"A University of Toronto professor says lab tests show that the antimicrobial coating developed by a Canadian surgical mask manufacturing company can “deactivate” more than 99% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, within a half-hour period."

A meme the caption to which reads "Every parent right now" followed by three identical images of an SNL performer dressed as a middle aged women with large hair, looking horrified and/or disgusted. Under each image is a caption, they read "STARTING SCHOOL IN PERSON," "STARTING SCHOOL ONLINE," "HOMESCHOOLING" This is a reference to the inconstant ways in which boards are choosing to run schools in the fall, all of which have different opponents. Many boards have changed their plans several times over the summer as the number of cases in their areas have changed and they have received feedback from parents, teachers, and health professionals.

A infographic produced by the World Health Organization, it reads "HOW TO WEAR A NON-MEDICAL FABRIC MASK SAFELY / Do's --> / Clean your hand before touching the mask / Inspect the mask for damage or if dirty / Adjust the mask to your face without leaving gaps on the sides / Cover your mouth, nose, and chin / Avoid touch the mask / Clean your hands before removing the mask / Remove the mask by the straps behind the ears of head / Pull the mask away from your face / Store the mask in a clean plastic, resealable bag if it is not dirty or wet and you plan to re-sure it / Remove the mask by the straps when taking it out of the bag / Wash the mask in soap or detergent, preferably with hot water, at least once a day / Clean your hands after removing the mask / Don'ts --> / Do not use a mask that looks damaged / Do not wear a loose mask / Do not wear the mask under the nose / Do not remove the mask where there are people within 1 metre / Do not use a mask that is difficult to breathe through / Do not wear a dirty or wet mask / Do not share your mask with others / A fabric mask can protect others around you. To protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19, remember to keep at least 1 metre distance from others, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoid touching your face and mask."

These images show the Tweet of Adnan Khan, a formerly incarcerated person and activist. Adnan explains that corrections facilities are moving people all over the prison and between facilities. The result is spread of the corona virus when the officials are charged with slowing the spread.

"Saturday’s pop-up site near Jane St. and Steeles Ave. W. will make low-barrier testing available in an area where some neighbourhoods have case rates more than 10 times higher than the least-affected parts of the city — a disproportionate infection risk linked to systemic disadvantages."

A one panel comic in which several scientists in lab coats stand around a lab bench with the usual equipment. One, who is facing the rest of the group is pointing to a man sitting at a computer desk typing away while wearing a hoodie, sunglasses, and large earphones, the usual monikers of a hacker. The scientist pointing is saying "Yuri here will head up our Covid 'research' while the rest of you can continue your work on athletic doping and poisoning enemies of the state." This is a reference to the news, this week, from Canada, the US, and UK, that all have discovered a prominent hacker group associated with the Russian government attempting to hack their covid-19 and covid-19 vaccine research at various institutions. The response to the Russian government was that they are conducting their own research and are "close" to developing a vaccine of their own. This alleged imminent breakthrough is something of which many in Canada and other countries, including the creator of this comic (it would seem) are skeptical.

A editorial cartoon which depicts four children, wearing backpacks and masks, standing in front of a brick school building. Over the door of the building hangs a neon sign which read "BAR" with two martini glasses. One of the children is saying "LOOKS LIKE SCHOOL DILEMMA SOLVED..." in reference to the fact that bars were allowed to open very early in the pandemic but the ability of schools to open in the fall is still up in the air and varies by region and board.

An article relaying an incident which encompasses two of the largest issues facing Canada, and Ontario, specifically at the moment: the coronavirus (and subsequent public health measures) and changing views on the role of police in society. A 78 year old man was shot and killed by police after if he refused to wear a mask in a supermarket in cottage country north of Toronto. He then assaulted an employee and drove off recklessly, prompting police to attend his house to arrest him, where the fatal incident occurred. The body responsible for the investigation of this and other police involved deaths in Ontario, the SIU, has come under scrutiny this year as social justice advocates feel it is inappropriate for a watch dog body to be made up largely of retired police officers is not impartial.

This video shows one families struggle to get early release for their loved one from Rikers Island jail in New York. His sister poses the ten million dollar question, does someone who committed a crime deserve to die? This is the possibility many inmates face in the time of coronavirus because the only way we currently know to slow the spread of the virus is through distance. Something that cannot be done when you're sleeping twelve inches away from another person.

An inmate with a contraband cell phone talks to Vice News about what its like to be in a California prison during the pandemic. He explains they cannot get enough soap, he is less worried about getting the virus from a fellow inmate and more worried about contracting it from one of the corrections staff. While the prison is screening employees, as the interviewee explains covid can be spread by both pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic. individuals.

