Reset There is no doubt that many people are concerned and stressed given our social restrictions, myself included. The impact of lost jobs and the consequences are still to be realized. People are nervous and do not see any positive outcome in the short term, other than sitting tight (in a bubble). Hopefully, a vaccine will be a partial tonic for better things to come? Stadiums without spectators, not good, but OK temporarily and hopefully those who think this is still not for real, "vula amehlo akho" and do your part!
Covid-19 Hi Charles Not over till the fat lady sings! Strangely in SA infection & death rate is low & I think may be due to township folk having very strong immune systems given what they are exposed to.
Covid-19 Hi Charles Not over till the fat lady sings! Strangely in SA infection & death rate is low & I think may be due to township folk having very strong immune systems given what they are exposed to.
Just as an aside, I recently watched an interview with a Swedish official, who was part of the team that decided on their policy towards Covid. She said that, although there was no enforced lockdown, their relatively small (only 10 million people), relatively homogenous society, was extremely disciplined and co-operative. Most people worked from home, most people wore masks and practiced social distancing, most schools implemented prevention measures. Their death rate compared to their population is in fact higher than SA at the moment....so their decisions, in a country fairly easy to control , were much easier than in poverty stricken, health compromised, crowded populations elsewhere. I do, however, believe that the danger of this virus has been hugely over emphasized, that we have been caught in a spiral of panic and fear, and that, with our more sophisticate health systems, we could have coped without the enormous humanitarian crisis that we now face.
Reflecting on the past is more accurate than predicting the future? Thank you, Tim! I am in awe of how thoroughly you research, then analyse, the state we humans currently find ourselves in. Fascinating times and, as always, reflecting on the the past will inevitably be more accurate than predicting an uncertain future. For example, whilst we in South Africa are finally emerging from lockdown restrictions, Britain is about to resume harsh distancing rules once again as their numbers of infections are steadily on the increase. Likewise, universities that opened in the US are now closing again due to the rapid spread of infections. Trump wants an enquiry into the WHO because it did not declare a pandemic situation soon enough. New Zealand has reintroduced lockdown regulations. British visitors to Portugal now have to quarantine for 14 days. Is herd immunity more quickly reached in some countries? Do some countries just panic unnecessarily? Certainly I am still of my opinion held before lockdown that it was the responsibility of the vulnerable to protect themselves, not the responsibility of the entire populace to protect the vulnerable. Governments made the decisions but we, the people, tacitly supported them. It was always going to be easy to impose lockdown....so much more difficult ‘unlock’. I look forward to your next installment ??
Covid-19 Hi John The Swedes probably by mistake rather than design arrived at herd immunity hence dramatic drop in infection rate while other European countries are still spiking.
Covid-19 Hi John The Swedes probably by mistake rather than design arrived at herd immunity hence dramatic drop in infection rate while other European countries are still spiking.
Covid-19 Hi John The Swedes probably by mistake rather than design arrived at herd immunity hence dramatic drop in infection rate while other European countries are still spiking.
Ah, Tim...as articulate and thought provoking as ever! Thank you ?. I think back to our discussion before the lockdown - about who should take responsibility for what. Governments, individual citizens, the vulnerable? It was all supposition, conjecture, hearsay, projections, alternate reasons, and and and.... And it seems that there is still supposition, conjecture, hearsay, .... and and and. Who can say who was right? Who has it right going forward? One thing, however, seems to be definite - we have been shaken up and life will never be quite the same again! ??
Covid-19 Thanks for feedback Megs. As always, much appreciated. The one indisputable fact emerging is the global epidemic in terms of the qualities of politicians. Somehow a system needs to be found whereby only honest, decent, hard working people are appointed who understand what it means to serve their populace. In our lifetime...never!
Frustration and anger seeping in.... Hi Tim! I am always inspired by your regular, well researched blogs. I notice, however, that you are becoming more frustrated and angry in your last two blogs. Riots, irrationality, authoritarianism, polarization, fear, helplessness....are starting to dominate our world - literally, throughout the world. And you are, as ever, quick to pick up these resonating conditions. I empathize and sympathize with your thoughts and conclusions. Are there positive spin offs any longer? Or do we just need to hunker down, wait and hope for the best. No help from politicians!! We are fortunately, however, uniquely protected and privileged in our St Francis ‘bubble’, are we not? Such freedom and wide open spaces and relative safety and beautiful surroundings and friends and luxuries and opportunities and and....! We are lucky indeed to have such a nurturing environment - a little positivity in a world of chaos and angst! ?
Covid-19 Hi Megs
Thanks for feedback which much appreciated. I think we are all getting angry and somewhat disillusioned. The problem is we Saffers simply bury our heads in the sand and pretend all is good. Nothing wrong with that except one always needs to pay attention to what is really happening otherwise events swamp one. There is a sinister plan behind much of what Govt. Is up to. If you are brave and have time read Anthea Jefferys article " The Ten Year Lockdown" on the Institute of Race Relations website. I almost wish I hadn't read it. Let me know what you think once you have read it.
Covid-19 Hi Megs
Thanks for feedback which much appreciated. I think we are all getting angry and somewhat disillusioned. The problem is we Saffers simply bury our heads in the sand and pretend all is good. Nothing wrong with that except one always needs to pay attention to what is really happening otherwise events swamp one. There is a sinister plan behind much of what Govt. Is up to. If you are brave and have time read Anthea Jefferys article " The Ten Year Lockdown" on the Institute of Race Relations website. I almost wish I hadn't read it. Let me know what you think once you have read it.
https://aipapier.com/collections/laser-cut/products/gold-lace-elegant-wedding-invitations-sets-of-50 Very interesting, good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog. Lots of useful info here.
Well said, Tim! I really look forward to the bush and the camp fire cos we certainly are having none of that now ??. Extremely interesting research on this maverick virus and it’s repercussions. Thank you, as always!
A 65 year old South African male passionate about travel and flyfishing wherever the opportunity presents itself. Recording the travel story adds to the enjoyment.... full info
Megan
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Oops! I put my entire comment in the title...not sure if you will get it ??