It (might) get worse before it (might) get better
The story depends on the teller, obviously. Right now, the world at large is concerned about a respiratory virus, known as Corona Virus COVID-19. Codespeak for yet another transmitted illness. What is important is that we know very little about this, and so the media is left to fill in the holes in our understanding.
Around the planet, people are taking this seriously. I mean, any disease that can kill a part of the population has to be taken seriously. Except for one nation: the US (or at least the official spokesperson) is treating this as “fake news”. If that sounds at all familiar, it’s because the same term has been used regularly for many, many things. “Good things and bad things”, to use the associated verbal style. All the while, a hummed refrain that recalls “Don’t worry, be happy”.
I tend to turn to more reliable resources at a time like this. The CDC, for example. Their take on things is that we should worry, that this is going to get much worse before it improves, and that with the inevitable disruption to the supply chain, we should start planning our food and fuel requirements. You know, before the empty stores aren’t allowed to open for business.
It’s winter. Any garden harvest is months away. I don’t keep a fatted calf hanging around, just in case. Should I start stocking up on canned veggies? I’m going to delay any panic attacks for a bit longer, but the seed has been planted, if you will. Perhaps another sack of flour would make sense.
