David Kennard: Coronavirus a intestine punch to group

Earlier than I get into issues, I must eat somewhat crow right here.

Final week I went dwelling somewhat early from work with a sore throat and what I believed was the beginnings of a typical chilly. I imply we’re in the midst of chilly and flu season right here in Robeson County.

By means of the weekend, the sore throat continued, then got here a crippling cough that started feeling like I’d gone a couple of rounds with my father’s favourite boxer, Joe “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier.

Rising up, I liked spending time with my dad on the lounge sofa watching boxing, soccer and something that got here on after Jim McKay’s well-known announcement, “Spanning the globe to deliver you the fixed number of sports activities… the joys of victory… and the agony of defeat.”

That poor skier wiping out throughout a leap try in 1970 grew to become one of many sporting world’s most well-known athletes — though most didn’t even know his title.

My father did.

Vinko Bogataj was making an attempt a leap on the Heini Klopfer Hill in Oberstdorf, “West” Germany when he misplaced his steadiness and spun uncontrolled to turn into one of many sporting world’ most notable pictures.

Legend has it that Bogataj had no concept that his crash had forged him into the world highlight till he was invited to a Wild World of Sports activities anniversary even 20 years later.

In keeping with one information report, “He obtained the loudest ovation of any athlete launched on the gala, and attendees equivalent to Muhammad Ali requested him for his autograph.”

I by no means noticed Muhammad Ali struggle, however I did get the chance to look at Smokin’ Joe throw a couple of exhibition punches as soon as at a fundraiser a couple of years again.

Even then, these punches seemed like they harm, and I’m positive whoever that poor sap was who was letting Frazier throw punches at him felt somewhat like I did after a few days of coughing.

“Nicely, you will have COVID-19,” my physician mentioned.

I kinda figured that.

However now, a number of days afterward a course of pharmaceuticals and some days of mattress relaxation, I really feel like going again to work. After all I received’t till I get the all clear.

Which brings me again to the “consuming crow” assertion.

You see, I obtained all my vaccinations and boosters. I wore masks, washed my fingers, gargled with bleach. The entire gamut of CDC suggestions.

On prime of that, I spent a big quantity of ink on The Robesonian Opinion Web page in the course of the previous yr scolding individuals within the Thumbs Down column that I compile every week.

I’ll stand by my assertion that we as a group can do extra to beat again this coronavirus, in addition to the host of different viruses besieging us. However I do have some empathy now for many who have silently suffered — many have suffered far, far worse than me throughout this pandemic.

In keeping with Invoice Smith with the Robeson County Well being Division, right here in Robeson County we’ve seen 544 optimistic instances in the course of the previous three weeks, bringing the overall of optimistic instances since March 2020 to 51,907. Of these instances, 578 had been deadly. And, throughout the previous couple of weeks, we noticed one other demise blamed on COVID-19.

I’m extraordinarily grateful for the well being care officers right here in Robeson County who’ve helped me and my household via this unsure time. I can’t even think about the agony felt by those that have misplaced family and friends members to this coronavirus.

I’ll make one other plea to those that haven’t taken this severely. Please do what you’ll be able to to cease the unfold of this nonetheless, very actual risk. Vaccinations do work. In case you really feel sick, put on a masks, take a step again from a crowd, clear and disinfect your self and your instant setting.

We’re getting via this and we’ll get again to regular in some unspecified time in the future.

David Kennard is govt editor of The Robesonian. Contact him at [email protected]