There are now 29,665,679 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the USA. There have been 539,698 deaths from the virus here as well.
VIRUS NEWS:
The U.S. surpassed 100 million COVID-19 vaccines administered. President Biden’s direction to states to make all adults eligible for coronavirus vaccines by May 1 raises pressure on officials to raise the pace.
Dr. Fauci warns of COVID-19 spike in coming weeks, even though more vaccines are being administered. Cases in the U.S. continue to fluctuate around 60,000 to 70,000 per day after a steep decline of cases over the past several weeks...and spring break is coming up.
VIRUS NEWS:
The U.S. surpassed 100 million COVID-19 vaccines administered. President Biden’s direction to states to make all adults eligible for coronavirus vaccines by May 1 raises pressure on officials to raise the pace.
Dr. Fauci warns of COVID-19 spike in coming weeks, even though more vaccines are being administered. Cases in the U.S. continue to fluctuate around 60,000 to 70,000 per day after a steep decline of cases over the past several weeks...and spring break is coming up.
One year after the pandemic was declared, 1 in 10 Americans have been fully vaccinated.
States are ditching COVID-19 restrictions as vaccinations increase.
The US could be on the cusp of a surge in COVID-19 infections, but vaccinations will limit the damage.
Variants:
Variants:
Hybrid coronaviruses from merged variants are spreading between people.
B117, the UK variant, is deadlier than any of the other COVID-19 strains, more data affirms.
A multitude of coronavirus variants have been found in the US — but the threat is unclear. Ramped-up sequencing efforts are helping to identify mutations that might boost transmission or help a virus evade immune responses.
New, more-infectious COVID-19 strain has now been detected in almost every state in the nation. Florida has the most cases.
Coronavirus strains that were first detected in California are officially 'variants of concern,' the CDC says.
The race between variants and vaccines in US will be a close call, expert warns, and eased restrictions aren't helping.
Europe staggers as infectious variants power virus surge.
Breaking down what COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness means.
Why doctors feel happy to get symptoms from the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Novavax COVID vaccine has 96% efficacy against the original virus strain, and is also effective against variants, the company says. Novavax, one shot or two? The company says the vaccine is most effective with two doses.
Existing COVID vaccines may protect against Brazil strain. Researchers say producing vaccines against the South Africa variant should be the ‘greatest priority for developers’.
If large percentages of Americans choose not to get a COVID-19 vaccine, it may be difficult to reach herd immunity.
The US likely needs to include vaccinating children to reach herd immunity, Dr. Fauci says.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says he is seeing vaccine hesitancy, largely among white Republicans, as the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more widely available in the US.
COVID will rage on longer because Republicans and white evangelicals refuse to get vaccinated.
Meghan McCain says Kamala Harris is to blame For Republicans refusing to get vaccinated. (Why does she still have a job? UGH!)
Republican lawmakers are refusing to get vaccinated — which is holding up Congress.
In the next few weeks, the Biden Administration will launch a national vaccine promotional campaign aimed at encouraging hesitant Americans to get immunized, a marketing executive close to the project says.
The amount of people hesitant to get COVID-19 vaccine is dropping rapidly.
A CNN reporter asked an entire restaurant in an area that voted for Trump about getting the vaccine. See their response.
The benefits of vaccinating with the first available COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine.
The US coronavirus vaccine rollout has become 'less messy.'
Mississippi is the second state to open up vaccines for all residents 16 and up. Here's what other states are doing.
What to expect when you're getting inoculated (i.e. what you can—and can't—do after being vaccinated).
All nine Supreme Court justices have been vaccinated.
What to expect when you're getting inoculated (i.e. what you can—and can't—do after being vaccinated).
All nine Supreme Court justices have been vaccinated.
Many of the inoculated are suffering from "vaccine guilt." Young people who have gotten vaccinated early, through luck or need, often find themselves mired in anxiety.
Why we need to work with houses of worship on COVID-19 vaccinations. Faith-based organizations are familiar to many, and countless religious leaders are enthusiastic about helping Americans get vaccinated.
Women tend to report worse COVID-19 vaccine side effects than men. Here's why.
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
What can you do once you're vaccinated? Actually a lot.
In praise of vaccine selfies. They aren’t narcissistic. They’re a declaration of hope.
A former anti-vaxxer discussed why he got the COVID-19 vaccine.
The World Health Organization says it’s investigating reports of blood clots in people who got the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.
AstraZeneca has announced that a review of over 17 million people who've received its COVID-19 vaccine in Europe shows "no evidence" of an increased risk of blood clots.
European Union's medicines regulator has concluded that the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is "safe and effective." The EMA said it would continue to study possible links to rare blood clots. The World Health Organization called on countries to continue using the vaccine.
Moderna has begun testing a new next generation COVID-19 vaccine.
The first children have been vaccinated in Moderna's Phase 2/3 pediatric COVID-19 vaccine trial, the company says.
Russian intelligence agencies have mounted a disinformation campaign to undermine confidence in Pfizer’s and other Western COVID-19 vaccines, using online publications that question their development and safety, US officials said.
The US has denounced Russian 'disinformation' over COVID vaccines.
People are being poisoned: Nicolle Wallace rips Tucker Carlson for spreading misinformation about vaccines.
Does Tucker Carlson want his viewers to live?: CNN’s Berman rips Fox’s anti-vaccine campaign.
Trump Tower officials are under investigation for misusing a COVID vaccine program designed for hard-hit communities.
