The newly released COVIDSafe App drew 1.13 million downloads in the first five hours, exceeding expectations, yet concerns remain over privacy and potential scope creep (code for distrust of government). Western Australia and Queensland announced “easings” of public health orders. Easing for NSW backfired with beachgoers not distancing. Now a scandal has broken over a dozen rugby league players going on their own little camp together. This is precisely how DIY prejudices are formed, with the aid of the availability heuristic: people in their twenties are flouting social distancing regulations, as we all remember the Bondi Beach scenes and subsequent closure of beaches. They may believe in immortality or immunity but apparently can’t connect the dots that kill granny.
In further regulations, deliberate coughing, sneezing or spitting on essential and first line workers now attracts an on the spot fine of $1,300 which can grow to $13,000 if unsuccessfully contested in court.
International news is abuzz with speculation over the health status of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. I’m not sure what purpose it serves, but whenever the leader of a totalitarian state becomes terminally ill we are treated to the high farce of non-disclosure. Is he dead? We haven’t seen him for days. Is he just terribly unwell in some secret location? All nations must surely know how their foreign affairs agents will respond in a given scenario. So just tell us he’s dead and let’s move on.
How did you get on with the avgas remedy Donald? Sorry you singed your hair; I had no idea you liked to have an evening cigar. You shrewdly found the sweet spot between demand and supply as planes are not flying as present. Today I bring you my next remedy suggestion: worm juice. It’s natural and organic, great for gut health and those little virus crowns wouldn’t dare trouble you again. I hear it kills the little suckers in one minute. It may however give you what we Aussies call the trots, so keep that toilet paper handy.
Briefly, the statistics for today show Australia with only 9 more cases (total 6,720 and still 83 deaths). 517,000 tests have been carried out. NSW reports a miserly two new cases (total 3,004 and deaths remain at 36). The world has now identified three million cases and recorded over 205,000 deaths. The US has thinned their herd by 54,000 deaths from one million cases. Boris has resumed PM duties in the UK.
Awesomely Astute 