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| Battling the flu pandemic 1918 - GPA Photo Archive |
There's been all sorts of articles and reports on how cases and deaths are finally decreasing, but I don't know where this data is coming from. I've been keeping a set of graphs this whole time using data from my state and county, and cases appear to be flattening, or increasing at a very low rate, but definitely not going down. Now just like every other time people have been told things are getting better, they're going to loosen up and then things will get worse again - just in time for flu season and needing to be indoors for winter.
For the most part, things seem pretty normal - almost nobody is wearing masks outdoors, even at big events (although our county has recommended it). We've gone to a couple outdoor events and dined with friends outdoors, and I've felt pretty good about it. I know people who've been going to Broadway shows or other events, all of which seem packed. But we're still working from home with no firm plans from our employers about returning to the office, and we've been dealing with some veterinary emergencies recently and had to do everything over the phone from the parking lot because [human] visitors weren't allowed into the facilities.
Dr. Fauci said to go enjoy Halloween outdoors ... But hasn't said anything yet about Thanksgiving and Christmas indoors with family. Like last year, I assume we will be having our own celebration at home, and maybe Zoom with other family members. Last year my family had an outdoor gift exchange in an open garage, but they might not be up for that again if it's too cold.