A Republican former legislator suggests that men should be prioritized for vaccine access.
Masks:
Double masking: How, why, and when you should double up on face masks.
After you're vaccinated, it's critical to keep masking up in many places (for now). Here's why.
The evolving science of face masks and COVID-19.
Senator Rand Paul went on an idiotic rant against masks during a Senate hearing.
‘Here we go again’: Rand Paul goes down in flames after telling Dr. Fauci that his mask advice ‘is just theater.’
The Texas governor’s lifting of mask mandates lead to confusion and arrests.
Keep masks on, the National Institute of Health director pleaded as Texas entered its 1st weekend without statewide COVID-19 restrictions.
Kroger, Starbucks and Target are among the retailers that will still require masks in Texas despite the end of the state mandate.
A Mexican restaurant in Houston is keeping its mask rule. People threatened to call ICE on the staff.
Masks required: The woman, who went all Karen and shamed a Starbucks barista over his request that she wear a mask in the store, is suing the creator of a GoFundMe campaign.
Three female passengers tormented an Uber driver who requested they wear their masks. The woman who assaulted the Uber driver was slapped with two felony charges by the San Francisco DA.
An airline passenger who refused to wear a mask and urinated in his seat — faces $250K fine and 20 years in prison.
An anti-masker steered a Florida school board meeting off the rails.
An anti-masker compared mandate to segregation during a rant at a Vegas Chipotle.
A Texas woman spoke to a local FOX News outlet after refusing to wear a mask at a Galveston bank and was detained by police.
A (stupid) Arizona Representative grumbled that 'no masks were required' to curb H.I.V.
Politics:
A study shows that Republican governors politicized their COVID-19 response, generating needless suffering.
States with Republican governors had highest COVID incidence and death rates, study finds. The study found that states with Democratic governors had higher death rates early on in the pandemic, but that trend was reversed by the Fourth of July.
Former presidents, except Trump, urge Americans to be vaccinated in a new PSA.
Dr. Fauci calls on Trump to encourage coronavirus vaccinations.
'You're responsible for a lot of deaths': Morning Joe called out Trump for supporters refusing to get vaccinated.
Trump now urges Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine: 'I would recommend it.'
Trump told Fox News that people should get the vaccine — but his supporters still refuse.
Trump’s tepid, halfhearted endorsement of COVID-19 vaccines, explained. Trump’s base is remarkably vaccine-hesitant, so what he says about vaccination matters.
Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman calls the GOP a disgrace for voting to overturn the election but opposing COVID relief.
Mitch McConnell says Biden deserves no credit for the pandemic improvement.
Republicans can’t stop lying about who will get stimulus checks. Here’s the truth.
A GOP senator applauded the restaurant stimulus money after voting against the relief bill.
'You voted against it' trends as the GOP tries to take credit for 'bipartisan relief bill' passed by Democrats only.
A last-minute provision was added to the American Rescue Plan by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Language was slipped into the legislation blocking GOP governors from using federal aid to fund tax cuts for the rich. Republicans are outraged and are trying to repeal it. (Of course...)
Take a look inside the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill, which includes $1,400 direct payments, massive child tax credits, and expanded unemployment benefits.
Kids and Schools:
The education secretary says that school in the fall 'will look more like what it was before COVID.'
Children and the return to school: How much should we worry about COVID-19 and long COVID?
As of last Monday, teachers and educators in all 50 states are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. But after a year of the pandemic, managing COVID-19 still poses obstacles to in-person learning.
A Georgia school system helped the CDC understand how the coronavirus spreads within schools.
An Omaha health department shut a daycare down for 10 days after the daycare reported more than 60 COVID-19 cases.
Children in Northern Virginia were found to have ‘unexpectedly’ higher rates of COVID-19 antibodies.
Colleges are urging students to take precautions as campus COVID-19 cases are on the rise.
Healthcare:
Staggering numbers of health care workers -- more than one in five -- have experienced anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder during the pandemic, new research has revealed.
Convalescent plasma strikes out as a COVID-19 treatment.
True Stories:
A Holocaust survivor received the COVID-19 vaccine from a very special doctor: her granddaughter.
Canada’s oldest known living person got her first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Toronto, days after celebrating her 114th birthday.
American cellist Yo-Yo Ma turned a vaccine site into concert venue to celebrate the good news of his 2nd shot.
Ohio man, 91, is recovering after accidentally being vaccinated twice in one day.
Rebekah Jones tried to warn us about COVID-19. Now her freedom is on the line.
An Idaho man thought 'the virus would disappear the day after the election.' He was wrong. "I was one of those jackasses...I was one of those conspiracy theorists...All these people that are saying that it's fake...they're lying to themselves."
89-year-old New Yorker Bob Holzman got his COVID-19 vaccine as soon as he could, so he could get back to his favorite activity: dancing.
Texans recovering from COVID-19 relied on machines to help them breathe. Then the power went out.
The first baby in U.S. was born with antibodies against COVID-19 after its mom received a dose of the Moderna vaccine while pregnant.
Massacres and disease took their toll on his people in Brazil's Amazon. Soon, Aruká Juma was the only member of his tribe left. Now Mr. Juma has died, of COVID-19.
How South African ingenuity helped propel ventilator manufacturing in the face of the pandemic. Amazing and resourceful.
Travel:
The Biden Administration is eyeing mid-May to begin relaxing COVID travel restrictions, sources say.
Disneyland and other California theme parks can reopen April 1 -- but it will be different than before.
