We're still perched on the cliff...
…in the US at present, in my opinion. The cases have likely hit that level of exponential spread, but our testing is so limited (pitiful) that the numbers are probably severely underreporting the prevalence. Right now, the CDC is reporting 15K cases as of yesterday. Worldometer (not sure how reliable this is) is showing 19K cases in the US with 276 deaths. Johns Hopkins is showing a similar 19K. JH is showing 429 cases in Texas with 5 deaths. Mind, these are confirmed/tested. I’m sure the actual numbers are much higher.
We’re continuing to shelter in place and plan on several weeks if not months more of this to come. Many places, including California and New York, have essentially gone on full lockdown except for essential services, but Texas and several other states haven’t followed suit. At this point, I fail to see the downside of being conservative, but I think many leaders are driven more by economic considerations than disease prevention.
I still haven’t heard anything from work, but I’m assuming it’s only a matter of time before they shut us down as non-essential, at least for C&P exams. I know the VA will remain functional, and it’s possible their mission may shift to caring for civilians as well. As before, I’m preoccupied with this timeline to the extent that most of my typical pursuits/disciplines are not drawing me in as normal. I’m spending part of each day following the news, completing odd jobs/household tasks, and then after that, I’m only finding the motivation to read a bit and then play video games or watch television.