Shortly after the coronavirus pandemic was announced I created and maintained a page on the Aleph Melbourne web site containing a list of resources catering to the Jewish and the LGBTIQ+ communities. I keep the page as current as possible.

Due to the architecture and structure of prison life, covid-19, once it sets into a correctional facility, runs rampant. This article explains the higher percentage of cases within the prison system in the U.S.

The Butner prison complex in North Carolina is also a medical facility. Basically a prison that is set up to take care of inmates with chronic illness and disease, like cancer, etc. This facility has so mismanaged the covid pandemic that the few people being released early in an attempt to slow the spread were released, only to find out they already had covid and died after boarding planes to travel home.

In normal times it is customary for inmates and guards to be on opposite sides of nearly any issue. This article shows the opposite. Inmates and corrections officers in south Florida are both concerned about Covid in their facilities.

This is a news article discussing how the military is testing new recruits for coronavirus.While only 2% test positive 60% of those are asymptomatic ringing how the fact that a vast majority of people would have further spread it without this preliminary test.The article also mentions higher than average retention rates which is probably due to the fact that with the economy suffering from the pandemic more people are opting to re-enlist and have the safety net of a secure paycheck and healthcare at this time.

This is a story of how one soldier can make a difference in the pandemic.This private was recognized for her good deeds by NASCAR however the question that begs asking is why it was necessary?why during a pandemic is a shortage of masks occurring especially in the military where people are forced to work in close quarters.

Science is usually something that I felt comfortable understanding at face value, in certain situations. Epidemiology, virology, and the like are areas where I would like the smartest person in the room to have the loudest microphone. It seems that this is not always the case in politics, especially with science that is less than flattering. This item was added TAGS v6.1.9.1. I originally searched under the hashtag #florida. Within that search, I have chosen to add the following tweet because it shows the disjointed response between the federal and state governments, not to mention local municipalities, over the pandemic. Link to the Washington Post article: (https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/16/coronavirus-live-updates-us/?p9w22b2p=b2p22p9w00098&no_nav=true)

I don't think that I can ever remember the CDC being a political entity, or one that ever really enjoyed any portion of the national spotlight. Rather than serving as a unifying, unbiased source to prevent the spread of the virus, it has become yet another battlefield in the ongoing culture war surrounding the coronavirus. This item was added TAGS v6.1.9.1. I originally searched under the hashtag #florida. Within that search, I have chosen to add the following tweet since Florida is one of the new virus hotspots. It also speaks towards the inherent doubt present in a significant portion of the population concerning the virus.

During the corona time, workers such as this UPS driver kept on delivering despite any personal danger to him from a high chance of of exposure. These workers, along with custodians, grocery store workers, and of course health care professionals, were rightly hailed as heroes. This is a touching tribute and acknowledgement of the town's UPS driver.

During quarantine, all restaurants were closed. This woman had a food truck and her reputation gave her a large following. When she was forced to close, she started making her famous breakfast sandwiches in her small apartment's kitchen. Her customers would preorder, then line up (socially distanced of course) to pick them up. She would lower the orders down from her fire escape to her clients. Pretty cool gal!

We were stuck at home in quarantine during COVID-19. So this humorous video where the dog goes out to get supplies instead of the people who are safe at home! Then there was a follow up video of a large dog staring into the glass door captioned: when your dog gets home and see you sharing the supplies he bought without him.

"Per the Health Services Director: The White Eagle Health Center immediately began the process of applying for multiple grants related to COVID-19 as they became available. To date, we have been awarded the following grants:"

"Based on the Ponca Resolution 19-03192020 for Declaring a State of Emergency Related to COVID-19 passed by the Ponca Tribal Business Committee on March 19th, 2020, All buildings will be closed until April 6th except Finance, Social Development Center, and The White Eagle Health Center. Most programs have already been working from home at this time. The safety of our employees and tribal members are taken seriously and admin leave is granted for all employees on leave."

"White Eagle Transit Systems will remain CLOSED 6/15/2020-6/26/2020 due to the COVID-19."

"The health, safety, and education of our students is the top priority for Ponca City Public Schools. Due to the current issues with COVID-19, we are requesting the input from our parents and students regarding the three different learning options."

With businesses having closed down, people avoiding handling hard currency out of fear of contracting COVID-19, and the US Mint experiencing significant difficulties in coin production in the spring of 2020, the US supply of circulating coins took a hit, prompting signs like this one at a west Wichita, Kansas, grocery store to become commonplace. Appearing in both English and Spanish, this image reflects the growing importance of cashless forms of payment and donations as ways of navigating this economic side effect of COVID-19.

