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HSE
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2020-06-01
IMF COVID Image
Covid finance options by IMF -
2021-02-19
The Delta Flight Museum Will Become Georgia’s Largest Covid Vaccination Site Next Week
The state of Georgia has announced that they are partnering with Delta Air Lines to turn the Delta Flight Museum into a vaccination center. The center will be one of four major vaccination centers in Georgia. Vaccinations will be offered through drive-thru and walk-up. -
2021-02-09
Artists Reimagine How Covid-19 Will Shape the Art World
In a time when people can't go to museums or concert halls, arts and musicians are improvising. Many are taking part in digital exhibitions and performances. Others are embracing the practice of street art, it always artists to continue creating art and have more exposure to the general population. -
2021-02-16
None of Ottawa's new travel rules apply to the largest group of people entering Canada — truckers
Truckers are not being tested or facing restrictions like other cross-border travelers. This has led to some push back as they likely see more interactions with others than other travelers, including non-essential travel such as recreation. There are talks to either require quarantine and possibility to prioritize truckers for the Covid-19 vaccine. -
2021-01-30
Covid lockdowns turned buying plants into the next big pandemic trend — for good reason
During lockdowns, people have taken to keeping houseplants as companions. These plants help people that live alone feel less lonely and ground them. People have had varied results with their plants, but plant influences have seen a surge in people asking for help with their plants. -
2021-02-13
Canada is 'playing chicken' with COVID-19 by reopening while variants are spreading widely
Many are criticizing provinces plan's to continue to open up as Covid-19 variants are springing up throughout the country. Places like Quebec have begun to reopen businesses such as museums, malls, and hair salons while having a curfew in place. Newfoundland is facing a current surge with a variant strain. -
2021-02-03
Funeral homes overwhelmed by surge of COVID-19 deaths in Fresno
COVID-19 has caused a surge in deaths worldwide. Funeral homes in the United States are feeling the effect, with many workers sometimes working more than 12 hour days 7 days a week. There has also been a shortage of caskets and urns as well as a strain on the supply of creation boxes. -
2021-01-27
Covid-19 Vaccines Mean an End to Isolation at a Retirement Home
Retirement home residents have started to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For many, this means they can visit loved ones in different care units and see family. However, high COVID-19 rates are keeping some retirement and other care homes from letting their residents visit or have visitors. -
2021-02-07
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Growing up in Tampa seeing the Bucs win is a good thing. The first time in history a team played in their home city for a Super Bowl.... but COVID. It will be interesting to see if they do the parade and if they do what will happen. Undoubtebly people in Tampa are partying. I expect to see a 15% increase of COVID cases in Tampa at the very least. The 7-day average is currently 420 for cases reported. I have to recheck in 7-10 days. It will be interesting to see how big of an impact America's game will have. -
2021-02-03
Victoria teachers applaud new B.C. school mask mandate
Victoria, B.C teachers appreciate the new mask mandate for middle and high students to wear masks in the classroom. Some teachers note that they wish they had also included elementary school students as well. Students will be allowed to remove their masks at their desks when there is a barrier present. British Columbia provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says that they are continually reviewing the guidelines. -
2021-02-05
Antibody test in 5 cities nationwide 0.91% antibody possession in Tokyo (February 5, 2021)
