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Unless you live in Antarctica, it’s likely you reside in a country where COVID-19 has reared its ugly head. The high contagiousness of this virus is certainly frightening and while the mortality rate right now is the subject of much debate and is sure to change several times over when all is said is done, the deaths thus far as well as the continuing uncertainty are adding to the underlying panic.
What is also frightening are the conspiracy theories and mind-blowing, idiotic medical quackery that’s popping up all over the web. In an effort to put some trustworthy information out there that everyone can easily access, here are some links to resources where you can get more information about the virus as well as common sense preventative measures you can take to lower the risk of getting the ill that don’t involve drinking bleach. (Seriously. That’s apparently a thing.)
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Environmental Protection Agency
https://epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-list-disinfectants-use-against-covid-19
Centers For Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019/ncov/index.html
I hope these links will assist everyone in getting factual information. I’d also like to issue a word of caution: Here in the U.S., it’s an election year. There’s misinformation being released from Washington politicians from Mr. Trump on down. COVID-19 should not be a political issue, but human nature being what it is, of course it is. My advice is to listen to the scientists and take the rest with a grain of salt.
~A sign in a Vietnam nail salon.~
~Jonathan Mok after allegedly being attacked in London by someone upset about the coronavirus.~
One final word before I climb off my soapbox. Unsurprisingly this health crisis has touched off worldwide racist incidents. Needless to say this is despicable and inexcusable. On the CDCs website that I provided a link to, they state:
“People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American. Help stop the fear by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.”
The more we share FACTS, the easier it is to combat ignorance!
By Hook Or By Book 
Being educated is always a good thing, especially with all of the nonsense and misinformation floating around right now. The racists are having a field day.
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FACTS matter!
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I would not go into that salon. I wouldn’t want to catch racism.
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Ha! Clever Lolsy!
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This is a powerful post. Thanks for putting this together…this is bringing out the worst in us…
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Thanks John. I was getting more and more ticked off about some of the things being passed around online and decided this might be more helpful instead of being snarky.
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Yes, these things bring out the worst in some people….
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Thanks for sharing this info, Kim.
I do not think I will sleep tonight, though.
We have 2 cases of the coronavirus now in Co and one of the people who have it was at Keystone Ski Resort skiing till Feb 29th thru March 3rd.(he came down with symptoms on March 3rd.
My husband was skiing at Keystone on March 2nd.
EKKKKKK!!!!!!!
I just found this info right now about the guy a little while ago and told my husband.
He was a little rattled and we will need to find out tomorrow about being tested.
Damn this guy never should have come to Co as he knew he was a risk , he had traveled to Italy and then brings his damn self here and here we go with the nightmare!
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Hope you and your family end up being ok!
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Thanks Lorilin. You too.
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Thank you!
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Oh no Margie! Will you keep me posted?
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I am hoping my fears are completely unwarranted, Kim.
Jeff spoke to his Dr this morning and was told that it takes a week to come down with symptoms of the virus if one is exposed and if symptoms develop, one should be tested.
But so little testing being done is a problem as so few places (labs, hospitals have the kits for testing.)
We were we should try to limit our activity as much as we can and always,always wash hands frequently.
We are both feeling fine and hope that continues to be the case.
Thank you!
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Take care my friend.
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Thank you, kim.
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As always, a sensible attitude from you, Kim, and a valuable post. Unless other countries outside China are prepared to impose the same restrictions on personal freedom to socialise and travel, I fear the virus will be allowed to spread out of control across Europe and the Americas.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks Pete. I’ve been thinking the same thing regarding restrictions. I’m not sure the rest of the world is ready to embrace the draconian measures China has instituted. Perhaps if this was Ebola, or another illness with a higher mortality rate…🤔
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I wish people would realize that those in the high risk category are not expendable. I am 70, have multiple sclerosis, and am in early remission from lymphoma. But I really like life and enjoy getting the most from it. So kindly don’t write me off so blithely.
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Suffering from health problems myself, I wouldn’t like to think of me being written off.
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People are so ignorant that is frightening. I wish more people were like you and I wish more people used their brains but for some is too much to ask.
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I think all we can do is educate ourselves with facts and try to pass those on to as many people as possible.
