Lygenztia: Lygenztia *531 (The good old hockey game, is the best game you can play....) Tuesday July 21, 2020

Worldwide stats provided by worldometers put the global COVID-19 number of reported cases today at 14,879,267. (Deaths: 613,952 and Recovered: 8,932,545) I emphasize reported because there is a wide variance in testing and manner of reporting from country to country and place to place.

As of 6:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday July 21, 2020:
From Global News, Canada reported 111,096 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The official Province of Ontario website is reporting 37,739 (up 135) total confirmed cases and 2,752 total deaths. Currently, there are 115 people are in hospital with 37 of those in ICU. 33,513 cases have been resolved.

++UPDATE++ 11:02 a.m.
Dammit! Ontario records highest number of new COVID-19 cases since June. The number of new COVID-19 cases in Ontario has shot back up to the highest level since late June. The 203 new infections announced Tuesday morning brings the province's total of lab-confirmed cases to 37,942 – a 0.5 per cent increase over Monday's total when 135 cases were added. Health Minister Christine Elliott called the increase "concerning" in a tweet published on Tuesday morning. "Ontarians of all ages need to continue to adhere to public health guidelines," Elliott said. "Maintain only one social circle of 10 people, physically distance with anyone outside of it and wear a face covering when doing so is a challenge."

Quebec continues to have the highest reported cases in the country with 57,616. (up 170)

The Region of Durham reported 1,784 (up 3) confirmed cases of COVID-19. The site also reports 1 current outbreak (Hospitals, LTCF's and Retirement Homes) with 34 outbreaks having been "concluded." Currently, Clarington still sits at 102 total cases. (93 are resolved, 2 people are currently in isolation and 7 people have passed away. Hospitalized currently: "Zero")

In international news,
A U.K. coronavirus vaccine prompts an immune response in an early test. British researchers first began testing the vaccine in April in about 1,000 people, half of whom got the experimental vaccine. Such early trials are usually designed only to evaluate safety, but in this case experts were also looking to see what kind of immune response was provoked. In research published Monday in the journal Lancet, scientists said that they found their experimental COVID-19 vaccine produced a dual immune response in people aged 18 to 55. “We are seeing good immune response in almost everybody,” said Dr. Adrian Hill, director of the Jenner Institute at Oxford University. “What this vaccine does particularly well is trigger both arms of the immune system.”

Australia extends jobs support as new COVID-19 outbreaks threaten economy. Australia will spend A$16.8 billion ($11.8 billion) to extend its wage subsidies for businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic, as a surge in new infections in the country’s southeast threatens to keep the economy in recession. The six-month extension of the programme allays fears a hard end to the current A$70 billion scheme, originally scheduled for Sept. 30, that would prolong Australia’s first recession in three decades. However, subsidies will be reduced under the new programme, which runs through to March 28, 2021 and is expected to cover about 1 million workers, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s conservative government seeks to wean the economy of fiscal support.

From VICE News, the Coronavirus Is Devastating the Navajo Nation. About 30% to 40% of residents don’t have running water, which makes following basic CDC guidelines, such as handwashing, almost impossible. Michael Begay, who owns and operates the only funeral home on the western part of Navajo Nation, usually processes about 270 bodies a year. But by the time coronavirus had exploded across the U.S. in June, he’d already surpassed that. He’s had to hire more staff and even acquire a freezer trailer to fit all the bodies of local people lost to the virus. The Navajo reservation, about the size of West Virginia, has had one of the highest per-capita rates of COVID infection in the U.S. As of July 19, Navajo Nation tallied 8,593 cases and 422 deaths — that's more confirmed cases than 10 states and more deaths than 16. About 30% to 40% of residents in the reservation don’t have running water, which makes following basic CDC guidelines, such as handwashing, almost impossible. On top of that, there are only 12 healthcare centers and 13 grocery stores for the 173,000 people who live on the reservation.

