“There is no wild animal there, Twiggy. Let’s play.”
“It never hurts to be careful.”
“Careful is another word for obsessed.”
It is Friday again, and time to get ready for the weekend. This week our governor announced that all businesses Can open up with 100% occupancy. In addition, facemasks are no longer mandatory.
Not sure what to make of all that. I think such a move is going to have a detrimental effect on the spread of the virus. There haven’t been enough vaccinations yet to say there is herd immunity. I believe only 7.5% of all Texans have received full protection.
I’m in priority group 1B and am now looking for a vaccine spot. I had originally thought I could wait until more of the vaccine is available. With the governor’s move, I definitely feel vulnerable. I will continue to wear a mask to my doctor visits. (The only time I go out) The available vaccine is in short supply, and it is challenging to find a place to get a shot.
We will see how packed bars, restaurants, and people wandering around with no masks plays out. I’m betting that, in hindsight, it will be a problem.
Today’s JohnKu talks about whose responsibility it is to protect oneself from the virus. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.
Protection By John W, Howell © 2021
When infection risk,
Is all around you today . . .
You must protect you.
Fiction Favorites 
Even though, in UK, we have about 40% of adults vaccinated with the first jab so far, I will still wear masks until NEXT spring. Why? Because once folks are allowed to mix freely again, they’ll overdo it and another surge will happen, probably due to one or more variants getting a grip.
Masks, distancing and hand washing is also effective against seasonal colds and flu.
The only time I might not wear a mask will be outdoors in open spaces, during summer. 😷
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I’m with you on wearing a mask and avoiding other people for another year.
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👍🤗
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😁
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You should be our governor, Chris. I so agree with you. 😁 It is said the there needs to be 70% vaccinated before the herd immunity kicks in. Stay well.
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70% for herd immunity is being touted here as well – but that still leaves 30% at risk…
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Texas is below 10% right now. That leaves 90%
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Exactly, John 😱
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😊
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I, too, think Abbott made the wrong call, John, and I am urging my parents to remain vigilant. I understand wanting to get the economy moving, but see no reason to be foolhardy about it. 😢
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I agree Lori. I don’t understand what gets into some of the politician’s minds. I heard Abbott say 50% of seniors are now vaccinated. I have yet been able to get an appointment so there is that too. 😁
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My grandmother, parents, and aunt just got their appointments for vaccines. Hopefully everyone who wants one can get them soon and we can all return to normal. I’m starting to think “normal” is a thing of the past, though.
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I agree, Staci. Normal will have to be redefined for sure. Good news on the appointments. I still can’t get one but keep trying. 😊
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I hope you’re able to get your vaccine soon, John. I have my first “jab” tomorrow. With my compromised immune system, even being vaccinated, I don’t think I’ll feel much difference in my comfort level when it comes to being inside confined spaces. Time will tell, I suppose. Enjoy the weekend!
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You willneed to be careful but at least you will have some protection. I’m glad you got an appointment. Texas is doing a lousey job in scheduling. Have a great weekend. 😁
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If I didn’t work for the police department, I would have to wait. Keep trying!
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Yes indeed. 😁
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The way things have been lately, I think normal must be seen as a relative, not an absolute concept. Perhaps, in years to come, we’ll look back on the days when we felt safe to mix, indoors and out, without precautions in the same way we now look back fondly at the days parents would send their preteens out to play with the only admonition being to be back by tea-time.
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I think you’re right, Keith.
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😊
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Good thought, Keith. I think you are right.😁
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Sad though it is, we can’t go backwards, only forwards, even if we are not happy about the direction of travel.
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So true. You are very philosophical today. 😊
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I think such easing up is way too soon, John. Already in the UK, we’re seeing cases rising due to people who’ve had the jab no longer following the rules. Glad you’re staying careful.
Great Haiku, John. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
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I agree with you, Harmony. I expect the cases to rise here in Texas too. The bars will be jammed and Rona will have last call. Have a wonderful weekend as well. 😁
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I’m not sure what to make of the news too. Really hope things don’t explode and you can get the vaccine soon. Saw an article that some big chain stores are still making masks mandatory, so that might help.
