Day 20

It is March 31, 2020 and day 20 for me on this journey that is Covid19. A virus outbreak that has seized the world and stopped much of commerce, sports, entertainment and public outings.  Social distancing is the new norm as the world has taken to shelter-at-home in order to slow the spread of the virus as it ricochets around the globe, not only infecting people, but taking lives in it's storm. In world news, as the number of deaths in the US in one day surpassed 500 with more than half of those in New York a makeshift hospital has been set up in Central Park.  An anti-malaria drug is being used to treat the symptoms and although it has uncertain side effects desperate times and all that. Many Americans are still abroad in other countries and the window may be closing for them to return home. Officials are not sure how long flights will remain an option as more and more airlines are grounded flights. In Denver, people and businesses have been given warnings and citations when they have no complied with the shelter-at-home order. Today at 3:19 PM the WHO dashboard looks like this.

 Today also marked the very first day of remote teaching for Maren and I. It was a day spent connecting with students and answering questions.  The process is all new to everyone and because the nature of instruction much of it is student directed. We both had good days and it felt good to see the faces of young people. Here is how I dressed for work on this day one of remote teaching..

I created some videos for kids to watch.  Giving them ideas of what to do during their day. One was me showing them how to make a sock ball and how to set up targets using boxes, paper plates and towels. I also created two fitness videos showing both push up and jumping jack variations.

Good night world and good luck.

Day 19

Today is March 30, 2020. We began today getting up for work, for the first time in two weeks, reporting remotely to a staff meeting then researching remote learning strategies (google classrooms, google meets, etc) Strange days indeed. The world outside is all dealing with this same situation as 290 billion kids are not attending a brick and mortar school, but instead attending virtual classrooms.
In other news, the US continues to struggle with the virus building momentum as supplies and tests are in short order. The latest from the WHO dashboard is this...it is 5:15 PM Mountain time

Around the world, Italy continues to plunge into the depths of horror as 812 more lives are claimed by the corona virus. In the US, the states of NY, California and Louisiana continue to struggle.  The experts are saying the US is not even at it's peak yet meaning the virus will continue to wreak havoc on the cities and "no metropolitan area will be spared". The fear is many hundreds of thousands of lives will be lost before this virus is finished. 

 In local news, governor Polis has stated at a press conference on Monday afternoon that "it very likely students will spend the rest of this school year learning remotely" A state wide ban on all schools closing their doors until April 17 is in effect, but so is a closure of restaurants and bars until May 11. The governor has stated that the spread of the virus has slowed down due to the March 16th shelter-in-home order as cases are doubling every 4-5 days instead of every two days.   

Day 18

Today is March 29, 2020  The situation continues to be a fluid one as the number of virus cases and deaths is climbing. Speculation is the U.S. will hit it's peak in various cities at different times.  Either way all of these peaks will take place in the next few months if they have not already occurred. New York, New Jersey, California, Washington, Georgia and Louisiana are states that are going through series impact right now.  The number of confirmed cases continues to grow and experts say these numbers are inaccurate because of lack of testing and people who are self-quarantine and not going in for testing. The situation dashboard is this a t 4:13 PM

This morning we had a video party for Janice who is turning 50 this year. It was nice to see and talk to everyone today.  We also spoke with Maren's mom and dad. Currently, Maren is having a virtual book club check-in with her friends. I took some time to create google classrooms and submit a few early on resources for kids to access.Today was a really nice day and the sheltered photo of the day is

As of today the president is extending the nations' shelter-at-home guidelines until April 30th.
Good night America and good luck

Day 17

Today is March 28, 2020 This is day 17 of my journey through the Coronavirus pandemic and day 5 of Denver city order to shelter at home. The world is in different timelines regarding the pandemic.  China is in recovery as is Korea, but many countries including the U.S. are bracing for the peak of this virus. Other countries such as Italy and Spain are being completely overwhelmed by this horrific and deadly virus which has claimed thousands of lives around the world...the latest WHO dashboard as of 4:45 PM

Although many countries around the world are invoking social distancing a recent article in the Washington Post states..."Social distancing is building bumps to slow the spread of the virus. We have to respect the order...Melissa Nolan, an epidemiologist, said the efficacy of social distancing "is the million-dollar question right now" 

The next few weeks will likely see an increase of cases and deaths where the virus is still at full strength and a decrease of cases and deaths where the virus has already done it's most damage and is waning. Today's shelter at home photo...

Day 16

Today is March 27, 2020 The world is in the middle of a virus outbreak that is doing damage to many countries (some worse than others) The U.S. yesterday became the most affected country now in terms of number of cases. There is much speculation that the number of cases throughout the world is greater than being reported. Nonetheless, America has surpassed China in total number of cases reported.  This is the latest WHO dashboard as of 4:37 pm

Today was cloudy and a bit chilly in Denver. Maren and I did some research on remote learning. Then took Pucci for a walk. It's been a quiet day in general. In news, President Trump invoked the Defense production act which will require GM to create ventilators. He also signed the largest bailout in history (2 trillion dollars) Elon Musk's Tesla company has donated hundreds of ventilators to NY.
And once again Italy surpassed it's 24 hour death total with 919 deaths and now register over 9,000 deaths in Italy alone almost 1/3 of the world total.
The following link talks about the possible outcomes in which the pandemic will play out.
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/how-will-coronavirus-end/608719/
Today's photo is how many of us feel.