This news covers the antibody rate in Japan, specifically in main cities like Tokyo, Osaka, etc. Because the rate of COVID-19 increased A LOT because people are still outside not taking social distance rules, I did expect the percentage to be higher, and it was. In trains, it is packed with people, and Japan is very analog in terms of remote working. A lot of companies still do not allow remote working plus do not change the time that the employees need to clock in and thus everyone commutes around the same time. Plus, because its winter and its cold, the trains and just local restaurants cannot open windows the whole time. Video translated by me. The antibody test conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in five cities nationwide to check the infection history of the new coronavirus found that 0.9% of people in Tokyo have the antibodies. It has increased nine times from half a year ago. Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Tamura: "There is considerable variation in numbers among local governments. Many people are infected and there is no herd immunity." Last December, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare conducted antibody tests on approximately 15,000 people in Tokyo, Osaka, Miyagi, Aichi, and Fukuoka. Using two types of tests, those who are confirmed to have the antibodies in both tests are judged as "positive". As a result, it was found that 0.91% in Tokyo, 0.58% in Osaka, 0.14% in Miyagi, 0.54% in Aichi, and 0.19% in Fukuoka had antibodies. In the survey conducted in June last year, Tokyo was 0.1%. 厚生労働省が全国の5都市で新型コロナウイルスの感染歴を調べる抗体検査をした結果、東京都では0.9%の人が抗体を持っていることが分かりました。半年前の9倍に増えています。 田村厚労大臣:「かなり自治体でばらつきが出ている。多くの方がかかって集団免疫という話では全然ない」 厚労省は去年12月、東京・大阪・宮城・愛知・福岡で約1万5000人を対象に抗体検査を実施しました。 2種類の試薬を使い、両方で陽性が確認された人を「陽性」と判定しています。 その結果、東京で0.91%、大阪で0.58%、宮城で0.14%、愛知で0.54%、福岡で0.19%の人が抗体を持っていたことが分かりました。 去年6月の調査では東京は0.1%でした。 -
2021-02-04
Reusing the old ward for coronavirus patients Chiba Cancer Center (February 4, 2021)
This is a news of using old medical hospital that is not used for COVID-19 patients’ areas because hospitals are being packed with COVID-19 patients. This will definitely help hospitals that are overloaded. However, I am surprised that they have not started this earlier, when japan was hitting the first wave of COVID-19. Personally, Japan does take a lot of time to initiate something like this (MY PERSONAL OPINION) so maybe they had some sort of reason why they didn't do that initially. Video translated by me. Reuse the unused wards for people infected with the new coronavirus. It is the old ward of the Chiba Cancer Center that begins accepting patients. It was not used because a new ward for cancer was opened in October last year. In Chiba prefecture, the prefecture was becoming more overloaded, such as the occupancy rate of corona beds approaching 70%. They we will start accepting elderly people with mild symptoms from the 5th, gradually increase it, and finally accept about 70 people. 使っていない病棟を新型コロナウイルスの感染者のために再利用します。 患者の受け入れを始めるのは千葉県がんセンターの旧病棟です。 去年10月に新しい病棟ができたため使われていませんでした。 千葉県内ではコロナの病床の稼働率が7割近くになるなど医療が逼迫(ひっぱく)していることを受けて、県が準備を進めていました。 症状が軽い高齢者を中心に5日から受け入れを始め、段階的に増やして最終的に70人ほどを受け入れるということです。 -
2021-02-04
76% with new coronavirus after-effects, 24% with hair loss symptoms (February 4, 2021)
This news talks about the after-effects of COVID-19, and how a lot of people still suffer even after getting being “cured” from COVID-19. I have heard some people who I know that have COVID-19 have these side effects, especially hair loss/thinning. Video translated by me. According to the results of a survey, 76% of patients with the new coronavirus had sequelae. According to a survey published by Dr. Omagari of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 76% of 63 patients had sequelae, 48% still had sequelae even 2 months after the onset, and 27% patients still felt some sort of sequelae even 4 months later after being diagnosed. Symptoms include coughing, malaise, and olfactory dysfunction, and it is said that 24% of patients had symptoms of hair loss. Dr. Omagari says the cause of the sequelae is unknown and it is important to not to get infected to prevent these sequelae. 新型コロナウイルスの患者のうち76%に後遺症が確認されたとする調査結果が発表されました。国立国際医療研究センターの大曲医師が公表した調査によりますと、63人の患者のうち、76%に後遺症が確認され、発症2カ月後でも48%が、4カ月経っても27%が何らかの症状を訴えたといいます。症状は、せき、倦怠感、嗅覚障害などで、脱毛の症状が出たという患者が24%いたといいます。大曲医師は、後遺症の原因はわかっておらず、感染しないことが最も重要だとしています。 -
2021-01-28
Flowers brighten isolation for many during pandemic
A 65-year-old woman collects old flowers from funeral homes, grocery stores, and the like. She then makes bouquets and distributes them to nursing homes, hospitals, and community areas such as libraries and even laundromats. The flowers she delivers brighten people's days, especially in these hard times. -
2021-01-30
