Two ways to understand the pandemic

In the Beginning.... the message was "Flatten the curve". We had lines and graphs and a cool simulation that showed the same thing. The strategy was not to keep people from getting the virus... it was to keep the number of people who had the virus at any give time blow the number of hospital beds.

Now the message has changed (sort of, because there isn't really a clear message). People seem to think that by wearing masks and keeping distance they can't avoid getting the virus completely.

It seems obvious to me that we are all at risk of getting the virus. It is also clear that the vast majority of us who get the virus will be just fine with maybe an uncomfortable week or two of sickness.

It also seems obvious that if there are more seriously sick people than hospital beds.. that this is a very bad thing. This should be avoided. But, in my state (Massachusetts) this is not currently a risk.

The frustrating thing about this pandemic is that there is no clear message. Some people are living in a continual state of panic. Others are in some state of being willing to take risks.

I set up a video chat date this week... my date told me she was sick of videochat and wants to meet in person. And so, tomorrow I am having a coffee date. Whether or not this is a stupid thing to do is subjective....