Social distancing could last months, White House coronavirus coordinator Deborah Birx says

[Eugene]

Source: Washington Post

Social distancing could last months, White House coronavirus coordinator says

By Felicia Sonmez, Paige Winfield Cunningham, Paige Winfield Cunningham and Meryl Kornfield
April 26, 2020 at 7:08 p.m. EDT

Some form of social distancing will probably remain in place through the summer, Deborah Birx, the White House’s coronavirus task force coordinator, said Sunday — the same day several governors expressed optimism about the course of the virus and outlined their plans for a piecemeal reopening of their economies.

It was the latest instance of conflicting signals coming not just from state and federal leaders but also from within the Trump administration in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic that so far has claimed the lives of more than 54,000 Americans. Last week, Vice President Pence predicted that “we will largely have this coronavirus epidemic behind us” by Memorial Day weekend.

But on Sunday, Birx said in an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press” that “social distancing will be with us through the summer to really ensure that we protect one another as we move through these phases.” She cited the need for further testing that would need to be developed following a scientific “breakthrough.”

The mixed messages come as Americans are entering a confusing and uncertain new phase in the coronavirus crisis. After weeks of being told to simply stay home to halt the spread of the virus, individuals and business owners are now facing more complex decisions about how to proceed in the absence of clear guidance from their leaders.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/social-distancing-could-last-months-white-house-coronavirus-coordinator-says/2020/04/26/ad8d2f84-87de-11ea-8ac1-bfb250876b7a_story.html

[A HERETIC I AM]

1. If you're smart, and statistics/research show most people that would read and post here, are

you would keep your safety protocols in place until a vaccine is available, full stop.

That's what I plan on doing, especially in the United States. Waaaaay too many nitwits and assholes in this country, and the more I hear and read, the more I am convinced we won't be out of the woods for at least 18 months.

I'm going to be wearing a mask until I can get a shot that is proven to be as effective as the Polio vaccine.

[rzemanfl]

3. Agreed, but this forced inactivity is taking a toll.

These days I walk fewer miles a week than I used to swim. I also argue with my wife more a day than I used to in a month. I worry that when this enforced idleness ends I won't be able to restart my septuagenarian body.

[SWBTATTReg]

5. Forced inactivity? No one is stopping you from doing activities, it's simply just doing something

differently, in these different times at hand.

You could also start a new game, and figure out what new argument to start w/ your wife, and see how long does it take her to figure out that you are pulling her leg for the heck of it. I just might do this myself, and see how my SO reacts and see how long it takes them to figure out that I'm pulling their leg? Of course the downside is that my SO will beat the crap out of me, not that I didn't deserve it (just kidding)!

I'm surprised that no one has figured out a massive online game, that can be played by all, to locate and find some treasure via online means (keeping all of us entertained and inside). Perhaps there are some things out there in Internet Land, such as this, but I haven't heard anything yet.

[rzemanfl]

6. Hard to swim in the bathtub. That has been my primary form of exercise

for several years. Even walking around here isn't safe, because assholes everywhere.

[dalton99a]

2. Self-imposed social distancing will last into next year at least

People will avoid crowds and sitting next to strangers for a long time

[jimfields33]

4. I'm watching Disney

They say they may not open until January 2021. But if they decide to open earlier, I’m extremely curious to see the first day attendance. Even though I live 30 minutes away, I won’t be going. But I am so curious to see how this is going to work. To be honest, I miss Disney springs. I love that place.

[colsohlibgal]

7. More Than Months Almost Certainly

Things won’t get back to anything approaching normal anytime soon.

Get used to it things likely won’t get back to quasi normal till we get a vaccine.