It has been nearly three months since I have been able to write. I wish I could say it was because nothing of significance happened, but that wouldn't be the truth.
In the months since the last update, there was a school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, a shooting spree in and around Denver, Colorado, large, violent, and devastating tornadoes that ripped through Kentucky and three other Southern states killing hundreds of people in its wake.
However, some glimmers of hope come from a most unexpected source: the justice system of all things. All three of Ahmaud Arbery's killers were convicted of their crimes as well as former police officer Kim Potter, who shot and subsequently killed Daunte Wright in MN. It is true Kyle Rittenhouse got away with two murders in Wisconsin, but overall I would say the spark of real justice, lit when the man who callously murdered George Floyd for all to see, was not diminished. It has been given air and soon will become a flame.
I have not mentioned COVID yet. It's not because it went away, far from it. Although I fervently wish it would go away, I know in my mind, as well as my heart, wishes alone won't bring about the desired result. They never have, and they never will. Over the last year, I have kept notes on significant developments regarding the pandemic. I did this because it is important to history, and it serves as a reminder of where we were.
March 11, 2020
COVID-19 declared a pandemic
June 15, 2021
US Deaths: 600,012
July 19, 2021
US Deaths: 609,000
August 2, 2021
US COVID Cases: 35 million
August 6, 2021
Half of all Americans (adults)have been FULLY vaccinated!
August 11, 2021
US Deaths: 618,457
September 1, 2021
US Deaths: 640,108
September 5, 2021
US COVID Cases: 40,000,070
US Deaths: 651,690
September 9, 2021
President Biden unveils 6-part plan to combat COVID-19. Part of the plan requires all federal workers and federal contractors to be vaccinated within 75 days with limited exceptions or risk losing their jobs.
Los Angeles school system expected to pass a vaccine mandate for children ages 12 and up. This is one of the largest school systems in the country looking after approximately 600,000 children and is first to do so.
Department of Labor to require businesses with 100 or more employees to ensure workers are either vaccinated or tested weekly. Noncompliance could result in fines up to $14,000 per violation per employee.
Mask fines doubled for people not wearing masks on planes.
Businesses reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid (like hospitals, home health care, dialysis centers, etc.) must vaccinate their employees or lose the reimbursement.
Educators in federal head start programs must be vaccinated.
President Biden encourages governors to require all teachers and school staff be vaccinated. Promises to bring lawsuits against elected officials who get in the way. Will stand behind those doing the right things.
US COVID Cases: Down 10% from last week
US Deaths: Up 8% from last week; currently averaging 1,500 deaths per day. Consistent with the lag present throughout the entire pandemic.
My county: 976 active cases
September 14, 2021
US Deaths: 663,913
940 active cases in my county
114 deaths
September 20, 2021
US COVID deaths surpass the 1918 Spanish flu death toll
Pfizer says vaccine is safe for children ages 5-11. Will submit data to FDA for formal approval soon.
1,777 active COVID cases in my county
September 28, 2021
Pfizer submits data on COVID vaccine trials for children ages 5-11 to the FDA for approval. Children in this age range would receive 1/3 dose of older groups.
September 30, 2021
344 active cases my county
National Guard brought to local hospital
October 2, 2021
US Deaths: 688,032 (Johns Hopkins University)
October 24, 2021
US Deaths: 726,267 (JHU)
October 29, 2021
FDA approved Pfizer vaccine for emergency use in children 5-11!
I went into a store (Dollar Tree) without a mask on for the first time in nearly two years. It was an odd sensation, and it felt wrong. It is important to note I was fully vaccinated but had yet to receive my booster shot. I also don’t make a habit of going around without a mask.
November 26, 2021
Another COVID variant has emerged. It’s called Omicron, and it is most prevalent in South Africa. Travel restrictions are in effect with a case already identified in Belgium. There’s a possibility it is already in the U.S. as people are traveling more for the holiday season. Possibly more transmissible than the Delta variant.
November 28, 2021
World Health Organization (WHO) labeled Omicron a variant “of concern.” Israel and Morocco have closed their borders. A handful of cases identified in South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, Israel, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, and Canada. Unknown if it is more contagious or deadly than other variants or if it’s resistant to the vaccine.
13 passengers from South Africa test positive for the Omicron variant after landing in Amsterdam (the Netherlands ).
November 29, 2021
Omicron detected in Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Japan, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden
December 1, 2021
At 9:18 a.m., I received my coronavirus booster shot. I chose to get the Moderna vaccine, which is different than my initial dose of Johnson and Johnson. There was no discomfort when I received the Moderna vaccine; the J&J felt warm when it was being administered. I barely knew I was getting a shot this time. I was told to wait 15 minutes to make sure there were no reactions. I had no problems as far as an anaphylactic reaction was concerned.
Every so often, there is a little pain near the injection site.
24 hours later, there is tenderness around the injection site. There is no visible mark or hot spot like before. So far, no body aches. I experienced a small headache. Not certain if it was a side effect or the result of not enough food or water at work.
