Don’t Be Afraid: Pssst, Don’t Be Stupid Either!

It’s time to Break It Down!

This is a short post. I often write that at the beginning of the blog. Then I write more than I intended to say. As a result, I have to go back and remove that statement. That won’t be the case today.

I have on a number of occasions to discussed COVID-19 with people of varying ideological persuasions. At the end of the day, it seems, the chasm that separates opinions on politics and political ideology is alive and well in the coronavirus debate. If that’s really true, as I submit, in all likelihood, even in this brief post, you’ll either really like it, or you’ll find it, and me, totally devoid of reason. And that’s OK.

I saw an individual write yesterday, as best as I could discern, in response to a comment I wrote, something to the effect of,” If you’re scared stay the hell home but don’t expect my life to be run by YOUR fear.” (sic)

That sentiment was expressed in response to something I wrote on the FB page of someone who fully embraces such notions, as do many. Believe it or not, I respect anyone’s right to feel that way. Period, The End…of my response.

Initially, the first death attributed to coronavirus in the U.S, was thought to have occurred February 26, near Seattle. It was recently determined by an autopsy, that a February 6 death in Santa Clara County, California was related. Even with that earlier timeline, it means that more than 71,000 people have died from the virus in just three months. That’s roughly 10,000 more than died due to this year’s 6-month Flu Season…for those who deign to compare COVID-19 to the flu. The pertinent detail about the distinction is, flu season ended a month ago; coronavirus deaths are still mounting, and current estimates, conservatively, are expected to more than double that number.

Even Mr. Trump, on Sunday, sharply revised upward his projected number of U.S. coronavirus deaths, saying that fatalities could reach 100,000. At the same time, he defied warnings from leading public health officials, renewing calls to expedite reopening of businesses across the country.

Also, on Sunday, in an interview with Fox News, Dr. Deborah Birx said the administration continues to operate on the assumption that the more likely scenario called for as many as nearly a quarter-million deaths – even with shutdown measures taken to date. She explicitly stated the following:

“Our projections have always been between 100,000 and 240,000 American lives lost. And that’s with full mitigation, and us learning from each other how to social distance.”

If you happen to be a person of color, in general, or African American, in particular, the odds are greater that you will contract the virus, and also disproportionately higher that, if you have it, you will die from it. There are numerous reasons for this dynamic, including, a higher likelihood of being a frontline/essential worker, and as a result, being unable to shelter -in-place, or practice social distancing, living in crowded housing conditions, inconsistent access to healthcare, chronic health conditions, stress, income inequality, discrimination, violence, and institutional racism.

In Chicago, where African Americans comprise 33% of the population, they account for half those tested positive for coronavirus, and nearly three-quarters of the deaths.

Similarly, in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, African Americans make up 26% of the population, but 70% of deaths due to coronavirus. These examples are the norm, not the exception. Moreover, the trend is not limited to African Americans. Latinix/Hispanic, and Native American communities are also adversely impacted.

Today’s blog has but one point, and one point, only. That is to illuminate the relevant facts surrounding COVID-19, in order to enable you to make informed decisions that directly affect your well-being, and quite possibly save your life. All manner of misinformation, and frankly, misanthropic advice, is being floated about in our respective orbits. It’s worth noting, early indications are, just because businesses have been permitted to re-open, doesn’t mean all business owners think circumstances are exigent for a safe return of their customers, of their employees, or for that matter, of themselves. As consumers, you are responsible for making that determination for yourself. Remember, in effect, you are the President and CEO of, You, Inc. I close, as I began. By saying, “Don’t Be Afraid: Pssst, Don’t Be Stupid Either!”

I’m done; holla back!

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