Is it true? Are the reports we hear about the “flattening of the curve” indicative of a slowing down of the coronavirus infections in our country? That could be an answer to all our prayers, but I wish we are furnished with statistics that have led our medical people to declare such flattening. If it is also true that a similar finding has been noted in other countries, then, Thank God, this could mean relief from this virus that China has brought upon the world.
***
But we still have a lot to be thankful for, because reports from other countries seem to be more frightening than the COVID alone. Let us also include the people in the Congo who are dealing not only with the COVID, but with what international reports have referred to as “multiple emergencies?”Why? Because their people are struggling not only with the COVID, but also with measles, and the Ebola! I thought all along that the Ebola had already been completely vanquished, but apparently not, as hundreds are dealing with it in the Congo.
***
But the COVID is still not to be outdone, and one country that is now bearing the brunt of infections is India, that is now ranked second to the highest cases worldwide. It has even eased out Brazil that used to hold that rank. And we know that India is among the most populous countries in the world. What about all those researches and experiments and tests supposedly going on to find, at least a cure, if not a vaccine for those already infected? When will we hear a laboratory with its staff shouting “EUREKA!”
***
In the meantime, some businesses are gradually daring to open, but with precautions. I hear that in the National Capital Region, eateries and restaurants are opening, but with strict protocols and limited occupancy. Tagaytay, one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions, is now open for business, although still under MGCQ, and allowed only 50 percent occupancy. I suppose that means diners must observe social distancing as well. That’s not so bad, except maybe for dating couples who would like to be as close to each other as possible.
***
Several people have asked me what I think of the pardon granted by President Duterte to the American serviceman Scott Pemberton, but to my embarrassment, I had to confess I absolutely cannot remember anything about the case. But since it is the privilege of the President to grant such absolutions, who could question it? I understand that the reason was the perception that Pemberton was not accorded the same treatment as the other accused, hence his eligibility for pardon. It has also been pointed out, I understand, by the family of the victim that the Department of Justice did not have anything to do with the decision to pardon Pemberton.
***
But we should sympathize with the people of California, especially those whose homes and businesses are located near the area where a wildfire has been raging for several days now. As of yesterday reports I got said more than two million acres, or 800,000 hectares, have been razed by the fire. A group of back-packing teenagers who miraculously survived by rushing out before the fire could encircle the area they were in have been considered very lucky for their escape. So far, however, I have not seen reports of casualties, which is quite a blessing, considering the extent of damage it wrought.
***
Is a media war developing between United States and China? I hear that it is requiring new visas for reporters from U.S. assigned there. I guess it is because the American media people do not pull their punches when they write about what is happening there, especially, while covering their officials. Well, it is all right if it is only the visa they are restricting, what is worse if they arrest and imprison those who step on official toes and hold them without bail. Any media man or woman who gets assigned to China must keep in mind that it is not exactly “the land of the free and the home of the brave”. So, if you get assigned there, en garde!
***
How many days more before America holds its elections? The front-runners, Joe Biden and incumbent Donald Trump are vying for the post. And surprise! Russia has reportedly announced its support for Trump! Is that good or bad for Trump? What do the voters think? In less than two moSnths, we will know.*
