Thursday, April 30, 2020

Day 50

Today is April 30, 2020
The pandemic caused by novel coronavirus has caused over 230,000 deaths and more than 3.2 million people have been infected across 177 countries. Due to inferior testing the number may actually be higher. And some nations may be false with their data report.
The virus called Covid19 has deflated the economy, causing millions to claim unemployment, put major restrictions on travel and caused many to experience new anxiety and grief to many more.

American Airlines, Delta and United announced on Thursday that all customers will be required to wear face coverings starting in May.  The move follows similar announcements from JetBlue and Frontier.
Social distancing methods have helped decrease the number of cases, but you would hardly believe it as new case totals continue to be in the high thousands (66,430 today). Many states and countries are attempting modified reopening of non-essential businesses. Beaches in California were opened this weekend with masses of people gathering in close proximity causing the governor to pull back the reopen order. In Japan, a country which looked like the worst was behind it, reported 200 new cases overnight. The antiviral medication remdesivir began trials on Feb. 21 and has shown positive results as early data from the trials has hospitalized patients with advanced COVID-19 and lung issues who received the drug recovered faster than similar patients who received a placebo. These positive results from a treatment are promising, but pale in comparison to the vaccine we so desperately need to truly help sway the tide in our favor. Also, amid this hopeful news countries have seen a spike in new cases (China Brazil, Turkey and Russia)  The U.S. remains the hardest hit country with over 1 million confirmed cases and over 50,000 deaths. 
Yet in all this chaos, death and suffering life still goes on as over 10,000 new born enter the United States each day. One such infant is Denver Olson, born to Jorrie and Erik Olson in Atlanta Georgia, and he is doing just fine. His parents are doing well too. Both gig workers in the film business they have been out of work a few weeks now, but it is a blessing in a sense as they spend their days dawdling over their precious son. We spoke and had a video chat with them today as they walked about Atlanta (seeing the Jackson street bridge nearly empty was quite the site). It is pleasing to be able to connect with friends during these sheltered times. It lifts the spirit and heals many wounds.
Someday we will all be able to gather again and hug and talk closely without fear. We just have no idea when that day will come. Until then, carry on my brothers and sisters. Rejoice in the life you have, the health you posses and the hope you cling to. 

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