On December 3, I noticed a knot had formed at the injection site. It is not visible, but it can be felt with the fingers. A rash developed on my back, the majority of the bumps are clustered around the right shoulder but are creeping toward my neck (I have a history of shingles; the rash is itchy and reminiscent of that). I began taking an antihistamine and ibuprofen to deal with the symptoms. Also applied topical Benadryl to help with the itching.
By December 5, the rash cleared up, and I felt normal again.
Omicron detected in the United States (California) and Brazil.
Mask mandate for travel extended through March 2022.
December 2, 2021
US Deaths: 782,109
Second case of Omicron confirmed in US (Minnesota). People were fully vaccinated but not boosted. Experienced mild symptoms.
First case traveled from South Africa; second case did not travel outside the US.
December 3, 2021
Omicron detected in Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Utah, New York, and Pennsylvania.
December 4, 2021
Omicron detected in Norway, Zimbabwe, Finland, Ghana, Greece, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates.
December 6, 2021
Omicron found in Georgia, Washington State, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Connecticut, and Massachusetts
Research indicates the Omicron variant picked up traits of the common cold.
Minnesota man was vaccinated and boosted when he contracted the Omicron variant.
December 8, 2021
Pfizer says their vaccine protects against Omicron.
December 9, 2021
FDA approved COVID-19 booster shots for 16 and 17 year olds.
Omicron found in Texas.
75% of Omicron cases are in vaccinated people. While break through infections are happening, the vaccines are still doing their jobs of preventing severe illness requiring hospitalization and deaths.
December 10, 2021
Omicron in Florida
December 12, 2021
Seventeen days after the Omicron variant was detected in South Africa and 13 days before Christmas, the Omicron variant has been reported in Tennessee. It was found in Shelby County, which encompasses the city of Memphis.
December 14, 2021
US Deaths: 798,710
December 16, 2021
US Deaths: 800,343
Nine days before Christmas 💔
States, cities, and territories with Omicron (USA): Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Omicron in Hamilton County, TN.
December 21, 2021
Omicron detected in Alabama.
First recorded death due to the Omicron variant in Texas.
Uncle E. is vaccinated, a welcome but highly unexpected development.
President Biden to make 500 million at-home COVID tests available for free.
December 30, 2021
FDA expected to approve Pfizer booster doses for children ages 5-11. The shot is recommended five months after the second dose.
December 31, 2021
Pfizer planning booster shots for 12-15 year olds
Development of a new symptom of the Omicron variant or possibly a new variant: night sweats
January 1, 2022
Some experts think most people will have some level of immunity to the Omicron variant by spring, meaning in all likelihood they will have contracted COVID by then. The variant is highly contagious, but it does not appear to cause severe illness like the Delta variant. It tends to stay in the upper respiratory tract instead of getting down into the lungs like the other versions. Omicron does seem to be evading the vaccines to a degree. There are several reports of fully vaccinated people who have contracted COVID. HOWEVER, IT IS CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND VACCINES WERE NEVER MEANT TO COMPLETELY STOP AN ILLNESS. THEY WERE MEANT TO KEEP YOU OUT OF THE HOSPITAL AND ABOVE THE GROUND.
January 3, 2022
FDA authorized Pfizer boosters for children 12-15 five months after completing initial regimen.
Tennessee is no longer reporting daily COVID numbers. They will supposedly provide weekly updates on Wednesdays.
January 4, 2022
US COVID-19 cases surpass 1,000,000 in a day for the first time.
January 5, 2022
23.9% positivity rate in my county
221 new COVID cases in my county in a week
CDC panels backs Pfizer booster shot for 12-15 year olds.
January 13, 2022
The Supreme Court blocked President Biden’s vaccine mandate for businesses with 100 or more employees. They said OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) doesn’t have authority over public health matters. However, they are allowing the mandate for businesses reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid (like hospitals, home health care, dialysis centers, etc.) to remain in tact.
January 14, 2022
My county's COVID Positivity Rate: 34.3%
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) put out new mask guidance. They now recommend N95 or KN95 masks. These masks offer better protection due to the tighter fit than cloth or procedural “surgical” masks can provide. Beware of fake masks; look for NIOSH authenticity stamp.
January 15, 2022
US Deaths: 849, 241
January 19, 2022
My county's schools are closed for the second day in a row due to COVID illness among staff. The district is making day-to-day determinations as to whether they can open.
January 20, 2022
My county has a 51% positivity rate for COVID-19.
My county's schools are closed again due to illness. Elementary basketball tournament has been canceled.
January 31, 2022
US Deaths: 884,260
February 5, 2022
US Deaths: 901,391
February 24, 2022
BA.2 is at 3.9% if it goes to 8% exponential growth. 30% more transmissible than omicron. Because of number immunized symptoms more severe in vaccinated and definitely worse unvaccinated.
March 1, 2022
US Deaths: 950,490
March 11, 2022
COVID-19 enters its second year. Things seem to be trying to return to normal with most states dropping mask requirements. However, there are still places in the country with high infection levels, and caution should be used as needed.
US Deaths: 965,464
March 24, 2022
US Deaths: 975,863
May 12, 2022
President Biden orders flags to be at half-staff for five days marking the loss of 1,000,000 American lives to COVID-19. The White House uses CDC and JHU data.
May 19, 2022
US COVID-19 Deaths: 1,001,269
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