Tag: COVID-19

COVID-19 Data for Texas?

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I’ve been checking the COVID-19 Dashboard for the county I live in daily, and I’ve noticed that there have been changes to the way the data is presented. Any of the more alarming charts showing unfavorable trends have been removed, and replaced with more favorable-looking charts. For instance, today’s chart shows an increasing number of tests given (that’s good), and also shows the percentage of positive cases as a result of the testing, which is somewhat flat at 7%. (screenshot below from 2020-05-22)

However, they don’t show a chart that combines that data, which would show an upward trend.

Just 10 days ago, “Cases Over Time” was one of the charts being shown (screenshot from 2020-05-12), but has since been removed:

This chart, which shows no downward trend, is not supportive of the Texas government’s efforts to re-open the state. And my guess is that there was some kind of government communication to the owners of state dashboards to only show certain charts that support (or not damage) their cause. I don’t think this is an unreasonable suspicion given the fact that data suppression/manipulation was going on in Florida. I’m not saying the data for Texas is being manipulated, but the presentation of that data is – and in a way that supports the argument that Texas should open sooner rather than later.

I’ve found another resource for data here, and with a little digging, you can find data presented in ways that you can pick and choose to support different viewpoints. For instance, here’s a screenshot of today’s trend (2020-05-22), which is not very encouraging:

We’re not out of the woods yet, folks. We might still be lost in the middle of the woods. 😟 Please keep practicing social distancing, wash your hands, and stay home if you can!

Thunderbirds Flyover

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 26.5mm, f/9, 1/1000 sec, ISO200
 “Thunderbirds” Cedar Park, 2020

This afternoon the USAF Thunderbirds flew over Central Texas to honor the healthcare workers who are on the front lines of our current COVID-19 pandemic. I was fortunate that the flight path literally circled our neighborhood (we are close to some large medical facilities) so I could watch and take photos from the street in front of our house.

I was amazed at how fast the F-16 jets were – they seemed to be a couple of seconds in front of the roar of their engines! The flyover lasted perhaps 30 seconds or so max, and then they flew off to the east to salute the healthcare workers in Round Rock and Georgetown. A very nice gesture, for sure. ❤️🇺🇸

“Thunderbirds” Cedar Park, 2020
“Thunderbirds” Cedar Park, 2020

Grocery Order and Pick-Up

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Photo info: motorola moto g(6), 3.95mm, f/1.8, 1/1300 sec, ISO100
 “Grocery Pick-Up” Cedar Park, 2020

We ordered a bunch of groceries online for pickup this afternoon. We really love our HEB supermarkets here in Texas, and even more so during the pandemic. We’re really grateful to have the option to order online and have the groceries packed in the car for us. I just parked in the designated spot, opened the back of my car, then texted the store that I had arrived. The mask-wearing HEB employee loaded the groceries in the back and I was all set! I think this system is safer for both the shoppers and the workers. The only downside is that it can be difficult to find an open slot for the service, but still, we’re fortunate to have this service available. Go HEB!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/9, 2 sec, ISO200
 “Doodle” Cedar Park, 2020

Social Distancing at the Grocery Store

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/100 sec, ISO200
 “Social Distancing” Cedar Park, 2020

This morning I went to the grocery store to restock our fridge. It was very strange to be outside and see other people since I’ve been home for three weeks, just going outside to run in the neighborhood. I was happy to see that most of the people were wearing masks, and everyone was practicing social distancing. Our supermarket only permits a limited amount of people inside the store at a time, so the aisles are not very crowded and we can all keep a safe distance away from each other. But there’s no denying that the mood was somber. 🙁

Keep your spirits up, as best you can!