Another hiatus of a few years with this very on and off blog.
My focus over the last few years was surviving COVID-19 and the many lockdowns that were inflicted on Victorian residents, especially in Melbourne. It was a very interesting time and I was able to work from home when needed.
However, being a sociable type, it became really necessary to go into work and seek out my friends and families.
I caught COVID for the first ( and so far as I know only time) in July 2022 after all restrictions had ended and Australia opened up to the world. My eldest child gave it to me and we spent the 7 days isolating at home in front of the TV watching re-runs on Netflix. Our Tangelo tree was in full fruit and I spent that time squeezing fresh juice for us both and drinking lots. My 30+ year old son was sicker than me so spent a few uncomfortable days with nausea before getting on top of the virus.
2022 was the year Australia's excess deaths peaked at about 11% above previous levels. Contrary to the anti-vax narrative, the deaths were in the older elderly (>80yrs) and related to Covid Infection waves NOT vaccination waves. If you don't believe me check out the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Actuaries Institute who still write a Covid-19 Blog where they calculate excess deaths. Actuarial people are skilled in calculations, forming the backbone of developing risk for insurance industries.
A link for you to their very informative methods and result is here: https://www.actuaries.digital/category/covid-19-blog/
I have spent quite a bit of time over the last few years following the social media debate over the vaccination and deaths, plus other issues. The recycling of anti-vax memes relates much to ideology and business interests of these proponents and it is sad that so many people get taken in by their arguments.
The latest indicators are that the excess death rates have lowered and COVID-19 is now coming in smaller but still regular waves. It will be around for a while and joins the winter pantheon of colds, flus, RSV to stress our hospital and health systems.
The cost of COVID-19 measures has been immense, particularly in Victoria, along with the inflationary effects of the extra money released into our economy due to the pandemic plus the horrible wars in Ukraine and now Gaza.
Now safely in 2024, I am swinging back to the various climate debates, that sadly inflict our Australian news on a very regular basis. The right-wing, pro-coal and gas agenda is very clear. Now with added impetus of a Nuclear agenda. But more of that later.
Hopefully not in another 4 years. The damage to our climate and systems are immense.