Six Flags Magic Mountain announced plans to reopen on April 1.
British Airways calls for vaccinated people to travel without restrictions.
When will cruises sail again? Here’s where the industry stands one year later.
Vietnam could welcome vaccinated foreign tourists starting in July.
The CDC urges against spring break festivities as beachfront culture wars heat up.
Here's a look at the surreal photos that show how COVID has changed travel.
Vaccine Scandal in Florida:
A pattern has begun to emerge in Florida: The wealthiest neighborhoods in the state, many stocked with elderly, deep-pocketed, vaccine-eligible donors to Republican Ron DeSantis, are getting vaccine access ahead of their neighbors.
Florida told a hospital to divert vaccines to a wealthy community as appointments were canceled for the general public.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faces deepening controversy over vaccines for an ultra-rich Florida community. ‘Some of those who benefitted from the vaccine pop-ups also donated to the governor's political action committee, which has pulled in almost $4 million.’
Texts show a county commissioner and a wealthy developer said a vaccination drive for wealthy ZIP codes would give Florida's governor exposure for a potential 2022 reelection.
Leaked texts contradict DeSantis's claims about vaccine scandal.
Major donors to South Florida hospital foundation got early vaccine access.
Misc:
Has COVID peaked? Maybe, but it’s too soon to be sure. Global COVID-19 cases have fallen significantly since they peaked in early January. Scientists are asking whether this is the beginning of the end of the pandemic.
Has COVID peaked? Maybe, but it’s too soon to be sure. Global COVID-19 cases have fallen significantly since they peaked in early January. Scientists are asking whether this is the beginning of the end of the pandemic.
FOX News reports that there is a new COVID-19 pill that is effective in preliminary testing and may be the 'holy grail' of the pandemic. (From FOX? Hmm...)
Dr. Gupta examines 'promising' drug that may help COVID-19 effects.
Many people who die of COVID-19 have the virus in their hearts.
Late-stage pandemic is messing with your brain. We have been doing this so long, we’re forgetting how to be normal.
Some ‘long-haul' COVID-19 survivors see relief after getting the vaccine.
Half of French hospital COVID survivors note symptoms four months later.
Viral shedding is greatest in the afternoon, a study suggests.
Getting a mammogram? A COVID-19 vaccine shot could affect the timing, health officials say.
Low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of ICU admission and death of COVID-19, researchers say.
The first big study on COVID reinfection is here. Here’s what it means.
COVID-19 reinfections are rare, unless you are over 65.
Ultrasound has potential to damage coronaviruses, a study finds. Simulations show ultrasound waves at medical imaging frequencies can cause the virus’ shell and spikes to collapse and rupture.
COVID data show that sewage monitoring could be vital in infection control. A pilot study’s analysis of schools’ wastewater shows its potential as an early warning system for public health teams.
The CDC's COVID response was altered by Trump's White House. (No surprise there...)
These two big banks are refusing to get $1,400 stimulus checks to Americans as quickly as possible.
Stimulus checks will go to direct deposit accounts first. Can you still sign up with the IRS?
The IRS has sent about 90 million payments as of Wednesday.
Congress was urged to take 'immediate action' to stop debt collectors from snatching COVID relief checks.
Due to the pandemic, the IRS plans to delay this year's tax filing deadline to mid-May.
Dan Crenshaw illegally bought stocks during debate over COVID relief.
How many Americans will die because Republicans don't trust COVID vaccines?
A Chicago hospital executive was caught bragging about vaccinating Eric Trump before he was eligible.
Eric Trump got caught skipping WAY ahead to get the vaccine: He is nowhere near qualified.
Trump supporters turned on him over COVID-19 vaccines in an uncomfortable CNN segment.
The United Nations has launched its first-ever campaign in Urdu — and nine other languages — to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
The US denounced Russian 'disinformation' over COVID vaccines.
South Korea will provide priority coronavirus vaccination for Olympic athletes before they travel to Japan for the Tokyo Olympics, the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee confirmed to CNN.
Kris Kobach tried to get Kansas legislature to buy his buddy's questionable COVID-cleaner.
The Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte suggested that, aside from following the basic COVID-19 health protocols, Filipinos could use gasoline or fuel from a gas station as a COVID-19 disinfectant.
Here are some of the defining photos of the pandemic — and the stories behind them. (Kind of amazing to look back...)
After COVID-19, work will never be ‘normal’ again.
From darkened dining rooms to Instagram bake sales, what is a restaurant anymore? The way we use the word ‘restaurant’ today could have meaningful impacts on workers, owners, diners, and government policy for years to come.
One year after the COVID shutdown, the Broadway community looks ahead to reopening and a rebirth.
Big retailers are opening more stores; New York and Massachusetts are reopening sports stadiums.
Former White House COVID-19 czar, Doctor Deborah Birx, now sells air purifiers.
An elderly MAGA cultist doesn’t want the vaccine because Trump didn’t develop it himself, scientists did.
GLOBAL:
There have been 121,786,475 confirmed cases of the virus around the world. There have been 2,691,035
An elderly MAGA cultist doesn’t want the vaccine because Trump didn’t develop it himself, scientists did.
There have been 121,786,475 confirmed cases of the virus around the world. There have been 2,691,035
deaths from the virus globally.
Hospitals in Brazilian cities are 'close to collapse.' A report says that more than 80% of intensive care unit (ICU) beds are occupied in the capitals of 25 of Brazil's 27 states.