Arizona doctors issue warning about MIS-C; a rare condition possibly caused by COVID-19
It is believed that children that contract COVID-19 are developing Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) after recovering. MIS-C can cause organs and skin to become inflames as well as cause high fevers. Doctors are warning parents about MIS-C because it can be deadly when not treated. -
2021-02-01
Vaccine Story
Introduce yourself, where you live, age, and occupation Randall McNerlin, 73, of Phoenix Arizona. Retired airline pilot. · How did you feel before getting the vaccine Physically, I felt find before getting the vaccine, although I was a little concerned about the possible consequences of getting the virus before I could get vaccinated. I had had numerous instances of close contacts with people not wearing masks. I had always worn a mask in public since the early spread of the virus but still felt exposed on occasion. · You can record the moment you get the vaccine/if you already received it, what do you remember and where were you? The day I got the vaccine, I had received word that there was a walk in line, referred to as aisle four, at the State Farm coliseum. I took my wife and son with me in hopes we could all be vaccinated but we were turned away when I told the admittance guards that I had no appointment. I determined to try again the next day but came alone. I told the guard that I had an appointment but once in line I told the volunteer agents that I was hoping to get in as a stand-by. They offered me the shot and I was very relieved to have started down the path of getting some immunity started. · What vaccine did you get (if you know) Pfizer · How did you feel about getting the vaccine? Grateful to science, grateful to the luck of being where one was available and relieved. · Why did you get the vaccine? I listened to science and logic dictated that the achievement of herd immunity of the public was of paramount importance. I wanted to be part of the solution. -
2021-01-29
New York COVID-19 nursing home deaths may have been undercounted by as much as 50%, attorney general says
The New York Attorney General says that the official number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes maybe 50% below the actual number. However, the state's Health Commissioner disputes this claim saying that death statistics are determined by the location of death. Therefore, any nursing home resident that dies in the hospital is counted as a hospital death instead of a nursing home death. There has also been an investigation launched against several nursing homes that are sided to have violated COVID-19 protocols. -
2021-01-27
OC health care worker dies after receiving 2nd COVID-19 vaccine shot; official cause of death pending
With any rushed medical treatment unforeseen consequences can occur. As the vaccine is released in the 10s of millions I pray Tim Zook's story is a completely isolated incident. -
2021-01-25
"The Pandemic Is Finally Softening. Will That Last?" - The Atlantic
This Atlantic Monthly article, written by Robinson Meyer, details the race to vaccinate millions of Americans in the face of loosening mitigation efforts, new COVID-19 strains, and supply bottlenecks. According to Meyer, with the advent of several COVID-19 vaccines, some states and municipal governments across the country have loosened their quarantine restrictions in the belief that vaccination and lower death rates make lockdowns unnecessary. This is not true, and this loosening of restrictions may precipitate further surges in COVID-19 cases, especially as new strains from the UK and South Africa become endemic. Fewer vaccine doses will be delivered by Pfizer, due to an agreement signed by the Trump administration. -
2020-01-28
Forced Quarantine
Earlier this year, during my winter break, my brother was sent home two days before his high school finals. Someone in his class that he sat next/near to had contracted COVID, so as a precaution, he was sent home to quarantine. My brother was less worried about possibly having COVID himself, and more angry about having to make up his finals the next quarter (speaks a lot about our education system). I asked him who was the person that got COVID, and he said it was probably the girl behind him, but she said she didn't have it, and her friend that sat next to her backed it up. We drew out the seating chart and concluded that it HAD to be that girl, because everyone who was sent to quarantine was sitting around her. I told him that she probably just lied about not having COVID, because people would probably get mad at her. I personally would get angry myself if I was prevented from taking my finals, but I understand the girl's reasoning. No want wants to be bullied for getting sick, or called "COVID-girl," or whatever. -
