THE NEW "PLAGUE"

This is the first of two blogs relating to health care

The Corona virus is a real threat to our society which is unprepared.  Already there has been one death in the state of Washington and four more confirmed cases nationwide.

While it may be true that, if you can believe them, according to statistics from China suggest that only 3% of cases are fatal in a city like Plainfield with a population of 50,000 that would mean 1500 fatalities; not an insignificant number.

China has never reported any age distribution in the reported deaths. I would suspect that the elderly and very young would be a disproportional large number since  both groups can not tolerate pneumonias.

Comparing it with the Flue’s annual relativity small number of deaths with 29 million reported cases and only half the total population vaccinated disregards Corono ‘s impact similar to the 14th century Black Plague.

All the Administrations remarks that it will die with the warm months demonstrates a lack of understanding viruses. CDC’s reaction when it was first reported in China. CDC should have been trying to develop a vaccine.as well as an easy test.  The problem there may have been due to Administration’s reduction in CDC allocations and staff in favor of its own agendas.

Earlier understanding the method of spread would have been important. As now thought this virus spreads by hand contact of contaminated surfaces and inadvertently touch the eyes or mouth.

Air contamination may not occur.   If so, washing of hands with soap after any contact and wearing outside disposable gloves as well as an immediate “mud room” change of washable or disposable for protected inside the home cloths may suffice. But don’t forget visitors outside clothing can contaminate the houseso inside disinfection must also be done. That may be enough for personal protection

There is a question if wearing a mask will give the wearer any needed protection.  No one knows the life if any of this virus in the air.The only danger may be when spray from a sneeze or cough hits the mask. 

When I started this blog there was 1 death and 4 other confirfmed cases in th USA. On Feb 29 there were reported 22 cases! It will spread but is still controllable.

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MY PARTY

My Party; 

   My children especially son-in law Bo, Granddaughter Jill, daughter Patti with the help of daughter Pamela, son Dr. Andrew, and Daughter in law Ruth along with some 50 invitees went all out for me to have a great time which I did since there was a microphone (courtesy of Grandson Reid) for my use.

  As many of you know there never was a microphone I didn't like and was ready to grab. I made full use of that one to advise the crowd how I lived to 100.

  The only negative was that some brought gifts for which I must thank them. I hope their expectations are not too high since I still have to thank people for my Bar Mitzva presents.  

  Meantime Brian, Dan, Michael and Dee, Marcia, Jillian, Johanna, Eddie, Tony and Pat please know that your presence alone was gift enough. Dawg also joins me in thanking Dan, and Jillian. 

  And, a special thank to my late wife’s nephew and wife for their donation to UVA, my alma mater.  Seven of the best years of my life were spent there ending in 62 years  of marriage, Once a Wahoo always a Wahoo!

  When speaking off the cuff one always forgets to acknowledge someone like my friend, house cleaner and computer maven of more than 20 years.  Howie is a Cohen although I frequently call him “Michael” there is no relationship.

  Among other goofs Although she was sitting and talking next to me, I introduced my favorite cousin Phyllis as Bernice.

  I never found out until later that I introduced Helen’s niece as Susan.  Sarah and the Moomaws please forgive me.

RESPOND TO 2/5 BLOG COMMENT

  In a comment to my 2/5/20 Blog (see Clips) Bill Kruse wrote:” Would appreciate your thoughts on the pedestrian mall proposal and the 3 !/2 % property tax increase.”

  It is difficult to have any positive thoughts about any actions taken by Plainfield’s Senate AKA the Common Council.  Like the Republicans in DC it follows without thought the directions of its Administration negating the three prongs of Constitutional government. Here in Plainfield instead of Trump that would be the Mayor who like his counterpart promises but does not deliver transparency and makes unfounded statements about his great accomplishments.

  I can not find any value in the pedestrian mall considering the lack of positive changes in what was once the best “Down Town” in Central Jersey. Westfield and Cranford positively coped with the shift of business to Malls while Plainfield deteriorated perhaps as a result of racial discrimination or inaction due to the shift of power from GOP to local Democrats...

  Likewise, the tax rate increase will reflect on the fewer landowners no sheltered by numerous PILOT programs. Compare Administrations explanation with Trump’s Tax changes which do not benefit the middle class as claimed but only the upper 1% and Big Business. 

  In other words, neither is in the average citizens best interests.

  But perhaps I should not expect more from an administration and government that does not consider a citizen's 100 years of residency and years of independent involvement in city affairs at the Council worthwhile recognizing