As we sift through the data and numbers, here’s just one projection that shows as of today March 31, 2020 – we should hit peak deaths in mid June.

Let that one sink in for a minute…mid June.

Additionally, the deaths per day are looking to spike at April 15th so if we hit this projection, we are in the final two weeks as we skyrocket to the top of the charts w/ 4,500 deaths per day. 

My interpretation of this data? I doubt that we will get that high because so many peeps are following the social distancing guidelines set forth by various agencies. Additionally, the hand washing and masks are sinking in with people so I expect this number to be lower than the mean (dotted line above).

The info above on deaths do correspond to the data below showing that in 14 days will be at the highest number of infected COVID patients.

Keep in mind this is just ONE projection that is being used to measure success and operational effectiveness against the Coronavirus. There are other models out there that show a different cone and hump that correlates to their data. Their interpretation is different because these computer models lean on various data points in how they discern information and stats.

Sobering thought at this #Coronavirus thing continues to mess with our daily lives.

This Coronavirus / COVID19 thing was def not on my 2020 disaster bingo card.

Deuces from the JIC…

@rusnivek

Started out the early Monday morning with calls from 8 reporters all inquiring about COVID related cases throughout the county. Aside from asking all kinds of questions, the one I seem to get the most is “Do you think we are going to see a peak anytime soon?”

My consistent response has been “I am unsure on a peak based on our data that does not show a slowing of cases in our area. Furthermore, this is a complex situation where there are multiple factors that play into the reduction in spread in various communities.”

I have been including various quotes and lines that is in concert with our leadership and senior officials so we all have the same voice.

Despite some variances in tactics, as the External Affairs Officer, I was able to refocus our energy to resolve a few issues and place us positively.

Additionally, we are amplifying the same infographics shared by the CDC.

I hope this helps concrete their message to the public when they share their news story.

To stay healthy, my rec is to eat one fruit a day. For this incident, it’s been a daily orange.

Reporting live from the JIC…

@rusnivek

Glad to see Friday amidst this Coronavirus. Just means a way to keep the rhythm going and keep our IAP and objectives in mind as we work to knocking those out.

Wait, did he say #AlohaFriday in March?

Always some Aloha in March right?

And as an added bonus as we look to the next Federal holiday (Easter), I opted for the rabbit ears accessory too.

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy??????????????????????? Well, I really do these things to make people smile. Despite our current situation, we can all do some silly things that help take our minds off of work for a few seconds. These real moments allow us as humans to shine and share a few seconds of realism as we chart into strange territory.

Besides, my choices are far better than any zoom meeting background stolen from the internet.

Related note: during this disaster, I’ve had a bunch of people checking in on me and my health. Glad to see that change esp since the last few disasters have been a bit rough for me.

As we roll into another Saturday, I hope to see some reduction in hours. This breakneck speed that us PIOs, and EAOs have been working has been a bit stressful on the family life. Happy to have Emergency Management leadership who understands this. More thankful for their understanding. I hope your leadership has the same mindset.

Reporting live from the JIC…

@rusnivek

With the week fast closing out, we gotta continue to keep our battle rhythm up. Our morning PIO roll call today was a bit different as today is MLB opening day. And yep, Don had to remind us. 

Me? I leaned to the USAR side of the house today.

And yes, I did bring a smile to John’s face.

Your External Affairs Officer can support the plan!

BTW, with what was reported last night, I anticipate lots of questions today from the media. Maybe we ought to hold a press conference.

Additionally, work does not stop for COVID19, we got ongoing Emergency Management continuing education still ongoing so we gotta make sure we check mark that box as we are serving all of our partners in the field.

And I would advocate that you continue to fill out your ICS-214s. Daily.

Why? Documentation. Documentation. Documentation. #AmIRight

That’s right, normal operations don’t stop for the Coronavirus.

But don’t give up now, we just got started. Lemme see your stamina.

Harsh reminder that disasters definitely don’t like whimps. Neither do I. So keep up the good work for your community!

@rusnivek

PIO huddle going to be on the fly today as we are all tasked to different actions.

FaceTime allows anyone of our all iPhone users to have easy access to this and can be initiated by any one of us. So by using this consistent tech with explicit instructions, we can easily overcome the tech barriers.

And yes, I decided to wear my tactical helmet from Team Wendy.

Did they notice?

John was driving but here’s the moment when he realized what was going on.

Heh.

OK, back to the news. I wanted to make sure our media partners were aware of the rumor control page setup by FEMA HQ. This is helpful to discern incorrect information and share trusted information.

Seems like we as PIOs are constantly thwarting mis-information so this kind of static page is helpful as we continue to get the right information…out to the right people…at the right time…so they can make good decisions.

Truly glad that our media partners engaged on that subject and wanted to do story/stories on mis-information in this response.

And as we continue to be responsive from the Joint Information Center (JIC), we are trending up the long term care facilities (LTCF) action as we see a sharp increase in COVID19 patients there.

Sigh. Wash your hands peeps, this is going to be a long one.

@rusnivek

Tuesday morning and lots of conference calls to jump on. Trying to hit Zoom, Teams, FaceTime…..man, we minus well hit up Chat Roulette too!

Kidding. Not Chat Roulette.

But seriously, seems like we got things covered from local, county, state, and Federal….so I’m glad that we are participating as actively as we can.

Just make sure you got the right date scheduled for the meeting.

Dammit.

BTW – for those wondering what my choice was for helmet of the day. Well, I was feeling the need…the need for SPEED!

Hahahahaha. I’m a mess.

Glad to bring a few smiles to my fellow PIOs as we continue to work closely together.

Additionally, we are sharing consistent messages and aligning with national messaging. All of this to make sure we get the right information, to the right people, at the right time, so they can make the best decision(s).

No doubt on this one, thank you Phil. #FEMA #MPIO

Here are a few of the graphics we are using that align w/ CDC and HHS.

Use as you see fit too.

And at the end of the day, trust me, a small compliment goes far.

Shout out to Shannon Halligan means a lot to many of us that have been working our tails off. Thanks Shannon!

Keep your head above the water as we continue to serve our communities…

@rusnivek

Monday is here as we check in on our actions from the weekend. Seems like it’s all working out well.

This week, we gotta test the skills of our PIOs so since everyone knows how to engage on zoom meetings, I need to test the other technologies. Let’s do this on FaceTime. Totally on the fly, all on the mobile!

And to help spice things up this week? We are going to change it up and I’ll be wearing a helmet everyday this week. This week’s choice?

Awwww yeah, give it up for my fellow Brother Firefighters…

I know Don and John are jelly.

As we start to grow our media lists, we are starting to see more national stations chiming in. If you need to be added to our news media distro, LMK and I’ll be happy to add your trusted email to our daily push.

And a quick note from last night from Bonnie in one of the Arizona JICs.

Glad to hear the training provided is paying off for a few of my PIO friends in FEMA Region 9….

Flattered to hear that others are doing solid work to protect their communities from the Coronavirus.

@rusnivek