Virus variants

[belindalore]

Well the variant that was reported in South Africa has now shown up in Volusia County, FL. The county I reside in. Yes I know that viruses mutate over and over. But this one is particularly dangerous. We all know this. Then when I learn of the variant being here, I see another article showing people partying various places around the country. Shoulder to shoulder. No masks. I feel like just giving up. I'm now starting to get so depressed. I'm not hopeful. I'm not well and neither is my partner. If he or I come down with it I don't think we could survive it. God help us all.

[meadfoot]

I have just been watching a news item here in the uk with virus and vaccine experts who appear very confident about their ability to provide vaccines ongoing and amend to variants. They are a big step forward and can start to impact right across the world over time, Its very affirmative news which can hopefully quell fears somewhat while we continue to do all we can to keep safe in the meantime by following guide lines and be sensible.

Novavax vaccine to come on stream in the coming months, plus Johnson and Johnson (Jansen) soon going through regulators added to Astra Zeneca and Pfizer being rolled out now plus Moderna in the wings.

We are so fortunate to have scientists working twenty four seven and brave volunteers trialing the vaccines. Just hope countries share vaccines and dont play silly beggers along the way, surely not. Keep the faith, chin up and stay safe.

[belindalore in reply to meadfoot]

Thanks meadfoot. But it looks like more of your population is abiding by the guidelines. Here in the USA it's like some free for all in so many places. Too many politicians not even following the guidelines or lifting the lockdowns too soon only because they are worried about not getting re- elected. It's so disheartening to see because the virus will linger and linger here if people can't be adults. I'm not happy with our politicians right now either but all these riots and protests are continuing to keep us from getting ahead of the virus. We have police officers committing suicide because of all the hatred of them. They are afraid to try and quell these riots. People are butting in front of those who should be getting vaccinated (the elderly and healthcare providers and our firefighters, police officers). A couple of medical workers actually stole some vaccine to try to resell it for their own profit! I don't recognize this country I live in anymore. But thanks for listening. I will try to keep my chin up. Yes, the news reported good trials for Novamax and Johnson&Johnson. So that's good news. You stay safe also.

[Aegean56 in reply to meadfoot]

I echo your comments . Science will prevail. Stay safe by staying vigilant and nurture yourselves and each other. Take care and be well.

[belindalore in reply to Aegean56]

👍🙏

[MrBeen]

Hey, don't be upset. Let the fools who carry on, get the virus. As long as you are taking ALL precautions protecting yourselves even to the extent of not opening or touching mail by hand when it comes in(hyper I know!! just an example) then you will have the confidence that there is nothing further you can do to protect yourself. If you haven't put yourself in the slightest risk situation of getting new strain, then rest easy, mind yourselves daily, be grateful in the evening that you have a new day coming. That's all we can do as in minding ourselves, we mind others. Please don't fret, there will always be stupid people, just don't make contact with any. Hope this helps.

[belindalore in reply to MrBeen]

Thanks. You even made me laugh.😅

[BobD Volunteer]

I started out sharing your feelings but then remembered that my parents went through a world war and even had time to have my sister and I so life goes on. Call me a fatalist if you will but having survived cancer, AF and cardiac arrest I know I will go when I go and no amount of worry will change that. Live every day as your last as one day you will be right. lol 😁

[irene75359 in reply to BobD]

I can worry and my very good friend counselled me 'Why worry when you don't know if it going to happen? It is like paying interest on a loan you never take out'.

[belindalore in reply to irene75359]

Good analogy.😁

[belindalore in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob D. You have suffered much tragedy. Yes one day at a time. 😌

[pusillanimous]

I live in South Africa and although it appears that although the new variant is more contagious, it is not more dangerous than the original. Most people here adhere to the rules and we do not have silly protests against mask wearing - it has been compulsory for months that they must be worn outside and entry to shops is prohibited unless you are masked. At the entrance of a supermarket a security guard sprays your hands with santiser and there is a roll of wipes for your trolley - this has been the situation almost since the virus was first detected in the country, our rules are rigid and involve such things as limited liquor sales and we have been under curfew for months . One of the main problem areas is traditional funerals. Attendance is limited, whereas previously, hundreds would attend a single funeral and the body would be removed from the coffin for final rites. Hopefully the second wave is now peaking- it's amazing that all this could result from a single infection, brought back from a holiday in Italy earlier in the year