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Our stores have dropped the mask requirement and made it a strong suggestion. That is BS as far as I’m concerned. Thanks, Charles.
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So scary John. Your governor is jumping the gun for sure. Until everyone has been given the vaccine people should continue to wear a face mask.
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I agree but people can’t be trusted to do that. Thank you, Lynne
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I had my first shot two weeks ago, and I’m scheduled for the second one in two weeks. I am still going to shelter in place and wear a mask if I absolutely have to go out (i.e., doctor’s appointment). That virus is mutating, and if people gather in crowds with no masks, it will continue to mutate. I subscribe to Higher Education Today; colleges and public health officials are concerned about another Spring Break surge. I was shocked when I saw the Texas governor’s announcement of 100% reopening.
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I was shocked and I live here. I think you are very wise to take precautions, Liz. I’m glad you got the first shot. Hope you stay safe. 😊
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I hope you stay safe, too, John!
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😊
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I wonder how many people have to die before those in authority understand what this virus can do.
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You would think losing voters to COVID would be a motivator. 😂
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I was surprised by the decision. I get that we’re all tired of this, but we’re so close now.
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Given the storm mess I think Abbott is playing political games and may come up short if the pandemic gets worse as a result.
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Sounds likely.
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Yup.
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I was also surprised by that decision. It seems far too early. Hope you can get in for the vaccination soon, John!
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Doesn’t look good. All the millennials are jumping the line. You know, most of them have compromised something even if it is only missing brain cells.😁
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I must admit, part of me was surprised by the moves by Mississippi & Texas, but part of me wasn’t. After all, many have politicized public health and welfare. Best wishes for you getting your vaccine. Crazy times – every state is different and each county in every state is different. Hang in there!
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That is part of the problem. If Gov had let the drug companies distribute the vaccine I’ll bet there would be enough fro everyone by now. Just saying. Who cares anyway. It’s Obama’s fault.
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Perfect explanation … Also good for Twiggy OCD
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Obama’s fault.
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Take care of yourself, John, as we all need to be doing. In our area, folks are pretty slack, even though there are requirements for masks in public. No one wears a mask around our neighborhood when outside, but we all social distance and are respectful — well, mostly. My 97-year-old neighbor loves to give me a hug if I’m within calling distance. 💗
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Yeah who wouldn’t love to give you a hug? I don’t blame him.
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Twiggy is searching for Friday’s treasure! Well…a good point is that the life goes on, my dear John. It is good that everything is coming back to normal. The rest is a question of time. 🍨🍨🍨😁😊
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I’ll bet we get a huge spike in cases, Maria. Have a great weekend. 🌷
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😂😂😂 Oh, dearie deer! 🙂
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I know right?
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Sure! 😊😉
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😊
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Same to you, dear John! Let it be spring & warmth!
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I will hope that for you Dear Maria. 😁
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Thank you, my dear John…but we will have to wait. Yet there are winter spirits here & it is frosty. It is about -7 C° again. 🌸🌹
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Hopefully you can stay warm then.
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😁😁😊 Do my best, dear John!☕
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🤗
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Stay safe, John.
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Thanks, Mark
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Huh? Seriously??!?!? 100% occupancy and no masks? I’m stunned.
We’re only at 50% occupancy and then there are a ton of restrictions.
Some of my older relatives have already gotten their shots, but PA is not doing a good job of rolling out the vaccine. There are plenty of vulnerable people who can’t find a time slot or a vaccine site. It’s a mess. At this point, I probably won’t be eligible until some time in the summer.
I hope you get vaccinated soon, John. Stay safe and stay healthy!
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Thank you, Mae. Doesn’t look likely in the near term.
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😦
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You are so right … YOU must take care of you. I agree … I think both Texas and Mississippi have made a grave error and will see spikes in the virus before the end of this month. Keep safe, my friend.
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I agree. Thanks, Jill.
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That is disconcerting! I don’t blame you for being cautious and worried about the after-effects of reopening at 100% no less!
Here? We are still a “red zone” and still working from home until April 6… while some parts of the province are zone orange and opening bit by bit. Feels like we are far from returning to some semblance of normal life.
You keep taking care of you!
