by Dhiren Shah
Hello Readers,
COVID-19 is taking its toll on many. Some have lost lives and others are suffering with lung and other problems. They might be in the hospital or staying home under 14 days of quarantine. In the United States of America, President Biden has announced that over 200 million shots were completed, double his 100 days goal of 100. Biden has done more than expected and his approval rating is now 57%.
However, our local area has a very low rate of vaccination, especially in Irvington (11%), East Orange (13%), Orange (15%), Newark (16%). The Democratic administration is very strong at promoting their work to residents, but they have failed when it comes to vaccination and its importance. People are still hesitant to take the vaccine, as they have no clear information about the side effects, and/or trust issues.
The worst hit country right now is India. Not only do they have an explosion of COVID-19 cases, but they have several different variants. In India, the death ratio has gone up. However, in the last few days, the coronavirus cases are still about 370,000 but the death ratio went down a little. Not great news, but still a hope to get better.
People living in India must observe the guidelines in the true sense. When they are covering with masks, they still have to keep social distancing. They take it too lightly.
Recently, I talked to Kinjal in the city of Ahmedabad, and he said that in April there were many cases within the circle of people he knows – friends, family and acquaintances. But in May, it has been reduced to where there was not a single case among his acquaintances. Still, an Indian scientist has announced that there may be a third coronavirus outbreak in November 2021.
The Indian Premier Cricket League is the most popular cricket series. Players all around the world play in this premier league. Two days ago, two players from the Calcutta Knight Riders were infected with the coronavirus. All the players are required to be in the bubble system to be part of the IPL. All players cook, clean, and wash clothes in their bubble. The places they stay, were clean and disinfected before they were in use.
Three Australian players announced that they were leaving India. Other players from different countries followed, and finally the cricket control board of India and the IPL board announced a postponement. The hope is that if everything works out, they will play the remaining games later.
The City of Newark’s Council is mulling a parking meter resolution. They want to charge meter parking to 10 minutes for every quarter. This isn’t just getting more money by the meter, but in parking ticket revenue too, as many people will shop, but not realize how quickly 10 minutes can go by, and get a ticket. Who will suffer more, the people shopping or the smaller businesses where they might shop? Those who comes for larger businesses, they can afford paying more for parking, and can even go in lots for an extended time.
Meanwhile, the meter companies and the City of Newark will collect more revenue in the short run, but the customers who support the smaller businesses will go to other cities instead, which hurt the Newark small businesses. This could force them out of business, and thus hurt business-related and rent revenue for the City in the long run.
Have a wonderful week.
I’ll talk to you next week.