[belindalore in reply to pusillanimous]

If only people here in the states would adhere better to the rules. Even though the stores have signs all entering must wear masks, the rules are not enforced. Too many people would fight an employee of the store who'd asked them to leave for not having on a mask. So rather than have an employee be injured, people not wearing masks are still allowed in the store. There are employees at most stores disinfecting shopping carts and the employees are wearing masks and some gloves. Gloves to me are useless. It's the crazy people rioting and partying, I think, doing the most harm. We will have peak after peak and on and on here because of those selfish people. 😞 I go to the store when I have to and stay home. I wear my mask and take my own bottle of sanitizer and also keep a spray bottle of 70% rubbing alcohol to spray the steering wheel. Do what I can as we all are. Continue to be safe.

[djmnet in reply to belindalore]

Not all in the USA are ignoring the guidelines, belindalore. I'm in Colorado and when I go out, everyone is wearing masks, our positivity rate is low and we are generally in very good shape. Your biggest problem in Florida can be summed up in one word: DeSantis. I'm sorry for you and all my friends there (I'm originally from Miami and my 96 year old mother lives in Sebring), but you are in control of your own safety just by virtue of following the guidelines: mask up, social distance, and wash your hands. You don't have to interact with the fools!

[belindalore in reply to djmnet]

You're so right. It would certainly be so much better if people here in Florida weren't such idiots. I'm glad you are staying safe in your state. I pray your mother stays safe. Florida has become the saying "stupid is as stupid does". I stay as safe as I possibly can and stay away from the fools. Take care.

[irene75359]

I worry too, and the most useful thing I have done for myself removing the source of stress. I no longer read the newspapers or watch the news; I could feel panic rising, not for me but for my family. My husband keeps me up-to-date with the necessary detail, and in the meantime, I carry on as normal. I wear a mask whilst walking my dog, we have food delivered and we don't go in any shops or use public transport. The need to hold my daughters and my grandchildren is a physical ache but I keep telling myself it won't be long now. The vaccines are being rolled out and we will all have protection soon. And, lo and behold, as I am writing this, my phone pinged with a message from my GP inviting me to make an appointment for my vaccination. Tomorrow, the first dose!

I do hope it won't be long for you and your partner. Thinking of you. Stay safe.

[Maggimunro in reply to irene75359]

Oh I so long to hug my grandkids. I feel we are just drifting apart despite zoom and video chats. It just isn’t the same. The last time we spoke to the grandkids I said we hope to get the vaccine soon. Our 14 year old grand daughter replied “Does that mean we can then have a hug? “ it broke my heart.

[irene75359 in reply to Maggimunro]

I'm not surprised. My 4 year-old grandson said to my daughter "When the virus is gone can I have a sleepover with Grandma and sleep in her bed?".

[belindalore in reply to Maggimunro]

Oh. You'll get that hug and many more. 😊🙏

[belindalore in reply to irene75359]

Thank you Irene. I try to keep my faith. It gets hard. As I said in other posts, the states have too many people who won't follow the guidelines. I try not to watch the news either. Once in a while to catch up. But it's so distressing. My partner and I are holding out for the Johnson&Johnson vaccine. Only one dose. I had the bad reactions to our 2nd dose of the pneumonia shot we oldsters get over here. So I'm not wanting to get stuck twice knowing the 2nd dose can make one really sick. And my partner isn't well right now so he wants the one dose too. May not be too long before they roll out the Johnson&Johnson here. 🤞. Many places run out of the vaccines for those who have appointments. It's been a bad roll out here with the vaccines. Very poorly managed. Happy you got your call!

But I pray some time soon you will will be getting great big hugs from your children and grandchildren. I can't imagine how much you've missed them. In the meantime stay safe. And keep following the guidelines even after your shots. Don't be like the covididiots here in the USA!😂