There's a saying that just because you're paranoid doesn't mean you're not being followed.
My wife Andrea is scared of everything.
As Lucy told Charlie Brown, she has pantaphobia, the fear of everything.
Most of the time, I try to reassure her that the odds are not in favor of the worst case scenario.
I mean, the worst case scenario CAN happen but the odds that it WILL happen are usually less.
Usually, I am right.
Then the pandemic came along.
There are few things worse than having a paranoid person be proven right.
And Andrea clutches tight to that paranoia. Even with three vaccine shots coursing through her veins, she will not go anywhere without a mask if she goes anywhere at all.
No, the danger is not completely over but rates of new infections are falling, the number of deaths are declining and we seem to be heading in the right direct-
Fuck! It's a variant!
South African scientists identified a new version of the coronavirus.
From just over 200 new confirmed cases per day in recent weeks, South Africa saw the number of new daily cases rocket to 2,465 on Thursday.
South Africa has alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) and and the new variant been seen in travelers to Belgium, Botswana, Hong Kong and Israel.
WHO designated the new version of the coroanvirus as a “variant of concern,” naming it “omicron” after a letter in the Greek alphabet.
There's already been some snark from right wing bobble heads that WHO should've named the variant "Xi" after the president of China because there is no dead horse that right wing nut cases will not stop beating.
WHO experts have said that “preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant,” as compared to other variants.
Data on Omnicron is still coming and there are things we do and do not know.
Scientists know that omicron is genetically distinct from previous variants.
They do not know if these genetic changes make it any more transmissible or dangerous.
So far, there is no indication the variant causes more severe disease.
Even though some of the genetic changes in omicron appear worrying, it’s still unclear if they will pose a public health threat.
It will likely take weeks to sort out if omicron is more infectious and if vaccines are still effective against it.
Dr. Anthony Fauci warned that the variant is likely already circulating in the country.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Friday, limiting hospital capacity to emergency needs as of Dec. 3 and arranging for the purchase of medical supplies. The emergency state, which temporarily bans elective surgeries, will remain in effect until at least Jan. 15.
Meanwhile, Stephen Miller arose from his coffin to declare that there would already be a vaccine for Omnicron if Trump were still President because there is no dead horse that right wing nut cases will not stop beating.
In the meantime, Andrea is providing me hourly updates on what's going on Omnicron.
I really wish she would stop.
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