Despite the middle of our response, we got some serious weather too.
Watch = Conditions are right.
Warning = It’s here! Seek shelter now!
That’s right, now you know why Emergency Management is the best agency to lead this kind of response.
Whether it’s health emergency or large scale emergency or #basic severe weather or Godzilla…Emergency Management is THE coordinating agency to handle your disaster.
Now, go and seek cover!!
Am I wearing a mask? Yep.
What kind of mask? I have a plethora of masks that work well for me.
Surgical masks, Standard N95s…
But truth be told, my neck gaiters work the best for my face as the added coverage helps it stay in place.
Now just because I use it, doesn’t mean it’s the best thing for you. So YOU have to figure out which mask works best for you and what fits you the best.
Regardless what type of mask you wear on a Monday morning, just make sure you set an excellent example by wearing a mask.
Your favorite EAO thanks you for being an outstanding citizen and kind/caring human.
Reporting live from the JIC….
Kids are not going to be happy about this…esp on a Sunday.
As your favorite EAO or even as another human being, I hope everyone washes their hands, wears a mask, and obviously adheres to the 6ft social distancing recommended by HHS and CDC. More details can be found here.
Reporting live from the JIC…
Don’t forget…as your media partners roll in for your presser, support them a bit as many of them may not be from the area.
Your favorite EAO had a few national reporters call in with questions on parking, directions into the building, etc…
To be gracious hosts, these signs are helpful in directing some of our media partners.
More importantly, I want the media to be ready to go in capturing that clip or that soundbite as they are helping us spread the word from our senior leadership on ongoing operations.
Remember PIOs, the media are our partners in this ongoing fight against Coronavirus.
Your favorite EAO knew there would be much news interest on our fight against COVID19. But to follow the rules setup by HHS/CDC and others, we had to change the setup for our friends in the media. (We are tasked with their safety too ya know)
Yep, our press briefing room has been reconfigured to the 6ft guidelines.
Kudos to Sabit on the great ideas.
Reporting live from the JIC….
Man, I got some good peeps. John made formal table tents for everyone!
#snazzy
Working the magic today stylin and profiling!
Sadly, these new table tents don’t reduce the amount of inquiries and media calls because the phones are still ringing off the hook!
Reporting live from the JIC…
April 1, 2020….don’t even think about a practical joke today.
However, I can tell you that I have witnessed some genius methods of respecting social distancing by modifying some daily interactions that include physical separation.
Pull! Pull! Pull! Pull! Pull!
Who doesn’t love the TT!?!?!
Great idea peeps! Proud of your ingenuity.
But not everyone has a car or a long driveway so here’s an idea for those that live on the second floor or higher.
Outstanding use of techniques as well as incorporating some science principals into the day for the kiddos to learn.
Bravo to all the parents out there who are trying their hardest to keep up with school work, work-work, home work, etc….it’s a big much huh?
Why are we trying to be perfect in this?
That map looking kinda red.
Reporting live from the JIC….
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…
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…
Good reminder from my friend Emily on what we should wear while on TV…
It isn’t easy being green! 
Ahhhh yes, the famous green screen and green dress don’t make such a good combo.
I know 2020 St. Patrick’s Day has already passed but it’s always a good reminder while doing TV interviews in the newsroom or TV studio – do not wear green.
BTW-I did a quick interview w/ Emily when she was part of WISH-TV. Check out that interview here.
So if you are heading down to the station for an in-station interview for prevention of Coronavirus, just remember, do not wear green!
Where is @rusnivek? 