The Second Wave

Just viewed The New Times animated article "How the Virus Won: Invisible outbreaks sprang up everywhere. The United States ignored the warning signs. We analyzed travel patterns, hidden infections and genetic data to show how the epidemic spun out of control."  

It is a very interesting chronological view of the infestation of the Coronavirus. There were really nine 'hotspots': Seattle, San Francisco, LA, Phoenix, San Antonio, Madison, Chicago, and Boston but 15 know cases initially. If they would have been contained them like China much of epidemic here could have been avoided. But 6 weeks went by without the government taking action except for banning flights from China, the horse was already loose. By February 15,  an estimated 2,000 hidden infections were loose through major cities. 

Another interesting fact, Madison has one of the 15 know initial cases. She is a student returning from China and returning to the UW Madison (UW Madison student undergrad population is 40,000+). She was diagnosed and the 25 people that she had contact with were but under 21 day quarantine. It worked!  Image if she had attended class lectures of 200+ students or meet friends in the student unions.

We, my family and I, are now 10 weeks into the self-isolation and still able to buy toilet paper. And the president and some governors are talking about a phase second and three of economic recovery. 

One should read the history of the Spanish Flu Pandemic in 1917-1919. There were three waves with the second being the worst. Why? 

• The first was the initial infection spreading out across the global largely because of WWI troop, malnutrition, and refuges.  Panic and fear was prevalent. There was a lot of self-imposed isolation, because people were afraid of being put in isolation wards with other sick people and not getting the necessary care. 

• The second wave was the worst because the virus was now global and it was no longer necessary to be in contact with external carriers. They were right there in your home or community. The healthcare systems were overrun and millions died.

• The third wave was the smallest because hosts' deaths and recovery were high enough that there was a herd effect. Spaces large enough between the dominoes to stop the cascade.

Where does this leave us. The virus has been disseminated to probably 75% of the US except for areas of the mountain states and the arid southwest.  If people go back to business as usual we will see wave two like a flash fire. It does not need to creep along the interstate infecting contacts as you to family marriage, graduation or funeral, Every major air transportation is now a hotspot and the EU will not allow Americans into Europe.

The vice president Pence was asked today if it was irresponsible to hold a rally at the Cox Center in Tulsa when many of the secret service, party personnel and convention workers tested positive? His reply was that the First Amendment allow for freedom of speech ....
Well Freedom of Speech does not allow you to cause harm to others. Wasn't this why called out the riot police and the national guard?

We expect sound leadership from our elected and hired government not sound bites.

Now whether this administration likes it or not it was over in the beginning and its not over now.

Last thing, you need to read up on the secondary effects from COVID-19. 
Some people are showing longer term health issues. Since the disease affect the vessels, it seems to cause issues to the vessels to heart, kidneys, liver and lungs. 
You no longer reason well I am young and health and I will recover from this nasty flu, because it could degrade your health for years down the road.

Stay safe and healthy