Pfizer vaccine

Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech is strongly effective, early data from large trial indicate
https://www.statnews.com/2020/11/09/covid-19-vaccine-from-pfizer-and-biontech-is-strongly-effective-early-data-from-large-trial-indicate/

Behind Pfizer's vaccine, an understated husband-and-wife 'dream team'
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-biontech-ceo/behind-pfizers-vaccine-an-understated-husband-and-wife-dream-team-idUKKBN27P1NX

[UK] Meeting in groups of up to six

Social distancing: A practical guide to how to socialise now

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52848793

In England the 1st of June marks a new phase in the easing of lockdown measures. It may not be surprising that some people have become complacent and flouted "the rules" since lockdown began 10 weeks ago, but up until now government guidance has been fairly strict. Although there was some slight easing a few weeks ago to allow one-to-one socially distanced chats in public, there has been no official sanctioning of group get-togethers up until now. As of today government guidance for England allows for up to 6 people to meet outside (also in private settings) as long as people from different households stay two metres apart. This article provides a practical perspective and some advice on gathering safely.

Online gaming platforms

In addition to playing games with distant friends and family over video chat, there are a few specialized gaming platforms that my family has been using since we went into lockdown. All of the sites below have a way to play for free and I've also listed what you get if you pay the extra subscription fee.

Roll20.net -- https://roll20.net/
For tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. You can store your character sheets and roll dice, view maps, do video and voice chat.

• Plus membership: USD 5/month. Can play on mobile devices, more storage.

Board Game Arena -- https://boardgamearena.com/
Games have been developed so that you can play in real time or turn based. It prompts you for actions on your turn and keeps score for you. You're not allowed to have multiple players at the same location unless you have a premium membership to discourage cheating.

• Games we've played: Hanabi, Takenoko
• Games we're familiar with but haven't played yet: 7 Wonders, Carcassone, Love Letter, Race for the Galaxy, Sushi Go, Tokaido
• Premium membership: USD 4/month or 24/year. Premium games available, video & voice chat.

Tabletopia -- https://tabletopia.com/

Provides game board, game pieces, and instructions. Players move the cards and pieces around by themselves. No voice or video chat.

• Games we've played: Wingspan, Secret Hitler, Castle Panic, Viticulture
• Game we're familiar with but haven't played yet: Glorantha: The Gods War
• Premium members: USD 4.99/month and USD 9.99/month. Premium games available.

- Lillian

Coronavirus: A book for children (ages 5 to 9)

This free digital book explains the coronavirus to children, with pictures from Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler and text by staff at Nosy Crow publications, with expert input from Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and advice from two head teachers and a child psychologist.

I read the book to both of my children (7 and 10) and thought it was very good - particularly the part urging children to get along with everyone in their households!
- Jennifer

https://nosycrow.com/blog/released-today-free-information-book-explaining-coronavirus-children-illustrated-gruffalo-illustrator-axel-scheffler/

To mask or not to mask?

Face-coverings are increasingly being recommended by authorities as a protective measure that helps prevent the spread of Covid-19, especially by those who are (unwitting) asymptomatic carriers.

"Asia may have been right about coronavirus and face masks, and the rest of the world is coming around" [CNN]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/01/asia/coronavirus-mask-messaging-intl-hnk/index.html

Please note: Nobody is advocating that N95 respirator masks, currently in such short supply, be worn by anybody except medical personnel.

Incidentally, N95 masks have a fascinating history that involves creepy bird masks, bra design, and karmic retribution for racism.

"The untold origin story of the N95 mask" [Fast Company]

https://www.fastcompany.com/90479846/the-untold-origin-story-of-the-n95-mask


Updated to add:
If you're not the crafty type, this tutorial will show you how to turn a T-shirt or handkerchief into a face mask.

"How to make a non-medical coronavirus face mask – no sewing required" [The Guardian]
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/06/how-to-make-no-sew-face-mask-coronavirus

Things I cannot control and I can control

Text of graphic:

[Outside of full moon]
I CANNOT CONTROL (So, I can LET GO of these things.)
If others follow the rules of social distancing
The actions of others
Predicting what will happen
Other people's motives
The amount of toilet paper at the store
How long this will last
How others react

[Inside full moon with a fox gazing up at it]
I CAN CONTROL (So, I will focus on these things.)
My positive attitude
How I follow CDC recommendations
My own social distancing
Turning off the news
Finding fun things to do at home
Limiting my social media
My kindness & grace

Clipart: Carrie Stevens Art
TheCounselingTeacher.com

Graphic is from https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Coronavirus-Parent-Support-Graphic-5343091

Food safety and coronavirus

This article answers questions such as if food is a vector for transmission and the comparative risks between getting takeout, delivery, or cooking your own food.

https://www.seriouseats.com/2020/03/food-safety-and-coronavirus-a-comprehensive-guide.html