From the "You just can't make this stuff up" file, Georgia's Governor Is Suing Atlanta's Mayor to Stop Her Contradicting Him About Masks. The Republican governor has requested an emergency injunction to restrain Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms from issuing press releases, or making statements to the press. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is stepping up his war against Atlanta: He’s not only blocking the city’s mask mandate but now he’s trying to put a gag order on Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to keep her from contradicting him. “In addition to being sued over a mask mandate and voluntary advisory guidelines on COVID-19, @GovKemp has asked for an emergency injunction to 'restrain' me from issuing press statements and speaking to the press. Far more have sacrificed too much more for me to be silent,” Bottoms wrote on Twitter Sunday night, with an attached screenshot of the relevant page from the lawsuit.

In national news,
Lockdown fatigue, 'invincibility' is causing more COVID-19 infections in young people. More young people are being infected with COVID-19, creating the potential for a severe outbreak, scientists warn. They say the change in demographics could be attributed to lockdown fatigue, increased testing or feelings of invincibility. Brett Snider, a water resources PhD student at the University of Guelph, first noticed a higher number of infections in the under 20 and 20-29 age groups in the Toronto and Peel regions in May.

So, are you feeling good about the whole COVID-19 thing? Feeling like we have it beat because we can grab a beer on a patio? Come Friday, we can actually hit the bars and restaurants and sit inside! Well, read on....

B.C. facing possibility of 'explosive growth' in COVID-19 cases, modelling shows. The latest COVID-19 modelling data suggests British Columbia is at risk of suffering an "explosive growth" in cases, health officials warned Monday. The sobering update from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix was delivered in the midst of a surging caseload in the province, driven in large part by younger people attending parties and events without taking proper precautions. While British Columbia has enjoyed significant success combatting the spread of the virus in recent months, sometimes to the envy of other jurisdictions, Henry said the latest dynamic compartmental modelling projections show the province is "starting to see an upward bend of our curve."

Alberta added 368 cases of COVID-19 since Friday, surpassing 1,000 active cases again. Manitoba reported a spike in COVID-19 cases (18) over the weekend. 19 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Saskatchewan.; 145 active cases. While these numbers "sound" low, these provinces had COVID-19 basically eradicated; yet, it's back again.

The Atlantic "bubble" looks like it may be helping. N.S. has been 5 days without a new COVID-19 case; active cases drop to 1. Newfoundland has not reported a new case in several days. New Brunswick announced only one new case of COVID-19 on July 20. There were no new cases announced on P.E.I. during the province’s most recent update on July 20. (P.E.I. joined the Atlantic travel bubble on July 3, where residents of the eastern provinces will be able to travel between them without isolating for 14 days.)

Anti-mask rallies were held across Canada on Sunday; despite increased support for mandatory masks. Rallies decrying mandatory mask policies were held in several Canadian cities on Sunday, with protesters calling for “freedom of choice” despite concerns of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in several provinces. Protesters gathered in cities including Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Ottawa in support of the “March to Unmask” movement, arguing that wearing masks in public spaces should be voluntary and not mandated by the government. Rally organizers say they’re concerned about policies based on fear, citing mixed messaging about the effectiveness of masks in preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, and noting that people should have the right to choose how to protect themselves from the disease.

How long will CERB last? If you stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 24 weeks or until October 3, 2020, whichever comes first. Just wait until tax time; some people are going to be in deep s**t.

In Ontario,
Lockdown fatigue, 'invincibility' is causing more COVID-19 infections in young people. More young people are being infected with COVID-19, creating the potential for a severe outbreak, scientists warn. They say the change in demographics could be attributed to lockdown fatigue, increased testing or feelings of invincibility. Brett Snider, a water resources PhD student at the University of Guelph, first noticed a higher number of infections in the under 20 and 20-29 age groups in the Toronto and Peel regions in May. Given this revelation, maybe Mayor Tory is on to something, or knows something we don't know. Read on.....

Toronto Mayor John Tory is calling for tougher restaurant regulations in Stage 3. Tory sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford on the weekend calling for some amendments to be made to the Stage 3 rules. In his letter he asked for six changes;

1-People to stay at their tables unless they’re arriving or leaving, going to the restroom or paying.
2-Restaurants should be required to keep client contact information for at least one person, keep the log for 30 days before destroying it and permit local public health units to access the information when tracing contacts.
3-Additional capacity restrictions.
4-Early closure times, i.e. midnight last call, for at least an initial period of time.
5-Additional COVID-19 screening protocols for staff such as a questionnaire before each shift.
6-Mandatory face covering requirements for staff and patrons.

