Today the United States hit some grim milestones in the coronavirus pandemic. Over five million cases have been identified. Over 160,000 Americans have died.
Even so, people are still fighting over whether or not schools can be opened safely. I think it’s pretty obvious that they can’t, at least not on the scale on which schools normally operate. In Georgia, where school has already started, a second grader tested positive on the first day of school, so already that entire class is quarantining. They didn’t even get past one day without a potential outbreak.
Rhode Island is still considered to be one of the safer states, but we’ve had a recent uptick in cases, prompting the nearby states of MA, CT, NY, and NJ to put Rhode Islanders on the “must quarantine” list. The reason for the uptick is clear, says our governor, Gina Raimondo. “We’re partying too much. Social gatherings are too large, and folks aren’t wearing their masks.” She reprimanded partygoers with her catchphrase “Knock it off!” and reduced the maximum number of people allowed at social gatherings to 15. Anyone found to be in noncompliance could face a fine, so I were a certain someone, I would not be throwing any more parties. And I would say to anyone else thinking about having a party, “Knock it off!”