Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update June 25

Time for a quick update on the pandemic. It's been 14 weeks of self-isolation for us.

Covid-19 is spreading rapidly in Bell county. Wednesday's confirmed new cases, totaling 84, more than doubled the previous daily high of 41.

Total cases; 903; 357 recovered, 11 dead.
Ever hospitalized: 89
Ever admitted to ICU: 39

Yesterday the County announced a mandate for businesses to require all employees and patrons older than two to wear masks, beginning Monday, in an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus.

In this phase of the pandemic, many people are taking political stands on wearing masks. To some, the mask is seen as a symbol of blindly submitting to government authority; while to others it is a sign of responsible compassion.

Sadly, sides are even being taken among fellow Christians, some saying avoiding crowds (including church assemblies) is evidence of a lack of faith; others saying it is our Christian responsibility to protect the vulnerable and at-risk members of the congregation, and that assembling together now will only prolong the pandemic. Thankfully, the majority of our brethren are not being judgmental and are encouraging each individual to decide for him/herself.

We are living in very troublesome times: a contentious, upcoming presidential election; rioting in the streets over racial issues; destruction of businesses, historical statues and memorials; cries for "defunding" the police; high unemployment; and the stressors of life amid a pandemic.

As for Dan and me, we are still worshipping at home, through live-streaming, and have made the difficult decision to cancel our trip to Japan this fall. We had begun eating an occasional meal out and had gone inside the grocery store to shop one time. But with the steeply rising case numbers we have back-pedaled some and are once again doing curbside shopping and avoiding eat-in restaurants.

We are still holding out hope that our friends, Lee and Joanne, from Australia, will be able to come and see us in November, as planned. But as we continue to see more discouraging data, our hopes are waning.