2020-01-28
COVID Testing Troubles
I needed to submit a negative COVID test in order to go back to my apartment, so I went to a free drive-thru COVID test at my local community college. The lines were long, but surprisingly quick. However, I was surprised that I was not given a straw to spit my saliva into the tube with. In my previous COVID tests at my college, a straw was given. I had a bunch of saliva saved up in my mouth in anticipation, but I when I got my tube, I spit saliva on everything but the tube. My pants were drenched in my own spit, it was nasty. It was also kind of hard and awkward to drive through the line and spit at the same time. However, I was really impressed at how fast and efficient the testing process was. I ran into another issue later, when I got my test results via text but not through my official patient portal. I had to wait on call for around 20 minutes to request that my results be uploaded so that I could send proof of a PCR COVID test to my university. Despite these mild hiccups, I encourage people to get tested regularly if they think they have been in contact, or have symptoms. -
2020-01-28
Everyone But Me is Vaccinated
As of today, 1/28/2021, many people have already had their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Many of my friends and family members work in healthcare, so they are either on their first or second dosages. I myself have not had the vaccine, as I do not work in healthcare. I was surprised to see that this vaccine has more side effects than typical vaccines. After their shot, many feel their arm may be sore, or get exceptionally tired. My family member, after their second dose, felt slightly feverish. Luckily, these are the expected side effects, and they don't last more than around 1-2 days! I believe that they are now extending vaccines to front-line workers such as police, firefighters, etc in Arizona. Arizona has not been very good at social distancing, and I know many people personally who have gotten COVID (who luckily have recovered), so I hope that the general public can have access to the vaccine soon. -
2021-01-27
Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine Works Against Mutations Found in U.K, South Africa Variants, Lab Study Finds
With the emergence of new COVID-19 mutations, people have been worried about the effectiveness of the new vaccine. Studies have been conducted to see how effective the vaccines are against the mutations with Pfizer's vaccine showing to be effective against both new strains. -
2021-01-26
Special Practice Check-in
This is the table outside my moms work. She is a manager at a special practice medical facility called Arizona Oncology. Her staff check everyone that walks into the building, making sure they don't have a fever and wear their mask properly. There are arguments and disagreements at this desk everyday. Either patients don't believe the virus is real, refuse to wear a mask or flat out want to be an issue. They've recently hired a security guard to help handle those causing issues. -
2021-01-25
Biden keeps COVID-19 travel restrictions for Europe and Brazil, adds South Africa
New travel bans. In reference to new strains discovered in South Africa and England. -
2021-01-21
Iran’s Khamenei bans the import of U.S. and U.K. coronavirus vaccines
I wonder how local regions around Iran will react to this proclamation. Iran a country paranoid of America for legitimate reasons. How many other countries treat America with such a paranoid predisposition. The tragic answer to that question would be; we deserve it. -
2021-01-21
MW: Should I Get Tested
The CVS next to my house offers COVID tests. The test is the nose swab one and I really don't want that. I have gotten a nose swab before and remember it being very unpleasant. However, I have been exposed to a situation where I may potentially have been exposed. I don't have any symptoms but the thought of the nose swab is stressful. I wish they had less invasive tests near me. -
2021-01-21
MW: Travel Nurses
