This isn't particularly about growing up in Nassau, but to give future generations a taste of what Covid 19 during the pandemic that killed more than 500,000 people (and still counting as I write this) in the United States alone, and many more worldwide.
The news started in early 2020. According to the news reports then, it started in a Wuhan, China "wet market" and was related to infected bats that were sold as food. There were also reports that it was developed in a laboratory there and escaped. President Trump called it "the China Virus" and the "Wuhan Virus", but told the American people, at first, that it would only affect a very small number of Americans. He did effectively prevent people from China from entering the United States but predicted that the virus would be gone by Easter.
When the virus started to spread and affect growing numbers of people globally, things changed fast. Everyone rushed to stock up with food and other supplies. Tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, and other staples quickly disappeared from stores, and it became almost impossible to find hand sanitizer, particularly the best known Purell brand, and disinfectant wipes.
At first, there were long lines at grocery stores and "big box" stores. We wore latex gloves in the stores, and when we brought food into the house we wiped down everything, including even bananas, with disinfectant wipes. All other foods were washed. We didn't even bring mail into the home immediately; it was put in the sun to kill germs, and then left in the garage for a day before opening it.
Hospitals reported that they had so many cases that patients were put in hallways for lack of room. There was a short supply of most protective equipment, especially ventilators, and millions of dollars of orders for protective equipment were given to domestic and foreign suppliers, some of which were just scams or delivered inferior products. Companies such as the Ford company transformed automobile manufacturing facilities into ventilator manufacturers.
For a while, grocery stores in our area started special hours for seniors 65 and older. They could line up starting at 7 am on certain days, but only a few persons were admitted at a time, and the lines were very long. Eventually, everyone learned that just going to the grocery store during regular hours was better, although the selection of many goods and dry goods was a hit-or-miss proposition. When paper goods became available, usually they were not of the favorite brands, and frequently the stores limited quantities to perhaps just one roll of toilet paper per customer visit.
Governments spent billions of dollars or other currencies ordering vaccines, some of which were developed and given emergency approval in late 2020, a record time for the development of a new vaccine. By late 2020, and early 2021, millions of doses of different vaccines were being delivered, and countries started developing priorities for vaccinations. In Florida, like many the states, preference was given to "essential workers" and first responders (police, firemen, medical professionals), and then seniors. It was very difficult at first for even the eligible to get vaccinated. At first, eligible persons had to go online to register and make appointments, which was extremely frustrating. Some people had to drive hundreds of miles to get the vaccine and repeat the drive 3 or 4 weeks later for a second inoculation.
There was a big controversy over wearing a protective face mask. Medical professionals asked everyone to wear one, even if vaccinated. Many refused to wear masks or be vaccinated, for a variety of reasons, including fear of the safety of the vaccines, a feeling that the government was invading privacy or choice, or because some politicians were vocal against the use for a variety of reasons.
Some states and local communities banned indoor dining or greatly limited occupancy. Fights broke out between the "masked" and the "unmasked", and police arrested some for violating restrictions on mass gatherings. As I write this on March 21, 2021, the Miami Beach police have closed highways into the city to nonresidents because of spring break visitors who party in violation of restrictions.
October 26, 2021: Several months have passed. While the greatest danger seems to have passed, we have since become subject to a "Delta" variance which appears to be stronger, but we have also been given a third vaccination to strengthen our immunity. Deaths are generally down, but there are many who resist vaccination for various reasons. Many companies and governments have mandated vaccination or at least weekly testing of employees, but that has met with resistance. Many teachers, police officers, and other first responders have been suspended or lost their employment because of their refusal to comply. My wife and I still wear our masks inside stores or other venues where there is a significant concentration of people. The government is about to authorize vaccination for children of a certain age, but many parents resist that.
November 27, 2021: Now we have the Omicron variant! Although it hasn't yet been reported in the US, there are now new and renewed travel restrictions worldwide.
May 13, 2022: We have been double boosted and rarely wear masks anymore. Most medical facilities still require masks, but they are no longer required in restaurants and other public places. However, there continues to be an uptick in cases in various areas, particularly as new variants appear.
June 18, 2022: We were in Virginia for my grandson's high school graduation. I woke up sleepier than usual and later developed a light cough. By the next morning, Sunday, I felt no better and my daughter-in-law ran a home test kit. I was positive, but Nedda was negative. We flew home that evening and Monday morning I did a test and was very positive. Nedda was still negative. I went to the clinic and was prescribed Paxlovid. On Tuesday, Nedda tested positive and she got the same prescription. We are both feeling much better after a couple of days of medicine, but unfortunately no rest.
July 21, 2022 - President Biden has a mild covid.
September 7, 2022 - Another booster!
