Blink:

In recognition we are going to have to learn to live with the coronavirus, government officials globally suggest we use personal “social responsibility to maintain safety.” “Social responsibility to maintain safety?” Candidly, I am shocked to see how swollen the beaches are here in Cannes.

Read On:

A COVID-19 Update from France:

Throughout the pandemic like everyone I know, I have been trying to stay informed. Needless to say, virtually a full-time job. Back in September 2020 I watched on NHK TV (Japanese cable) an interview with Italian writer, physics PhD Paolo Giordano who published a series of essays “How Contagion Works.” His interview (note: I highly recommend watching) still resonates for me, especially when I observe the crowds flowing to the beaches here in Cannes. He compared the coronavirus contagion stage to an infected marble hitting and bouncing off several marbles resulting in a chain reaction where the newly infected marbles in turn hit and bounce off more marbles. We are experiencing this chain reaction with the insurgence of the highly contagious Delta variant. Consequently, France is experiencing a fourth epidemic wave of the coronavirus. President Macron instituted, a “health pass” for residents containing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to gain entry to most indoor venues including bars and restaurants. His goal was to place restrictions on the unvaccinated; 3.7 million people booked vaccine appointments in the week following his announcement. Regardless, despite being outdoors, all I envision is all the marbles stacked up on the beaches and at some point, the marbles on holiday will get thirsty or have to eat, thus patronize restaurants and café along the Bord de Mer hopefully with the proper documentation.

Scientists still do not fully understand the recent escalation of Delta variant infections globally given how highly transmissible it has been. Consequently, vaccination is the daily “buzz du jour.” In Europe, public opinion polls indicate overwhelming support for vaccines being the only way out of the pandemic. In the U.S. political differences have put numerous states on divergent paths. Yet daily, I read articles referencing the difference in inoculation rates between the E.U. and U.S like it is a competitive race. I strongly advocate globally we need to get on the same page so there are no infected marbles out there, especially as travel opens up.

Opinions welcomed!