My sister apparently graduated nursing school at the best and worst time. The tragedy of watching COVID-19 has left the hospital inundated and patients dying. The fear of coming home and being infected. However, new opportunities have presented themselves. My sister is working as a travel nurse for COVID units and this is a rather lucrative situation. If you knew how much these travel nurses were getting paid your mouth would drop. Let's just say the doctors at the hospital are getting jealous. -
2020-12-09
I.C.U. Beds Near Full Capacity Across the United States
Across the United States, hospital I.C.U. beds are at near full capacity. The article states, "More than a third of Americans live in areas where hospitals are running critically short of intensive care beds, federal data show, revealing a newly detailed picture of the nation’s hospital crisis during the deadliest week of the Covid-19 epidemic." Covid-19 deaths are rising and the capacity to care for the sickest individuals is dwindling. The winter of this pandemic could be considered the worst and most difficult time in the whole pandemic. -
2020-12-10
United States Shatters Single-Day Death Toll
On December 9, 2020, the United States broke a single-day death record with over 3,000 deaths in 24 hours. These deaths come as a result as the huge surge in cases the United States is seeing as winter sets in. -
2020
Weihnachten steht vor der Tür
In Germany and many other countries apparently, there is a Santa alternative known as the Christkind or Christkindlr, thought it was interesting to think about this upcoming pandemic holiday season. Translation, Literal: [ Fuck the ChristmasMan, with all my home-is comes the Christ Child ] Translation, Nonliteral: [ Fuck Santa, all my homies are with the Christkind ] -
2020-11-27
東京、大阪、札幌、名古屋“時短”全飲食店に協力金(2020年11月27日) - Cooperation money for all restaurants in Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and Nagoya (November 27, 2020)
In order to take measures for COVID-19, the Prime Minister will help restaurants if they reduce the hours open. However, by Japanese law, they cannot force this rule. All the measures taken are always, “We would like you to follow” and it depends on how the citizens act instead of the government’s rule. 菅総理大臣は新型コロナウイルス対策として東京、大阪などの各都市で今週末から営業時間を短縮したすべての飲食店に協力金を支給する方針を表明しました。 菅総理大臣:「札幌市、東京都、大阪市、名古屋市でも飲食店の時間短縮を今週末から行う。時間短縮に協力するすべての店舗に対して国としてしっかり支援をしていきたい」 また、感染拡大地域の保健所に派遣する保健師などの専門職について「これまでの倍の1200人を確保した」と明らかにしました。そのうえで、「3週間が極めて重要な時期だ」と強調し、マスクの着用など感染防止対策の徹底を呼び掛けました。 Prime Minister Suga has announced a policy to provide cooperation money to all restaurants whose business hours have been shortened from this weekend in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka as a countermeasure against the new coronavirus. Prime Minister Suga: "We will shorten the time for restaurants in Sapporo, Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya from this weekend. We would like to support all the stores that cooperate in shortening the time as a country." Regarding professional occupations such as public health nurses dispatched to health centers in areas where the infection has spread, he said, "We have secured 1,200 people, twice as many as before." Based on his comments, he emphasized that "three weeks is an extremely important time," and called for thorough infection prevention measures such as wearing masks. Video translated by Youngbin Noh -
2020-11-25
順番待ち不要!最新の銀行 窓口で現金受け渡しせず(2020年11月25日) - No need to wait in line! No delivery of cash at the latest bank counter (November 25, 2020)
This is a news where Mitsui Sumitomo Banking Corporation, one of the biggest Banking Corporation in Japan, made the bank stores much more convenient and less clustered. Personally, I felt this was very slow in terms of technology, because compared to countries such as Korea, Japan always were analog with how they organized the bank and putting money. 銀行の順番待ちも窓口前でずっと待つ必要がなくなります。 三井住友銀行が新たに開設した店舗では番号札を取った客がその場にいる必要がなく、店内が混雑して「密」な状態にならないようにします。また、窓口で現金の受け渡しをしません。高額の入金などは、客は電子サインの後にQRコードを受け取り、高性能なATMを使います。三井住友銀行は全体の約7割をこうした店舗にする計画です。 You don't have to wait in front of the counter to wait for the bank. At the store newly opened by Mitsui Sumitomo Banking Corporation, the customer who picked up the number tag does not need to be in the store, so that the store will not be crowded and become "clustered". In addition, cash will not be delivered at the counter. For large deposits, customers receive a QR code after an electronic signature and use a high-performance ATM. Mitsui Sumitomo Banking Corporation plans to make about 70% of all stores like this. Video Translated by Youngbin Noh -
