It’s hard to imagine that just a year ago, COVID was only just coming onto our radar. I’ll admit that I started off less than completely concerned about it. As things started to unfold, though, the true scope of the pandemic became more obvious, and with it, the potential human cost.
And now, with well over 400,000 dead, and looking at 500,000 by the end of February, we’re still coming to grips with the facts of just how immensely bad the previous administration’s response (or utter lack thereof) really was.
In addition, we’re watching as the incomplete response to the virus provides both avenues and selective pressures to become more virulent, deadly, or both.
Now, realistically, there’s not anything that can be done to stop it in its tracks. That ship has sailed, reached its destination, and unloaded all its cargo. But relatively simple things could be done that would help, if we could get a large enough majority of people to do them. 100% mask mandates, draconian shutdowns, and the like.
Unfortunately, in too many places, we’ve let the know-nothings flourish, and even gain control. (N.b., the way to fix the latter is at the ballot box.) And so, not enough of the right things are going to be done, in enough places.
So far, the various vaccines appear to be effective against even the newer variants of COVID, which is a good thing. Once we dig out from a production/distribution supply backlog, and can actually start vaccinating large numbers of people, it’ll be even better. (And here again, the known no things are trying to prevent that, vis. the protests in California.)
What can be done in the meantime? Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), the advice hasn’t changed. Wear your mask, wash your hands, social distance. Don’t gather in large crowds. Keep an eye on vaccine availability in your area, know your precedence level, and get you & yours vaccinated as soon as possible. That’ll be the refrain probably until the fall.
In the meantime, as for me and mine, we will continue to dig out from the snowstorm that blanketed us over the weekend. We will prepare for the one forecast for the coming weekend. And we’ll try to keep warm and safe here on the homestead.
How about we talk preserved foods, next time around? We’ve been eating our stash of canned goods, and adding in the occasional bit of cured meat. I think it’ll be a pleasant change, don’t you?
leftwingsurvivalist 