In the letter, Tory says the rules are being considered for Toronto and he believes they should be more widespread across the province.

Ontario Place will reopen during the pandemic to host events, including drive-in film festivals. The province is investing $2-million to bring some summer fun to Ontario Place. Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Lisa MacLeod announced Monday that the Ontario Place site will open with opportunities for arts and culture experiences. This summer’s line-up at Ontario Place includes the Lavazza Drive-In Film Festival, Toronto Shines, DriveInTO, the Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival. Small boat rentals, casual dining, trails and green space are also available to enjoy.

In local news,
Durham Region will move into the third stage of the province’s reopening plan on Friday. Doug Ford says Durham, Halton, Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand-Norfolk, Sarnia-Lambton and York Region will progress later this week. In Stage 3, indoor gatherings can be up 50 people, while outdoor gatherings can include as many as 100 as long as physical distancing measures are in place. Restaurants can resume indoor service with physical distancing measures in place and fitness facilities, movie theatres and casinos are also allowed to open under Stage 3 rules.

Amid concerns over the number of cases of COVID-19, Toronto and Peel Region will remain in Stage 2 of reopening the economy. Public health officials do not yet feel the numbers are where they need to be for Toronto, Peel, and Windsor-Essex to move to the next stage, senior government officials said Monday. Those areas will have to wait until next week to determine if they can open on July 31, sources said. Premier Doug Ford warned last week that officials “need just a little more time” before Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton can open up.

Oshawa Centre confirms second COVID-19 case among mall workers. Oshawa Centre management has confirmed a second positive COVID-19 case among mall workers. Tenants at the mall were notified of the first positive case on July 13. In an e-mail statement on Monday, July 20, Oshawa Centre general manager Chris Keillor confirmed an additional COVID-19 case at the mall. Keillor, who declined to identify the store where the worker is employed based on privacy, said the tenant notified him that they are following the protocols and guidelines prescribed by the public health authorities and the Ontario government and that they proceeded with a thorough cleaning of the store. “Please note that this person is no longer in the shopping centre and the individual has not been at the mall since July 13,” said Keillor.

Sports, Sports, Sports,
Sportsnet announces Stanley Cup Qualifiers broadcasting schedule. "The puck drops on the action starting Aug. 1 with a jam-packed slate of five games on Sportsnet and on SN NOW, and will feature the following roster of broadcasters, analysts and insiders covering the action in Edmonton and Toronto."

The Blue Jays’ roster begins to take shape with Red Sox test waiting. In the Toronto Blue Jays clubhouse on Monday, 38 players packed two bags of equipment — a road bag and a home bag. The players were readying to board a flight for Boston, where they’ll play two exhibition games this week, before 30 of them — plus a three-man taxi squad — head to St. Petersburg, Fla. to begin the regular season vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

Musing,
Who the heck are the Raelians?

Can't even remember the last time I listened to sports radio; which prior to the pandemic, was what I always listened to on the radio.

I've started to order more things on-line as of late. Gosh, it's addictive....better keep the old credit card in check.

"Just as you are obligated to speak when your words will be heeded, you must remain silent when you know your words will be ignored." (The Talmud - Yevamot 65b)

On this day in history on July 21, 1899, Ernest Miller Hemingway, author of such novels as “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Old Man and the Sea,” is born in Oak Park, Illinois. The influential American literary icon became known for his straightforward prose and use of understatement. Hemingway, who tackled topics such as bullfighting and war in his work, also became famous for his own macho, hard-drinking persona.

On July 21, 2011, NASA’s space shuttle program completes its final, and 135th, mission, when the shuttle Atlantis lands at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During the program’s 30-year history, its five orbiters—Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour—carried more than 350 people into space and flew more than 500 million miles, and shuttle crews conducted important research, serviced the Hubble Space Telescope and helped in the construction of the International Space Station, among other activities. NASA retired the shuttles to focus on a deep-space exploration program that could one day send astronauts to asteroids and Mars.

It was 6 months ago today that the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in the U.S.A.

"Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up." (ROBERT FROST)