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Thank you, Dale. Take care of you too.
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Of course!
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🤗
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🤗
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It would be nice for us if the politicians would remember that there is a south part to our county. They have the northern part very well covered.
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Those up North would say we are evil GP. Our culture needs to be canceled.
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Glad you are going to get a vaccination, John, even if you don’t go out much. Husband & I got our second one last week. I wished Gov. Abbot would have waited until shots would have been available to everyone, but he did not. We will see how it goes. TGIF to you.
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Thank you, Jo. Around here it is tough to get a shot. Stay healthy.
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Your governor’s decision sounds pretty hasty to me too, John. Have a good weekend.
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You. as well, Guy. Thank you.
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I 100% agree with you, John. I believe the governor’s announcement was purely a political move to try and save what’s left of his career. And, I think there will be detrimental effects. I have not received the vaccine yet. The last time I looked, the waiting list for my group was over 30,000 long with only 6,000 to 7,000 vaccines expected. Not a good outlook. Staying safe is the best option! I will continue to mask-up!
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I will continue to mask up too, Jan. I think between the winter storm and the next wave of Covid, Abbott is toast.
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Removing the mask mandate is a bad move; we’re not out of the viral woods yet, sadly.
Stay safe, John, you’re one of the good ones.
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Thank you, Hook. You are one of the good ones as well so stay healthy too.
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We have the same thing with everything having opened this week, John. You can see the difference with the traffic. Wearing masks is still a legal requirement here, it is an offence not to wear one in public and you are fined.
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I think that is a good way to handle it, Robbie. I can just see the mess come Wednesday when the opening happens. 🙄
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Keep yourself safe, John. It isn’t worth taking risks.
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I will. Thank you, Robbie.
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I pray it will all work out, John, and believe it will…
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I hope so, Billy Ray.
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What is the governor of Texas thinking? I would understand it if everyone in Texas had received the vaccine but that isn’t the case. I think you’re right, this is going to backfire. Stay safe and healthy, my friend. 😀 xo
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I don’t know what he is thinking. Stay safe as well, Vashti.
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You’re right Boss. We are our own best advocates.
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Has to be that way. 😊
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It does
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😁
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Wow, John, that is a bit relaxed. My husband and I are still waiting for our group to be called. He just turned 61 and I’ll be 60 later this month. The first time only that we’re eager for a shot. 🙂 I haven’t kept up with the details here in CA because we’re just not ready to go out yet. And I think we’ll be wearing masks for the rest of the year, at least. I agree with you in that the effect of no masks and everything open to 100% capacity will be detrimental. Maybe we’ll be proven wrong though. Fingers crossed. Stay safe and enjoy your weekend.
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Thank you, Lauren. Stay safe as well. 😁
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We also live in California. My wife and I are 64 and 62. For once in our lives, we’re not old enough!🤣🤣🤣
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Relish the moment, Pete. 😂
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That’s exactly how my husband and I feel! 😁😁😁
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You young kids just need to let us oldsters have our turn first.
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Haha, John, I will practice extra patience just for you. 😃
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Thank you. 😁
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I hope you get an appointment soon, John. We’re talking about relaxing restrictions, not eliminating them, and I’m a little nervous. Your Johnku is apt.
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Thank you, Dan.
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I certainly agree that the guv has made a BIG mistake, John. I just got my second shot and was thinking maybe I could finally start going to the library or a few stores, again. Now, probably not…
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I don’t think a lot of thought went into that decision. Thanks, Becky. Congrats on the shots. 😊
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We’re still waiting for Pennsylvania to get enough vaccines. I’m last on the list, so it could still be a while. Hoping by the summer, though. Take care of yourself, John. Good haiku!
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I just got an appointment for the first. March 12.
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That’s great – not too long!
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Nope. Right around the corner.
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All of New England is shaking their heads at Texas, wondering why. I hope you get an appointment for the vaccine. It’s like winning the lottery if you get one.
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I did finally get one. I have to go into Austin and not the best neighborhood. But at least I have it. Thanks, Jennie.
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That’s good news!
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It is.
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👌👌👌👌
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Thank you, Elizabeth. 😁
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