Wednesday, April 14th, 2021
Today was a bit of a dreary day with a drizzle from morning till night. It feels as if it never really got light.
This is a little sad as the first Azalea is in full bloom and the others in varying stages of getting there. Likewise, the dogwoods are showing of their first blossoms. Their display is so much more glorious in the sunshine. On the other hand, the more rain we get now, the more likely the chances are that the weekend will be sun-filled, even though more rain is forecast for the rest of the week.
I am hoping for sun though as I plan to have the book club ladies over for brunch, which is of course a no go if it rains. During today’s grocery run I bought all the items still needed for a lovely Turkish brunch, so it would be a big disappointment if the weather would not cooperate.
Given VIP travel plans work continues to be busy. I am hoping that the second shot I am to receive on Friday will be without side effects as I am supposed to run a workshop from 06:00-08:00 on Saturday, which is critical to getting a potential MoU for the VIPs to sign, and of course have plans for practice in the park and a swim. The Aikidoka were even considering a beer waza and lunch after class. This would be the first since autumn. So, fingers crossed the weather improves.
With a quarter of US residents vaccinated the mood is definitely picking up. All of my training partners have had at least one shot and we have begun practicing with the bokken, which decreases the distance from six to three feet between partners. I guess it is safe enough as CDC has found that when outside 1 in a 1.000 may potentially get infected and of course we are all wearing masks. All of us are dying to get back onto the mat and engage in partner practice as evidenced by the fact that my training partner yesterday translated a bokken move into open hand practice actually touching me! It came as a surprise and at the same time so nice of a move. It also drives home how much I miss physical touch. Hugging my friends, shaking a hand.
The USA Reports 77k new infections over the past twenty-four hours to bring the total to 32.1 million. However, DC, Maryland and Virginia (the so-called DMV) continue to see an increase of only 0.2% week on week, despite Governor Hogan having “reopened” the State. Montgomery County of course will have none of it and continues restrictions on gatherings, indoor activities and so on, and I am glad of it. We are in the final stretch now. Maryland has administer 3.7 million doses to date. 40% of its residence have received at least one shot and as data from the UK indicates this results in over 70% protection. The same applies to Virginia and the District of Columbia. Four more weeks and I believe everyone who wants to be inoculated will have been.
Certainly all of my friends are anxious to get their shot and are pre-registering or registering wherever they can. And then of course there are those weary of being vaccinated. The pausing of the JNJ vaccine use is not helping to instill confidence in those who are reluctant. As a result, scientists fear the USA could begin to see COVID islands in communities hesitant to be vaccinated. I have mixed feelings about this. Of course, I want everyone to be safe and to do their part to stop the spread. On the other hand, I have no sympathies for anti-vaxers. If they get ill or die, their choice. However, their choice may affect achieving herd immunity, lead to new variants and ultimately endangering us all. Especially with Americans returning to pre-pandemic life the virus will continue to spread and circulate for months to come among those not vaccinated. I think this is a process of natural selection called survival of the fittest, mentally and then physically.
The longterm impact of the pandemic has security personnel concerned. shortages and unequal access to health care and vaccines could spark unrest and migration. This just means the more developed world needs to ensure equitable vaccine access. The concerns around blood clotting with the JNJ as well as the Oxford shot are not helping as these vaccines have been hailed as critical for roll out in countries with less infrastructure. These may now feel they are getting the vaccines the more developed world does not want. Already South Africa has stopped using the JNJ vaccine.
This is not helpful.