Day 207

 Sunday October 4, 2020

The leaves are changing as the season turns to fall. The thrill and fear of summer is over. The pandemic continues in full force as the coronavirus known as Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc upon all people everywhere. The United States has taken an exceptionally sever hit as over 200,000 Americans have died from the virus. In the most recent and least shocking news the POTUS has tested positive for the virus. Trump and several cabinet members are seeking treatment after testing positive for Covid-19 on Thursday and Friday.  One month away from election day and two days after the first presidential debate and the nation spins more into a frenzy. 

The spring and summer months had coastal and major cities across the U.S. fighting desperately to keep Covid-19 under control.  And although these cities and regions have leveled off for the most part lesser populated states and areas are being affected now. Montana and the Dakotas as well as Wisconsin are being hit extremely hard with daily cases as the country continues see an average of nearly 44,000 cases a day. The cold and flu season awaits us next and the unknown marriage of the coronavirus with our seasonal flu is an awful scary thought. It will bring more than the usual Halloween tricks. All kidding aside this year of trick or treating is most likely on hold. Or at least unlike anything we have seen before.

The world outside of the U.S. is dealing with the virus in its own way and many are failing to control the outbreak.   The world seven day average is over 300,000 new cases. In the last seven days India has reported over a half a million cases. Countries such as Spain and France, two countries hit extremely hard early on are again suffering from large cases loads. Brazil and Russia continue to struggle as does Argentina and the U.K. Interestingly, mainland China where the virus originated seems to have the virus under control at this point and has done so for some time. Under 100,000 total cases and just over 230 cases in the last week. 

The NFL just into its fourth week of play has had several players and coaches test positive this week causing two games to be rescheduled. One in a few weeks and the other a few days. MLB started off with some early cases and subsequent rescheduled games, but has weathered the virus and is now in the heat of the playoffs.  One of the early affected teams, the Florida Marlins, are still in contention.  The magic kingdom bubble of the NBA has protected players and coaches and officials so far. No games have been postponed or cancelled and the NBA finals is currently in play as the LA Lakers and the Miami Heat are vying for the chance to call themselves champions (and in 2020 that is quite the accomplishment) 

Each and everyone of us fighting each day to stay healthy and deter the spread of the virus are champions in our own right. Protecting self and others from a potentially deadly and unknown entity is a thankless and stressful job. We all must continue to stay diligent and attentive to our actions and choices. Especially as the season of germs weighs down upon us we must remain cognizant of our daily selves and the affect it has on others. Be safe friends.