395 positive cases in Umbria — up 18%. 7 deaths. Up from 2 yesterday.

47,021 positive cases in Italy — up 15% from yesterday.

The positive cases in the US are already 15,219. Deaths 201. This is up precipitously since just last week.
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Interestingly the virus now is seeming to sicken and kill younger people. No longer only the elderly. This should be a wake up call to all the young people who have been flaunting the new protocols suggested by our government in the US.

I’ve heard people posit that things will be better in the US, than in say, Italy. There is no reason to suggest that is correct. I’m not wishing it to be bad there but I do think the facts point to the virus being an equal opportunity disease. Matters not what race, age, gender or nationality. It will kill indiscriminately.

I have been watching the afternoon news briefings with our administration officials. Unfortunately there are mixed messages coming out which is not helpful. Some say the old medicine that used to be used to treat malaria will cure the corona virus. So far it shows limited evidence of healing the sick. Dr. Fauci, the head doctor on the Presidential team says there is no reason to believe it will be helpful. And it cannot be used unless tested and approved. It is dangerous to raise hopes unrealistically.
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It is Saturday. And we still can’t go anywhere. So, what shall we do? Earlier today I caught up on the crossword puzzles I’ve not gotten to the last four days. And, of course, reading the news.

The day is beautiful and I went for a walk. My knee was needing some exercise. I made sure I was out of town in 2 minutes. Doesn’t take long. And then I walked up the river. I saw one other person, a woman who was dressed for the dead of winter. Heavy, long black wool overcoat, scarf tightly wrapped around her neck and face and a warm wool hat. This is normal, she was just being an Italian. They dress like this until June 1. Anyway, it was nice to get out and I took some pictures. The first is my favorite.

Views up and down the path…all alone…as the rules say.

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The rest of the day stretches out ahead of us. I have a good book I’m reading, The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. It is very thick. I think I’m on page 600 something and not nearly done yet. I may go out on the terrace for a while and clean off the mold that accumulates in winter. There is supposed to be a cold front coming thru so no working outside next week. I see a fire and a nice steak in our future.
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Stay safe everyone, stay home if you at all can.
andrà tutto bene!