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Great info…..be calm, be prepared, avoid large crowds…it’s really not rocket science is it? chuq
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Oh man, I feel like people are losing their minds to panic. It’s crazy…
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This never helps.
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Reblogged this on Voice of Lesbian Senior and commented:
VERY IMPORTANT INFO … ‘In an effort to put some trustworthy information out there that everyone can easily access, here are some links to resources where you can get more information about the virus as well as common sense preventative measures you can take to lower the risk of getting the ill that don’t involve drinking bleach.’
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Reblogged this on Jeanne Owens, author and commented:
Some very important and useful information
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On another note … Because you’re so awesome and cool!! ‘Bee Love Award’ …. “🐝 Thank you Dear Kitty.Some Blog 🐝 …. “!!
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Aww.🤗
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Love this. Some of the things people are saying and doing are ridiculous. And picking on Asian people is just unacceptable. This virus could really have started anywhere. Due to the higher population in Asian countries, it’s easier for things to spread there. It doesn’t mean anything else. With all the fear people are putting out there, in general, I’m surprised half my staff hasn’t quit. Working in the service industry is Hell when people blow things like this out of proportion.
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It’s insane Nicole!
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Thanks for the links, Kim. You always hope to hear of people uniting in any kind of potential crisis, not tearing each other apart. So sad what is happening in the world, especially given the flu takes more lives every year than Corvid-19 has. I get that the coronavirus is an unknown, but a little common sense goes along way. I also blame the media for fanning the flames of fear. There’s sensible reporting and there’s headline grabbing. Panic is the worse thing the public can do.
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The media definitely makes things worse Mae, although CNN did host an informative town hall last night.
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Twenty four hour blanket media coverage is fuelling this hysteria, I suggest people switch off the TV News and use a little common sense.
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There are advantages and disadvantages to cable news.
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I think it’s a pity the virus isn’t discriminatory, it would be fine for it to nobble all the ignoramusi, racists, bigots, and dictators, and leave the rest of us alone 🙂
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I, of course, do not believe in discrimination and would not wish this virus onto my worst enemy. I am sure I misunderstood what was said here.
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Nope you didn’t. I just think if you’re gonna have one rock around the world, it would be nicer if it only infected the baddies.
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Requires a judgment as to who are the goodies and who are the baddies — not something that is easy to do.
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I don’t find it hard at all. Baddies = rapists, murderers, corrupt governmental people, racists, bigots, that’d do for me. But this is a silly discussion isn’t it? I was being flippant in the first place, I rarely do serious. 😊
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Good for you. Continue as usual. You are fine!
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I understand where Fraggle is coming from given that it always seems like we lose more good people than bad.
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It would be nice my friend.
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Sadly, it didn’t take long for a White House approved pundit to come out with a wish upon the LGBTQ community. Rick Wiles, a pastor and right wing broadcaster has stated that the coronavirus has been sent by God to “purge” the LGBTQ community. I believe in addition to murderers and racists Fraggle is also referring to hateful bigots like this. And I can’t say I disagree!😡
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Divine judgement?🤔😇
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Yep, works for me!
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🤜🏻🤛🏻
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I swear some times people really do get on my nerves. Thank you for sharing this!!
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You’re welcome Misty.
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Great Post! But I am afraid that the Scientific Community is probably as surprised as anybody about the coronavirus and they have already admitted that they do not know everything about the bug itself or about it’s potential to spread ….so I am taking their statements with a grain of salt too …
Yes, this crisis is being used as a political weapon and that is in and of itself, egregious at best … but it is the nature of the political beast to use fear to its best advantage.
The world has seen tragic outbreaks of awful infectious pandemic things in times past and civilization has managed to survive. I am sure that although a lot of people will decease with this outbreak, the civilization, itself will go ticking on.
Nevertheless, your blog post on this subject is welcomed and is invaluable in the efforts to disseminate useful and helpful knowledge … if, in fact, anything can help at all. You are to be applauded for your good heart in taking this subject on for oour benefit. Thank you.
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I’m so glad you stopped by John. Thank you for your kind words. While doctors and scientists aren’t infallible, I think right now they are the most trustworthy source for information. And of course using common sense is important!
