The Coronavirus
Worldwide, there is renewed concern about the newish variant, Delta Plus (also known as AY.4.2). Found in the UK (and already seen in America), it seems to be 10% more transmissible than Delta, but so far there is no evidence it is deadlier or more resistant to the vaccines.
Russia is having record-breaking numbers of new infections (over 35,000 per day) and deaths (over 1,000 per day), on a regular basis now. President Putin demanded that people “be responsible” and get vaccinated, as he ordered work places to close for at least a week. The mayor of Moscow was more explicit, locking the city down. Vaccine hesitancy is rife in Russia, fueled by government distrust. Despite free and available shots, only 30% of the country is vaccinated.
Deaths from Covid are at record levels in Ukraine, which has the lowest vaccination rate in all of Europe. Twin problems there are deep vaccine hesitancy and a glut of fake Covid credentials used use to evade restrictions.
Bulgaria, Hungary and the Czech Republic are also experiencing Covid surges. All 3 countries have very low vaccination rates.
Singapore’s latest surge caused extension of restrictions another month and is straining hospitals.
The UK is experiencing yet another Covid surge, which experts blame on an abrupt end to restrictions over the summer, plus kids too young to be vaccinated now attending school unmasked.
Africa is sometimes seen as having escaped the worst of the pandemic, with relatively little publicity of hard numbers. The World Health Organization notes that the continent largely lacks medical facilities, has little Covid testing, and doesn’t officially report deaths—making Covid untracked and therefore invisible to the rest of the world.
In Brazil, a congressional panel has recommended President Jair Bolsonaro and several aides be charged with crimes against humanity, for intentionally allowing the coronavirus to devastate the country and kill hundreds of thousands unnecessarily. Originally, the panel suggested mass homicide and genocide charges.
In the US, in the last 2 weeks, US cases have decreased 25%, hospitalizations are down 19%, and deaths dropped 15%. We are averaging 74,000new cases per day. 56,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages 1,500 people per day.
Cases in the U.S. have fallen 50 percent since Sept 1. But, we are still seeing 5 times the number of case as in June (pre-Delta). Covid is far from finished.
Covid has gone north. As the southern part of the country is in better shape every day, the five states with the most new daily cases per capita are Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and Idaho. The five states with the fastest rising caseloads are Vermont, Colorado, New Hampshire, Michigan and Minnesota. Experts note the northern surge is likely due to cold temperatures driving people indoors, where infection spreads best.
Hospitals throughout Minnesota are at capacity, as Covid numbers on infections, hospitalizations and deaths pass totals not seen since last winter. National Guard troops are being used to provide health care services.
In Texas, the current positivity test rate is 7%, down from 9% 2 weeks ago. We are averaging 4,500 new cases and 185 deaths daily. As of now, there are 5,500 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19. In the last 2 weeks, cases have decreased 43%, hospitalizations dropped 33%, and deaths are down 29%.
Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity
Worldwide, 6.8 billion shots have been given, with 37% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated.
India has vaccinated over 1 billion people. Still, only 30% of its eligible population is fully vaccinated.
Canada has adopted national vaccination credentials, after confusion from various provinces promoting different systems. As of Oct. 30, Canada requires everyone age 12 and older traveling by air, rail or cruise ship to be fully vaccinated.
Italy has become the first nation to require its entire workforce, private as well as public, to be vaccinated or provide proof of a negative test or recent recovery from Covid-19. The Green Pass, a government-issued certificate generally provided as a phone app, is intended to move the country beyond the pandemic and hasten economic recovery. Non-complying workers go on unpaid leave. Officials consider the Green Pass a success, with over 500,000 people vaccinated since it was announced. Italy now has over 80% of its adults vaccinated.
Egypt is requiring all government employees and university students to get vaccinated.
Kuwait has lifted all Covid-19 restrictions for vaccinated people. Israel will allow vaccinated tourists to enter as of Nov. 1.
In the US, 57% of the entire population is fully vaccinated; 67% of adults are fully vaccinated. On average, we are now giving around 770,000 shots per day, but that includes boosters. About 12 million booster shots have been given.
On Oct. 22, the CDC and FDA agreed to authorize boosters for Moderna and J&J recipients along the same lines as previously done for Pfizer recipients. Six months after the 2nd dose of Moderna, people 65 years and older as well as younger adults at higher risk due to underlying conditions or work setting can get a half-dose booster. As for J&J recipients, ALL adults can get a second shot starting two months after their first dose. Those eligible can choose the brand of booster desired; mixing vaccine brands is allowed though not specifically recommended.
Vaccination for kids age 5-11 are likely to be approved in the next few weeks, and states are gearing up for that process.
Boeing is requiring all US employees to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8. Delta is the only major US-based airline NOT mandating vaccination for employees. Instead, the Georgia-based company is relying on a $200 health insurance surcharge for unvaccinated employees, going into effect in November, to increase compliance. Currently, Delta reports 84% of workers are vaccinated, compared to 99% of workers at rival companies.
