An inconsistent virus

Perhaps the one consistent thing about this corona-crisis is just how inconsistent it all has been. Some people get severe symptoms, some not at all. Some in the same family get sick, others do not. Some recover quickly, and some are still showing strange symptoms months later. Our response has been inconsistent too. We heard mixed messages about how the virus was spread, and whether we should wear a mask.  All but four states have some requirements for wearing a mask in public. Wisconsin is one of them. We can pack the bars, but little yarn shops are closed. Madison now has restrictions on capacity in bars and restaurants, while La Crosse County does not. We were told the elderly were most at risk, but it turns out it’s the younger generation. Also unusual is the inconsistencies between Wisconsin and Minnesota. While their outbreaks began  at the same time, Covid-19 has now killed nearly twice as many Minnesotans as Wisconsinites. The virus has claimed over 1400 lives in Minnesota, compared to fewer than 800 in Wisconsin. Yet Minnesota stayed in lockdown longer. Of course, the final numbers aren’t in, so it may be too early to make comparisons. But so far, none of this makes a whole lot of sense.