Wow. That was only 10 days?

Ok, so I posted back about 10 days ago, giving you my take on the state of things as affected by the coronavirus.  The world is different.  Again.  Because 10 days have passed.  Here are more random thoughts and observations.

- 51,000 people have died in 181 countries.
- Over 1M people are infected.
- The rise in both is exponential in many locations and is just arriving in 3rd world countries, where health care is minimal.
- 10M people in the US have filed for unemployment, more than anytime since the Great Depression.
- The Shelter-in-Place is getting more serious here in the US, especially in Calif.
- Even though our clueless, ratings driven president seems to be finally getting the seriousness of this pandemic, many of his followers (and enablers) continue to believe this is a hoax, which will lead to more infections and deaths.  Fucking amazing.
- The definition of what is "essential business" is shrinking.
- The 6' rule continues.
- Few people are working (well, unless you can work at home)
- Exercise is still permitted here, but in some countries (Spain, Italy), you cannot leave your house except to get food.  Dogs cannot even be walked in some places.
- The stock market is acting in whipsaw fashion, rising and falling by up to 2000 points in a day.
- It's current level is still about 30% down from its peak, which was just weeks ago.
- Roads are very quiet.
- Air pollution is down.
- Crime is down (even criminals are stuck home).  At least for now.
- Concern about domestic violence is rising.
- Shopping is a challenge, with lines to keep the crowds down in the stores and there's still a run on paper products (especially TP).  Unbelievable.
- Assisted living homes are off limits to visitors or people getting out to avoid potentially infecting those who are highest risk.
- Internet sensations are being created, as people have lots of free time on their hands to make crazy videos, etc.
- Neighbors are more friendly with meetups at 6pm, bear searches for kids, and singing at various hours.
- People are thanking those who continue to work (medical, grocery stores, police and fire, mail, etc.)
- No end is in sight, except to say its at least going to be in effect in California until May 3rd.
- Our trips to Paso Robles (April) and DC (May) are cancelled.  Europe in July is officially still on, but we're having our doubts.
- We can still ride bikes, but just today, San Mateo county has asked that people ride no more than 5 miles from home.  Solo riding is encouraged to help with social distancing.
- The biggest concern about cycling seems to be the concern that if you crash, you'll be taking a hospital spot and that means you'd perhaps be exposing yourself to Covid (and taking a bed).
- What's next?  Who knows?  We'll do our best to do our part to be safe.  We continue to ride outside and exercise inside as well.  For now.
- Be well.