Day 15

Today is March 26, 2020 and day 15 of my personal journey through the Covid-19 virus outbreak that is crippling our world.  It seems like a movie or book and so surreal. The WHO dashboard looks like this today at 3:34 PM.

 The virus continues to ramp up in number of cases and deaths. Italy is closing in on China in the number of cases as is the U.S. Most countries have shelter at home orders, but flights and travel are still happening and essential workers are still in service.  Of course, health care workers and emergency services are overwhelmed and the medical supplies are in shortage as many volunteers and corporations continue to create masks and other medical equipment. On Monday ebfore the shelter at home order went into affect Maren and her girlfriends were creating masked to be used by a nurse friend.

This morning we played mancala and drank coffee. Otherwise it was a quiet day spent inside reading and listening to audio books. I spoke with my super-friend Adam. He and his family are doing well. It was good to talk with him and talk about something other then the virus outbreak. We both agreed it is becoming increasingly scary. 

Day 14

Today is Wednesday March 25, 2020. We woke up this morning and enjoyed coffee. I made a vegan scramble for Maren. We went for a walk mid-day and spent most of the afternoon outside in our backyard sanctuary. We are so thankful to the backyard during this shelter at home time amidst the coronavirus outbreak that is creating a world of fear and heartache. It has already devastated some countries (Iran, Italy, Spain, China) and is working it's way through the U.S. in mighty force. The current dashboard at 7:28 PM looks like this...

It has been a quiet evening and we are settling in for the night. As the U.S. braces for what seems to be a long battle as the number of cases has increased exponentially over the past week going from 10,000 cases on March 18 to 54,000 cases today. Here is a snapshot of the states and their cases.

Today's photo is

Good Night World. Good Luck.

Day 13

Today is March 24, 2020. Day thirteen in my personal journey during the Covid-19 virus pandemic.
Today at five o'clock an order of stay at home is being issued to all Denver residents. The ban on all non-essential travel is in affect for three weeks. The details of the order are here...https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/771/documents/covid-19/public-orders/DenverStayAtHomeOrder_DDPHE.pdf
Today Maren went to visit some of girlfriends and I stayed home. We had a video meeting with the PE advisory group this morning to get a head start on the remote learning which will begin on March 31st. I also had a video chat with my sister Lisa today and it was nice to see her and talk to her. She is retiring this year after 30 years of teaching. What a way to go out.
The World is under an incredible strain and many people are suffering and dying. Most places with high density populations are taking a shelter at home approach in order to flatten the curve. Here is the latest dashboard from the World Health Organization.

Today I also started a photo blog of my journey with quarantine. This is the photo of day one. Thankful for the backyard retreat.

Good night World. Good Luck.

Day 12

Today is March 23, 2020 and a big announcement was made by Mayor Hancock issuing a city wide Shelter at home order for all non-essential business matter. Urging people to stay home beginning at 5:00 pm tomorrow afternoon. This is following the news that other major cities have issued the same restriction in order to stop the spread or at least flatten the curve of the Covid-19 virus that is wreaking havoc around the world.  Here is the latest WHO dashboard as of 2:45 pm today...

 Maren and i did a disco disinfectant house cleaning today. I took Pucci for a walk and we are headed out for some last minute essential items before the shelter at home order goes in effect at 5:00 pm tomorrow. Today's photo is...

Day 11

Today is Sunday March 22, 2020. It is my day 11 of this current Coronavirus pandemic. Covid19 as it's called is taking it's toll on lives around the world as China, Middle eastern countries, Italy, Spain, France and the other European countries have been hit the hardest. The United States of America has seen the case totals and death totals rising over the last week with New York, Washington and California being the states with the highest number of cases. The latest dashboard from the World Health Organization (WHO) looks like this at 2:57 pm

Last night Maren and I had take out from Saucy Noodle and talked with Nate and Erin for sometime.
We watched several episodes of High Fidelity on Hulu.  Today we took a walk with Jay, Sarah and Evelyn. It was nice to get out into the fresh air and enjoy the warmer weather we have been having since the snowstorm. I also talked with my nephew Stephen today. He is doing well and we talked about documenting as much of this event for future family members and prosperity.
Today's photo ...

