Evac from Japan - Diamond Princess

It has been two weeks since the Diamond Princess was quarantined in Yokohama, Japan, and the authorities had no idea how bad it could really get. There are 428 Americans on that ship and the US is finally getting them out of there, 20+ are infected now. By the time this drama ends, over 600 inflected on a ship carrying 3500+ people. I would be furious to sit there waiting for rescue. Some people can't believe we would deliberately bring infected people into our country, but they are Americans!! This is their country and they deserve to be rescued! (Nowadays, I think I would be called a "Liberal" for saying that, but I consider myself a patriot.)

There are now 1669 dead from the virus, now called COVID-19, and 69,000 cases worldwide. China is starting their lockdowns in Beijing and other major cities. The economic impact is becoming a very real concern. I'm really having a hard time wrapping my head around the economics of this, as this is a major problem if it goes world wide!

It isn't until 9 days later that the US State Department" urges citizens to reconsider cruise ship travel to Asia." (CNN News  2/24/20) I can't believe our citizens needs our government to give us this advice.

I am preparing to have a close friend visit from England in the next few days. I'm afraid for her to travel at all, but she's a true tough Brit and is coming for my birthday present.