In my last post I mentioned I'd write about how all the pandemic issues started. After looking up research on the timeline, locations, and statistics, my journal didn't turn out quite as simple as I was imagining. Instead, it turned into a story. I was great about writing in it each day until the numbers started overwhelming me. I also wanted a place to add photos and videos, and a small, pocket-sized notebook was not working. That's when I decided to go digital. My hope is that one day, in the far future, someone will discover the written document and appreciate the value of a first-person's view, just as I do today when I read some of my grandfather's works from WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam. I will start with today's statistics and work my way back to the day this all began.
April 24, 2020
Happy birthday, Angela (she's my best friend from college).
Today started just as any other day recently. My husband came to bed around 8:00 and fell asleep just as I was waking up. I didn't wait for my alarm to go off as I felt like I finally got a decent night's sleep. I rolled out of bed, still in my PJ's, brushed my teeth, and headed downstairs to log-in for my day's work. I am one of the lucky ones who gets to work from home (WFH) during this pandemic. I knew I had a busy day ahead, so I started my day off with a hearty bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal, took all my medications, and got right to work.
It's been a while since I watched the news last. Every now and then I'd get a breaking news update about the virus across my computer monitor or smartphone. Most of the time I ignore them. Today's headline, though, was that schools in NC would remain closed for the rest of the school year. That means that distant learning would continue. That means that our seniors will not have a proper graduation. This news comes after their proms were already cancelled. My daughter, Emily was laying on the couch in our library reading, "The Diary of Anne Frank" when I announced the news. She was pretty excited. You see, she has chronic respiratory problems due to mutated genes that cause Cystic Fibrosis. I was a bit relieved myself knowing I can keep her safe.
A few days ago, protesters across the nation were calling for the US to be reopened. Stimulus checks did not make it to everyone as promised and families are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. According to Fortune Magazine, over 26 million people in the US have filed for unemployment (20% of all American's). Restaurants, museums, gyms, hotels, parks, doctor offices, (pretty much everything), are closed. On March 27, Governor Roy Cooper announced a state-wide Stay at Home Order that would take place starting March 30 and last until April 29. No gatherings over 10 would be allowed. At that time, 3 people from NC had died from the coronavirus and there were 763 confirmed cases in 60 of our 100 counties. Yesterday, Governor Cooper announced an extension to the Stay at Home order until May 8, 2020.
Here are today's statistics from Johns Hopkins University.
Globally: 2,783,512 confirmed cases; 195,313 deaths
US: 886,213 confirmed cases; 50,780 deaths
NY: 271,590 confirmed cases; 21,072 deaths
NC: 8,202 confirmed cases; 290 deaths (Mecklenburg County 1,407 confirmed cases; 37 deaths)
SC: 4,917 confirmed cases; 150 deaths
In light of all the events, there are beams of hope. The US is resilient. Seniors are getting photos taken outside their home by professional photographers (keeping the 6-foot social distancing rule), getting dressed up in their prom dresses and having a dance with their father's. Disney lovers are creating Disney magic at home, while Disney gives us glimpses into the magic they give us. Disney+ (an online video streaming service) has been adding new releases even earlier than planned. Huge symphony orchestra's are using Zoom meetings to hold concerts. The late shows are broadcasting from their homes. The world seems to be completely shut down, but I'm not letting that shut me down.
Our radio stations are reminding us to practice social distancing and hand-washing. Local news is being broadcast from the homes of our reporters, meteorologists, and sports directors.
Even social media is being impacted. I went to Pinterest and saw this announcement.
Well, thank goodness it's the weekend. The weather is getting nicer. Hopefully we are reaching the peak of this pandemic. Until then, I will continue to give updates. For now, we go back in time to previous journal entries.
An email we received from Emily's school district tonight:
Dear CMS families,
Following an announcement from Governor Roy Cooper, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will extend the closure of schools through the end of the 2019-2020 academic school year. This means that students will not return to school buildings for the remainder of the school year.
CMS will continue the process of educating our students through remote learning.
Students in grades pre-k through third grade will be able to pick up packets at all elementary schools. Students in fourth through 12th grade who need technology should reach out to their teachers and share their needs. Meal distributions will also continue at almost 70 grab and go meal sites at schools. We also encourage families to visit the CMS COVID-19 website for updated information. Visit the CMS website to view the superintendent’s video message to families.
CMS would like to thank everyone for remaining patient throughout this ever-changing time in history.
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