Diversions

May 20, 2020

 







Diversions

There is a sense that the coronavirus pandemic is nearing the end, when there is actually no scientific basis for such a conclusion, I think it is a combination of different factors that are giving people this impression. The main reason seems to be a collective case of quarantine fatigue. It has been a long and difficult two months with social distancing and sheltering in place and I think a lot of people are just anxious to get out and back to some sense of normalcy.





 





The other factor is sadly the constant political pressure being applied both at the Federal level from the President who has just about given up on following any scientific based plan and moved to focusing on reopening everything as soon as possible. Locally we have sort of followed suit as the county just announced that the roadblock checkpoints entering the Keys will be coming down on June 1^st and the county will be opened once again to visitors. Hotels and bars will be reopening as will museums and other attractions. 

 





The tension is still strong between those who think it too soon and those who feel opening June 1^st is not soon enough. I just fear that people always tend to be more reckless and prone to not follow the guidelines. I see this in action every day when I walk Jack along the beach and see the crowds of people, most who are not wearing masks, not social distancing and pretty much acting reckless.

 







The problem is that the virus is still going full force especially in the United States.  Current numbers show that 1,521,663 confirmed cases in the United States with 90,799 deaths from the virus. Locally the numbers are currently 99 cases in Monroe County, 39 in Key West and holding at 3 deaths. The numbers could be on the low side as a number of states including Florida and Georgia have been shown to be under reporting cases to support the case to reopen sooner.







Whatever the true figures may be, it is clear that they are staggering and still rising and that the safety cocoon that Key West has benefitted from by the prohibition of visitors is about to be breached in a serious way. Kathy and I will continue to maintain our vigilance and cautious approach by avoiding anyplace with any sort of crowd, not going out to eat or to bars etc. and pretty much maintain the protocal that we have been following since this thing started.

 







It doesn’t mean that we stay isolated inside all the time. In fact the weather was so good this week that we went snorkeling at the pier at Higg’s Beach two consecutive days this week. The visibility was pretty decent but even poor viz provides a nice respite from the daily grind of socially isolating. There were tons of fish and this visit we saw some lobsters and more Lion Fish as well. It is a really nice place to snorkel as there is plenty to see and it is an easy and comfortable swim along the old rip wrap that was once the former pier and extends off the current pier in an L shaped pattern.







 







We have continued our other covid traditions as well as our weekly Friday night specialty drink happy hour has been happening throughout the pandemic. We have had the pleasure of lunging in our little pool and watching the astounding number of tiny birds which have mad their annual migratory visit to the Keys. The American Redstarts have been everywhere this week, but they will be gone almost as quickly as they arrived so it has been cool to spend so much time outside. Our bird feeder even attracted its first white-crowned pigeon this week and some cool blackbirds in addition to the constant crowd of pigeons, doves and chickens that are regular visitors.



 



Jack



We also saw our first days of any rain in two months this week and it was a welcome event as the place was so dry and we needed it. Hopefully it is that start of a more regular rainy season that will bring us more frequent rain, but no hurricanes this season. 



Emma Stroud and Judy Blume webcast 

Sloane