Today the Dutch cabinet refused to change direction on coronavirus policy, despite rising numbers of cases. No mask requirements, except in public transportation (they’ve even relaxed the close contact profession rules – so no requirement at the barber shop, either). No increase in nationwide testing. Only an increase in hot spots. And no mandatory quarantine for those testing positive. Only recommendations on self-isolation.
Granted, the increases in cases are nowhere near what we’re experiencing in many states. But, part of that is because the Dutch don’t test very much. Their testing rate is 25% of ours, and only 33% of the E.U. average.
While I think certain aspects of Dutch leadership have been exemplary, such as emphasizing the importance of physical distancing and no large gatherings, its obstinate refusal to change course is irritating. But, after having lived for many years in the Netherlands I’m not surprised. It’s a deeply conservative place. Not in our way of defining conservatism. But, in terms of practically never making fundamental changes to society. The Dutch don’t tear down statues. Or alter customs that may be offensive to some. Ever. And a libertarian superstructure: Live and let live. The Dutch are rule followers. But, the rules in place are pragmatic and not social in a personal sense. Whether it’s gay marriage, abortion, euthanasia, prostitution, or anything conceived of as a social issue, the government sees its role solely as regulator of legal frameworks within which all of the aforementioned occur.
With masks, until the evidence is so overwhelmingly obvious that they work, the Dutch will not impose a requirement which could be seen as an infringement of personal (social) liberty.
Welcome back Joshua. Missed you on this blog yesterday. Not too mention Vicki as well. I can understand given the volatile conditions.
I was referring to yesterday’s thunderstorms.
What I don’t get is it has been shown repeatedly that when distancing is not possible which is often.
Dr. Fauci’s opening first pitch last night pretty much represented how far off he was regarding this disease back in March. Not a promising sign. 🙁
Dr. Fauci don’t quit your day job after that first pitch. I want him and Dr. Birx to speak when Trump has these press conferences. The greatest closer of all time Mariano Rivera should not be sitting where one of those doctor’s should be during these press conferences.
I really hope this speaks loudly enough to stop endless debate and get us focused on a robust in home plan and an alternative for kids who absolutely have to be in school
To out things in perspective. Our neighborhood alone with is two streets has 19 children. Buses can Now only Hold 25
My daughter transports on occasion and always when road conditions Are questionable.
On normal days about 10% transport and the wait is 10-20 minutes. On questionable days maybe 2-3% is added and the line can go out to the main Heavily travelled (for Sutton) road. On the questionnaire 66% of parents said they would transport. It will take hours for kids for either method to get into school.
This doesn’t even mention how amazingly ludicrous the bus seating plan is.
Good for them. Above all of this is hate that we are putting teachers in a position where they have to choose between something they love and the safety of themselves and their family.
Vicki a teacher I know who is my age told me she would rather continue virtual learning until there is a better handle on things and that it is too risky.
Please thank her for me….and I know my family feels the same….for all she has done and will for our children.
Philip, I went for a run yesterday and felt quite ill afterwards. The HH is knocking the stuffing out of me, causing low blood pressure (I’m usually on the high side). I felt like this last summer. Another 5 weeks or so. I really cannot wait. A friend of mine who lives in SF said it’s 60F and sunny every day this week. She said it’s too cold. But, I’d `kill’ for 60F right now.
JJ, agree with you on Mariano Rivera. My favorite reliever of all time. Yes, even a Red Sox fan could appreciate Rivera’s dominance, basically with one pitch: a Mariano cutter, a bat breaker. But, he doesn’t belong in a meeting on coronavirus. I did see that Dr. Birx was at the meeting. She’s so subservient to the president, however.
Vicki, I agree with you on masks. The Dutch are being stubborn. The only two countries left in Europe to not require masks are Sweden and the Netherlands. Both don’t have enviable records on Covid-19.
Joshua, it might be best if you don’t go for anymore runs for awhile until maybe midweek. Starting on Sunday the HH is going to be in full force!
I’ll take 60F for an overnight low temp right now. Very uncomfortable sleeping without AC and not to mention my sticky tile floors.
Medical community is still bullish on vaccine available by January 2021.
The question is with the govt buying it up will trump have control over who gets it
C-19 for 7-25 is up…
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Today the Dutch cabinet refused to change direction on coronavirus policy, despite rising numbers of cases. No mask requirements, except in public transportation (they’ve even relaxed the close contact profession rules – so no requirement at the barber shop, either). No increase in nationwide testing. Only an increase in hot spots. And no mandatory quarantine for those testing positive. Only recommendations on self-isolation.
