Shutdown two, week thirty-four

Infections rates are down; the weather is fine, and people are out and about. Almost nobody observes social distancing rules anymore. Summer!

We’re probably four to six weeks behind the UK on Delta-Infections. The numbers we get from the UK on infection rates and hospitalization are not encouraging – fall does not look promising right now.

The preliminary IPCC report is equally disturbing and does not bode well for our future either.

We need to unite behind science and continue to fight both crises!

Unfortunately, the answer of our state government is to outlaw climate protest rather than focus on fighting the climate emergency.

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(Nightshift in the Climate Justice Camp, Cologne, 6/24/21)

Shutdown two, week thirty-three

The number of new infections is still going down; we’ll most likely ease the mask mandate soon now.

However, the information we receive from the UK on the Delta-Mutation is not encouraging. We need to prepare in summer for a possible fourth wave in fall. Doesn’t that sound somewhat familiar?

The other emergency is not going away, either. Our governing party just released an abysmal election program with no ambition to reach the 1.5-degree goal of the Paris accord.

We need to go back to weekly strikes.

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(Warming stripes for NRW 1881-2020, CC-BY Ed Hawkins ShowYourStripes, 6/21/21)

Shutdown two, week thirty-two

Like last spring and early summer, the number of infections is steadily declining, and we’re easing all restrictions on public life. Outdoor dining is possible, and the streets are full of people!

The climate justice camp in Cologne is also going strong, with almost daily events, music, and lectures.

On a personal note, I’ve completed all written exams for university; now, I can focus on my thesis.

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(Cologne, Climate Justice Camp, 6/13/21)

Shutdown two, week thirty-one

The infection rates are still going down, and we can look forward to NRW (and Cologne) move to a lower level of restrictions. People are out and about; outdoor dining is in full swing. It seems that the curfews and the federal emergency brake did work.

Does anyone remember last spring? And the third wave that followed?

I, for one, have decided to remain cautious and not venture out until after the second dose.

On a very positive note: Cologne now finally has a climate justice camp! It’s here to stay, at least until the next federal elections.

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(Cologne, Klimacamp, 6/5/21)

Shutdown two, week thirty

Infections rates are still going down, luckily, so beginning Monday, we will lift the curfew in Cologne, and restaurants will allow outdoor seating.

If the downward trend continues, restaurants might open the week after next for outdoor seating without checking for test results.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed!

Having said this, I will wait until after two weeks after my second shot before venturing out again for anything but necessary shopping.

And sitting exams.

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(Rheinauhafen, FOM Hochschule, 5/17/21)

Shutdown two, week twenty-nine

The infection rates are still going down, and for a couple of days now, the incident rate has been below 100 – we’ve moved from the stricter curfew in Cologne back to federal levels (10:00 pm to 5:00 am).

In some parts of Germany, you can go back to restaurants and eat outside; Cologne will probably follow suit shortly if the reduction of infection rates remains as steady as it is now.

During the pandemic, I’ve come to enjoy and cherish working from home, something I’d hope to be able to continue post-pandemic.

A key learning was to fully embrace “Inbox Zero” by Merlin Mann and tone down notifications on my mobile devices and desktop. Inbox Zero is not only a thing for EMail; it also works perfectly on all other communication channels, such as Slack or Teams, and helps with getting things done.

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(Slack, All unreads, 5/19/21)

Shutdown two, week twenty-eight

We’re still in lockdown, and the curfew is still in effect, but the infection rates are finally going down. There is cautious optimism for the summer, and some people are already thinking about traveling for vacation – I’ll wait until 2022, I think.

After months of rallies, we had our first bicycle demonstration on Friday – six feet apart and wearing masks, of course.

It’s time to look at who’s financing the fossil fuel industry, and in Germany, the Commerzbank is heavily involved.

I think we shall make sure that their customers and shareholders know this during the next couple of months.

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(Commerzbank Cologne, Unter Sachsenhausen, 5/14/21)

Liberation Day

Seventy-six years ago, the Allied Forces were finally victorious and rid the world of the German terror. They put an end to the most heinous crime ever performed in human history, and I am forever grateful.

I fully support making Liberation Day a national holiday, lest we forget all the sacrifices needed to end the terror regime. We do need to stay vigilant!

Fast forward, we’re in week twenty-seven of the Covid-19 lockdown, and there is some good news: The number of new infections is slowly going down, the “Bundesnotbremse” and the curfews seem to work. Also, the Astra Zeneca vaccine is now available to all adults.

One substantial open issue remains: How do we protect kids and adolescents? Pfizer is testing their vaccine for teenagers – I keep my fingers crossed!

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(Liberation Day / Tag der Befreiung)

Lockdown two, week twenty-six

The numbers are looking better this week – the curfew seems to work, and the peak infection rates from the Easter break seem to be waning.

As restrictions will begin to ease, we need to think about our fear of going out and meeting people again (FOGO) – it won’t be easy, I guess.

In the long run, my take on this pandemic is that much like HIV has taught us about wearing a condom, Sars-CoV-2 will teach us about wearing an FFP2 mask in certain situations.

No big deal.

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(Jean-Claude Letist, AIDS Activist, Cologne, 4/28/21

LDW +3

Three years ago was my last day at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and now my time at the university is coming to a close, too.

Two years ago, there were no signs of all the changes the pandemic would bring.

A year ago, we were already fighting with the pandemic, and I was already doing regular walks with my buddy Machop.

Today, I will go on another walk with him.

But, I am still as excited as I was three years ago, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

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(Machop with a gift and Twitch, Cologne, 4/9/21)