COVID in the Cafeteria

 

In a school system far, far away (or perhaps just next door) there was a cafeteria that served 1,300 students twice a day. Many workers toiled in the large cafeteria; then one was struck down with COVID-19.

The infected worker was sent home. The remaining workers were told to toil on. After all, if the cafeteria didn't dish out those meals, federal funding would be lost. Never mind the elementary and middle-school students who might become infected.

And the white cotton fields of corruption continue to grow...

Florence Rehab, El Reposo, Green Oaks...

 

In June the plague was still relatively new when Florence Nursing and Rehabilitation confirmed that three patients had died from COVID-19. Last week, El Reposo reported nine deaths of patients. This week, Green Oaks Inn has at least three patients with the virus. 

El Reposo has admitted not knowing how the dreaded COVID entered its facility. We hear the same is true for Green Oaks. What would be unique in 2020 is someone actually knowing anything helpful about anything.

We're hearing it may be April before the vaccine is fully available in Alabama. Are we sure the Army isn't in charge of our immunization plans?

If you want COVID, continue to go out, preferably without a mask. Tell us how that works out for you and yours. If you don't want the vaccine, please don't take it. That will just move the more intelligent citizens closer to the head of the line...

Classes? No; Football? Yes

 

We've had readers contact us concerning recent local campus closures. Why have Colbert County schools been suspended, while football games remain on the calendar? From what we've read, the same is true for some schools in Lauderdale. 

Yes, this is the final decision of the superintendent. We're guessing it's mainly because school attendance on scheduled days is mandatory, while football is entirely voluntary. Also, some schools may be in contention for playoffs, and, as we all know, football is king in Alabama.

Always use common sense. COVID cases are rising again. A sports event isn't worth giving your life for.

COVID Rumors Abound in Local Schools

During the past two weeks, this blog has received many accounts of COVID-19 infections among local students, teachers, coaches, and parents. Are they all true? We honestly have no way to confirm one way or the other.

* Did a social club initiation infect the head coach father of one young teen?

* Did a county coach hide his star quarterback's positive status as long as possible in order let him play today?

* Is one superintendent openly defying state health orders to avoid conflict with parents?

The list goes on and on. We suggest that concerned parents first call the school in question to ascertain what facts may be available. If still not satisfied, call your county health department for any information they may have.

We know home schooling is not ideal for all working parents; however, we highly recommend it. If you have to send your child to a public school, you have every right to ask questions...and to demand answers.

Meanwhile on the COVID-19 Front...

Today the Alabama Department of Public Health announced our friendly little plague is at its worst...as in ever. Consider Franklin County; it has the sixth highest infection rate in the state. We're sure many are asking how is this possible and we hope they come up with some answers.

Franklin County is not near an interstate, nor is it a tourist mecca. Surely that county's testing isn't that much better than that of the surrounding area. We're hearing as many as 40 employees at one manufacturing facility in Red Bay may be affected. Then there's Burns Nursing Home in Russellville; it certainly hasn't been a banner year for that facility. First an alleged drug trafficking admin, then an astronomical COVID infection rate. Someone should really do a reality show about that county.

Florence has hardly been unscathed. We're not sure it's that newsworthy that four employees of a big box store may have tested positive, but it certainly is if management has told employees to keep their mouths shut if they know what's good for them. Ah, job security.

But don't despair, Florence. Just think in another month you can go to the polls and vote for county school superintendent for the last time. Be sure to thank Lynn Greer for that...

State Runoff Still on Track Despite COVID-19

According to Secretary of State John Merrill, the March 31st runoff is still on schedule despite several state events being cancelled. Turnout for the March 3rd primary was low, and the number of those voting in the runoff is expected to be dramatically lower in most counties. Don't forget to do your civic duty.

Inspiration Landing? A reader writes:

If you were a potential investor in ANY project in ANY town, wouldn't you want to be able to travel to that investment WITHOUT having your vehicle shaken apart on unmaintained streets and without passing through depressed and unkempt neighborhoods? Apparently the City of Sheffield isn't too concerned.

The TimesDaily has finally published an article on Sheffield that mentions renovations and John Elkington, but doesn't once touch on the subject of Inspiration Landing. Interesting...

Pardon The French, But Too Good Not To Post!

COVID-19 & UNA/Lauderdale Schools

UNA issued a statement on Cornonavirus preparedness several days ago; however, some have reported to us that interstate travel to affected areas has continued. If you feel you've been unduly exposed, please send us your take on what UNA could have done to better protect you.

The Lauderdale County School Board has sent out letters to each school detailing its role in reporting the Coronavirus or any other health concern:

The letter seems pretty standard. It's the signatures that caught our eye. There are ten schools in the system. Presumably each school has a dedicated LPN assigned to it. Now, look at the signatures again. There are two nurse-supervisors listed for the system. We will assume that one works in the western end of the county, while the other oversees the eastern.

We're curious as to the job description(s) of these nurses. Then again, if COVID-19 hits the schools, they'll have just a tad more to do. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.