I am starting to see articles noting the possibility that the #coronavirus may mutate. Mutation was the striking feature of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. People often describe the Spanish Flu as "coming in waves." The first and third "wave" were mild forms of the virus. 
It was the second wave of the Spanish Flu, coming in October and November 1918, that killed millions. So what is the learning here? A virus can change form over time. A vaccine targetted to prevent one form of a virus may not prevent subsequent forms from causing infection.
This is a rapidly changing public health emergency. Listen to the advice of the CDC and state public health officials. For those of you who would like more info on the 1918 pandemic, here is the 2/21 report our history journal published.
#COVID2019
look.substack.com/p/the-spanish-…
#COVID2019
look.substack.com/p/the-spanish-…
Nightly #COVID2019 report: 83 new US cases reported today; total = 624. No new US deaths reported. Total US deaths = 22. Italy is on national lockdown tonight. Italy had 1,797 new cases reported today, with 97 new deaths. State and local public health authorities in the US...
...are issuing guidelines and restrictions pertinent to their regions. Follow your local news carefully, along with the CDC. Consider self-isolation if you are over 60. Now is the time to use grocery delivery services. And, on a political note, I notice many on twitter...
...are fanning the anti-Trump flames with complaints about his golfing, etc, during this crisis. As someone who has watched him for awhile, I think we are better off having him distracted and busy doing his "Trump" thing. When he tries to do policy, he just makes things worse.
Nightly #COVID2019 report: 267 new US cases reported today; total cases reported = 971. 4 new US deaths reported today; total deaths = 30. Mexico has reported a total of 7 cases and no deaths. Trump's "walled off" statements are fictional.
France, Spain, Germany and Italy continue to report increasing numbers of new cases overnight. The UK has reported a total of 382 cases; 61 of them are new today. The UK has had 6 deaths; 1 is new today.
There are large numbers of schools that are closing now and it is likely that employers will begin closures and lay-offs in the coming days. That's why the idea of a payroll tax break is so important. It would put money immediately into the hands of workers who would spend it.
Remember that consumer spending = 70% of US GDP. Tax breaks to corporations or Trump's friends would do little to shore up the economy. If you are worried about the stock market, pay attention to how the tax cut debate plays out. In the meantime, play it safe. I like you guys.