"Financial assistance in the amount of $1,000 for adult members (age 18+) and $500 per child will be made available to each eligible enrolled member of the Quapaw Nation. An application will be mailed to the member’s address we have on file. It will also be available on our tribal website and Facebook page. The application period will end on August 15, 2020. Any applications postmarked after August 15, 2020 will not be processed and the member will forfeit their Coronavirus financial assistance payment. The options for submission are posted on the application. Applications will be processed as they are received."

Taken after a series of thunderstorms swept through Wichita, Kansas, in mid-July, 2020, this image strikes a symbolic parallel to the feelings and emotions felt by countless Americans during the pandemic crisis of 2020. Ravaged by the perfect storm of a ravenous and lethal virus, racial unrest, a hobbled economy, and a contentious election cycle, the United States of 2020 appeared to be a country in tatters amidst a sea of confusion, uncertainty, and partisan strife.

I became very interested in graduation experiences this year. I was sad that most all of the graduation ceremonies were canceled due to the Coronavirus. I thought it might be cool to just do a quick Google image search of interesting grad photos. This is the result.

I felt that the graduates this year got a really raw deal by missing out on one of the milestones of life. Most all graduation ceremonies were canceled, and if they were lucky, at least got a virtual ceremony or a drive by graduation parade. Then in June, the Black Lives Matter and police violence protests happened. I wanted to see if there was anyone who "graduated" at the protests, and discovered that some people did wear their caps and gowns to the protests. I felt it was important to capture and share these images. I'm only sharing my Google search, but there are so many images here that have an impact.

ICE has been updating their statistics online for COVID cases. As of July 16, 2020, ICE says they have 22,340 detainees, 13,562 have been tested, and 1,110 are positive. It says they are either in isolation or monitored which is slightly confusing. If someone is positive and being monitored, are they not in isolation? Washington DC has the highest amount of cases.

The New York Times and the Marshall Project released an investigation into ICE's treatment of immigrant detainees. The investigation says it "reveals how Immigration and Customs Enforcement became a domestic and global spreader of COVID-19." The report tells stories from immigrants who were deported, some who had tested positive for COVID, reported it, and were still deported, thus allowing them to infect others on the plane who could then infect others upon landing.

Since the lock down, some churches in Kansas had filed lawsuits against the governor and her administration's orders to restrict large public gatherings and advocate social distancing. With those orders largely removed as a result of a compromise package agreed to by the governor and the GOP-led legislature, many churches reopened without restrictions of any kind. These photographs prove that the converse was also a reality, with other churches, like this one in west Wichita, opting to remain virtual, especially as the virus surged across the state in the summer of 2020. Without video conference and social media technology, such religious gatherings would have proved impossible.

I have always been interested in fashion. This is an article about what people are wearing. Quarantine changed the need for business work clothes--except for the top half--the one that shows on the Zoom/video conferencing meetings and classes. This article lays out the comfortable clothes that people are wearing and buying. It discusses the financial squeeze people are finding themselves in.

ICE hasn't stopped deporting during the COVID pandemic, but they did release a document citing rules for deporting during COVID. Interviews with detainees and immigration employees have contradicted the rules for deportation during COVID.

I normally go to my sister’s place for Seder. She has 22 people attending! This is the first one I’ve done at home & I’m 60!

All Disney parks had to shut down in March of 2020 due to the Coronavirus. After 3 months, they decided to open. This was not without controversy, however, because at that point in time, Florida was leading the nation in the number of COVID cases. At this writing, they broke the record for the highest number of cases anywhere in the world for one day, and that was even before 9am. Meanwhile, the park looked almost empty. The characters didn't touch or come within 10 feet of the children, and social distancing seemed to be enforced. It is the "New Normal" for the world's happiest place.

This is the story of a family from China who were renting an AirBnB basement in a home. COVID hit, travel was prohibited, so they had to stay put. They were stranded together and became a temporary family. They all pitched in together and made it through, helping with chores, meals, and babies. The stranded couple came to Salt Lake City to complete their surrogate pregnancy since it wasn't allowed in China. Their advice? "Never quarrel with each other. Cooperate with each other. If we have some difficulties, just get it together."

This is an article about a mother who was a stripper before the clubs had to close due to COVID laws. Now she is using porn to pay her bills while in quarantine. She does webcam work along with sexting and other things. She has an 8 year old daughter and discusses how she explains her work to her. She is conflicted about what other people think of her activities, her difficulty taking money becuase the usual venues don't accept sext trade payments, how to get social media followers, how privacy acts are affecting her, and the benefit of porn to people who partake in it. She ends with "Porn is literally saving many people's lives during quarantine."