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While I do agree that doctors and scientists should always be among the most trustworthy sources of information, my experience with the political spectrum as it influences the scientific community has left me speechless more than once.
This recent issue is no exception. Just today as I was authoring my first of several comprehensive articles on the topic, and while I was pulling statistical data from the WHO website as well as the CDC’s, I noticed a few things I found very peculiar.
When we research any infectious disease on either of those websites, the demographic factors of the statistical subjects always include all those exposed, tested, found to be positive, and treated & recovered vs. worsened and deceased. They all also fully split those demographics further into average age range, sex, geographical area, and are very specific regarding the specificity of any present underlying physical maladies or illnesses which might have had even the smallest influence upon any of those subjects either getting the illness or possibly getting a worse case of it than anyone else.
To be sure, these agencies have said that the disease has a marked preference for older people and people with pre-existing conditions, however, what neither of them offers is a demographic breakdown of the ages of all those infected, the ages of all those who have recovered or are well on the way to recovery, and – perhaps most importantly – the ages of all those who have died as a direct result of the SARS-CoV-2 virus now nicknamed COVID-19. What’s more, no medical organization tells us specifically what underlying conditions the sicker people and the mortal victims suffered from prior to contracting COVID-19.
Personally, I find those to be vital pieces of information that are key to determining how I might rationalize and judge the severity of the illness as it might possibly affect myself or my family. For example, the virus sucks no matter what, but if the only people who died from it are people over 50 with really serious underlying health issues – serious enough to be 51 years old and confined to a long term medical facility for life way prior to anyone hearing about COVID-19, that would tell me that even though the virus is a tragedy, the prospective health risk of the illness infecting my family is somewhat low, and even if it did, the resulting risk of life-threatening illness or death is remote at best.
We know this to be true of the first two fatalities that occurred in America. One was male, one female, both were over 50 and both were EXTREMELY sick, to begin with. So sick in fact that a common cold was potentially life-threatening. But what about the other 27? Ever since those first two deaths, nobody has released specific demographic information on the rest of the fatalities linked to the virus here in America, other than to say what states they died in, whether they were male or female and maybe what they did for a living or how they were thought to have come in contact with the virus. Nowhere does it tell us their ages, and certainly nowhere does it tell us what illnesses each had prior to coming in contact with COVID-19 or actually contracting it.
What I do know, and I do apologize for the long comment, is that a woman in Canton, GA (the state I live in) recently tested positive for the virus. She was a waitress at Waffle House and worked sick for 2 days before the virus was identified and she was quarantined after being released from the hospital the same day – where she is expected to make a complete recovery. Medical authorities at the CDC (Since canton isn’t very far from their headquarters in Atlanta) tracked down over 100 people they know came in contact with her at the Waffle House (through credit card receipts) over those 2 days and whom she actually served food and beverages too. absolutely none of those over 100 people tested positive for COVID-19.
Knowing that I have to ask if a highly contagious infected woman served food to over 100 people over two days – who physically ingested things the sick woman touched and breathed on, and not one of those people got sick… how infectious can this bug really be? And if she was treated and released and is expected to make a complete recovery (she is under 50, works a physically demanding job and was otherwise in good health prior to the infection) How much more dangerous is getting infected with COVID-19 as opposed to the regular flu? Especially when we know that the average age of the hundreds of people in Italy that died from COVID-19 was 82 years.
Again, sorry for the super long comment. My article goes into a lot more depth with the graphs from the CDC website, but I would hope folks would research it (not just google it) for facts before panicking where I can’t honestly see any reason for the tremendous insanity.
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No apologies necessary. Thank you for sharing your info. It seems to me that everyone is still scrambling to keep up with this and that includes the CDC and WHO. That said, I trust them more and people like Dr. Fauci, then I do politicians. Even more important is people relying on their own common sense.
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Thank you for this post, Kim. We had our first confirmed case of Coronavirus here in South Africa yesterday. It is a bit scary as the poverty and overcrowded conditions here will aid the spread of this disease. It is good to have some reliable information about it. PS, I agree about the attacks on Asians, utterly unacceptable.
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I’m sorry to hear that Roberta. I hope it doesn’t become widespread.
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Me too, many of our people are so poor and live in such bad conditions it could spread like wildfire.
