MEANWHILE IN PHILIPPINES

Phil Anon here, this is what we are facing outside of 1st world countries. Local health orgs just seem to glean whatever medical advice they can from various sources, and other countries nearby. Islands and municipalities have differing ordinances.

Where I live, they for some reason think having a curfew between 8pm and 5am helps a lot. Along with prohibiting alcohol sales. Local government just announced that 'essential' stores will now be closed on Sat. and Sundays as well. Because you know, having a 5 day window in which to shop must be better than having a 7 day window.

So essentially my report from here is: No, nothing makes sense. Most of the info we are getting is wrong or suspicious. And I feel certain that people will be begging for whatever free vaccine Bill Gates wants to give them. There is a lot of fear. The expat community cannot be counted on to be the voice of reason. Duterte, as much as I support him, is very happy to play Iron Fist whenever it seems appropriate.

So those of us who are sane, are banking on hot weather to stem the virus, and the broke government to realize it has no money to keep giving out free assistance. People on the one hand seem to be all about breaking rules here, but on the other hand very compliant when the police tell them something.

I give it another week before businesses will be demanding to re-open.