2020-11-25
コロナ死者数 世界で140万人(2020年11月25日)- Corona deaths 1.4 million worldwide (November 25, 2020)
This is a Japanese news of reporting on how many cases we have currently. アメリカのジョンズ・ホプキンズ大学の集計によりますと、新型コロナの死者が24日、世界全体で140万人を超えました。 去年は結核による死者数が140万人で、感染症の中では最多でしたがそれを上回るのは確実で最大の脅威となっています。 新型コロナの感染は10月以降、世界各地で急激に再拡大していて感染者数は6,000万人に迫る勢いで増えています。 According to data from Johns Hopkins University in the United States, the death toll of the new corona exceeded 1.4 million worldwide on the 24th. Last year, the death toll from tuberculosis was 1.4 million, the highest among infectious diseases, but it is certain and the greatest threat to surpass it. Since October, the infection of the new corona has rapidly re-expanded around the world, and the number of infected people is increasing at a rate approaching 60 million. Video Translated by Youngbin Noh -
2020-11-25
都内の新型コロナ感染者は401人 重症者は54人に(2020年11月25日) - 401 people infected with the new coronavirus in Tokyo, 54 people with severe symptoms (November 25, 2020)
The capital and my home town, Tokyo, has started to have increased number of COVID-19 cases. It is because Japan is doing this GO TO travel campaign and trying to live as if COVID-19 is not happening. From my perspective, they are focusing more on the economy and trying to make Japan look as if it is fine for the Olympics, rather than focusing on the actual citizen’s health. 東京都は25日、新型コロナウイルスの新規感染者が401人確認され、重症者が54人になったと発表しました。重症者の数は2日連続で緊急事態宣言解除後の過去最多を更新しました。 都内の重症者数は前日よりも3人増えて54人となりました。2日連続で緊急事態宣言解除後の過去最多を更新したことになります。また、80代から90代の男女3人の死亡も確認されました。重症者の急増などを受けて都は島しょ部を除き、お酒を提供する飲食店などに対して午後10時までの営業時間の短縮を要請することを決めました。期間は28日からの20日間としています。 The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on the 25th that 401 new cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed and 54 people were seriously ill. The number of seriously ill people reached a record high for the second consecutive day after the state of emergency was lifted. The number of seriously ill people in Tokyo increased by 3 from the previous day to 54. This is the second consecutive day that we have updated the record high since the state of emergency was lifted. In addition, three men and women in their 80s and 90s were confirmed dead. Due to the rapid increase in the number of seriously ill people, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to request restaurants that serve alcohol to shorten its business hours by 10 pm, except for the restaurants in the islands (that are still in Tokyo province). The period is from 28th of this month to 20th of December. Video translated by Youngbin Noh -
2020-11-25
コロナワクチン市場供給へ 中国で初めて申請(2020年11月25日) - First application in China to supply the corona vaccine market (November 25, 2020)コロナワクチン市場供給へ 中国で初めて申請(2020年11月25日) - First application in China to supply the corona vaccine market (November 25, 2020)
中国で初めてワクチンの市場への供給許可が申請されました。 中国メディアによりますと、国有の製薬大手「シノファーム」は7月からすでに緊急的な投与を開始している開発中の新型コロナウイルスのワクチンについて、市場への供給許可を当局に申請しました。シノファームは現在、南米のペルーなどで最終となる第3段階の臨床試験をしていて、当局はこの結果を踏まえて許可を出すとしています。シノファームは「100万人近くにワクチンを緊急投与したが、深刻な副作用の報告は1件もなく、ほんの少数に軽度の症状がみられた」と説明しています。 For the first time in China, an application of license to supply vaccines to the market has been put in. According to the Chinese media, the state-owned pharmaceutical giant "Sinofarm" has applied to the authorities for permission to supply the new coronavirus vaccine under development, which has already started emergency administration since July. Shinofarm is currently conducting the final third-stage clinical trials in Peru and other parts of South America, and the authorities will issue a permit based on this result. "We urgently administered the vaccine to nearly one million people, but there were no reports of serious side effects, and only a few had mild symptoms," explains Shinofarm. Video translated by Youngbin Noh -
2020-11-01
Re-entry of foreign nationals with the status of residence