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Until recent days I hadn’t really appreciated how dangerous Fake News can be, yes we all understand fake FB misinformation affected both our countries elections, but the lies surrounding corona virus are extremely scary. I’m an intelligent questioning guy, but even I am having trouble spotting stories that are blatant lies……. as for the racism, alas that doesn’t surprise me 😦 .
🙂 I’ll be visiting your weblinks Kim, TY.
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The stuff on online forums like Reddit are crazy Andrew!
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😦 My two nieces are taught in school lessons how to spot fake News…….. how did we ever reach this point?
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It’s a sad state of affairs Andrew,
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Human idiocy never ceases to amaze me Kim! My stand is that the probability of me ancountering the virus is staggering as it is spreading fast. Also the probability that I will die from it are slim. Being sick, probably. Wearing a mask to avoid being infected is futile. But wearing a mask if you are infected to avoid infecting others is common sense. Wash your hands, sleep enough, eat well and live healthy I think that’s the best we can do. Whatever was meant to be will be.
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Great advice Sophie. I wish more people would use their common sense.
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Thank you for sharing this and for being a voice of reason and sanity in this insane time.
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My pleasure Vanessa.
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Reblogged this on Buried Under Books and commented:
Thank you, Kim—it’s always good to step back and calm down every now and then 🙂
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Really important advice this. Everyone needs to understand what social distancing involves along with the importance of hand washing. Confusing messages from government officials do not help in this situation.
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Exactly Deb. It’s awful how we can’t rely on our government to provide factual and consistent messaging.
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Thank you for this great post, I thoroughly valued reading it. I have been very disappointed with the media’s coverage of the Coronavirus outbreak so I have recently published an article on my blog about what we should be worried about and how we can protect ourselves and others. If you have time, it would be great if you could check out my post and let me know your thoughts! Thanks 🙂
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There’s too much misinformation going out.
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Very true.
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Pingback: Coronavirus – Captured Moments
Thanks for this. Well said and I hope people search for facts, not fiction.
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Sadly it looks like right now hysteria is prevailing.
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Great post. Here , in India, the virus is causing a great economic distress to the already marginalised. I tried to capture it here : Compassion Quarantined:
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Thank you.
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Reblogged this on Not Just a Granny.
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Reblogged this on Academic Research.
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Pingback: Coronavirus – MYLOS
updated figures of cornavirus cases can be checked on https://coronaworld.info
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Thanks
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I hate racism. And Keep writing 🙂
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Thanks for the comment.
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Wonderful post, wish more individuals we’re like you!
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Thank you p. You’re too kind!
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Thank you for your words. The racism and misinformation is still out of control weeks later. 💔
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Sadly, there are certain people who will take advantage of any tragedy to further their hateful ideology.
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The coronavirus affects everything from my daily life to my SEO campaigns. Here a lady became the target of a bleach attack because she had been infected. Luckily she didn’t suffer serious physical damage, but obviously it’s not pleasant if people start throwing bleach at you, especially if you are sick…
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That’s horrible!
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Reblogged this on Pete Springer and commented:
Many of you have probably already seen this posted by Kim (one month ago) over at By Hook Or By Book, but it is worth taking the time to watch it. The youtube video is particularly disturbing. When we fail to call out racist behavior, we are condoning it.
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Thanks Pete!
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My pleasure, Kim. It’s been a month since you posted this, and I feel like we all have a responsibility to do our part to stop the spread of hate.
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I can’t believe it’s been a month! Are you doing okay?
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We’re fine. Like everyone else, our lives seem upside down. I’m an extrovert, and I miss being around people, but being responsible and practicing social distancing takes priority right now.
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I’m trying to stick to a daily routine which helps a bit.
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We are in Lock-down as well and the world really seems to have stopped still. But one good thing that I could do in this time is to begin blogging after years of just considering it. With so much time in hand, I could finally muster up the courage to begin. I have written a blog on the current pandemic affecting the entire world. You could check it out and leave a feedback. https://thelifestyleleader.wordpress.com/2020/03/29/what-lies-ahead/
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Welcome to WP!
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Kim, Thank you so much for this post! Facts do matter, and bigotry of any kind must always be opposed.
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Absolutely Charles. I posted this last month and sadly it’s gotten worse.
