Friday - A US Navy hospital ship currently docked in New York City harbor is treating only 20 patients, despite having a 1,000 bed capacity to treat non-coronavirus patients, according to a Navy spokesperson

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Monday March 30, 2020

This morning I took a quick video of the USNS Comfort arriving in NYC to help hospitals with non-coronavirus patients. The last time they visited the city was after 9/11. New York at this time has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the United States and is sometimes referred to as Ground Zero a term also haven't heard since 9/11.

The number of cases of coronavirus is staggered. The peak is expected late April as more supplies arrive and testing is done. Each day I watch Governor Cuomo's address to the nation which generally starts around noon Eastern. Cuomo is not just giving statistics but he is talking about dealing emotionally, physically, and financially with the current situation. A lot of what he addresses is right out of my blogs over the years. Unlike Trump he is realistic and pulls no punches as he tries to get help from the federal government to keep New Yorkers safe. Many here believe he should run for president not Biden - too sickly and senile to run a country.

This is not an easy time for densely populated New York City - many remain at home while others are trying to flee to neighboring states. Most people are following the rules - staying sequestered and distancing themselves from others when outside. We are learning how to deal, cope, and consider changes for the future because nothing will be the same on the other side of this experience. No matter where you live and what your lifestyle is. It's not so much about you it's about the interconnectedness of all things.

Many people have homes both in northern states and in Florida. For now wherever residents reside they have to finally face a full 'shelter in place mandate' where they will remain at home until the quarantine is over - which will take months. So many people there did not take this seriously until now - meeting friends and acting like coronavirus didn't exist at least not for them. This is considered reckless, irresponsible, and selfish with a large majority of seniors having respiratory and/or pulmonary problems.

By the time this is over most people will know someone or know of someone who had at least one version of coronavirus this one being COVID-19.

Many seniors like to return to the north east to spend the upcoming Passover and Easter holidays with their families. It's too dangerous this year. This is tough on the elderly many of whom don't know how much time they have left.

I've also heard a story about an elderly couple who decided to drive back north last week. Along the way they discovered they were able to get gas but the restrooms were all closed. Where do you do your business? I guess the old fashion way - in the bushes - which takes us back to the toilet paper caper of 2020. I'm not sure where they slept because that's a very long trip for seniors which means at least two nights of sleeping in a hotel or motel which is very unsafe. Stay put. Do not come back here and endanger family members by bringing the virus back with you after they have successfully quarantined.

People in Florida are social for the most part meeting with friends for any number of activities most days. That has to stop or the death toll numbers are really going to rise in Florida possibly surpassing New York. My friend John in Bradenton reports no cases of coronavirus so far in his senior community. People go outside to socialize but stay on their own property. He food shops during 'senior hour' or late at night - wearing a protective mask and gloves. Luckily he has no respiratory issues. So far, so good he reports each day.

Out of Florida Friday April 3, 2020 - Cruise ship with sick passengers and sister ship dock in Florida

The US is not issuing passports unless it's a 'life-or-death' family emergency

Memo for New York drivers - The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles announced Monday that Vehicle safety and emission inspections set to expire on March 31, 2020 or later will be extended until further notice during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the latest announcement from the DMV as the state works to stop the spread of the virus. My inspection expires April 30, 2020 - so now I can wait and not be annoyed by meter maids who still walk the streets and ticket cars. Alternate side of the street parking has been suspended and they should also do away with metered parking.