hard or too fast. Take the time to savor the flavors, and note how they change as you work your way down the cigar. Most cigars, or at least good ones, are made so that the flavor changes about every third of the way. A cigar may start out mild and work up; or, it may start strong, then mellow, and come back for a strong finish. Some do maintain a fairly constant flavor, but even there you may notice some of the flavor notes coming and going as you smoke.

The main thing is to enjoy your smoke. If the first one is too mild or too strong, try another. Over time, as you smoke, you will probably find that what you enjoy changes over time. For example, I started on reasonably mild cigars and now very much enjoy fuller-flavored cigars. I particularly like Maduro cigars for the chocolate, leather, and spice notes you can get with them.

Also, don’t smoke it too fast. Yes, you will see videos where people try to smoke various cigars as fast as possible. Know of someone who took one of those challenges, and his reward was running out the door to vomit. Not worth it IMO.

As you try new things, you will find out about the different types of wrapper and the flavors they impart (which are about 90 percent of the flavor in fact). How binder and filler can add (or detract) from the cigar. What makes a good cigar. It all comes with time, with learning and listening, and experience.

Oh, when I said no rules, I do mean it but don’t: try to light a bubble gum cigar; don’t try to light one of the leaf wrapped cigars without removing the leaf; don’t dip the lit end of the cigar into any adult beverage you may have or be offered; and, well, things like that. I really do need to record the tales of the Lurch one day…

So, go forth and enjoy.

COVID-19 8Mar20

The panic is off and running. Want to avoid getting it? Wash your hands, often and well. Consider sterilizing the things you use often as well, such as your keyboard, cell phone, tooth brush, etc. A single molecule/virus is unlikely to infect you: the key is to reduce the load of any microbe below that load needed for infection.

This virus has not acted normally, and now we have a better understanding of why. A friend kindly provided me with links to three studies that have shed new light on how COVID-19 infects people, and it is both fascinating and interesting. Fascinating from a biomolecular viewpoint and interesting in terms of some of the questions this news raises.

This paper outlines how the virus shares an ACE2 receptor with SARS. ACE2 expression explains some of the oddity of who it infects and why it has been more deadly in China. Short version is that ACE2 expression is small (to non-existent) in healthy lungs; but, as we grow older it starts to crop up. When you live with heavy air pollution (such as China) and if you are a heavy cigarette smoker, your lungs are damaged, increasing the expression. This paper gets into the smoking aspect.

The real kicker, however, is that COVID-19 has a mutated gene similar to Ebola and SARS that gives it up to 1,000 times the ability of SARS to bind with human cells. There is a lot of detail to be found in this article at the South China Morning Post.

The good news out of all of the above is that ACE2 inhibitors and a number of HIV drugs may work on COVID-19, or at least slow it down. It opens up several fronts on fighting the disease while effective and efficient vaccines are developed. How and why it developed the similar mutation to Ebola and HIV is a very interesting question. Another question is how much damage the virus does to the lungs, and if it is permanent as this article suggests.

Meantime, the fight is on continuing to throttle the rate of infection spread here in the U.S. So far, that strategy is working despite the CDC (hat tip to Insty) and others. The testing issue is major, as is CDC staffers hanging up on doctors who disagree with them and incidents like this that are far more frequent than is being reported (again, hat tip to Insty). The goal is to slow it down so that warmer weather will slow it further. Why?

As I noted in a previous post, unchecked it will overload the system, just as it has done in China and elsewhere. This report from Business Insider notes that hospitals have been warned to prepare for 4.8 million hospitalizations in a worst-case scenario. By the way, if you are looking for reasonably good and accurate coverage, keep the BI coronavirus search going, and also stay up with the South China Morning Post coronavirus coverage. Also, Instapundit runs frequent updates and collections of stories that are a good resource.

Failure to do things properly is partly the blame with what has happened in Washington State and elsewhere. Improper responses have caused dozens of first responders and health care professionals to have to be quarantined, taking them out of the fight for the time being. I say yet again, if you are a first responder or medical professional, go to the highest level of protocol that your agency will allow. You won’t do anyone any good in quarantine.

Slowing the spread prevents overloading the system. If you suspect you have COVID-19 or have been exposed, do like the person in Indianapolis discussed yesterday: 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.

Here in Indiana, IU Health has launched a free online screening process. I expect to see more efforts like this, as it will allow people to be screened efficiently and effectively while limiting exposure and spread.

The continued kicker is that based on anecdotal evidence, there seem to be a higher number of “superspreaders” who also appear to be spreading while asymptomatic. The latest (again from BI) is in NYC and there are 20 cases linked to him.

Again (and again), the best defense is to wash your hands frequently and well, and to use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash or between washings. Want to do more? Avoid unnecessary travel and avoid large gatherings (esp. since many cases have come from conferences and such, including CPAC). Work form home, telecommute, and use virtual meetings for as much as possible. Do not shake hands. If someone is visibly sick and/or not following good protocols (hand washing, covering mouth and nose when sneezing/coughing, etc.) avoid them by about ten feet if possible. If you are 70 plus and/or have health issues, stay home as much as possible. If you have to go out, follow the above stringently. Been at a crowded event? Wash, bathe, and wash your clothes. You don’t need to kill every germ, just enough to stay below the load level.

Again (and again), COVID-19 is NOT Capt. Tripps. So, stop the panic and freakout. It is worse than the flu to certain populations, surprisingly mild in some ways outside of those populations, and right now the mortality numbers here in the U.S. are well below that of flu, which kills between 12,000-61,000 people in the U.S. each year. And, note that thanks to the early travel restrictions, the U.S. has the lowest per capita infection rate of any country with more than 100 cases by a significant margin. So, again, please stop the panic. You can safely ignore most of the media coverage, especially if it focuses on the political angle. So far, such reporting (and the politics) have almost 180 degrees from reality.

Your response to this, ultimately, is as important — if not more important — than the government response. You have the power to protect yourself. You have the power to avoid spreading it. You have the ability to think, plan, and prepare if a general quarantine is put in place for your area.

Think.

Yes, it’s hard and the media is stoking the panic for all it’s worth. All the more reason to stop, think, learn, and do what is right for you and for your fellow citizens.

So, wash those hands, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and don’t go running into an area crowded with already compromised people if you think you have it (i.e. a doc-in-the-box, ER, etc.). Think, then act. Use an online screening process, call your state health department, or similar step and then do what they tell you to do.

Final quick note: bureaucracies are not fast and responsive, particularly when they have mission bloat. That said, for all that some elements of the CDC (and WHO and others) are fucking up by the numbers, there are good people in all them who are having to fight their own administrations (not The Administration) to try to get things done. My hat is off to them, and if there is any way I can help them I’m glad to do it. I have a fond but faint hope that one good to come out of this is that some long-overdue reforms of the CDC and FDA may finally happen. It’s time to have the experts in charge again, not political administrators. Both need to be lean, mean, and flexible — something they are far from being now.

As always:

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.

Other COVID19/COVID-19/2019-nCoV articles:

COVID-19 7Mar20 How To Do It Right If You Have/Have Been Exposed To COVID-19