COVID Memorial Day

There are things I'd rather write about today (capitalism, artificial intelligence, the warzone in my neighborhood) for the Moody Monday tradition, but it turns out that today is an unofficial USA holiday: COVID Memorial Day. I'm joining the online memorial today with Senator Elizabeth Warren. It's free, but registration is required. There are still about half a thousand USA COVID deaths per day, even in the official counts, so we can expect another "incalculable loss" in 2023. Excess mortality (all causes) is still high.

Just a reminder, as I've been saying for years, don't get COVID because this virus has long-term consequences. Plenty of viruses are like that. Don't get it the first time. Don't get it multiple times.

• Yes, despite recent news to the contrary, masks are useful.
• Yes, despite the whole country and world deciding to simply "move on", I still claim that SARS-CoV-2 infection is persistent. Yes, really.
• Yes, despite good news about lower hospital admissions due to SARS-CoV-2 in recent months, reinfection is a bad idea. We are not exempt from bad outcomes just because of vaccination or prior infection. In fact, repeat infections result in increased risk of long term harm. I strongly recommend scrolling down this notable study to view Figure 5: "Cumulative risk and burden of sequelae in people with one, two and three or more SARS-CoV-2 infections compared to noninfected controls." Each +n infection increases risk of long term consequence by more than +n. So don't get exposed to new variants, and don't acquire another acute infection.

Keep masking. Keep distancing. Don't get Covid. Don't get it again. And I'll keep searching for a 100% remote job.

Edit 3:25pm:
P.S. I learn hours after posting that the CDC has finally admitted that they know what I've been saying for years already.

"Emerging evidence suggests that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, can have lasting effects on nearly every organ and organ system of the body weeks, months, and potentially years after infection. Documented serious post-COVID-19 conditions include cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, renal, endocrine, hematological, and gastrointestinal complications, as well as death."

I especially like this response: "I like how the CDC only thinks this is important to share with coroners and not Americans trying to stay alive." Suddenly, we're back to the topic of capitalism.