Brazil plunged into crisis as a second wave and deadly new variant overwhelm hospitals.
Scientists in Brazil have identified two cases where people were simultaneously infected with two different variants of COVID-19, according to a new study.
Brazil has plunged into the deadliest chapter of its epidemic, due to political mismanagement and the slackening of social distancing measures, principally among the young. Containment efforts have largely collapsed, with businesses reopening.
Brazil suffered its second-highest daily death rate.
How Chile’s coronavirus vaccination campaign outpaced the rest of the Americas. More than a quarter of Chile’s population has received at least one shot, a feat that only Britain, Israel and the Seychelles have managed to top.
Destinations across the UK are preparing for an influx of domestic tourism when COVID-19 restrictions lift. After months of lockdown, there's a feeling of relief, mixed with concern about potential chaos when UK tourists are let loose.
The COVID-19 situation in the Paris area is extremely tense, according to the French Prime Minister.
An Italian mayor, accused of COVID-19 vaccine queue-jumping, has resigned.
Italy is preparing for an Easter lockdown as COVID-19 cases grow exponentially.
Italy mourned its coronavirus dead as a third wave builds.
The Paris region of France is entering a month-long coronavirus lockdown.
German COVID cases could revisit last December's peak in April.
Norway reported three blood clot cases after the AstraZeneca shot.
Ireland halted the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine following blood clot reports in Norway.
Hungary has emerged as a European Union vaccination star amid surging cases throughout the continent.
Russia has recorded nearly 400,000 more deaths since the start of the pandemic than during comparable period in previous years, a 24% increase in fatality and one of the highest excess death tolls in the world.
Tanzania's COVID-skeptical President John Magufuli has died at 61.
Moderna Inc said it has agreed to supply the Philippine government 13 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, with deliveries set to begin in mid-2021.
The Philippines reported its first Brazilian COVID variant as new cases surge.
Rules singling out foreign workers for mandatory coronavirus testing in parts of South Korea will soon be partially revised.
China launched COVID-19 vaccination certificates for cross-border travel.
Coronavirus eroded China’s middle class, but India has fared much worse, new findings reveal.
India added 25,317 fresh COVID cases recently, the highest this year.
Israel may have left the pandemic behind for good.
Turkey has logged its highest daily rise in COVID-19 cases this year.
New Zealand will buy additional COVID-19 vaccines, developed by Pfizer Inc and Germany’s BioNTech, which will be enough to vaccinate the whole country.
New Zealand will buy additional COVID-19 vaccines, developed by Pfizer Inc and Germany’s BioNTech, which will be enough to vaccinate the whole country.
In Australia, a Sydney quarantine worker tested positive to COVID as Queensland investigated three cases.
The World Health Organization said Australia still needs vaccines despite suppression success. Its elimination strategy was a lesson for other countries around the world about how to “kill a virus."
Audiences are flooding back to Australia's theatres and ticket sales skyrocket.
STATES:
Experts are urging caution as 15 states are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 infections. These states have seen a rise in average cases of at least 10%.
STATES:
Experts are urging caution as 15 states are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 infections. These states have seen a rise in average cases of at least 10%.
There were 1,857 new COVID-19 cases and 27 additional deaths reported in Massachusetts yesterday.
Governor Cuomo reported 7,796 new cases and 57 more deaths yesterday in New York.
Florida added 5,093 COVID-19 cases and 94 resident deaths on Thursday. The state has been closing in on 2 million cases since start of outbreak. The Orlando Sentinel is suing the Florida Department of Health to force the release of COVID variant data. Florida spring breakers 'have forgotten that there's a pandemic,' the Miami Beach mayor says.
Florida added 5,093 COVID-19 cases and 94 resident deaths on Thursday. The state has been closing in on 2 million cases since start of outbreak. The Orlando Sentinel is suing the Florida Department of Health to force the release of COVID variant data. Florida spring breakers 'have forgotten that there's a pandemic,' the Miami Beach mayor says.
Pennsylvania ranks 2nd in nation for per capita vaccinations in last week.
Ohio topped 2,000 new cases for first time in two weeks yesterday. The state plans to test a walk-up, no-appointment COVID vaccination clinic.
Ohio topped 2,000 new cases for first time in two weeks yesterday. The state plans to test a walk-up, no-appointment COVID vaccination clinic.
Michigan had the 5th-highest coronavirus rate in U.S. over the past week.
On Thursday, 490 new positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in Wisconsin, with 2 new deaths.
Starting April 12, Illinois will drastically expand the pool of people who qualify to get shots. The state reported 2,325 new coronavirus cases and 34 deaths yesterday.
Minnesota marked COVID-19 case and vaccine milestones as concerns about the variants remain. Case numbers and hospitalizations have risen slightly.
Minnesota marked COVID-19 case and vaccine milestones as concerns about the variants remain. Case numbers and hospitalizations have risen slightly.
All adult Missourians can get the COVID vaccine beginning April 9, Governor Mike Parson says.
Nearly 1 million people in Louisiana have received a coronavirus vaccine. The state confirmed 396 more coronavirus cases and six more deaths in its noon update Thursday.
The Iowa Department of Public Health on Wednesday confirmed 38 additional cases of the UK COVID-19 variant in Iowa. The governor will open vaccines to all Iowans starting April 5.
There were more than 320 new COVID-19 cases in Nebraska yesterday. The state recently identified its first known cases of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant.
It was announced yesterday that all Utah adults will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine next week, as the state added 560 new cases and 5 deaths.