This is a cartoon by The Onion, a news outlet that satires our society. It is showing that people who go to bars, sporting events, and parties get to heaven on the fast track. in other words, they are the ones who die or will die from COVID-19. Those "lucky" souls get into the VIP line, while the old folks who pass away from natural causes have to wait and show "two forms of ID." Those revelers sure look happy though, don't they? Was all the partying worth it?

On Wednesday, July 16th, 2020 Austin, Texas area teachers held a sit in/protest around the state capital building to express their fear of being forced to go back to in person school this fall. School begins in one month. Having personally watched this protest be planned I know that the reason they chose this location was because they could not get onto the capital grounds. Entrance to the grounds are barricaded and National Guard troops are present. I also know that TEA, Texas Education Agency, has announced they will work from home until January 2021. How can they look out for themselves but send precious students and teachers back to work?

An inmate at San Quentin prison in San Francisco, California, has been sending letters out to someone who is posting them on this blog. Today he explains a news story he saw on Democracy Now. The story says 16 states have begun releasing prisoners but New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, has resisted even with hundreds of inmates and facility employees testing positive.

These images show the Twitter feed of an incarcerated person. They are Tweeting on a contraband cellphone as a way to show the public what it is like to be in prison during the pandemic. This week he reveals that he has Covid and is experiencing symptoms including, headache, nausea, shivering, sweating, and diarrhea. Another friend has been hospitalized. He shared a petition to gain early release for incarcerated persons and wonders how being left in a cell 24 hours a day is humane treatment for a sick person.

Questions from my corona seder - in attachment

This photograph indicates measures taken to celebrate the easing of pandemic-related restrictions on the gathering of people in commercial settings.

On July 7, 2020, Heartspring, a special needs school and residential campus for autistic children and teens in Wichita, Kansas, announced that six of its school employees tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the immediate closure of its pediatric services building and surrounding facilities until further notice. Although all staff underwent testing, Heartspring administrators feared that the outbreak may not have been detected in time and were preparing for more cases to manifest in the coming days and weeks, with local authorities recognizing the outbreak as a COVID cluster. These photographs show the shuttered pediatrics services building and the neighboring residences; a silent testament to the burgeoning case load that swept the city, the state, and threatened its hospitals in the summer of 2020. It also recognizes the efforts of Heartspring staff in taking care of this vulnerable community.

ICE last week instituted a rule that said if international students took all online classes, they couldn't stay in America on a visa. Schools in Boston, including Harvard and MIT filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. Northeastern joined the lawsuit, and on July 14, ICE rescinded the rule, allowing students to stay in the US and continue their education, even if all of their classes are online because of the pandemic. It's not safe to gather in large groups yet, especially indoors, and schools are starting to release fall plans mainly online.

"Gaspé’s regional health authority says the squads have received the close collaboration of municipalities that are local tourist attractions. The 10-member squads will be on duty from noon to 8 p.m. daily until the middle of August. The distribution of masks will also take place."

"To limit any possible spread of COVID-19, members of the national sentry program will follow protective health measures of the government and the Canadian Forces. Visitors are asked to keep a minimum two-metre distance from the sentries at all times, the military noted in its statement." An article relaying that the sentries at the National War Memorial will be in place again. They normally stand guard every summer but have not so far this year due to the pandemic. The Canadian Armed Forces have had particularly strict regulations in place for the members since March, in an attempt to ensure should military personnel be needed to respond to a crisis, health or otherwise, there will be sufficient healthy staff available to do so. The presence of sentries at the memorial, which is also the site of the tomb of the unknown soldier, is not particularly representative of the city or military for most Ottawans or visitors but has taken on added significance since a lone gunman shot and killed one of the sentries, from behind, before storming the parliament buildings, several years ago. The sentry was the only victim to die in that attack and his death on duty has given an even deeper value in the post to those who hold it.

This pandemic made me miss everything about traveling, my friends and family around the world. I created "lagusan" hoping that when I look at my porch, window, or shelves everything will just be a frame away from the people I love most. Despite all these, I am hopeful. The photos shows that the thin screen that separates me from the people I love is the same screen that connects me to them. The photos I submitted are important to me since most of my family members are in abroad, we rely so much to internet for communication. The photos are actually a collage of 2 different places, the window becomes the "lagusan" or gateway to the other place. It speaks of hope, pag-asa at lagusan.