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Were it not for the fact that this is a serious problem, I would have viewed the idea of the Coronavirus as being part of a sci-fi/horror story. Having said that, the seriousness is not lost on me.
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I was in the middle of re-reading The Stand, by Stephen King, when this hit.
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I know of Steven King. Have you read many of his books?
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I’ve read everything except for his Dark Tower series. He’s my favorite horror writer.
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I cannot recall the last time I read any of his writings. How good are his stories in your opinion?
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I know he has his detractors, but in my opinion he’s the best horror writer out there.
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I agree.
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Let’s also remember that our efforts to tackle this virus depend entirely on the steps of this man: https://thethinkingwasp.wordpress.com/2020/04/07/exemplar-jenner/
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Thanks for the link.
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“Social distancing” is a cover for “social conditioning” It’s amazing how well people will listen when you put the fear of death in them. This article is pure bullshit
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I’m sorry you feel that way. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, however, I ask that you respect mine and not be insulting.
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Not insulting. Just stating my opinion. The article was well written and thought out.
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I believe you wrote: “This article is pure bullshit.” Sorry if I misunderstood.
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If Trump doesn’t win the 2020 election then we are all screwed. This country and world will never be the same. “Social distancing”is really “social conditioning”. Wear a mask, stay 6 ft apart, stay home, you can only leave for essentials, you must enter the store the way it’s lined up for you to enter, every radio, tv station, sports radio, espn, EVERYTHING is focused on new terminology. The most common way to greet someone new by shaking their hand is no longer happening. Instead I’ve seen people touch feet. Every website I get on is an add for masks. Even trump supporters and people who don’t wear the masks who aren’t worried about getting the virus. They are still preaching to “social distance” and “quarantine” Schools systems are now isolated and students must to learn from home. No graduations, no spring sports. I could ramble off multiple examples. Professional athletes and celebrities are on commercials preaching how these are “scary” times and thanking people for staying home. I’ve been out of the house everyday since this has gone on. I refuse to use the terminology that is now everyday language. The real pandemic is what will take place if Trump is not our president. That’s all I got.
This is a text to a few buddies I sent the other. Since I’ve sent this text the conditioning is growing. If people can’t see it they are blind.
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I have to disagree. Trump unsurprisingly has bungled this from the beginning with his mixed messages and outright lying. As high as the confirmed cases and deaths are, they’d be even worse without the social distancing. Yes, the economy is taking a huge hit that we’ll be having to deal with for the foreseeable future, but there is no other logical choice right now.
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We can go back and forth all day and will not agree. What is taking place in our society is geared towards socialism. It’s happening and it’s not good.
http://www.ronpaulinstitute.org/archives/peace-and-prosperity/2020/march/30/coronavirus-ten-things-to-think-about/
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That I agree with. I’m not a Ron Paul fan either.
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So true. Racism is disgusting, and clearly not the way to combat this virus that seems to have plagued the world. Thank you for sharing.
Recently wrote something, would be great to hear your feedback!
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No it’s not. Unfortunately there are hateful people who will seize upon any tragedy to twist the truth and espouse their beliefs. Thanks for the link.
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We have had a huge influx of cases today dispute being in lockdown for 4 weeks and masks now being compulsory for 1 week.
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I’m so sorry to hear that. Please stay safe.
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Please stay safe. God bless everyone
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You too.
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Love this, such a good read!! Could you possibly read my post on the history of pandemics? I’m new to blogging and was hoping I could get some feedback. https://kspoliticsandnews.wordpress.com/2020/04/20/pandemics-in-historical-context-economics/
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It is upsetting really thinking that many are using coronavirus as an excuse to be racist. For a start, I mean it could have started off in many countries, however it happened to have started in China. Plus it is just sad, how something beyond an average Chinese citizen’s control, can lead to so much hate towards these people.
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Sadly, hateful people will seize upon any excuse to spread their bigotry.
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If we had gone on a nationwide lock down for 30 days, would the Coronavirus have burned itself out?
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Good question. I think though we might have needed more then 30 days.🤷🏻♀️
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This is true. However, my 30 day reference was intended as a hypothetical scenario.
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Yes, I gathered as much, and gave you a hypothetical answer.
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I know.
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