I thought I could write about something this week other than the ongoing coronavirus crisis, but honestly, the story is too big and too consuming not to reflect on the week’s activities.
For the third week in a row, the virus has been center stage and for good reason, we are still not in the clear and from what experts tell us, the USA hasn’t even peaked with occurrences.
It seems Italy hasn’t even peaked with hundreds dying each day. If it is scary here in the states, what can it possibly be like in Italy or Spain?
I am relieved over one thing – the federal government finally made up its mind this thing is real and not a political con job.
It’s kind of crazy to think a political party would make up, conjure, devise and invent such a dastardly disease to upend the opposition. It was never a “hoax folks.”
I know we tend to look at those that govern for leadership in times of crisis, but at this point in time, I’d rather put my money on the medical professionals than the politicians.
More and more of us are becoming aware of taking precautions in our daily hygiene habits by washing our hands, covering our mouths and noses when sneezing and using sanitizers.
Be wise – sanitize.
The virus is still a mystery and some have suggested once the warm weather comes around, the virus would disappear. I’m not buying that and the simple reason is Australia, who is just finished summer and this past week autumn began, has 565 confirmed cases as of March 19. Forty-six have recovered and six have died from the virus.
The Australian government reports half of the 565 cases considered to have been acquired from overseas countries such as the USA, Italy, UK and Iran.
Worldwide there are more than 204,700 cases and 8,400 deaths of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
For a while here in Greater Pittston, I felt that we believed we were sort of immune to what’s going on in the rest of the country and the world, but now that there’s been a few recorded coronavirus cases in Luzerne and surrounding counties, it’s hitting home.
I know so many businesses are going to take a big hit over the time they are told to stay closed, eventually it will be okay to resume regular business – I just hope many of those businesses can hang on long enough to come back.
I know the federal government has financial incentives in the works, but there are a lot of folks that may not see the benefits of those checks come in.
Being self-employed as I am, I’m not so sure if I’ll be on the receiving end of those stimulus checks proposed and I won’t get the chance to receive paid sick/medical leave if I’m stricken. I, of course, am not the only one in this situation.
Early this past week, eating establishments tried to stay open with restrictions and a day later, it came down that restaurants could only stay open for take-out service. It’s a compromise, but at least it keeps people working.
We are in the middle of a two-week period of a suspended school schedule. With the announcement of national and worldwide sports schedules canceled for the rest of spring, I can only assume the school schedule will also be suspended further than two weeks. We will know soon if Gov. Tom Wolf and/or local school districts will make announcement on the school schedule.
If our country has learned a lesson from the coronavirus outbreak is how unprepared we’ve been regarding tests, masks and ventilators.
I believe the other lesson learned – you should not point fingers, in particular, political fingers, when it comes to medical issues. Rely on the experts, not the political pundits.
On Thursday, it was announced the FDA approved existing drugs to combat coronavirus. Let’s hope this will do what it takes to eliminate the virus.
We will get through this crisis and we will bounce back better than ever because this is what American does best.
DeLuca follows his dream
Wyoming Area senior Dominic DeLuca, after keeping local sports enthusiasts in the dark about where he wants to play football, has finally made his decision – he’s going to Penn State University in the fall.
DeLuca won’t be a scholarship player; he’ll have to earn that during his time there. He will be attending as a preferred walk-on.
The son of Carl and Ree Ree DeLuca, Dominic is a rare high school athlete that rose to that place where only top athletes are capable of going. He rose to the occasion, peaked at the right time and took advantage of his opportunity to shine.
This kid has lived for football all of his life and I for one believe he will be on scholarship at PSU and will have a successful career as a Nittany Lion.
I’ve had the chance to interview Dominic several times since he led the Warriors to their first-ever state championship. He’s an impressive young man that is very polished when speaking to the media.
I wish Dominic a successful bid on his football career and hope he attains all of his dreams.
Quote of the week
“Change your thoughts and you can change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale
Thought of the week
“It is impossible to escape the impression that people commonly use false standards of measurement – that they seek power, success and wealth for themselves and admire them in others, and that they underestimate what is of true value in life.” – Sigmund Freud
Bumper sticker
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
