Day 93

Today is June 12, 2020 As the world continues to fight the coronavirus it is also getting acclimated to living under its veil. Many states and countries are reopening to a degree that besides seeing everyone in a mask is beginning to feel like the world once felt, normal. But as the feeling of normalcy may be felt by some others would argue. Brazil has quickly risen to number two (behind the U.S.) in total number of cases and they are are a few hundred behind the U.K. in total deaths (the U.S. leads by a large margin)  So for those dealing with the virus firsthand either as a victim or as a healthcare worker the feeling of normalcy is lost on them.  The virus, even if you have had no contact with it or know anyone who has, haunts us.  It taunts us every time we venture out of our homes and into the public eye. Plexi glass is the new normal.  You see it every where you go, in between the people, like a great protector against spit and virus-carrying aerosols. It is the second defense after the mask.
We are in a new wave of covid-19 cases and a new way of "moving about the cabin" as my wife likes to say.  Feeling free to move about the cabin is for a select few (the unmasked, unbelievers). Otherwise, the fear is real. The threat is real. And as we know is what the virus will do to us if we get it.  The health experts say 80% of those that are infected will be sick for a short time and live to tell the tale, but there is a percentage which will be hospitalized and dealt a heavy blow.  They will need oxygen and many will not survive the fight.  With now well over 7 million cases in the world and nearly a half million deaths the Covid-19 pandemic is winning over the human race. Of course we are 7.8 billion strong and the numbers favor us, but still the virus has knocked us down the economic ladder a few rungs. A big question is what's to come of world power? Which country will emerge form the dust of this pandemic as the global leader? Will it be the country who develops and distributes the vaccine? Will it be the country who creates a new plan for future virus prevention and preparedness?  The future endorsement and terms of many world leaders is in jeopardy.  Those that did not prepare for the virus outbreak or move quickly enough to lock down and protect those from the spread of the virus are under scrutiny now and all eyes watch to see who does what next.
I do not deny the pressures are enormous on all leaders.  It is difficult to find the balance between keeping citizens safe from the virus and still having a viable economy.  Keeping your household afloat is one challenge, but keeping an entire nation from sinking under the weight of disease, death, unemployment and economic failure is another.  There are many who are doing their best to endure against all these struggles day after day and many are looking for guidance and support from their leadership and government. In some cases, the words and hope and guidance has not been there.  There is much criticism in the world these days. And not all of it is focused on the virus outbreak as police brutality has risen to the forefront of many minds.  Social unrest is currently ongoing in cities around the world stemming from the death of George Floyd.  Frustration, aggravation and retaliation is fueling protests and riots around the world.  The reforms are coming and many believe and hope the death of George Floyd will bring about serious change to the way police officers are recruited, educated and trained henceforth.  That in turn will bring about a more equitable treatment of all minorities by a largely white police force. 
In personal news, my dad was released from the hospital today and reunited with my mom. The man is happy and smiling under his mask.