Idaho Falls, Idaho is the current top COVID-19 hotspot in the nation, the New York Times reported. The rising COVID-19 cases are pushing an Eastern Idaho hospital to capacity.
Nevada gave its one millionth COVID-19 vaccine.
Washington reported 937 new coronavirus cases and 12 new deaths on Thursday. The COVID-19 vaccine eligibility will be expanding by 2 million residents on March 31.
Oregon reported 393 new cases, 4 deaths yesterday, as a new poll showed mixed satisfaction with the vaccine distribution.
Hawaii recorded 88 new coronavirus infections on Thursday.
CALIFORNIA:
California is now recommending double masking.
CALIFORNIA:
California is now recommending double masking.
California's 1st case of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant has been found in San Bernardino County.
The UK variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Santa Barbara County.
The state of California launched a new program Friday that gives the residents the opportunity to get vaccinated by volunteering to help get others inoculated at sites across the state.
The state of California launched a new program Friday that gives the residents the opportunity to get vaccinated by volunteering to help get others inoculated at sites across the state.
Rapid COVID testing will be key to opening more schools, the state superintendent says.
California Legislature okayed up to two weeks of paid sick leave for coronavirus-related reasons. (Finally!)
Governor Newsom admits there were mistakes that led to an early spike in COVID cases.
Orange County restaurants and movie theaters welcomed customers back indoors under new red tier rules.
Theme parks and movie theaters in Los Angeles and Orange County on track to open further soon.
The Disney CEO announced the opening date for Disneyland.
Want to go to an indoor concert in California? It's going to be a long wait. Many event venues are teetering on the brink of financial disaster.
Bay Area airports are seeing increased traffic amid rising vaccinations – ‘Trending in the right direction.’
LOCAL:
Fresno County wants to determine which COVID-19 variants could be spreading locally.
About 40% of the state's vaccine allotment will be distributed to those Californians living in areas most at risk for the coronavirus. Vulnerable neighborhoods in Central California to get more COVID-19 vaccine doses. Check your zip code here.
1,200 essential workers got their first COVID vaccine dose in Merced County.
Coalinga completed its first COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic in city.
Fresno launched a $35 million COVID emergency rental assistance program.
About 40% of the state's vaccine allotment will be distributed to those Californians living in areas most at risk for the coronavirus. Vulnerable neighborhoods in Central California to get more COVID-19 vaccine doses. Check your zip code here.
1,200 essential workers got their first COVID vaccine dose in Merced County.
Coalinga completed its first COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic in city.
Fresno launched a $35 million COVID emergency rental assistance program.
Madera Unified School District announced its phased reopening.
COVID 365: A year in lockdown and the impact on businesses in Central California.
CREATIVITY:
Randy Rainbow is B-A-C-K with a new vaccine-related video!
Puddles Pity Party is back with NOTHING COMPARES 2 U:
And, as always, here are a few new political ads:
MAIL:
I had a super quick note from my friend Linda in Castro Valley, California. She included a photo and some great news:
CREATIVITY:
Randy Rainbow is B-A-C-K with a new vaccine-related video!
Puddles Pity Party is back with NOTHING COMPARES 2 U:
Here is a clever FROZEN sequel parody about the vaccine:
Here is a spoof of the Q movement:And, as always, here are a few new political ads:
MAIL:
I had a super quick note from my friend Linda in Castro Valley, California. She included a photo and some great news:
"This is the window of a house in San Leandro," she said. "Sorry to be so disjointed. We just got our second shot today."
Linda sent another note a little later:
"Hi, glad you got your shot," she said. "It was mystifying how empty the facility was. Maybe it’s just too hard (for some people) to plow through the websites. It’s also a shame you had to walk so far. But there’s no rhyme or reason to these vaccinations. One of my friends pointed out that we really have to hustle to get vaccinated, but the older we are the less hustle we’ve got. Two East Bay people I know have had to go to Moscone Center in San Francisco for their vaccinations. It was the first place that accepted them. And one of them is 67 years old and lost a leg in an accident 4 years ago. Luckily she got a ride and was dropped off. I’ve had both shots—Moderna- so now I’m a two-timer."
Poor Barb in Nebraska sent an abbreviated note and photo. She looks and sounds miserable, but I am thrilled she's got her second vaccination coming up:
My former Fresno Bee co-worker Jenny sent me a brief note as well with more good news:
"I have my second shot on the 15th," she said. "Moderna. Can't wait to be out in the world again. Also, hooray for Shirley. In the movies. How exciting. I'm hoping for an autograph."
She sent another note yesterday:
"I had my second shot on Sunday and felt like I had the flu for two days," she said. "Now I am fine. Just so grateful to have it and be over this horrible period in our lives. They had extra vaccines and so my two daughters and son-in-law got their first shot that day. Soon we will all be able to sort of get back to normal."
Andrei, who lives and works in Italy but is from Romania, sent the briefest of notes and some photos:
"Hey, I'm good for the moment," he said. "Here is very bad with this COVID. In Romania its much better then here. I am at work now."
Kim from Wisconsin also sent a note:
"The month of March is going so fast," she said. "It is going great here. I was able to get to go on a vacation to Florida. Texas was in an awful mess, so we could not go there. My aunt decided Florida was a good place.
"I'd had both vaccinations. I got a little sick with the second one. I had a headache, nausea, and a sore arm. I rested and felt better the next day. My aunt had her first one before we went.