From November 1st of 2020, foreign residents who have valid residency in Japan who currently are outside finally can come into Japan just like normal citizens. Before this regulation, foreign residents such as permanent residence holders had to get this “the Letter of Confirmation of Submitting Required Documentation for Re-entry into Japan” or “Receipt for Request of Re-entry” from the closest Japanese embassy. On the other hand, Japanese citizen just need to come in with a valid negative result. This applied to me, where I could not go back because that would mean I had to go to LA’s Japanese embassy to get the form, and then go back to Japan. Now, I could go back to japan, if I have a “certificate of negative result”. However, I opened the file, and it turns out I would need a signature from a medical institution and a doctor. All students from ASU can get free test from ASU, but it is not a medical institution. This means I would have to go to other places that can give me this signature, which is not that easy for me. -
2020-06-16
Class of 2020 Celebrated by a Rural Community
The rural community of Tuttle, Oklahoma honored their class of 2020 high graduates with a sign made out of a round bale of hay. The round bale was located just off of State Highway 37 next to the Tuttle Grain & Supply. As part of the creativity, the bale had a sign saying: "Class of 2020" with comments such as "Proud of You!" and "Congrats!" as well as "Great Job!" The sign them covered the face of the hay bale in the design of a large face mask. The community was acknowledging the circumstances that altered the 2020 senior year and graduation to be a smaller event. -
2020-11-03
Voting Lines Stretched Across Two Parking Lots
On November 3, 2020 I took a photo of the voting line that was spread across the Legacy Bank and Library parking lots in Blanchard, Oklahoma. The small community has several voting precincts and this is just one of them. At one point it was mentioned that people were waiting up to three hours to vote at this voting location. The crowd appeared to be somewhat spaced apart and some were wearing masks. The pandemic affected how people stood near each other, which would've been normally much closer. -
2020-07-10
Summer Coin Shortage Still Going in November
On July 10, 2020 the local bank had a sign displayed that warned of the coin shortage that was caused by the pandemic. Due to the shortage, local businesses were limited in the amount of coins they could request from the National Bank in Blanchard, Oklahoma. On July 24, 2020 we decided to do our part and cashed in all of our coins. This gave us some extra cash and gave the bank some extra rolls of coins to distribute to the local businesses. Signs at local fast food restaurants still display their signs on the coin shortage and occasionally cannot make exact change. For certain restaurants like Taco Bell, they were encouraging over the summer to donate the remaining change to a charity they would then distribute the money to. This is example of how the pandemic has changed our lives in unpredictable ways. -
2020-08-07
Health Insurance Providers mailing reusable masks for medical appointments
On August 7, 2020 I received a message from a relative that their health insurance company had mailed them a small envelope with a cloth mask. At the time in Oklahoma, masks were still fairly difficult to find in stores and reusable masks were still available mostly online at considerable costs. The elderly relative said that her and her husband were told to use these if they went to a doctor's appointment or to a hospital. The pamphlet also advised them on the best way to wash and dry the mask for further use. This is something that seems like a small cost to the company, but could benefit everyone if it helped prevent people from getting sick, especially from COVID-19. -
2020-09-15
US Postal Service notice on voting by mail during COVID-19
On September 15, 2020 I received a post card mailer from the U.S. Postal Service. The message is: "If you plan to vote by mail, plan ahead." The reverse side had my information and a note detailing a list of suggestions to prepare for mailing in a ballot during the 2020 U.S. Election. Personally, I've voted in many elections over the past few decades and voted by mail for a long time before this election as well - I've never received any information like this. You can tell that during the pandemic there was going to be a lot of pressure on voting by mail. Personally, I turned in my ballot at least a month before the actual day in fear that the postal system would be overwhelmed in the days right before the election. This is the first year where voting by mail didn't seem like a convenience, but felt like it was a large part of election history. The pandemic seems to be shifting our daily lives in ways that no one would've expected at the beginning of 2020. -
