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Transcript: Trump Speech on Coronavirus President Trump's speech on Coronavirus from the Oval Office was reported by Politico: "My fellow Americans, tonight I want to speak with you about our nation's unprecedented response to the coronavirus outbreak that started in China and is now spreading throughout the world. Today the World Health Organization officially announced that this is a global pandemic. We have been in frequent contact with our allies and we are marshaling the full power of the federal government and the private sector to protect the American people. This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history. I am confident that by counting and continuing to take these tough measures we will significantly reduce the threat to our citizens and we will ultimately and expeditiously defeat this virus. From the beginning of time nations and people have faced unforeseen challenges, including large-scale and very dangerous health threats. This is the way it always was and always will be. It only matters how you respond and we are responding with great speed and professionalism. Our team is the best anywhere in the world. At the very start of the outbreak, we instituted sweeping travel restrictions on China and put in place the first federally mandated quarantine in over 50 years. With we declared a public health emergency and issued the highest level of travel warning on other countries as the virus spread its horrible infection. And taking early intense action we've seen dramatically fewer cases of the virus in the United States than are now present in Europe. The European Union failed to take the same precautions and restrict travel from China and other hot spots. As a result a large number of new clusters in the United States were seeded by travelers from Europe. After consulting with our top government health professionals I have decided to take several strong but necessary actions to protect the health and well being of all Americans. To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days. The new rules will go into effect Friday at midnight. These restrictions will be adjusted subject to conditions on the ground. There will be exemptions for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings and these prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo, but various other things as we get approval. Anything coming from Europe to the United States is what we are discussing. These restrictions will also not apply to the United Kingdom. At the same time, we're monitoring the situation in China and South Korea, and as their situation improves, we will re-evaluate the restrictions and warnings that are currently in place for a possible early opening. Earlier this week I met with the leaders of health insurance industry who have agreed to waive all co-payments for coronavirus treatments, extend insurance coverage to these treatments and to prevent surprise medical billing. We are cutting massive amounts of red tape to make anti-viral therapies available in record time. These treatments will significantly reduce the impact and reach of the virus. Additionally last week I signed into law an $8.3 billion funding bill to help CDC and other government agencies fight the virus and support vaccines, treatments and distribution of medical supplies. Testing and testing capabilities are expanding rapidly. Day by day, we're moving very quickly. The vast majority of Americans, the risk is very, very low. Young and healthy people can expect to recover fully and quickly if they should get the virus. The highest risk is for elderly population with underlying health conditions. The elderly population must be very, very careful. In particular, we're strongly advising that nursing homes for the elderly suspend all medically unnecessary visits. In general older Americans should also avoid non-essential travel in crowded areas. My administration is coordinated directly with communities with largest outbreaks and we have issued guidance on school closures, social distancing and reducing large gatherings. Smart action today will prevent the spread of the virus tomorrow. Every community faces different risks, and it is critical for you to follow the guidelines of your local officials who are working closely with our federal health experts, and they are the best. For all Americans it is essential that everyone take extra precautions and practice good hygiene. Each of us has a role to play in defeating this virus. Wash your hands, clean often-used surfaces, cover your face and mouth if you sneeze or cough, and most of all if you are sick or not feeling well, stay home. To ensure that working Americans impacted by the virus can stay home without fear of financial hardship, I will soon be taking emergency action, which is unprecedented, to provide financial relief. This will be targeted for workers who are ill, quarantined or caring for others due to coronavirus. I will be asking Congress to take legislative action to extend this relief. Because of the economic policies that we have put into place over the last three years, we have the greatest economy anywhere in the world by far. Our banks and financial institutions are fully capitalized and incredibly strong. Our unemployment is at a historic low. This vast economic prosperity gives us flexibility, reserves and resources to handle any threat that comes our way. This is not a financial crisis; this is just a temporary moment of time that we will overcome together as a nation and as a world. However, to provide extra support for American workers, families and businesses, tonight I am announcing the following additional actions. I am instructing the small business administration to exercise available authority to provide capital and liquidity to firms affected by the coronavirus. Effective immediately the SBA will begin providing economic loans in affected states and territories. These low interest loans will help small businesses overcome temporary economic disruptions caused by the virus. To this end I'm asking Congress to increase funding for this program by an additional $50 billion. Using emergency authority, I will be instructing the Treasury Department to defer tax payments without interest or penalties for certain individuals and businesses negatively impacted. This action will provide more than $200 billion of additional liquidity to the economy. Finally, I am calling on Congress to provide Americans with immediate payroll tax relief. Hopefully they will consider this very strongly. We are at a critical time in the fight against the virus. We made a life-saving move with early action on China. Now we must take the same action with Europe. We will not delay. I will never hesitate to take any necessary steps to protect the lives, health and safety of the American people. I will always put the well being of America first. If we are vigilant, and we can reduce the chance of infection, which we will, we will significantly impede the transmission of the virus. The virus will not have a chance against us. No nation is more prepared or more resilient than the United States. We have the best economy, the most advanced health care, and the most talented doctors, scientists and researchers anywhere in the world. We are all in this together. We must put politics aside, stop the partisanship, and unify together as one nation and one family. As history has proven time and time again, Americans always rise to the challenge and overcome adversity. Our future remains brighter than anyone could imagine. Acting with compassion and love, we will heal the sick, care for those in need, help our fellow citizens and emerge from this challenge stronger and more unified than ever before. God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you." [Dr. Chaps' comment: While Democrats spread fear on social media, President Trump appears poised and resolved. Without encouraging panic, we must now take precautions to 1) Avoid large crowds, 2) avoid overseas travel, 3) maintain good hygiene, 4) prepare sufficient supplies, and 5) protect the elderly. Let's love our neighbors through this.]