Other big companies requiring workers get vaccinated include IBM, GE, Union Pacific and Raytheon.
NYC is requiring all city workers, including police officers and prison guards, to be vaccinated.
After 19 months, the US will lift its travel ban at the Canadian and Mexican borders on November 8, allowing fully vaccinated visitors to enter. Restrictions are also lifting on vaccinated air travelers.
In Texas, only 53% of all residents and 64% of adults are fully vaccinated.
Recent Covid articles I recommend….
The C.D.C. endorses Moderna and J.&J. boosters for millions of Americans 10/21/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/21/health/cdc-mix-match-booster-shot.html
The Unvaccinated May Not Be Who You Think 10/15/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/15/opinion/covid-vaccines-unvaccinated.html
‘Lurching Between Crisis and Complacency’: Was This Our Last Covid Surge? 10/14/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/14/health/coronavirus-delta-surge.html
What the Future May Hold for the Coronavirus and Us 10/12/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/health/coronavirus-mutation-variants.html
If You’ve Had Covid, Do You Need the Vaccine? [YES, you do.] 10/12/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/health/if-youve-had-covid-do-you-need-the-vaccine.html
Should Passengers Be Vaccinated or Tested to Fly Within the U.S.? 10/12/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/travel/vaccine-testing-airlines.html
Do I Still Need a Pulse Oximeter? [YES, it can save your life.] 10/5/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/05/well/live/covid-pulse-oximeter.html
Daring Mighty Things
Last week, NASA launched a robot ship on a 6-year trip to Jupiter to study gigantic asteroids trapped in its orbit since basically forever, looking for info on how the solar system originated and other mysteries of life. The ship is named Lucy, for the famous ancient skeleton (which in turn was named for the Beatles song). Why NASA Is Launching a Robotic Archaeologist Named Lucy 10/15/21 https://www.nytimes.com/article/nasa-lucy-trojans-asteroids.html
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
The International Space Station went for a spin—AGAIN–last week, thanks to “unexpected” thrusters firing on a Russian craft. Stop doing that! Surprise Russian Thruster Firing Prompts Space Station Emergency 10/15/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/15/science/international-space-station-russia.html
Texas elections
Have you voted? The election is on Nov. 2; early voting ends Oct. 29. No candidates are on the ballot, but there are several propositions to vote up or down.
Lake Travis ISD has Proposition A on local ballots. It is asking to move revenue from 1 part of the existing tax rate structure to another with the result that $3 million STAYS LOCAL and is not recaptured by the state’s funding formula. Pass or fail, this proposition will NOT change your tax bill. (Unfortunately, the blurb appearing on the ballot makes it sound like a tax increase, likely dooming it.) Read more here: Lake Travis school district tax rate election gives voters the option to keep dollars local 10/7/21 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/lake-travis-view/2021/10/07/lake-travis-school-district-what-to-know-tax-rate-election-2021/6006770001/
In addition, there are 8 constitutional amendments on the ballot. Read this to decide yes or no: 8 statewide propositions on Texans’ November 2021 ballot and what they mean 9/24/21 https://communityimpact.com/houston/conroe-montgomery/election/2021/09/24/8-statewide-propositions-on-texans-november-2021-ballot-and-what-they-mean/
Republican Allen West is challenging Abbott in the GOP primary for governor in 2022. On Oct. 10, West announced he had Covid-19; he was hospitalized with complications but was since discharged. Of course, he assured his MAGA faithful that he is NOT vaccinated and IS taking ivermectin. Well, at least he’s been dewormed. Allen West, unvaccinated Republican running for governor in Texas, has Covid https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/10/allen-west-unvaccinated-republican-governor-texas-covid
Ugh, someone being a BAD influence on Greg Abbott really is the worst of all worlds. “Extremely influential” or “delusional ideas of grandeur”? GOP primary foe Don Huffines sees impact as Gov. Greg Abbott pushes rightward 10/14/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/10/14/greg-abbott-2022-don-huffines/
That noxious pall recently lifting was the Texas legislature adjourning. May they stay gone a long time, so we can try to recover from the damage done in 2021’s 3 sessions. Happily, Abbott failed to get them to validate his outrageous ban on vaccine mandates by privately owned businesses. Texas bill to block COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employers failed in Legislature after business groups rallied against it 10/18/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/10/18/texas-covid19-vaccine-mandates-bill
In Lakeway (I’m starting with the GOOD news…. )
Lakeway’s got some new deer in town.
If you haven’t stopped by the Sculpture Garden (on Lohmans, in front of the Justice Center, across from the Activity Center) lately, do so and meet some new friends. I went last weekend, and I actually froze a ways off and quietly pulled out my camera, for fear of spooking the gorgeous family of deer–a proud buck watching over his doe and twin fawns. I’m told the deer were donated by Van and Katherine Leigh. Much appreciated! Thanks to the Arts Committee, as well. These pieces are a wonderful addition to Lakeway’s eclectic sculpture collection.
