I know we’re starting late but you’re lucky to be getting this. For certain values of “luck,” of course, let’s not bullshit ourselves. It has indeed been one of those days.
I’m honestly sick to death of writing about COVID and the virus rampaging through Mississippi, but it’s about all I can do. We topped 5,048 cases today, and are well over the highest average weekly numbers than we saw with the initial spread. That’s also a single-day record, but we break those so often here recently, I wouldn’t put money on it. Schools in Tupelo, the largest town worth mentioning around here, have numbered 90 students positive cases with 452 in quarantine. The bulk of them is either Kindergarten/first grade or high school.
We are in bad shape, y’all. We lead the world – the world – in cases per capita. The head of the state’s Health Department Dr. Thomas Dobbs is screaming red alert on this case. The state’s ordered anyone who comes in contact with COVID to self-isolate for ten days, whether their vaccinated or not. I’m not sure how they’re going to enforce that, but there you go.
Another quirk that I’m interested in seeing how it plays out is Dobbs’ plan to get dirty with fools. He’s saying it could come to a point where people who refuse to self-isolate could see a fine of $500 or jail time up to six months. Y’all, Dr. Dobbs is no screaming leftist or Marxist plot or whatever dumb shit you’re using. He’s a pretty conservative, small-government type of dude, and this mess is freaking him right out. Something to consider.
And just because it’s given Twitter another reason to feel superior and not worry about themselves, we must address the whole horse medicine business. Some dipstick did get admitted to the hospital for ivermectin toxicity, from a drug typically used to treat horses for worms. While it’s not known if this particular genius is from Mississippi, it has been a fact that 70% of the calls to the state toxicology emergency line have been in reference to that and 85% of the callers have had some adverse effects due to taking the stuff.
It should be noted that while we’re in the news for this goofy shit, it’s not just because we’re dumb hillbillies. Like hydroxychloroquine, the anti-inflammatory drug touted by conservatives as a COVID cure despite the lack of any scientific evidence, ivermectin is being pushed by the same bunch of people. Internet-famous clowns like Joe Rogan and Bret Weinstein have been pushing it as a possible wonder-drug despite not only their lack of expertise but also ignoring their history of pushing such bullshit claims. I don’t have much for Rogan coming or going, but how anyone is able to take that goofball seriously is beyond me.
But what about the governor, I imagine you saying. Well, when he actually bothers to be in the state and not galivanting around the country for the GOP, isn’t concerning himself over it. After all, this isn’t trans kids who might play high school sports, something serious like that. He won’t mandate schools mask up nor will he call a special session of the state Legislature to address the crushing lack of manpower in state hospitals. His priority, he says, is keeping kids in schools and figures that’s plenty. Okay, then. He is praying for them, though, so I guess that’s supposed to be something.
So we’re in bad shape, nobody outside the state cares so long as there’s something laugh about, while no one running the state really cares so long as it gives the Trumpists boners. Florida’s having to call for residents to limit water use to give hospitals priority. Greg Abbott of Texas tested positive and is isolating with the best free health care, which he isn’t giving access to the Lone Star State’s residents. Both states are threatening to sue schools that mandate masks or pull their funding if they don’t comply with mask bans.
Again, perhaps we should be thankful Tate Reeves isn’t actively trying to kill us. Enjoy your weekend.
Dear Y'all 