"We spent five days by Clearwater Beach. It was amazing! It was my first airplane ride since the virus started, so I was very anxious. We spent a few days getting some sun and also did a dolphin boat ride, but did not see one dolphin...until we were going over the bridge, going back to the hotel, and you could see dolphins jumping in the water. LOL!
"We also went to a fancy place to eat where I had filet mignon, lobster risotto, and creme brulee. I have never paid $85 for a meal ever. It was worth it though.
"Florida was more strict with masks then we are in Wisconsin. There were some not wearing them, but for the most part they were. We were very careful with wearing masks and washing our hands. Neither one of us tested positive or got sick. I was tested 3 times that week I got back. Now, hopefully in a year, our Hawaii will happen.
"Otherwise things here are good. Keeping busy at work. I am training a new person at the hospital and they are doing a super good job.
"The nursing home has had no new cases of COVID with the residents. All the residents in the nursing home and assisted living here are vaccinated. On Tuesday, they are starting to let visitors back in. I am so happy the residents will get to see family again.
"It has been a rough year. Hopefully life will start to get back to normal."
Angel, in Colombia, sent me a short video. He didn't include a note. I guess he was just thinking of me and sent the video. He looks happy in it, but yikes! I wish he'd pay better attention to driving and not video while doing so.
Angel, in Colombia, sent me a short video. He didn't include a note. I guess he was just thinking of me and sent the video. He looks happy in it, but yikes! I wish he'd pay better attention to driving and not video while doing so.
My friend John in Frazier Park, California sent me an early Easter surprise. There was more to it, but I, uh... ate some of it before I thought to take a picture. Ha! THANK YOU, John!
Robin texted me the other day and gave an update on herself and Skye (her wife):
"Skye has had both vaccinations and I have had my first," she said. "Soon we can see each other! We will be in California either the end of May or beginning of June."
Mom usually calls or just sends things (House listings, articles, etc.). She doesn't usually text notes. She did send some photos recently. This first one is my nephew, Brawn, after he made a crab quiche.
SHIRLEY:
Since waking up, Shirley has slowly gotten used to 2021. Her first day outside, she only stayed out for about an hour. I let her sleep the whole next day. When I put her out the following day, she stayed out about three hours or so.
On Sunday when I got up, I went into the kitchen and checked on her. She was deep under her boxes asleep. I set about making my coffee, when I heard this sound coming from the dining room. At first I thought it was the ice packs melting in the box my IVIG had arrived in the day before. As I was looking into the box, I heard the sound again. It was coming from the other side of the dining room table. Huh?
I looked and it was Shirley. Her foot was hitting my IV pole stand. She was awake and roaming around the kitchen. Who knew?
I opened the sliding door so she could go out. But she just sat there. I went and got her water bowl, which was still in the guest room where she'd slept. I put fresh water in, in case that's what she was wanting. Nope. Eventually, she turned around and started heading to the corner. In addition to the IV pole, I had boxed with supplies for my treatments stored over there where she used to sleep---and I hadn't yet pulled her cardboard condo out of the guest room where she'd spent the winter. I quickly cleared the area and ran back for her condo box before she reached the corner. She pushed the condo around a bit before going inside and going to sleep.
When I checked under the box pieces on the other side of the kitchen that she had been under (and where I thought I had seen her), I discovered that what I had mistaken for her foot was actually a big tortoise turd! Zowie! Imagine being constipated since late October? Poor baby. Hopefully she'll start to eat now, though.
She was in need of a new cardboard condo. Her existing one had been pooped and peed in several time. After cleaning it the best I could, I'd simply put down a new layer of cardboard floor for Shirley to sleep on. She had also totally busted out the back wall.
She was in need of a new cardboard condo. Her existing one had been pooped and peed in several time. After cleaning it the best I could, I'd simply put down a new layer of cardboard floor for Shirley to sleep on. She had also totally busted out the back wall.
The box my IVIG comes in is about the same size (maybe a little bigger) as her old box---so I made her a swanky new apartment while she was out one day.
I kept the old one (tucked away in the garage) in case she rejected her spacious, clean, new corner cardboard condo. To my utter surprise, she just went right in as soon as she saw it.
I have seen Shirley climb up onto her water bowl twice now, but I'm never sure if she's actually drank from it. As a tortoise daddy, I have to worry.
My nurse Karen had seen Shirley while she had been hibernating. She thought she was cute and it was neat to have a pet tortoise. When she first showed up for my treatments, I told her that Shirley was awake now and not to be surprised if she saw her crawling along the floor. If she wanted in or out, just open the sliding glass door. She seemed okay with that.
The first day of my infusions, Shirley stayed in her box and slept all day. No big deal. It takes her several weeks to adjust back to normal after hibernating.
The second day, I was sitting in the living room infusing while Karen sat at the kitchen table. She was working on paperwork or something.
"Shawn?," she said. "Shirley is out."
I got up and dragged my wheeled IV stand into the kitchen. She was under the chair Karen had been sitting in near the sliding glass door. I went and opened the door to see if she wanted out, but--typical Shirley--she just sat there and had to think ab out it for a long while. She finally decided it was too cool to go out and went back to her box.
Karen had moved away from Shirl as soon as she had spotted her coming towards her out of the corner of her eye...and sat on a stool on the opposite side of the room from her. I asked if she upset her or if or bothered her. She said that she was fine with Shirley, but I got the impression she was not enamored with a reptile wandering around freely.
