There’s at least one person close to me who I hope takes this commercial very seriously. Just because you don’t feel sick, doesn’t mean you’re not infecting others around you. Contain your germs, please.
This entire week-long catastrophe known as the swine flu epidemic brought to my mind proto-political rap group Public Enemy on several occasions. I really don’t know why. Just check some of my previous blog post titles you can see.
Other than the bit of reporting I did for publication, I’ve been indoors mostly. That hasn’t necessarily been my choice either. The fun parts of town have been relatively quiet by order of the local government.
Although there are any number of private soirees tonight, Mexico City is officially on lockdown this weekend. Most major events were cancelled once again, and as I was told by a friend, a talking head on a PBS news show was thanking the people of Mexico for enduring shut-down mode for the sake of all humanity, which again, brought to mind this P.E. gem:
I took a ride on the Mexico City subway. Got on in Doctores. Beat by R. Diggs.
Sad news on the swine front. It’s still spreading. To New Jersey! That’s my homestate, man.
See, now it’s personal. I only hope this virus gets wiped out and doesn’t mutate again.
On a fairly warm Mexico afternoon, yesterday, I ventured out to see if things had changed. Taking the subway was something I had been avoiding since the news broke a few days ago.
One of the biggest adjustments for the people of Mexico City has to be not going to church. Last night in the Colonia Guerrero, I stopped by the Templo San Hipolito. There was a quickie mass and a little water splash after the priest read a prayer of the Virgin of Guadalupe for the flu epidemic. He also announced that the church wouldn’t hold the special 28th day services for the San Judas Tadeo . i know a lot of kids are bummed about that.
There is a very mild (as far as I can tell) hysteria coursing through city life here. Although people tend to go about their every day, you can’t help but notice the fewer numbers driving and commuting and eating out. The only time the bit of hysteria comes up is If you hear a nearby sneeze or a cough. Most people look at the culprit in disgust or anger, especially if the sneezer or cougher didn’t cover their mouths in one of the two government approved ways: sneeze into your armpit, or into your a disposable paper towel. You could always wear your mask, but I think a lot of people are still on the fence with that one. Maybe the non-mask wearers are just waiting to cop a technologically advanced face-mask like the one created in Japan: the BioMask Here’s to staying flu free in the D.F. (and by now, the rest of the world, too).
Something tells me Spanish grind metal band Pesta Porcina knew this was coming. If this is your cup, download their 2007 demo, here.
THIRSTY?: A couple shares a fruit juice at the Sunday market in Colonia Del Valle in Mexico City. The Mexican government ordered bars and clubs closed for the next 10 days.
Worldwide financial markets are already starting to take a beating in this, the first official week following the swine flu crisis here in Mexico City.
Alas, the drug companie$ have little to worry about. Ka-ching.
Besides all the bars and clubs and sporting events shuttering over the weekend, one of the major letdowns was the cancellation of 60 lucha libre matches.
I really hope this virus gets under control for next week’s 3rd annual wrestling convention, called Lucha Libre: La Experiencia, which is a mix of informative panel discussions on wrestling as well as music and entertainment. It’s scheduled to run May 1-3 at Centro Banamex here in D.F.
On another note, this mask wearing is getting out of hand. Most people, I mean, like more than half walking around on the street don’t wear them. If things get worse, health-wise, then wearing a mask is going to have to be an ordinary fashion accessory for a while.
With total deaths at 103 so far149, as long at the numbers don’t shoot up exponentially, we should be alright. Then again, it might just be the calm before the storm, and then, you know. Be safe. Wash your hands.
UPDATE:
Seriously feeling an EARTHQUAKE right now in Colonia Roma @ 11:49 central time [ CNN Just confirmed, it hit at 11:45am]. US geological survey is calling it a 6.0 quake, check it details, here.
CDC says don’t go to Mexico if you don’t have to
Mexico health minister says 149 confirmed dead due to flu-like symptoms 20 22 of those deaths confirmed due to swine flu, the city currently has 2,372 cases of people with flu-like symptoms [all numbers from the Milenio news channel]
New York City confirms 20 more cases
Wow. I guess it really could be…….
R.E.M-End of the World as We know it (and I feel fine)
Check out some more pathogen-related music:
Pharell co-signed Washington Heights rapper's newest mixtape.
COVER YOUR MOUTH: A couple walks down a block in the Roma neighborhood of Mexico City. There was high demand for surgical masks in the wake of a a deadly strain of swine flu that's infected over 1,000 people.
The swine flu has many people shook out here in the city of 20-million. Some are expecting an end-of-the-world scenario in Mexico City. The CDC is keeping an extra close eye on the situation, just in case reality starts to resemble a weak made-for-cable movie.
But honestly, the air quality is often so bad, people rock the blue surgery masks anyway.
I’d imagine more people around the country are paying closer attention, now that some kids in Queens came down with what looks like the swine flu. I mean, I wasn’t really tripping until I read this in the Daily Kos. Scary stuff. You know some drug companies are going to get fat off this wave of panic and sickness.
channibalsmith.com 