GO VOTE!
Early voting ends Oct. 29. Election is Nov. 2. See the info and links in the Texas elections area above to decide yes or no.
ZAPCO met on Oct. 12.
Lucky item 13 on the agenda was The Square on Lohmans, Legend’s zombie town-center proposal. The request was a zoning change from residential/commercial/GUI to PUD for 69 acres (including a segment of Main Street). They voted 5/2 to APPROVE the town-center type proposal, sending it on to Council for final decision (as far as anything is EVER final with Legend). So–322 residences (SF homes, townhomes and rental apartments) plus extensive retail/restaurants/office space, a hotel, amphitheater and much more. Plus, a pedestrian-centric Main Street instead of the efficient vehicle corridor we sorely need.
ZAPCO did try to plug a few holes in the proposal sent on to Council (although, as several commissioners noted at the meeting, this is just a drop in the bucket on a project this complex):
–Minimum of 50% of each commercial building’s frontage provides minimum 6′ shade, to make it useable in summer;
–Restaurant/bar/concert use of the roof-top gardens on the commercial buildings will require special use permits;
–No on-street parking will be allowed in the residential areas; and
–Council will specify dates certain for construction start and completion of 4-lane Main Street.
Council met on Oct. 18. (And, the result is that our Main Street connection is at least TWO YEARS away. And, that is ONLY if we get very, very lucky AND Legend delivers on its promises. So, plan accordingly….)
RESULTS in ALL CAPS. (Council approved The Square on Lohmans at Item 19.)
ITEM 11—Citizens Participation for items NOT on the Agenda. NONE
ITEM 14—Revise and consolidate the Preliminary Plans covering Phases 1, 2 and 3 of Legend’s Lakeway Highlands/Rough Hollow 1,555 acre development. TABLED UNTIL NOV. 15 MEETING (need info from LCRA and/or engineer on water quality issue)
ITEMS 15/16—Annexation/zoning of 48 acres at 17301 Flintrock Road, as R-1 and R-3 for Eastside Landings development. TABLED UNTIL NOV. 1 MEETING (due to a notification issue)
ITEM 17—Amending the Future Land Use Map as to 4 specified locations. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 18—Zoning change for 3602 Wild Cherry, a 1 acre lot, from residential to commercial. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 19—The Square on Lohmans: zoning change for 69 acres from residential/commercial/GUI to PUD (including a segment of Main Street).
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY WITH THESE CONDITIONS:
–all roads to be STARTED within 12 months of agreement’s approval date and COMPLETED within 24 months of agreement’s approval date;
–this PUD agreement is contingent on approval of an agreement at the Nov. 1 Council meeting, re: completion of the Lohman’s Spur segment passing through the Tuscan Village PUD tract;
–vertical construction traffic limited to Lohman’s Spur;
–installation of pop-up bollards to close roads to vehicle traffic;
–removing Rolling Green connection from the PUD map;
–on-street parking allowed in townhome area;
–5% of the rental apartments committed to Travis County’s affordable housing program, if applicable/if it can be worked out;
–rooftop gardens on commercial buildings required to get special use permits;
–commercial building fronts must have a minimum of 50% shade;
–as to the requirement that 65% of exteriors be masonry, no more than 20% of that amount can be stucco; and
–removing language allowing pervious concrete/asphalt (due to its maintenance issues).
ITEM 20—Executive Session on employee matters, including annual review of the City Manager and update on the hiring process for a new Police Chief. NO PUBLIC DISCUSSION, NO ACTION Go here to watch the Council meeting https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/141827
Go here for the Agenda, Meeting Packet and Presentation— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx
Back to me….
Still loving the free time. I thought it was just me, but apparently “the great resignation” is quite the trend nationwide. No idea what the other people are doing, but I’m experimenting with NOT doing certain things, and being comfortable with it. Obviously, it is great to have freedom to do the things we want to do. The reverse is also vital—being free to decline doing things we are expected to do or just are in the habit of doing, but that really aren’t positive, needed or desired now. It is not as easy as it sounds….
Good books I recently finished (available at Lake Travis Community Library):
Wildland—The Making of America’s Fury (2021), by Evan Osnos—This excellent overview of 3 disparate American communities through the last 20 years makes a good case for how we got to today’s ugly, divided and dangerous crossroads. (SPOILER—Trump is just a degenerate, fetid, pus-oozing symptom—not the cause.) Whether the answer helps us improve things now is another matter.
The Heron’s Cry (2021), by Ann Cleeves—This is the second book in her Two Rivers series. Detective Venn is definitely no Vera Stanhope, and Cleeves’ Shetland Island mysteries are my favorites. But, the author is adept at immersing the reader in her distinctive settings, and this is a good escapist read.
Please DRIVE CAREFULLY. The deer are deep into rut season.
Here are some of my favorite photos, recently taken on my early morning walks, showcasing our fabulous fawns who are growing up way too fast.
