Alas!

Another week of pandemic, but Lockdown eases in South Africa. As of Sunday, we the people of South Africa go to Level 1, with restrictions eased. Alas, many countries are experiencing a second wave. 

Things don't look good anywhere. I began this post early this morning but put it aside to fulfill other obligations. Coming back to it at days end, the number of infections and deaths have increase. 

Below, the numbers from this morning – 6 hours ago – shown in “(x )” and italics.
Worldwide (Map) 
September 17 – 29,902,200 confirmed infections; 941,400 deaths)
(September 17 – 29,764,000 confirmed infections; 939,450 deaths)
September 10 – 27,766,325 confirmed infections; 902,470 deaths.
US (Map)
 September 17– 6,630,100 confirmed infections; 196,831 deaths
(September 17– 6,631,650 confirmed infections; 196,800 deaths)
September 10 – 6,360,000 confirmed infections; 190,820 deaths
SA (Coronavirus portal)  
September 17 – 653,445 confirmed infections; 15,705 deaths
(same numbers/not updated)
September 10 – 642,431 confirmed infections; 15,086 deaths

News blues…

President Ramaphosa addressed South Africans last night with good news: as of 20 September, we’re going to Alert Level 1. This includes:

• Further easing of gatherings - up to 50 percent of “normal capacity of a facilty” up to 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors.
• Keep wearing masks, sanitizing hands, keeping social distance
• Funeral capacity up to 50; vigils not permitted
• Exercising, etc., up to 50 percent of venue capacity – subject to social distancing
• Sporting event restrictions remain
• Voting – subject to health protocols, as are jails, schools, etc.
• International travel: gradually and cautiously easing restrictions after Oct 1 2020 with continued restrictions for countries with high rates of infections; Main airports only: Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town; travelers must hold negative test result not older than 72 hours; No test? Required to remain in mandatory quarantine at travelers own cost; Showing symptoms? Quarantine until repeat tests are negative;
• Visa applications open and longterm visas will be reinstated;
• Curfew hours: midnight to 4am
• Alcohol for home consumption purchased between Monday to Friday from 9am to 17:00pm; Onsite consumption at licensed establishments with adherence to curfew
• Economic sectors open but careful!
• Wear masks, socially distance, wash hands, ventilate all buildings
• Let’s rebuild economy and restore growth and jobs.

Ramaphosa addressed Gender Based Violence (GBV) as a crisis made worse by the pandemic.
He also advised South Africans to celebrate upcoming Heritage Day as a time to enjoy family and to reflect on the journey we’re on with Covid-19, to remember those lost, to rejoice in our national heritage, celebrate the global phenomenon Jerusalema – and to sing, dance with “good moves”, and to rollup our sleeves to restore national prosperity and development.

Gosh, the man is presidential. What a novel concept for my American self! 

Watch Ramaphosa's address to the nation. (36:00 min) 

Compare the President of the United States on masks, etc. response to how humans can protect themselves from Covid-19 (if they feel like it). Trump contradicts and demeans CDC director  (10:00 mins)

***

The Lincoln Project urges:

There is a critical shortage of poll workers.
Due to Trump’s catastrophic failure in stopping the spread of coronavirus, there will likely not be enough poll workers for this election. Insufficient staffing could cause polling locations to close, leaving many people unable to cast ballots.
If you are able and comfortable, we highly encourage you to sign up to serve your community as a poll worker and help ensure every voter is able to cast his or her ballot securely.
Donald Trump's failures and attacks on our election are an existential threat to our republic.
In sowing distrust of our electoral processes and encouraging his supporters to vote twice and police voting locations, he seeks to intimidate voters, cast doubt over our free and fair elections, and claim an illegitimate win.
We cannot let Trump steal this election by defrauding our country. Serving your community and our country as a poll worker is an act of patriotism; there's nothing more American than helping protect democracy. Having fully staffed polling locations is absolutely critical for the security of our election during the most consequential vote of our lifetimes. 
Signing up to be a poll worker is fast and easy—you can get started right here.  

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RVAT: Paul has a question for Christians who support Trump.  (2:23 mins)

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An alert travel advisory received from the US Embassy in South Africa

The Department of State revised its Travel Advisory for South Africa on September 15, 2020. 

The Department continues to advise travelers to exercise normal precautions in South Africa. Reconsider travel to South Africa due to COVID-19.  Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, civil unrest, health, and drought.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19  page before you plan any international travel.   The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for South Africa due to COVID-19. 
South Africa has lifted stay at home orders and resumed some transportation options and business operations.  Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page   for more information on COVID-19 in South Africa. 

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.
Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent.
Parts of South Africa are experiencing a drought. Water supplies in some areas may be affected. Residential water-use restrictions are in place in Cape Town and other municipalities. Read the country information page. 
Please see our Alerts  for up-to-date information. If you decide to travel to South Africa:

• See the U.S. Embassy's web page   regarding COVID-19.  
• Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19. 
•  Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area.
• Do not display cash or valuables.
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location. 
• Conserve water and follow local guidance on water use for tourists and Save Like a Local.
• Check the City of Cape Town website  for up-to-date information and guidance on how to manage water consumption.
• Monitor water levels at the City of Cape Town’s Water Dashboard.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for South Africa.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.

• Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

Yikes, I’d be discouraged from visiting a country with this many cautions – if I wasn’t already Locked down here!

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AMERICAN? VOTE IN UPCOMING ELECTIONS
If you have not received a requested absentee ballot in time to return it to your state, you can use The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup ballot to vote for federal offices. The FWAB is available online at this link:  https://www.fvap.gov/eo/overview/materials/forms.

Hard copies of the FWAB are also available from your nearest U.S. Consulate. If your state absentee ballot arrives after sending in the FWAB, fill out and send in the official ballot as well. Your state will count only one. The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot – FWAB States administer elections in the United States and send absentee ballots to voters away from their voting residence.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

My mother’s first full day at the Care Center. I phoned in the morning and she reported all went well overnight. Important to note that Jessica, the dog, was well rested, too.
Care Center misplaced the forms I’d filled out back in March when I first attempted to get my mother into care. Then the pandemic scuppered all plans. Soon as Level 2 was reached, I approached the Center again. That was 6 months ago. So, re-doing all forms again.