How I long for a normal life again.

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News Headlines

"U.S. deaths from the novel coronavirus exceeded 140,000 on Saturday as cases continued to rise in 43 out of 50 states over the past two weeks." Reuters

“Missouri has set another record for daily increases in new coronavirus cases as the total jumped Saturday.” Fox News

Missourians refuse to wear masks.
“At a meeting Thursday on a proposed mask ordinance in Branson, Missouri resident after resident repeated deep suspicions of public health experts, the healthcare system and data tracking the spread of COVID-19. They invoked the Bible, rejected research showing masks can slow the spread of the virus and embraced conspiracy theories about everything from the so-called “deep state” to Bill Gates. One woman wore a wedding veil as a face shield and warned against moving toward a socialist society. Another brought a sign calling out the mayor for his “mask asphyxiation orders.” KC Star

“Officials have attributed the increases in COVID-19 cases to outbreaks in urban areas and outlying suburban counties, rising infections among young people ages 10 through 30.” St Louis Dispatch

“85 Infants Tested Positive for Coronavirus in Texas: They 'Have Not Even Had Their First Birthday Yet'” CNN That was just this week. Another news source says that one has died to date.

“Trump administration pushing to block new money for testing, tracing and CDC…and billions more for the Pentagon and State Department to address the pandemic at home and abroad” The Washington Post

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Following our neighbors’ large party last night, I found this “COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool” for all the counties in the USA: https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/ According to it, last night’s attendees had about a 45% risk that AT LEAST 1 COVID-19 positive individual would have been present, given the size of the event. Here’s what the Web Site says “Because of under-testing and the risk of exposure and infection, these risk calculations provide furher support for the ongoing need for social distancing and protective measures. Such precautions are still needed even in small events, given the large number of circulating cases.”

No new neighborhood parties tonight. However, last’s night large party was the 6th in our neighborhood since the beginning of April when the state was in “full shut down”. It was also the first (since COVID-19) to have a DJ and live band.

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The pure craziness in Branson was part of the news at breakfast. Reuters’ death stats was the news tonight.

Although it was too hot to go outside until almost 5 PM (when the sun softened & the actual tempt dropped to the mid 90’s), I again spent 4 hours on our deck. The heat index supposedly still was close about 100 degrees. But with a strong breeze, it didn’t feel that bad in the shade. Being outside definitely was better than being confined inside the house.