Granted, the increases in cases are nowhere near what we’re experiencing in many states. But, part of that is because the Dutch don’t test very much. Their testing rate is 25% of ours, and only 33% of the E.U. average.
While I think certain aspects of Dutch leadership have been exemplary, such as emphasizing the importance of physical distancing and no large gatherings, its obstinate refusal to change course is irritating. But, after having lived for many years in the Netherlands I’m not surprised. It’s a deeply conservative place. Not in our way of defining conservatism. But, in terms of practically never making fundamental changes to society. The Dutch don’t tear down statues. Or alter customs that may be offensive to some. Ever. And a libertarian superstructure: Live and let live. The Dutch are rule followers. But, the rules in place are pragmatic and not social in a personal sense. Whether it’s gay marriage, abortion, euthanasia, prostitution, or anything conceived of as a social issue, the government sees its role solely as regulator of legal frameworks within which all of the aforementioned occur.
With masks, until the evidence is so overwhelmingly obvious that they work, the Dutch will not impose a requirement which could be seen as an infringement of personal (social) liberty.
Welcome back Joshua. Missed you on this blog yesterday. Not too mention Vicki as well. I can understand given the volatile conditions.
I was referring to yesterday’s thunderstorms.
What I don’t get is it has been shown repeatedly that when distancing is not possible which is often.
Dr. Fauci’s opening first pitch last night pretty much represented how far off he was regarding this disease back in March. Not a promising sign. 🙁
Dr. Fauci don’t quit your day job after that first pitch. I want him and Dr. Birx to speak when Trump has these press conferences. The greatest closer of all time Mariano Rivera should not be sitting where one of those doctor’s should be during these press conferences.
I really hope this speaks loudly enough to stop endless debate and get us focused on a robust in home plan and an alternative for kids who absolutely have to be in school
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/coronavirus/ashland-public-schools-provide-sneek-peek-at-socially-distanced-return-to-classes/2164657/
To out things in perspective. Our neighborhood alone with is two streets has 19 children. Buses can Now only Hold 25
My daughter transports on occasion and always when road conditions Are questionable.
On normal days about 10% transport and the wait is 10-20 minutes. On questionable days maybe 2-3% is added and the line can go out to the main Heavily travelled (for Sutton) road. On the questionnaire 66% of parents said they would transport. It will take hours for kids for either method to get into school.
This doesn’t even mention how amazingly ludicrous the bus seating plan is.
Some teachers in CT protested at Hartford yesterday.
https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/hartford/hartford-teachers-community-members-to-push-for-safe-and-fully-funded-return-to-school-for-kids-in-protest-today/
Good for them. Above all of this is hate that we are putting teachers in a position where they have to choose between something they love and the safety of themselves and their family.
Vicki a teacher I know who is my age told me she would rather continue virtual learning until there is a better handle on things and that it is too risky.
Please thank her for me….and I know my family feels the same….for all she has done and will for our children.
Philip, I went for a run yesterday and felt quite ill afterwards. The HH is knocking the stuffing out of me, causing low blood pressure (I’m usually on the high side). I felt like this last summer. Another 5 weeks or so. I really cannot wait. A friend of mine who lives in SF said it’s 60F and sunny every day this week. She said it’s too cold. But, I’d `kill’ for 60F right now.
JJ, agree with you on Mariano Rivera. My favorite reliever of all time. Yes, even a Red Sox fan could appreciate Rivera’s dominance, basically with one pitch: a Mariano cutter, a bat breaker. But, he doesn’t belong in a meeting on coronavirus. I did see that Dr. Birx was at the meeting. She’s so subservient to the president, however.
Vicki, I agree with you on masks. The Dutch are being stubborn. The only two countries left in Europe to not require masks are Sweden and the Netherlands. Both don’t have enviable records on Covid-19.
Joshua, it might be best if you don’t go for anymore runs for awhile until maybe midweek. Starting on Sunday the HH is going to be in full force!
I’ll take 60F for an overnight low temp right now. Very uncomfortable sleeping without AC and not to mention my sticky tile floors.
Medical community is still bullish on vaccine available by January 2021.
The question is with the govt buying it up will trump have control over who gets it
C-19 for 7-25 is up…