2020-03-12T11:54:09.000Z via Facebook

Can’t wait for NOVEMBER, the Suspense is Killing Me...LOL! 🤪😂🤣

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You Might Never Be Famous...And That’s OK! Marcus Aurelius talked a lot about fame. He called it a worthless clacking of tongues and liked to point out things like how few people remember the emperors who preceded him, or how the generations to come will be the same annoying people he knows now. It’s easy to picture him writing these things in times where he caught himself falling for the allure of fame, of power, of how history might remember him. Don’t we all fall for it? It is alluring. But if we’re honest with ourselves, it isn’t the fame we really want. it’s the validation that our lives are meaningful. Praise, recognition, millions of followers on Instagram, we think, are proof that we matter. And until we get those things, we’re not always so sure we do. Emily Esfahani Smith wrote an amazing piece in the New York Times, titled “You’ll Never Be Famous — And That’s O.K.”. Reminding us of Marcus in the way Emily too said that fame is a foolish pursuit and not where meaning lies, we reached out to her for an interview. We asked Emily for advice on finding meaning—and how Stoicism can help us get there. She shared the opinion of the 20th-century psychologist Erik Erikson, who said that a flourishing, meaningful life is one of “generativity”: “When we’re young, we’re supposed to figure out who we are and what our purpose is. As we get older, we’re supposed to shift the focus from ourselves to others and be ‘generative.’ That is, we’re supposed to give back, especially to younger generations, by doing things like raising children, mentoring colleagues, creating things of value for our community or society at large, volunteering, etc. We each have the power to be generative. Fame and glamour are about the self—aggrandizing yourself. But generativity is about connecting and contributing to something bigger, which is the very definition of leading a meaningful life.” It’s the Rick Warren line, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” There’s that silly thing that floats around the internet from time to time about how few people can name a gold medalist from the last Winter Olympics, but everyone can name that third grade teacher, that childhood neighbor, who changed your life. It’s the people we touch singularly. That’s the real test. That’s where you make your mark. Let that be today’s great and simple pursuit: positively impact one person’s day. That’s it.

2020-03-10T14:45:02.000Z via Facebook

COVID-19: GET EDUCATED Education is key. In order to stay current on what is happening with the virus, North Collier Fire is in regular contact with our local and statewide governmental partners including both the Collier County and State of Florida Departments of Health. We also closely monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), both of which provide valuable information and data from national and global perspectives. Here, we provide you with educational information on the virus as well as links to pertinent websites that provide useful information on COVID-19 so that you may stay informed as well. WHY IS THE DISEASE BEING CALLED COVID-19? According to the CDC, on February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. HOW DOES THE VIRUS SPREAD? According to the CDC, the virus spreads person-to-person and seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas: between two people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 inches); through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes; (these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs); by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly the eyes (but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads). HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF? There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends the following precautions: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask. Facemasks should be worn by people who show symptoms. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19? According to the Florida Department of Health, patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: fever; cough; and difficulty breathing. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK THAT I (OR SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY) MIGHT HAVE COVID-19? The Florida Department of Health suggests the following: 1. Contact the Collier County Health Department at 239-252-8200. 2. Contact a health-care provider as soon as possible. Call ahead and tell them before you visit that you think you may have COVID-19 so they can take precautions to prevent exposing other people. 3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 4. If you have a surgical mask, wear it during close contact with other people. 5. Remember that very few respiratory infections will be COVID-19. 6. Review your symptoms and travel history with your physician. WHAT IS THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DOING TO ADDRESS COVID-19? The Florida Department of Health is actively involved in enhanced surveillance for respiratory illness that may be COVID-19. Epidemiologists will follow up on any suspected cases that meet criteria for COVID-19 to arrange for testing when needed and monitor contacts of any confirmed cases, if they occur. WHERE DO I GET INFORMATION ON CONFIRMED CASES IN FLORIDA OF COVID-19? The Florida Department of Health is actively involved in enhanced surveillance for respiratory illness that may be COVID-19. Epidemiologists will follow up on any suspected cases that meet criteria for COVID-19 to arrange for testing when needed and monitor contacts of any confirmed cases, if they occur. WHO DO I CALL IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19? Call the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday from 8am to midnight. They are also available by email at COVID-19@flhealth.gov. You may also call the Collier County Department of Health at 239-252-8200. HELPFUL LINKS Collier County Department of Health Florida Department of Health CDC (Centers for Disease Control) World Health Organization

2020-03-09T12:38:29.000Z via Facebook

And you’all thought there wasn’t a “D” in HYPOCRICY! Tell that to my lying eyes!

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