2020-10-08
"The Nightmarish Challenge of Trying to Get an Abortion in a Pandemic"
The article describes the recent challenges to obtaining an abortion in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic due to several states attempting to add further restrictions on abortion rights. It is important to understand that while it was already difficult for many to obtain abortions to begin with, the pandemic has added even more challenges for those seeking reproductive healthcare as well as more opportunities for anti-choice lawmakers to restrict abortion care. -
2020-11-11
COVID-19 Risk Forecast
The Los Angeles Times released a map of how likely someone is to contract COVID-19 anywhere in the United States. Officials predict a rise in cases in the next two weeks due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Traveling and fly is set to increase dramatically and more people (especially) will be together which is going to lead to a rise in cases. This map shows where in America is it more likely to contract Covid. -
2020-11-13
Over 130 COVID-19 cases in the Secret Service
The Washington Post reported that over 130 members of the Secret Service are either in quarantine or have contracted the virus. 130 people accounts for around 10% of the total number of secret service agents. The outbreak comes as a result of the amount of traveling President Donald Trump did before the election. The White House has received massive amount of criticism for their lack of care. -
2020-11-08
Independent booksellers write a new chapter during COVID-19
Small businesses have been hit hard by restrictions during COVID-19. Many are struggling to stay afloat and have come up with creative ways to bring in business. Some have even turned to GoFundMe's to raise money and bring attention to their business, such as these two booksellers. -
2020-11-10
It's done: The NBA comes back on Dec. 22, a 72-game season
The NBA restart date is set Dec 22. The NBA playoff bubble was the most successful example of a sports handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. They shut down quickly and then created a lockdown bubble to handle the playoffs. I wonder if the NBA will be able to handle a whole season as effectively as they handled the playoffs. -
2020-11-09
Elderly COVID-19 survivors with no home find warmth at Hyderabad hospital
There are many older people who don't really have family connections in the world. It's interesting to see cases of people who were living in adult care facilities and contracted Covid. They end up in the hospital to be treated but then there is nowhere to send them after. It's interesting to see stories like this and I wonder how it will end for Ms. Nagendramma. -
2020-11-09
UK rollout of Covid vaccine could start before Christmas
As someone who is patiently waiting for this dismal lockdown to end so I can get on with my life this is good news. Hopefully, things will clear up so I can actually go and visit my fiance. I wonder who all will take the vaccine though, or if visitors will be forced to take it. -
2020-11-10
産業医の診療もリモートで 生活習慣病など対応(2020年11月10日) - Remote medical care by occupational physicians for lifestyle-related diseases (November 10, 2020)
テレワークの定着で産業医による診療も遠隔になりました。 大和証券医務室・多田愼一郎センター長:「体調は悪くないですか?」 本社勤務・50代男性:「特に問題ないですね」 大和証券医務室・多田愼一郎センター長:「テレワークしていて運動もできているからいいですね」 新型コロナウイルスをきっかけにすべての社員を対象に在宅勤務を導入した大和証券では、今月から産業医による診療をリモートで行っています。本社以外で勤務する社員も利用できるようになり、在宅勤務などの新しい働き方についても相談できるのが特長です。ただ、風邪などの症状には対応できないため、生活習慣病やアレルギーなどを中心に診察するということです。 With the normality of remote work, medical treatment by occupational physicians has become remote. Daiwa Securities Medical Office, Director Shinichiro Tada: "Are you feeling okay?" Working at the head office, male in his 50s: "No particular problem." Daiwa Securities Medical Office, Director Shinichiro Tada: "It’s good that you can do remote work and exercises at the same time.” Daiwa Securities, which introduced tele-commuting for all employees due to the new coronavirus provides medical care by occupational physicians remotely from this month. Employees who work outside the head office can also use it, and it is a feature that they can consult about new work styles such as working from home. However, the doctors do cannot take care of symptoms of colds but rather mainly examine lifestyle-related diseases and allergies. Video is translated by Youngbin Noh