In Which the World Tries to Go Back to Normal
Many states, including California, are talking about easing restrictions now. The infection curve for CA is still going up. The death rate is still increasing in many places. According to the best scientists I know, who are familiar with the virology field, we are unlikely to get a vaccine any sooner than 2 years from now, and that would be 2 years faster than the quickest developed vaccine ever, which took 4 years. It is much more likely that we will get drugs to mitigate the infection, or prevent transmission, but getting the population on PreP would be near impossible. For individuals who are at high risk, or who really need to be protected, it will be an option, but it will not get rid of the need for drastically changed lifestyles.
We are soon going to be seeing the second wave of infection as we open up. The gains CA, and many other states, have made in slowing the spread will be wiped out. If we get to the 60-70% of infected that will be needed for herd immunity, a lot of people will be lost. We are going to be living with this for a long time yet.
Because of this, and other factors, James and I have been considering options for our future. The entertainment industry isn't coming back any time soon. We are unlikely to buy a house in LA soon. We don't know what our plans will be for the coming years yet. At the moment we are keeping on just as we've been. We're okay for now. He's safe, I'm regularly tested; we're in the best position we could be during this global event.
I have noticed myself gaining weight. I used to think, if I just ate better, didn't get fast food as often, etc. I would lose weight. It's not like I'm overweight, I'm just... squishier than I want to be. Eating all homecooked meals has meant I have gained weight. Not a lot, but enough for me to notice. I've decided I want to try to get back in shape. I need to get more aerobically fit, and I want my muscle back. I used to be able to do 8 pull ups, now I can barely do 2.
I am sore all over from playing cello this weekend. I have back pain, hand pain, arm pain... I did not notice any pain while I was working on it. I was too zoned in to what I was doing. Oops. Anyway, long story short, I need to move more. I need to put a strain on my muscles more. I need to get my heart rate up more. I need to do this without exhausting myself.