The Virus

[rocl]

I think that our civilized world is based on human beings working together in a co-operative way. Only a part of that is economic.

[AzJon]

This has become such a fascinating thread.

Reading from the beginning creates quite the interesting arch.

[Brilliant Bill]

I get the impression something has upset you, Bill.

Deb, I've been "upset" since 1967. That's when this country made me a murderer by sending me to Vietnam to kill people for folly.

[Deb]

I'm sorry, Bill.

[Scrawler]

I think that our civilized world is based on human beings working together in a co-operative way. Only a part of that is economic.

Humans work together in cooperation much more easily when there are systems in place that ensure they are fed and cleaned up after. Without the economic systems generating the wealth to allow the JiT consumer msystem to deliver food and supplies, we would stop cooperating very quickly. It could be argued that civilization is a veneer three days food supply thick.

[rocl]

I think that our civilized world is based on human beings working together in a co-operative way. Only a part of that is economic.

Humans work together in cooperation much more easily when there are systems in place that ensure they are fed and cleaned up after. Without the economic systems generating the wealth to allow the JiT consumer system to deliver food and supplies, we would stop cooperating very quickly. It could be argued that civilization is a veneer three days food supply thick.

The humans were there before the systems and it was humans who created and set up the systems and we constantly modify them. All of our systems are important but they are OUR systems and if they stop serving us as well as they might then we need to amend them.

[VertOlive]

Reporting from the trenches here. Oddly enough, we have record numbers of people showing up to donate blood and blood components. I don’t know whether this is altruism or cabin fever. Because of the cessation of elective surgeries (except for some electives in high demand), we actually have excess components on hand to the point where the shortest-lived ones are being discarded unused. Donor schedules are being rearranged due to the change in the pace of demand.

In another instance, 3 Sherriff’s deputies came to our lab to scrounge rubber gloves and hand sanitizer because they’re running short. Even prior to this current scene, when on pickups of deceased, I noticed law enforcement always looked to us to bring the PPE. I’ve never understood why that isn’t standard carry for them. Maybe I’ve only ever encountered the one-offs?

[85AKbN]

[welch]

Here in NYC: the state seems to be the current hottest how spot , and the City the hottest spot in the state. We live above the Henry Hudson Parkway, and usually can hear a steady stream of cars. Especially during rush hour. Can see them if we look.

It is quiet, though. Cars are spaced widely. Across the street, on the other side of our building, the City has left the gate open to the playground beside the local elementary / middle school. Parents take their kids, but not nearly as many as on a normal weekend. People walk their dogs, but none of the normal "hellos" and chats. I can see buses on the next avenue over, but can't see if anyone is riding. Haven't, myself, ridden a bus or subway in almost three weeks.

Governor Cuomo gives a situation report almost every day about 10:45. In today's talk, he said that the state has, or will have, about 14,000 ventilators, the key device to turn a hospital room into an Intensive Care Unit room. Will need 40,000 before the infection peak wave crashes. Suggests that enough ventilators be moved to NY to manage the wave-crash. After that, infections will decrease; ventilators can then be moved to the next hot-spot. Plus extra medical specialists from New York, plus, expertise that New York has gained.

Daughter's work is shut -- she works for a labor union -- so she is at home. She and our son call one or more per day, worried about us. Grand-children eager to talk to "oma" and "opa" -- our names since my wife is Dutch.

Have been able to order groceries from a supermarket around the corner. Normally, we practice "just-in-time" shopping. Got a smaller refrigerator more than ten years ago, when it became clear that the kids would not be moving back home. Now the fridge might be too small. Have enough basics to last, and can now order perishables, such as the chicken we ate last night. My own constant need is seltzer, or "sparkling water". Found some Pellegrino on Amazon, and ordered a six-pack of 1-liter bottles. Arrives Friday, and then I'll be happy.

Neighborhood hospital, a major teaching hospital, among the best in the world and a big place, had about 500 cases of the Coronavirus yesterday or the day before. If this is not the peak, the the peak will be bad. Really bad.

[Chrissy]

It's reported today that Prince Charles has tested positive but maybe he hasn't visited his elderly mother as she's in good health.

[sgphoto]

Being an American I've never been much on royalty. But I will say the Queen and her father the King were the best of the 20th century.

[Dreck]

Reporting from the trenches here. Oddly enough, we have record numbers of people showing up to donate blood and blood components. I don’t know whether this is altruism or cabin fever. Because of the cessation of elective surgeries (except for some electives in high demand), we actually have excess components on hand to the point where the shortest-lived ones are being discarded unused. Donor schedules are being rearranged due to the change in the pace of demand.

Glad to hear it.

In another instance, 3 Sherriff’s deputies came to our lab to scrounge rubber gloves and hand sanitizer because they’re running short. Even prior to this current scene, when on pickups of deceased, I noticed law enforcement always looked to us to bring the PPE. I’ve never understood why that isn’t standard carry for them. Maybe I’ve only ever encountered the one-offs?

I can't speak to the training or budgetary constraints of the police force at your previous rural-ish location, but in the short time I worked as an EMT, the tendency of law enforcement to not bring their own gloves was practically a truism. While many paramedics and firefighters chose to look the other way and complain later, I tended to get protective and confrontational. I was the one who had to restock the ambulance and maintain inventory, after all. The excuse I generally heard was either that they use them so infrequently that they never thought about grabbing their own (even though a box in the squad car is standard inventory) or it was like something from a speech on wealth redistribution "Well, you guys always have lots of gloves and I only have..." My response: Nope. Use your own damned gloves and if there's a situation that warrants you dipping into our supply then I'll front you a pair. One pair. You did bring your own bullets, didn't you--or do you want me to provide you with some of the Speer Gold Dots I have back at the station?

[Jon Szanto]

Here in NYC...

Sending you best wishes, as I have many friends there and am aware of the situation. If nothing else, you have Cuomo, who has stepped up in a way that few leaders can or do. Massively better leadership than in the Oval Office at the moment. Hang tough.

[TSherbs]

Sending you best wishes, as I have many friends there and am aware of the situation. If nothing else, you have Cuomo, who has stepped up in a way that few leaders can or do. Massively better leadership than in the Oval Office at the moment. Hang tough.

agree with all of this

[Fermata]

It's reported today that Prince Charles has tested positive but maybe he hasn't visited his elderly mother as she's in good health.

I think that what is so heartwarming is the way that the Royal Family pull together and give their full support to each other.

[Chrissy]

@Fermata that is hilarious.

[jar]

[Hawker800]

https://youtu.be/nmUXntGlqFI

[Chrissy]

https://youtu.be/nmUXntGlqFI

Very good. That guy can sing.

[Dreck]

https://youtu.be/nmUXntGlqFI

Very good. That guy can sing.

Much better than this guy
.
.