The next day, I ended up putting Shirley outside. She needed to have some sun and I was hoping she'd eat and/or drink. She ignored the food I'd made her, but did have some grass. A while later, Karen saw her walking up the patio to be let back in the house. She took a time-lapsed video of Shirl walking up to the door. Ha! She looks like a zippy, young tortoise. That is so not how she moves these days. She's an o-l-d girl. But the video was cute anyway.
She is getting used to being awake and outside again. She spends more and more time out there. The first day this year, she was out for an hour. The next time it was two hours. Since then, it's been about four or more hours. She doesn't go out every day. Some days she'll sleep all day. Some days she'll want to sleep all day and I'll pick her up and make her go out. Usually she comes out of her box on her own and will want to go out.
ME:
Now that Erich is home, I am slowly getting back into my old routine. After several weeks of meaning to do so, I finally got around to making a batch of soup in the crockpot again. This time, I didn't follow any recipe. I thought I could do it. It's easy. Just cut up some chicken, add whatever veggies I had on hand, pour in the (organic, low-sodium) chicken broth and add a few spices. Which I did. And it was bland. Hmm. I realized I'd forgotten the bullion cube. Oh well. Next batch. (At least I'm trying...)
I had a dental appointment. It was more COVID cautious than when I last went. The waiting room, which had previously had much of the furniture removed, had everything back where it belong but was turned in ways to keep people from sitting near each other. The reception, scheduling and billing area was not utilized this trip. Instead my appoint was made with the hygienist in the exam room. I will be invoiced for my bill.
I started my March series of IVIG infusions. This was the fifth series of treatments. So far, I can not really say with any honesty if they are working or not.
The treatments are soooooo very expensive. Just before the March infusions began, I had received a couple of statements from my insurance company detailing what was paid and what was not paid for my January treatments. The first bill showed that I owed $636 to NuFactor (the pharmacy who sends the IVIG, hires the nurse and sends the supplies). A second statement arrived and--YIKES! I am also responsible for an additional $2,372.18 for January. Eek! My insurance really sucks---but it's better than paying the full $36,566 for that month's treatments. Getting those bills will be hard, but in the following months, my deductible should be met and it won't cost nearly as much.
Not long after my first day's treatments ended and Karen had gone home, a huge storm hit. Golly! It was so dramatic, unlike anything I think I've ever experienced before. I was in the bathroom and there was the sound of distant thunder. Instead of being just a momentary noise, it kept sort of rolling and rolling closer--until there was this huge explosion right near the house. What the heck? I ran to the kitchen to look out. The sky opened up and it just started pouring down rain.
Lightning would flash and that weird thunder would start from far away and keep rumbling as it crept along the sky. I could literally track the sound from somewhere far behind my house, along the side of the house and then to somewhere far beyond the front of the house. Wild.
Hail was dumping down as well. It'd hit the ground so hard that it would bounce back up. It looked like the back yard was was suddenly popping corn. Crazy. At one point, I went out on to the patio. From under the patio cover, I snapped a shot of my roof. The rain gutter and roof were covered with big chunks of hail. Unreal!
I called my nurse to make sure she had gotten home okay. She said the rain hit just as she was getting home. She had put on her pajamas, got a blanket and sat on her bed to enjoy the show the storm was providing. She didn't get any hail, though.
After the drama with Mother Nature, I decided to make another batch of soup. This time, I was sure to include a bullion cube. I dumped in chicken, celery, mushrooms, carrots, onions, and spices. I had purchased a big head of broccoli that I had intended to use in the previous batch as well, but had forgotten to do so. That meant all of the broccoli went into this batch.
However, as is normal for me, within a few hours of my treatment (and a few hours of starting my soup), I was just exhausted and needed to sleep. The soup was supposed to cook for six hours. I had only done so for three. Could I stop it then and restart it the next day to cook for another three hours?
I called my mom for advice (since I am sooooo NOT a cook). She suggested that, since I have such a hard time sleeping, I should just turn the crockpot down to low and let it continue to cook until I woke up in a few hours. That sounded logical and off to bed I went.
Instead of waking a few hours later, I slept for nine hours (that almost never happens). Although it had been set on low, my soup was way overcooked. The pot had been heaping when I'd gone to bed, but a lot of the veggies had cooked down...many even liquidating altogether! When I had it later, I added a package of ramen noodles to jazz it up. It wasn't jazz-able. It was horrible...but I ate it anyway. Ugh!
On one of my infusion days, there was a "coffee talk" Zoom conversation with others who have/had GBS (Guillan-Barre Syndrome) or what I have, CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy). It wasn't the most helpful thing ever (It was one of those "What good news do you have to share with the group today?" pep rally things.), but it was my very first anything with the GBS/CIDP Foundation. So, that was good. Of course, I had to participate while getting my treatment, My nurse even took my blood pressure a few times during the meeting. Ha!
Because of all of the fluid being pumped into me coupled with the diuretics I take, I frequently have to run down the hall to pee. Just as I was returning from one such trip, my phone buzzed. It was one of my security cameras going off. I took a quick look and saw that my former co-worker Melaney had come to the door and left something for me. I ran to the door, threw it open hobbled down the driveway to try and catch her before she drove off. It was just a short visit, but it was wonderful to see her. She had her daughters Piper (2) and Harlow (just days from her 1st birthday) with her. My nurse had to come out and change IVIG bottles while we chatted. Ha!
She left this note, saying the wine was to celebrate the end of this month's treatments.
