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Randy Rainbow's Guidelines For Crushing The Pandemic

SOME VERY PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE VIRUS
The following is from an Asst. Prof in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University:

* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).

By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
-4 hours (copper and wood)
-24 hours (cardboard),
- 42 hours (metal) and
-72 hours (plastic).

But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.

They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.

* LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.

* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

* You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

Didn't intend to mislead - we aren't staying at the cabin, it's just one of the activities that we can do without exposing ourselves to the virus. Our answer to "cabin fever", if you will.

In general, our exposure is pretty small compared to big city living. The town we are in has fewer than 10,000 people and is off the beaten track (nearest interstate highway is 45 miles away); the county only has 27,000 people spread over 4000 square miles; and it was already a pretty sleepy place. The local government took practical steps at first notice, and the state in general, while usually near the bottom of comparative performance measures like education and poverty, currently has a progressive administration and a flush budget due to the recent years of oil and gas production (that will have ended).

Costco is 200 miles away, so we are used to stocking up for 3 or 4 months at a time. We do have several grocery stores, including a Super Walmart, and they have been short-stocked recently, but nobody is driving here from other towns because they ran out where they live.

Generally low humidity, higher temps about to be here, and lots of sunshine should mean a less healthy environment for the virus (see the practical info I posted earlier). So far, no reported cases closer than 100 miles and only five within 200 miles.

Not complacent about it, though.

I'm learning to be compulsive about cleaning. I'm generally, by nature, a lazy slob. But, I recognize that while my personal risk may be low, my Honey's risk is severe.

I had to service my RV yesterday (I've been isolated there this week), dumping the tanks and fueling up, and it was remarkable, even for a Sunday, how quiet it was. The burgeoning strip of car, furniture, and RV dealerships, the casino, mall and SportCo parking lots were vacant. The trip was an hour (30 minutes less than usual), and I was conscious of every surface I touched, wearing gloves and slathering everything with hand sanitizer on top of that.

Notwithstanding all of that, she insisted I come inside and live in the guest room. The social distancing is wearing on her. So, I'm confining myself mostly to two adjoining rooms, and the bathroom (we each have one), wearing a mask and nitrile gloves when in any common areas (kitchen and hallways) and cleaning incessantly. The two common activities requiring contact are cooking and caring for the dogs. I'm hopeful that our routine will be enough.

And, log, thanks for the COVID tips. (BTW, the trip to NM has been postponed. )

We are all praying that all of you make a complete recovery, and especially your dear wife. We are fellow travelers, you and I.

I am not sure when I will be able to "exhale" but I am yearning for that day.

My family is very humorous. My wife was musing about archaeologists 1000 years from now, researching an obscure President who's name has been removed from all of the monuments. My son pointed out that there won't be any existing record of him having existed at all. I objected, and said, "there will be references in the histories - 'well, he was a terrible person, but at least he was no Trump.'"

NOOOOO! That's why we're working on the cabin!

Okay, maybe that's not the reason. Come when you can, if we're still all around and haven't sacrificed arselfs to Gawd Mammon at the behest of King Kon.

I went into town today, probably took a few chances I shouldn't have but this is like day 28 of lockdown for me. Sat on the porch with the ex for a while then visited my sister. Lots of boats and jet skis on the lakes. Not much traffic, gasoline was $1.82. Word has it that the local hospital is quiet.

Wheelchair evaluation went well and the therapist will handle the insurance claim. Next I see the medical supply people and they will set me up with a loaner to zero in on what I want when they order the chair for me.

That chair looks really cool. I bet you could play in a basketball league with it, once all of this crap is over.

You sure you won't need tippers, what with being out in the boonies and all? Of course, if you have great trunk muscles and good balance you probably won't need anti-tip wheels.