I highly recommend this article, for anyone still not sure about wearing a mask in these COVID times. It is also helpful if, like me, you just enjoy a voice of reason calmly and clearly explaining the case for taking this basic step to protect both health and economy.
A Mask is a Stupid Hill to Die on, America 6/17/20 https://johnpavlovitz.com/2020/06/17/a-mask-is-a-stupid-hill-to-die-on-america/?fbclid=IwAR1fuReVlMc46lUJrILfmmir2E32dw7TBfUUppOWiokUnI3dcNkQst0TXNM
And right now everyone really, really, really needs to wear a mask in Texas. See below!
As always, my Covid-19 page has links to articles added daily, on all aspects of the pandemic.
In the US
Coronavirus is surging in over 20 states, Texas definitely among them.
Protests continue nationwide over racially motivated police brutality. Tragically, another horrific killing happened last week in Atlanta. Please, we must make this stop.
The Trump administration had a resoundingly BAD week, from multiple losses in court to a campaign rally that fizzled. Cheers!
In Texas
The spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations that began in early June, as covered in my last blog post, has continued and worsened. We have record numbers of new cases across the state nearly every day now–4,430 reported on June 20 alone. And, this surge is NOT due to increased testing; testing levels in Texas have remained steady or even dropped some days. But, the rate of positive results has soared to 9%, which explains the rising hospitalization rate. (Nationwide, the positive test rate is 5%.) As of Saturday, 3247 Texans were hospitalized for COVID-19. The numbers are starting to strain medical resources; for instance, in the hard-hit Dallas area, only 25% of ICU beds and 30% of ALL beds were open/available as of last weekend. Full info in Texas as of June 20 is reported here–
COVID-19 Hospitalizations Set Records 9 Days Straight as Texas Surpasses 107K Cases 6/20/20 https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-hospitalizations-set-records-9-days-straight-as-texas-surpasses-107k-cases/2392525/?_osource=SocialFlowFB_DFWBrand&fbclid=IwAR2U50dzI6QjKdaFH3ekdBMWVqsE3LA30OXJxmiuW0PRLBNuC_rrZRNy0a4
As this situation unfolded last week, local leaders begged Gov. Abbott to require masks or to let them do so. He refused. Finally, a judge in San Antonio’s Bexar County issued an order that all businesses must require employees and patrons to wear masks. And, Abbott was fine with that. In fact, he said there was an intentional loophole for this in his order and he was surprised it took officials so long to figure it out! So, in order to save face and not look like he backed down from his no-mask-required stance, Abbott now boasts that he was playing games with our lives.
Austin and Travis County swiftly issued orders requiring all businesses to create COVID-19 mitigation plans, the minimum plank of which is requiring employees and patrons to wear masks. Other major cities in Texas are doing much the same. So, masks WILL be required in public, in most of Texas. NO THANKS TO GOV. ABBOTT. How many Texans became seriously ill or died in the last several weeks, due to infections that masks could have stopped? Truly reprehensible!
This issue is well-covered in this article and editorial–
Greg Abbott Invites You to Figure Out What His Coronavirus Executive Orders Allow 6/18/20 https://www.texasmonthly.com/politics/abbott-mask-riddle/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Web+Social&utm_content=GregAbbottRiddle&fbclid=IwAR0eAwMz561DfOGuppXML88Nu1LOEX_WO30Bxj6D5UfbvTkE4Cib3sMeDQI
Editorial: This isn’t a game. It’s a pandemic. 6/18/20 https://www.statesman.com/opinion/20200618/editorial-this-isnrsquot-game-itrsquos-pandemic?utm_source=SND&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=statesman&fbclid=IwAR38UwKZ5R_RRlzkN-66ggPHuvcbiDy26vJmzaV2z2L8viUtaWwJApCKolo
In Lakeway
I finally spotted several newborn fans recently, on my early morning walks. So cute! These precious creatures add so much to life in Lakeway, and we are lucky to have them sharing the community.
Plus, a Blackbuck Antelope (who escaped from a nearby wildlife compound when the lake was low during the drought) has joined Lakeway’s deer herd. Over the last year, I watched him try repeatedly to make friends, only to be shunned, but recently a group of does accepted him, even with their fawns; it is nice to see him with companions again.
As feared, at its June 8 meeting, CAMPO voted to delay indefinitely the planned 620 widening through Lakeway, instead dedicating the funds to I35 improvements. So, the state isn’t going to help, and we’re stuck with our impossible traffic situation. What now?
At the June 15 Council meeting (held online), Council yet again rolled over and granted Legends the requested zoning change, from governmental to office/retail, on the 11 acres in front of the previously approved residential Square on Lohmans. I don’t know why they even bother to agendize Legends’ demands since the rubber stamp is a given.
In other non-events, Major Cox reported that Travis County still hasn’t coughed up Lakeway’s share of the CARES Act money. Council then adjourned into another secret executive session about that.
Finally, there seems to be a rogue 4th of July parade in the works, as a protest to the city cancelling this year’s parade due to contagion concerns.
Go here to view the June 15 meeting—https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/66813
One of the July Council meetings will include another discussion and very likely a final vote on Charter changes going on the November ballot. One such change will be a cure for our current election rules being in violation of the Texas constitution; this will have us vote on 2 year vs. 3 year terms for Council and Mayor. The big question now is whether Council will also let the voters decide if city elections should be moved from May (when just the Lakeway old guard tends to vote and keeps everything under their control) to November (when voter numbers triple and the results represent the community as a whole).
Back to me….
I tackled one LAST paint project, a small Shaker-style chest that was useful but looked very tired. I painted it the same blue as all the other pieces I use for storage in my bedroom closet and added new nickel knobs for a modern touch. Also, I took advantage of Container Store’s June closet sale and bought all new hangers, so my closet is completely renewed. Every time I walk in there now, I smile.
I went ahead with a pre-pandemic plan to buy a new Civic. LOVE it!
Much less fun was zipping out to Austin Diagnostic in Steiner Ranch for annual blood work and then on to Walmart for essentials. Most people wore masks, but still….
Perspective is key, and it helps to see what has changed.
Worldwide, confirmed coronavirus cases passed the 9 million mark, with death numbers surging as well, mostly due to spikes in the US, Brazil, and the rest of the Americas.
The rapidly worsening Texas situation was covered above.
As for Travis County, the Lakeway area zip codes show an uptick in cases, but each was still under 40 through last weekend. Other Austin zip codes have over 500 cases each, and rising. Let’s hope the new mask requirements help.