We Need to Learn to Live With It ..

May 13, 2020 Leave a comment

.. not pretend it will go away .. it’s still here.

.. not believe it has gone away .. it’s still here.

.. avoid discounting it .. it’s’ still here.

.. respond, rather than react .. it’s still here.

.. to behave. Forget Herd Immunity for now .. think Herd Protection:

  • My actions protect you and those whom I love.
  • Your actions protect me and those whom you love .. and by proxy, those whom I love.
  • Our actions protect us all.

Herd Immunity occurs roughly with ~60-70% of the population being infected. Given the transmission and the mortality rate of this virus, we would see an even more-horrifying human toll if we just let ‘nature take its course’.

Let’s not.

We must adapt, to recognize:

  • Susceptible  / at-risk populations must be protected.
  • There is no shame in wearing a mask.
  • There are some trips we don’t need to take right now.
  • Cooking at home is fun and saves money.
  • Trusting in each other will get us through this.

We must also recognize that the results of any changes we make today will not show up for 10-14 days after we make them.

I posted “Georgia on my Mind” on April 21st, three days before Governor Kemp reopened certain businesses that included Tattoo and massage parlors, salons and barbers, and bowling alleys. These are not exactly businesses where social distancing could be followed (or enforced).

In two weeks, 10,024 new cases and 500 deaths (5% of new cases). Rough math (please check me and advise) suggests a 69% increase in cases and a 64% increase in deaths. In two weeks.

Today is May 13th. COVID-19 cases in Georgia stand at 35,427 with 1,517 deaths in the state.

All figures from 11Alive WXIA, our local all-news channel (from the About page on their site).

This does not appear to be moving in the proper direction .. so, why these businesses? Why this time frame?

Back to basics. “Follow the Data .. Not the Date“. “Behave Like you have it ..” and “Let’s Not Undo ..“.

By now, you know the drill.

Be smart. Stay connected. Stay safe. Stay home when you can. Be careful when you’re not.

Filed under COVID-19, Social

About Michael Coates
I am a pragmatic evangelist. The products, services and solutions I write about fulfill real-world expectations and use cases. I stay up-to-date on real products I use and review, and share my thoughts here. I apply the same lens when designing an architecture, product or when writing papers. I am always looking for ways that technology can create or enhance a business opportunity .. not just technology for technology's sake. My CV says: Seasoned technology executive, leveraging years of experience with enterprise and integration architectural patterns, executed with healthy doses of business acumen and pragmatism. That's me. My web site says: Technology innovations provide a myriad of opportunities for businesses. That said, having the "latest and greatest" for its own sake isn't always a recipe for success. Business successes gained through exploiting innovation relies on analysis of how the new features will enhance your business followed by effective implementation. Goals vary far and wide: streamlining operations, improving customer experience, extending brand, and many more. In all cases, you must identify and collect the metrics you can apply to measure your success. Analysis must be holistic and balanced: business and operational needs must be considered when capitalizing on a new technology asset or opportunity.

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