Day 10

Today is March 21, 2020. It is amazing how the world has changed in one week. Last Saturday night we were out at Mezcal, a Mexican restaurant, and although we were careful with our hands and face we ate and drank with little worry. Now in less than one week the city of Denver (and many others are banned) Several cities have moved to "Shelter at Home" protocols and the number of cases of the Covid19 virus and it's death toll continues to rise. Some countries have been devastated (China, Italy and Spain) The dashboard from WHO looks like this as of 3:10 pm

The virus is growing in lethal force. It is unfathomable in ways I cannot explain. It seems like a movie or comic book, but in fact it's real and happening to the entire world. 184 countries are now citing cases. Maren and I are going for a walk to clear our heads. Although the risk is currently low in Colorado these are indeed scary times.

Day 9

Today is Friday March 20, 2020. This my day nine of the Covid-19 virus pandemic. It snowed six inches in Denver yesterday. The virus continues to wreak havoc on the world and is growing increasingly scary in the US. The mayor updated the city this morning by saying all salons, massage and tattoo parlors are suspended as well. California, Illinois, Connecticut and NY has issued a restriction to stay indoors except for essential jobs, exercise, important errands (shelter in place).
Italy has taken another huge hit in terms of cases and deaths. 627 deaths in twenty-four hours and over four thousand total deaths. The latest WHO dashboard today at 4:50 pm looks like this...

Yesterday Maren and I completed a 500 piece puzzle and enjoyed Taco soup for dinner. Today we did a Barre 3 workout and went shopping for some food. Also today Maren is having a happy hour face time conversation with our friend Jessica Millen.

Today's daily photo is..

Day 8

Today is March 19, 2020. This is day eight for me in regards to when I began to track the virus known as Covid-19. It has continued to grow in number of cases and worldwide deaths. The WHO dashboard as of 3:16 pm is as follows:

Now over 200,000 cases worldwide and growing increasingly fast in the United States. President Trump has called to order the defense production act created in 1950. It will aid in medical supply creation and distribution as it did during the Korean war. In local news, APS has closed schools until April 17, 2020. Remote learning training news is coming soon. In national news many young spring breakers are still insisting on traveling and partying. This is concerning and unbelievable at the same time. Last night Maren and I played Yatzee. Today we started a puzzle. It has been snowing since early morning. I sit in my living room this morning wondering when the situation will cease to be scary. I do not imagine it will be anytime soon. 

Day 7

The Covid19 virus continues it's pursuit of victims across the world as of today at 2:25 PM the WHO dashboard looks like so...

There seems to be a steady amount of new cases each day (and new deaths as well). No news from APS or Denver regarding schools or additional social distancing restrictions.
The news from the White House is saying it could take awhile to control this pandemic (up to 18 months) This article originally appeared in The New York Times. “The spread and severity of COVID-19 will be difficult to forecast and characterize,” the government plan said. It warned of “significant shortages for government, private sector, and individual U.S. consumers.”

Today Maren and I went for a walk, spent some time in the backyard and played mancala.

Here I am sitting in my living room at 2:43 pm. It is currently 60 degrees outside and we are expecting possible snow/rain mixture tonight. Good luck world.

Day Six

Today is March 17, 2020 Saint Patrick's Day for what it is worth. The world is suffering
The WHO dashboard today looks like this...

The situation here in Denver is now all restaurants and bars are closed to the public for sit in dining. They are only open for take out or delivery. This ban is in effect until May 11, 2020. Eight weeks. Aurora Public Schools started serving lunches at fifteen locations including North MS. Today Maren and I went to North to pick up her plants. They are living in the spare bedroom now since Tim and Scarlet have left for CO Springs and eventually on to Maine. The streets were less busy today as we drove. One thing to note I have heard more emergency vehicle sirens than usual throughout each day.
All news back home is everyone is alright albeit a bit shaken up and anxious. Dewey and Kathy are back in Farmington NM. Dad and Mom Portoghese are being assisted by the Zappalla-Portoghese family. Yesterday Joanna postponed her wedding until July 4, 2020. Again I sit in my living room. The time is 4:30 PM

Day Five

Today is March 16, 2020
This is what I am calling day five for me and my reaction to COVID-19 the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
On Thursday March 12, while at Montview Elementary School in Aurora CO. I attended a stand-up meeting with the staff. Our principal, Heather Stewart, announced that the district would be issuing us an extended spring break (one week in addition to our regular week off)
This was the day I began to keep track of Covid-19. At first glance at the WHO site I remember there being around 100,000 confirmed cases worldwide and about 1,800 deaths.
Today the World Health Organization dashboard looks like this...

The situation in Colorado is Colorado COVID-19 Case Summary

 Positive*: 131                              Total number of people tested at the state lab**: 758
I began getting more concerned about the virus as I saw the dashboard numbers increase by the thousands and the data coming in from around the world getting increasingly morbid as Italy had a death count of 368 people in a twenty-four hour period. As Italy and other countries begin quarantine restrictions and all major sports leagues began suspension of play. In Colorado, the current crowd restriction is 50 or less. All public schools and libraries are closed and many independent businesses are closing. The shelves in supermarkets are staring to empty and there is no toilet paper or tissue paper to be found. It is 10:10 AM as I sit in my living room