Life in the Time of CoVid-Day 10 Lockdown
April 5, 2020-Day 10 of SA Lockdown:
Globally: More than 60,000 people have died & more than 1.1 million have been infected. Italy & Spain: There has been cause for optimism as the number of new infections and deaths from coronavirus has started to gradually diminish.
LATEST UPDATE FROM EMBASSY (Apr 3):
“Many of you have reached out to us since our last e-mail yesterday expressing frustration at the lag in timeline in getting you home…When there was a hiccup yesterday with the charter flights organized by DC, the Ambassador [Lane Marks] worked through the night, and personally started to arrange commercial charter flights with experienced, international commercial carriers. These arrangements are currently pending approval from DC….”
Notice the “Make preparations to depart” portion—in every other message—is missing.
Copious yards of plastic went into wrapping that bag.
Nevertheless, we are Packed?! Since our Capetown “stop over” en-route to the U.S. 11 nights ago, we have never unpacked (except for essentials). Our bags stand ready to leave. Not because we’re think this is one of those “grab our stuff and run!” evacuations. No way will the flight leave without us. We are lazy.
Besides, the two easy to open proper suitcases are loaded with stuff for home. Everything we’d need or want in South Africa, where it’s sunny, toasty Indian Summer are in that cellophane wrapped ball in the middle. Sure we could saw it open but… Who has time to waste…
When Skinny Tan has been deemed a non-essential! Warren Beatty step aside!
Bakers! Get Busy!
Warren Beatty move over—I might be the new shade of orange!
While some insta-bake themselves, neighbors are baking for the cause. This sign is posted opposite one of the Xs on the queue outside Woolies.
What a marvelous, doable idea. For healthworkers and now, I realize, for folks, like my mom and mom-in-law, locked down in Senior Living residences.
Outside the Supermarket
What We Pretend to Know About CoVid-19 Could Kill Us.
Social Distancing…w/ walk to beach.
First thing this morning mom called—SA 7:15 am, Reno 10:15 pm. She sounded harried and surprised I answered. She jabbered something about “no food” and “no caregivers” and the people the Lodge, the “mental ones” wandering all over… I was in the midst of extracting details when Mom’s caretaker for the night, Reina, came in with a bag of chips. Mom chomped a few, asked if she could give away her copies of my books and hung up. I’m not worried that mom is starving or being neglected—she is dramatic! Besides, she receives regular care packages of favorite snacks (Raisinetts, chips, nuts & chai tea.) But with healthcare workers and caregivers everywhere so stressed, overworked and understaffed, too, wouldn’t homecooked goodies be welcome? Or are they deemed unsafe in the states?
USA: 312, 237 confirmed CoVid cases; More than 8,400 people have died from COVID-19
Despite the news, from what I’m seeing on our neighborhood group, “safety” isn’t a concern—definitely not public safety. Discarded gloves scattered and blowing outside the groceries; packs strolling the beach path; Trump talking out of both ends at once:
One end: Trump has warned Americans to prepare for the "toughest week" of the coronavirus pandemic yet, predicting a surge in deaths.
Other end: Mr Trump Suggested Easing Social-distancing Guidelines for Easter.
Should we stay or should we go? It’s a dilemma.
On a personal note: I talked to Gloria…Gloria talked to Graham…Graham talked to the pharmacist…I have estrogen patches. Happy Days Are Here Again! Sing it Judy & Barb!
As it is Sunday, Looking forward with this #WeRemember video.
FYI: “Happy Days Are Here Again,” was recorded by Milton Ager & Jack Yellen “In 1929, just prior to the Great Crash of the New York Stock Market.” It was the theme song of FDR’s Presidential Campaign in his effort to unseat incumbent President Herbert Hoover. It “resonated throughout the nation as most Americans were looking to Roosevelt in hopes that his pledge of “a new deal for the American people” would usher them safely through the Great Depression into a new era of economic prosperity.”
Too much, too soon? I don’t think so. Channeling Auntie Mame, we need a little hope, what she called “Christmas” right now.