My wife too. Went away though.
A bit of non-controverisal news...
The Delta variant of Covid-19 (which originated in India) is more contagious and deadly.
In the U.S., about 10% of all cases are of the Delta variant, and that number is growing quickly.
It is expected to be the dominant variant worldwide.
One dose of the Pfizer vaccine is 33% effective against the variant, while two doses of the vaccine are 88% effective.
Clearly, it's important to be fully vaccinated.
Just getting one dose doesn't cut it with this variant. 
But that’s the case for all variants. The second dose is unfortunately mandatory.
For the original strain, one dose of Pfizer or Astrazenica after 6 or so weeks already gives close to 90% protection, so the delta variant is a rather different case.
Oops, didn’t know this. I had something like 50% in mind. Thanks!
Interesting statistic:
99% of the people that died from Covid-19 in May of 2021 in the U.S. were unvaccinated.
In other words, 99% of those deaths were avoidable.
Yes, but even before vaccinations were available, most of the deaths were avoidable.
From today’s Washington Post
https://s2.washingtonpost.com/1f6d869/60d638c29d2fda8060e79fb1/5ced5692ade4e21968ecfd82/4/56/60d638c29d2fda8060e79fb1 online virus email:
More lockdowns??? 
:person_facepalming:
Screw that… noooo thank you!!! :smiling_imp: :disguised_face:
Most of Earth is not vaccinated, especially in poorer countries.
There will be many more lockdowns around the world to prevent serious illness and death.
The Delta variant is by far the worst so far, and I expect even worse variants in the future.
personal experience and mindset for me in USA, today…
less than 50% of the people at the grocery store are wearing masks. Even staff is without masks.
most people I meet are vaccinated, but not all. There is no way to know if a person with no mask, is vaccinated, or they think masks dont matter
I am very concerned that so many people choose to believe a man that lied to us about masks, corona, the election, and most other things including deals with Russia.
Im very worried about the number of people who are willing to do violence, to support their right to believe those lies. I feel it is a very dangerous time in USA, politically.
Police here are on edge. They have shot and killed 2 people within a mile of my house this week. Tensions are high, and more civilians are carrying guns for defense, in response to more gun crime. A volatile combination.
I do hope our control of the epidemic continues to reduce the risk. Im still wearing my mask at the grocery store. I fear a resurgence of infections as a result of reopening, scheduled for July 1st here.
Just in time to allow people to party maskless on the 4th.
I hope we survive the epidemic, and the political divisions, here in USA.
Hmm, I went food-shopping t’other day, and I didn’t even notice how many people were masked vs unmasked. Saw both.
Ain’t about to try keeping track which places require them and which don’t, so I just keep my bandana with me just in case.
Ain’t about to argue superstitions from both sides, so that’s the path of least resistance.
I went grocery shopping today.
I didn't really keep track of what percentage of people were wearing masks, but it was under 50%.
I wore a mask because I don't want the Covid, and I have a sinus infection, which is also contagious.
I think someday I'll feel comfortable enough to go shopping without a mask, but if I'm sick, I think I'll wear a mask as a courtesy to others.
And, yes, I realize that wearing a mask is not comfortable which is why so many people don't want to do it.
Uh, oh.
From Quora’s discussion:
I heard you could catch it by just thinking about it…
Further excerpt from that Quora article:
My personal hiring experience this summer has been bad. No applicants. All the businesses are hunting for workers. Everyone is readjusting to opening up. I have also noticed virtual school did not turn out well for many. It has all been a big social experiment and it will probably be debated and studied for decades.
The previous two infusion treatments I got at the hospital, basically 4 and 8 weeks ago, A mask was required. Saying where you were going. But that’s it. Before that it was the COVID questions and temps taken.
This time – today – they are back to asking the COVID questions and taking temps.
There hasn’t been an upswing in cases here, but something must have put them on alert.
Meanwhile, a short quip I like to share with those who are dead set against following any sort of safety protocols.
Texas, Population ~ 29M, Confirmed COVID Cases: 2.9 Million, Deaths: ~ 52,000.
Taiwan, Population ~ 23M, Confirmed COVID Casee: 14,750, Deaths: 643
Taiwan is way more densely populated, and way closer to the source travel wise.
Those pesky mask wearing, social distancing, COVID tracking, rule following Taiwanese are tougher than Texans.
OR
Just perhaps all that safety stuff just may work.
Some are quite irate when I tell this little factoid.
All the Best,
Jeff
I’ll be taking this factoid in my arsenal to some tone-deaf / conspiracy-wavering deniers.
Perhaps you are acquainted with Peter Hadfield (aka Potholer);
Another side-effect of Covid-19: Stupidity
[quote=MoreLumens]
Taiwan doesn’t just have mask recommendations. Mask wearing is mandatory and there are hefty fines if you don’t comply.
No chance of that happening in the US, because “freedom.” :person_facepalming: