I’m not hoping they test positive. But, I will say this. I do not understand why the president and his entourage travel so much and hold so many indoor meetings. Frankly, at least half of this is replaceable by Zoom or telephone. And, because we as taxpayers pay for this nonsense, I’m kind of pissed.
Though the coronavirus has had a very negative impact on the economy, employment, and main street, it is causing people to reflect on what our objectives should be going forward. GDP growth has invariably been the number one objective in this country and many others for quite some time. Some countries – notably New Zealand and several Nordic nations – have expanded the list of objectives to include so-called “well-being indicators” that go beyond income per capita. They strive to include social indicators, such as health, but also equality of opportunity measures.
I’m not suggesting minimalism or a return to nature. But, I’ve never been a believer in myopic maximization of GDP. It’s the crudest measure of well-being.
On this note, coronavirus has definitely made an impact on the environment. There has been less pollution. The Chinese have been saying that the air in industrial zones is cleaner and they can breathe better as a result. As you all know, the air in many Chinese cities prior to the pandemic was really awful. I’ve heard this from American friends who live there. This photograph from Hong Kong is more proof of that.
I do agree with you Vicki. At least those workers will be able to celebrate Thanksgiving at home. 🙂
I suspect that Black Friday will be quite different this year as well. Crowds will be probably be greatly discouraged. Online shopping will be the way to go.
While on the subject of holidays, we can probably also kiss goodbye the following for 2020:
Tree lighting ceremonies gatherings
First Night (Boston)
Times Square Ball Drop
I believe that Somerville has already canceled all Tree Lighting ceremonies.
Even if the above events do take place, most likely they will be “virtual”. Not the same AFAIC.
Dont forget halloween
Actually Halloween can go on pretty much as usual. Kids already wear masks on that night anyway and homeowners can make sure that trick-or-treaters wait in line a few feet apart for their candy.
The masks kids wear usually aren’t masks that are acceptable under any circumstances let alone a virus (breathing holes with zero filter is basically nothing.) Accepting candy from people who you don’t know if they have COVID or not. Or giving candy to kids who could have zero signs of it. And kids clustering together to go house to house? Not to mention getting them to wait X amount of feet apart sounds implausible at best. Plus Halloween takes place at the start of the critical cold and flu season. There are so many other factors making Halloween one of the worst things to observe in this climate.
Good points. I was hoping that at least Halloween might be the only holiday that could be salvaged. I still wouldn’t totally count it out as perhaps some towns may come up with some innovative ideas. Otherwise, yes, this holiday season is likely going to be screwed overall.
I agree and not to mention that whatever masks the kids are wearing will be pulled off to indulge in the
just collected goodies (at least I know that is what I would have done!)
There will be NO HALLOWEEN this year.
And indoor neighborhood Halloween kid parties should be a “no-no” as well.
Goes without saying.
But with some imagination, it can be a Halloween to remember. Now please someone help me with christmas. Halloween is easy. Not so much for Christmas
Baker mentioned during his press conference. If medical staff could not keep masks on when they eat and not distance, how do kids? If anyone has an answer, I think it will help me and others.
Kids could do a mix of an off/on schedule. It would be difficult. Some in one week physically while others watch virtually. This would allow for far more separation in lunchrooms and classrooms. There are downsides to every solution. The coming school year will not be fun.
I believe most school cafeterias will be closed and kids will eat at their desks.
Cafeterias will be closed. But there has to,be snack time. Many are thinking of kids heading home before lunch. By the time buses get all kids to school, it will be time to go home. 25 kids to a bus with no money to add buses is a joke. Some are considering 2 days a week with 50% going each of the two.
I cannot stress enough that any child with even a slight runny nose will not be allowed in school. Or on the bus if caught in time. It is a symptom of kids with covid. Just a runny nose.
There are a lot of parents here who know or should know that this is laughable….not the restriction but how often kids have runny noses
It is clear I believe it wont work. And come cold and flu season everyone will be home again but sure welcome anyone who has a good idea on how it will work that I’m missing
To be very clear. I believe in home should be the focus to develop a robust system. I also believe that many kids have to go to school for various reasons. I stress the word have. If the schools are set up for those kids, with adult supervision, internet for online lessons, it would work and cut down the exposure. The Ys did it last spring.
Story about the marlins team coming down with multiple positive tests.
This may very well be a lost year for major league sports in general, especially those without “bubbles”.
Agree. This is sad and could have been avoided.
How is is possible that the NHL has 0 positive tests of 800 players and staff prior to heading to the bubble, and the MLB has so many?
Also, Premier League in England is not operating in a bubble, and very few positive tests. Same in Germany and Italy.
I put a lot of the blame on the players in the MLB for not taking this seriously.
My latest Forbes piece has nothing to do with Covid-19, at least not directly. It’s about the executive orders issued by Trump on Friday, only one of which will likely get implemented prior to November (and that particular one has very limited impact as it only pertains to 2 products on the market).
Nevertheless, Trump is positioning himself to the left of all his GOP colleagues, and even to the left of moderate Democrats. Pelosi and Trump would never admit it, but they’re in favor of the same things as far as drug pricing is concerned.
Spain records over 2,000 new daily cases the other day. Other European countries impose travel bans to and from certain Spanish cities and regions.
Vietnam has its first few cases in 100 days. Immediately shuts down. Draconian measures, if you ask me.
Marocco has its highest daily case count of 600. Immediately shuts down. Panic as people can’t leave cities that went into lockdown suddenly.
U.S. has a 7-day average of over 70,000 new daily cases, 1,050 daily deaths, and record numbers of hospitalizations (we’ve surpassed the April peak in terms of hospitalizations as a nation). … Mostly crickets … If anything, the focus is constantly on how to get schools, bars, gyms, casinos, churches, and other venues back in business.
I understand our desire to reopen. Also, as an economist I don’t want our economy to go down the tubes. And, I’m not advocating draconian measures to contain the virus, just sensible ones and caution, along with taking the pandemic very seriously. But, I do think the U.S. is an outlier in terms of how seriously it takes the virus (it mostly doesn’t), and how it prioritizes – no, obsesses about – reopening and the `economy’ over containment of the virus.
Absolutely agree.
According to Gov. Baker, there has been a slight uptick in cases over the weekend. That Boston Harbor Cruise outing didn’t help matters and is still being investigated.
Halloween. My older two with some help From mom and dad set up a “haunted” house for our youngest and a few friends each year. We will plan to do this for all of my grands this year rather than trick or treat.
We still have not come up for an idea for Christmas and would love any suggestions.
I hope Sutton lights their memory trees on the common this year. We have one for Mac and I like to donate one for a family the Lions club chooses. This year I had planned to have one for all of our loved ones in heaven. If not, I surely understand
I was looking forward to watching the Yankees play the Phillies tonight but that is not happen due to Marlins COVID 19 outbreak. The Marlins played in Philadelphia this weekend. Both Marlins home games against the Orioles have been postponed and the Yankees Phillies game tomorrow night might have to be postponed. Despite this MLB not pausing or cancelling the season.
MLB will mandate masks to be worn in all dugouts. IMHO masks should be worn on the field as well including the base coaches and umpires.
If I had my way, NFL players on the field and benches would be masked. Not to mention all practices, warmups and team meetings. Cheerleaders as well.
It is time for these outdoor sports to MASK-UP…or cancel their perspective seasons altogether.
Philip I agree with you on the masks. I know the NFL stadiums who will allow fans in the stands are requiring the fans to wear masks when attending the game. So far Giants, Jets, and Eagles will play without fans in the stands this upcoming season.
I also agree
I agree 100% with this tweet. It’s about Connecticut (test positivity rate of 0.65%; that’s exceptionally good, folks) and the fact that we shouldn’t be dreaming about magic bullets when the solution is in front of us: What the state of Connecticut has done to contain the virus. https://twitter.com/jasonlschwartz/status/1287856169055326208
I’m trying to find what CT did differently. Am I correct that phase 3 has not started?
Phase 3 did not happen in CT. It was put on pause after Governor Lamont saw what was happening in the south and west. Bars were suppose to open in phase 3 but remain closed. People have been wearing masks keeping to the social distances in CT.
We have an ad campaign in CT when it comes to masks.
If you have to ask wear a mask
Thank you JJ. Brilliant. I admire baker but I have thought phone 3 should have been put on hold also. And now we are seeing why. Slowly, but still. And he is addressing hot spots but today’s presser shows they are moving from one area to another
So if I can’t get dual citizenship in Canada, maybe a move to CT will work 🙂 🙂 😉
Greece !
Hahaha. I’d go for Germany also but my dad is naturalized from Canada so that may work
BREAKING NEWS…A cease and desist order has been placed to Bay State Cruise Lines.
Yes, that Boston Harbor Cruise over the weekend that JPD posted here yesterday.
Well done governor. I do hesitate to find fault even when things give me pause. We have done amazingly well so I hang my head in shame.
Patriots fullback Danny Vitale has opted out due to COVID-19.
I think you will see more players in the NFL opt out. I am curious how many players will decide to opt out after the Marlins COVID 19 outbreak. Nationals manager Dave Martinez said today said that his concern level went from an 8 to a 12 and that I am going to be honest with you I’m scared. These comments came after the Marlins situation.
I think if you get more couple more teams in baseball that have the amount of players get the virus like the Marlins did you will see baseball pause or cancel the rest of the season. After a conference call today no plans to pause or cancel the season.
I may be going out on a limb, but I think the NFL season will start at some point in September, but not go more than 2 weeks and then end it right then and there. College football, idem ditto. I’m hearing a steady stream of comments from NFL players that suggest there isn’t much appetite for the season with little or no protocol in place. Of course, we know there’s no bubble. Without that I can’t see American players following the rules. Moreover, the physical proximity of players is going to lead to outbreaks everywhere. Teams just won’t be able to field enough players.
Governor Lamont has been excellent. The best in my opinion. I’ve stated this before. It’s MUCH harder to manage Covid-19 in close to proximity to states with massive outbreaks than it is in a state like Vermont. Yes, Vermont borders NY and MA, but not next to areas of high numbers of cases.
Connecticut is doing things responsibly. I feel like almost every other state is failing to one degree or another. What I like about Lamont is his humility. Contrast that with Cuomo.
JJ, however much I like baseball and sports in general, I feel like it’s not going to work. Maybe the NHL will pull it off. Zero cases in latest batch, and they’re in Canada. I’m doubtful about the NBA finishing. I think MLB will try to bumble along for a week or two, but that’s about it. NFL, same thing. I hope I’m wrong about this.
No serious planning. No player discipline. Haphazard protocol. It’s as if no-one’s heard of the word systematic. Sound familiar? It’s as if Trump is running professional sports.
Joshua what’s your feeling on baseball. Do you think the season and postseason get completed and a champion is crowned?
I am not a supporter of Governor Lamont but his handling of COVID 19 has been great.
Schools in Massachusetts must now open 10 days later:
Thanks captain. I have been listening to a neighboring town SC meeting They had supposed HVAC experts speak. Knowing little, I was shaking my head at the hesitation when they answered SC questions. My SIL is surely not better than others, but I suspect as good as he has every certification there is. He just walked away as he listened. There is no way on Gods green earth the air can be circulated
And more worrisome, the adults kept playing with masks and removing them to talk. You are not supposed to touch masks.
C-19 for 7-28 is up…
Comments are closed.
Your no-hype southeastern New England weather blog!
Now we’re cooking! When will the rest of the swamp test positive?
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/27/politics/robert-obrien-tests-positive-covid/index.html
I’m not hoping they test positive. But, I will say this. I do not understand why the president and his entourage travel so much and hold so many indoor meetings. Frankly, at least half of this is replaceable by Zoom or telephone. And, because we as taxpayers pay for this nonsense, I’m kind of pissed.
Though the coronavirus has had a very negative impact on the economy, employment, and main street, it is causing people to reflect on what our objectives should be going forward. GDP growth has invariably been the number one objective in this country and many others for quite some time. Some countries – notably New Zealand and several Nordic nations – have expanded the list of objectives to include so-called “well-being indicators” that go beyond income per capita. They strive to include social indicators, such as health, but also equality of opportunity measures.
I’m not suggesting minimalism or a return to nature. But, I’ve never been a believer in myopic maximization of GDP. It’s the crudest measure of well-being.
On this note, coronavirus has definitely made an impact on the environment. There has been less pollution. The Chinese have been saying that the air in industrial zones is cleaner and they can breathe better as a result. As you all know, the air in many Chinese cities prior to the pandemic was really awful. I’ve heard this from American friends who live there. This photograph from Hong Kong is more proof of that.
https://twitter.com/Birdyword/status/1287291154241789952/photo/1
A sign of things to come for the holiday season https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/27/target-joins-walmart-in-staying-closed-for-thanksgiving-this-year.html
I love that they are doing this. Finally,
I do agree with you Vicki. At least those workers will be able to celebrate Thanksgiving at home. 🙂
I suspect that Black Friday will be quite different this year as well. Crowds will be probably be greatly discouraged. Online shopping will be the way to go.
While on the subject of holidays, we can probably also kiss goodbye the following for 2020:
Tree lighting ceremonies gatherings
First Night (Boston)
Times Square Ball Drop
I believe that Somerville has already canceled all Tree Lighting ceremonies.
Even if the above events do take place, most likely they will be “virtual”. Not the same AFAIC.
Dont forget halloween
Actually Halloween can go on pretty much as usual. Kids already wear masks on that night anyway and homeowners can make sure that trick-or-treaters wait in line a few feet apart for their candy.
The masks kids wear usually aren’t masks that are acceptable under any circumstances let alone a virus (breathing holes with zero filter is basically nothing.) Accepting candy from people who you don’t know if they have COVID or not. Or giving candy to kids who could have zero signs of it. And kids clustering together to go house to house? Not to mention getting them to wait X amount of feet apart sounds implausible at best. Plus Halloween takes place at the start of the critical cold and flu season. There are so many other factors making Halloween one of the worst things to observe in this climate.
Good points. I was hoping that at least Halloween might be the only holiday that could be salvaged. I still wouldn’t totally count it out as perhaps some towns may come up with some innovative ideas. Otherwise, yes, this holiday season is likely going to be screwed overall.
I agree and not to mention that whatever masks the kids are wearing will be pulled off to indulge in the
just collected goodies (at least I know that is what I would have done!)
There will be NO HALLOWEEN this year.
And indoor neighborhood Halloween kid parties should be a “no-no” as well.
Goes without saying.
But with some imagination, it can be a Halloween to remember. Now please someone help me with christmas. Halloween is easy. Not so much for Christmas
Baker mentioned during his press conference. If medical staff could not keep masks on when they eat and not distance, how do kids? If anyone has an answer, I think it will help me and others.
https://www.masslive.com/coronavirus/2020/07/baystate-medical-center-reports-outbreak-of-36-coronavirus-cases-affecting-employees-patients.html
Kids could do a mix of an off/on schedule. It would be difficult. Some in one week physically while others watch virtually. This would allow for far more separation in lunchrooms and classrooms. There are downsides to every solution. The coming school year will not be fun.
I believe most school cafeterias will be closed and kids will eat at their desks.
Cafeterias will be closed. But there has to,be snack time. Many are thinking of kids heading home before lunch. By the time buses get all kids to school, it will be time to go home. 25 kids to a bus with no money to add buses is a joke. Some are considering 2 days a week with 50% going each of the two.
I cannot stress enough that any child with even a slight runny nose will not be allowed in school. Or on the bus if caught in time. It is a symptom of kids with covid. Just a runny nose.
There are a lot of parents here who know or should know that this is laughable….not the restriction but how often kids have runny noses
It is clear I believe it wont work. And come cold and flu season everyone will be home again but sure welcome anyone who has a good idea on how it will work that I’m missing
To be very clear. I believe in home should be the focus to develop a robust system. I also believe that many kids have to go to school for various reasons. I stress the word have. If the schools are set up for those kids, with adult supervision, internet for online lessons, it would work and cut down the exposure. The Ys did it last spring.
https://usatoday.com/amp/5517567002
Story about the marlins team coming down with multiple positive tests.
This may very well be a lost year for major league sports in general, especially those without “bubbles”.
Agree. This is sad and could have been avoided.
How is is possible that the NHL has 0 positive tests of 800 players and staff prior to heading to the bubble, and the MLB has so many?
Also, Premier League in England is not operating in a bubble, and very few positive tests. Same in Germany and Italy.
I put a lot of the blame on the players in the MLB for not taking this seriously.
My latest Forbes piece has nothing to do with Covid-19, at least not directly. It’s about the executive orders issued by Trump on Friday, only one of which will likely get implemented prior to November (and that particular one has very limited impact as it only pertains to 2 products on the market).
Nevertheless, Trump is positioning himself to the left of all his GOP colleagues, and even to the left of moderate Democrats. Pelosi and Trump would never admit it, but they’re in favor of the same things as far as drug pricing is concerned.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuacohen/2020/07/25/trumps-executive-orders-on-drug-pricing-contain-caveats-and-limitations/#49c6be1f5001
Just some observations:
Spain records over 2,000 new daily cases the other day. Other European countries impose travel bans to and from certain Spanish cities and regions.
Vietnam has its first few cases in 100 days. Immediately shuts down. Draconian measures, if you ask me.
Marocco has its highest daily case count of 600. Immediately shuts down. Panic as people can’t leave cities that went into lockdown suddenly.
U.S. has a 7-day average of over 70,000 new daily cases, 1,050 daily deaths, and record numbers of hospitalizations (we’ve surpassed the April peak in terms of hospitalizations as a nation). … Mostly crickets … If anything, the focus is constantly on how to get schools, bars, gyms, casinos, churches, and other venues back in business.
I understand our desire to reopen. Also, as an economist I don’t want our economy to go down the tubes. And, I’m not advocating draconian measures to contain the virus, just sensible ones and caution, along with taking the pandemic very seriously. But, I do think the U.S. is an outlier in terms of how seriously it takes the virus (it mostly doesn’t), and how it prioritizes – no, obsesses about – reopening and the `economy’ over containment of the virus.
Absolutely agree.
According to Gov. Baker, there has been a slight uptick in cases over the weekend. That Boston Harbor Cruise outing didn’t help matters and is still being investigated.
Halloween. My older two with some help From mom and dad set up a “haunted” house for our youngest and a few friends each year. We will plan to do this for all of my grands this year rather than trick or treat.
We still have not come up for an idea for Christmas and would love any suggestions.
I hope Sutton lights their memory trees on the common this year. We have one for Mac and I like to donate one for a family the Lions club chooses. This year I had planned to have one for all of our loved ones in heaven. If not, I surely understand
I was looking forward to watching the Yankees play the Phillies tonight but that is not happen due to Marlins COVID 19 outbreak. The Marlins played in Philadelphia this weekend. Both Marlins home games against the Orioles have been postponed and the Yankees Phillies game tomorrow night might have to be postponed. Despite this MLB not pausing or cancelling the season.
MLB will mandate masks to be worn in all dugouts. IMHO masks should be worn on the field as well including the base coaches and umpires.
If I had my way, NFL players on the field and benches would be masked. Not to mention all practices, warmups and team meetings. Cheerleaders as well.
It is time for these outdoor sports to MASK-UP…or cancel their perspective seasons altogether.
Philip I agree with you on the masks. I know the NFL stadiums who will allow fans in the stands are requiring the fans to wear masks when attending the game. So far Giants, Jets, and Eagles will play without fans in the stands this upcoming season.
I also agree
I agree 100% with this tweet. It’s about Connecticut (test positivity rate of 0.65%; that’s exceptionally good, folks) and the fact that we shouldn’t be dreaming about magic bullets when the solution is in front of us: What the state of Connecticut has done to contain the virus. https://twitter.com/jasonlschwartz/status/1287856169055326208
I’m trying to find what CT did differently. Am I correct that phase 3 has not started?
Phase 3 did not happen in CT. It was put on pause after Governor Lamont saw what was happening in the south and west. Bars were suppose to open in phase 3 but remain closed. People have been wearing masks keeping to the social distances in CT.
We have an ad campaign in CT when it comes to masks.
If you have to ask wear a mask
Thank you JJ. Brilliant. I admire baker but I have thought phone 3 should have been put on hold also. And now we are seeing why. Slowly, but still. And he is addressing hot spots but today’s presser shows they are moving from one area to another
So if I can’t get dual citizenship in Canada, maybe a move to CT will work 🙂 🙂 😉
Greece !
Hahaha. I’d go for Germany also but my dad is naturalized from Canada so that may work
BREAKING NEWS…A cease and desist order has been placed to Bay State Cruise Lines.
Yes, that Boston Harbor Cruise over the weekend that JPD posted here yesterday.
Well done governor. I do hesitate to find fault even when things give me pause. We have done amazingly well so I hang my head in shame.
Patriots fullback Danny Vitale has opted out due to COVID-19.
I think you will see more players in the NFL opt out. I am curious how many players will decide to opt out after the Marlins COVID 19 outbreak. Nationals manager Dave Martinez said today said that his concern level went from an 8 to a 12 and that I am going to be honest with you I’m scared. These comments came after the Marlins situation.
Good article with Doctor’s perspective for MLB
https://nypost.com/2020/07/27/doctors-fearing-worst-for-mlb-after-marlins-coronavirus-mayhem/
Excellent. And yet we want to open schools. I have about had it with our priorities.
This could save the season:
https://sports.theonion.com/mlb-announces-players-will-now-be-quarantined-for-14-da-1844520732
I think if you get more couple more teams in baseball that have the amount of players get the virus like the Marlins did you will see baseball pause or cancel the rest of the season. After a conference call today no plans to pause or cancel the season.
I may be going out on a limb, but I think the NFL season will start at some point in September, but not go more than 2 weeks and then end it right then and there. College football, idem ditto. I’m hearing a steady stream of comments from NFL players that suggest there isn’t much appetite for the season with little or no protocol in place. Of course, we know there’s no bubble. Without that I can’t see American players following the rules. Moreover, the physical proximity of players is going to lead to outbreaks everywhere. Teams just won’t be able to field enough players.
Governor Lamont has been excellent. The best in my opinion. I’ve stated this before. It’s MUCH harder to manage Covid-19 in close to proximity to states with massive outbreaks than it is in a state like Vermont. Yes, Vermont borders NY and MA, but not next to areas of high numbers of cases.
Connecticut is doing things responsibly. I feel like almost every other state is failing to one degree or another. What I like about Lamont is his humility. Contrast that with Cuomo.
JJ, however much I like baseball and sports in general, I feel like it’s not going to work. Maybe the NHL will pull it off. Zero cases in latest batch, and they’re in Canada. I’m doubtful about the NBA finishing. I think MLB will try to bumble along for a week or two, but that’s about it. NFL, same thing. I hope I’m wrong about this.
No serious planning. No player discipline. Haphazard protocol. It’s as if no-one’s heard of the word systematic. Sound familiar? It’s as if Trump is running professional sports.
Joshua what’s your feeling on baseball. Do you think the season and postseason get completed and a champion is crowned?
I am not a supporter of Governor Lamont but his handling of COVID 19 has been great.
Schools in Massachusetts must now open 10 days later:
https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/07/27/start-school-year-delayed-10-days-massachusetts-students-extra-preparations/
Thanks captain. I have been listening to a neighboring town SC meeting They had supposed HVAC experts speak. Knowing little, I was shaking my head at the hesitation when they answered SC questions. My SIL is surely not better than others, but I suspect as good as he has every certification there is. He just walked away as he listened. There is no way on Gods green earth the air can be circulated
And more worrisome, the adults kept playing with masks and removing them to talk. You are not supposed to touch masks.
C-19 for 7-28 is up…