When my treatments ended, I had a big glass of it (well, two big glasses, actually). Thank you, Mel.
After eating my awful soup two nights in a row, I still had a bit left. However, there was very little liquid left. (I guess the ramen absorbed it?) I was too exhausted from my treatments to really make anything. So, instead of making something new, I decided to finish off the soup. Instead of a pot, I threw it into a frying pan.
I had no idea what I could do with the slop. And then inspiration (of a sort) hit. I could take my horrid soup and make soup tacos! Really! O' they were nasty---but it was food and I didn't waste anything. I'm just glad it is g-o-n-e!
I posted about my fried soup fiasco and my decidedly disgusting soup tacos or the Facebook thing for my former co-workers at the hospital. As gross as it was, it was kind of funny--or so I thought.
My friend Alicia saw it. She and her boyfriend Colin were headed to Costco. While there, they decided to pick me up a care package and deliver it.
When they started knocking on the door, I was in my room trying to get my pants on. I had no idea who it was, but I shouted out "Just a minute," and hobbled down the hall. I only got my belt properly closed just before I opened the door. Like when Mel visited the other day, I was hoping to catch whoever it was before they left (as long as it wasn't a salesman. Ha!). Seeing Alicia and Colin was a delightful surprise. Yahoo! It was super groovy to see them.
Their thoughtful care package contained ribs and salads with a little note in it that read "No frying pan needed." How sweet.
It was so wonderful to see them. Thank you so much!
After Alicia and Colin departed, I had to run to the store for a few things. As I passed the bakery department, I noted this sign:
Oh my stars! It was March 14, National Pi/Pie Day. I had to celebrate. So, I got myself a little teeny pie. (So, okay... It was really a tart. Sue me.)
I had been hearing that people were getting their stimulus money as early as the Friday after President Biden sign the Rescue Act. Others said they got it over the weekend. On Monday, mine still wasn't there. On Tuesday, it appeared...but instead of $1,400, it was only $861.84. Huh? I hadn't made more than $70,000 at the hospital in 2019, but I had worked that part time preceptor job with the nursing students that paid really well. That put me over. With the previous stimulus checks, both had $96.10 removed from them. This time, $538.16 had been held back. Dang! I was really counting on that as March is the last month I can collect state disability. Social Security is dragging their feet. I've got long-term disability insurance that will kick in once state disability dries up, but it's for far less money, I only get it once a month (instead of every two weeks) and I have to pay it back should Social Security grant me disability.
I raced across town for my appointment with my tax lady. I had been focused on getting Shirley situated outside and making sure I had everything I needed for the appointment, that when I looked at the clock, i discovered I was running late before even leaving the house. I dashed to the car and took off. It was only then that I realized I had left my cane at home. UGH! At home, I can lean on the walls, the furniture and counters. I can do without the cane in the house. But outside? Eek!
I got to my appointment, parked the car as close as I could (a handicapped spot). No one was really about and I made my way to the office and inside, sitting down in the nearest chair. When it was my turn, I had a bit of trouble--I'm sure people noticed. I explained to the tax lady what had happened to me. I had very little income for the year and more that $4,000 in out-of-pocket medical bills. The tax lady told that even though the first two stimulus checks were based on 2019 returns, they would be adjusted by the 2020 return and I should get the portions they held back refunded to me. The most recent stimulus can also be corrected next year when I do my 2021 returns. That was good to know. When it was time to leave, of course there were several people in the outer office, all around the office complex and in the parking lot as I was flailing about without my cane. It was soooo embarrassing. But the good news is that my refund should be almost everything that was taken out of my checks last year. Hooray!
My exciting (not) St. Patrick's Day highlight (snore...) was spent at physical therapy.
The "communities" portion, where my family immigrated to, makes sense to me for the most part. On my mother's side, I know my grandmother was born in Missouri. The Virginia thing may account for my maternal grandfather, whose background I know very little of. I believe I remember hearing the suggestion that we are somehow distantly connected to the Kennedys on my grandfather's side, but I do not know anything concrete. I think my grandmother on my father's side was born in Texas and had relatives in the Tennessee area. My paternal great grandmother was born in 1900 in Oklahoma Territory (before it was a state). I think my paternal grandfather was born in Oklahoma as well.
I'm not sure about what brought my maternal grandfather's family west (they were somewhat affluent, I believe), but my maternal grandmother's family and my father's family came west because of the Dust Bowl.
As I said, there were no real surprises. However, it was kind of fun having my nebulous heritage pulled together and verified. (Norway? Really? And why is Iceland highlighted?)
With more and more people getting vaccinated and things slowly opening up again, I am now planning on retiring the Coronavirus Diary on April 30th---so that leaves just three more installments. I've had my first vaccination. (My second is next week.) I worked to find vaccination appointments for my mom and brother in Washington and for my best friend Erich in the Bay Area...and they've all had their first shots. (Mom and Ron were Pfizer. Erich got the Johnson & Johnson.) My former co-workers have all been inoculated. Other friends are reporting getting vaccinated (Art in Florida, Christa in Santa Monica, Nedra in Los Angeles, Shookie, Vye, Ricki, etc.). It is such a huge relief for me that people I care about are getting vaccinated against this terrible virus. The president was targeting July 4th as a tentative return to normal, but things will hopefully ease back that way sooner. So, even though the pandemic may not fully be over yet, I'm hanging up the blog at the end of next month. Phew!
CHEERS!
Continue to the next part HERE!
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