economic and border lockdowns, have concluded that they reduced COVID deaths by only O.2 per cent; shelter-in-place orders reduced mortality by only 2.9 per cent, and lockdowns and school and border closures had no noticeable effect on COVID mortality. The scientific analysis further concluded: “(the lockdowns) have contributed to reducing economic activity, raising unemployment, reducing schooling, causing political unrest, contributing to domestic violence, loss of life quality, and the undermining of liberal democracy. These costs to society must be compared to the benefits of lockdowns, which our meta-analysis has shown are little to none.” For scientists among you − here’s the link to the JH study: sites.krieger.jhu.edu/ iae/files/2022/01/A-Literature-Review-and-Meta-Analysis-of-theEffects-of-Lockdowns-on-COVID-19-Mortality.pdf/ Outlook for 2023 − and a word of caution During the remaining summer months, much of the news coming out of the U.S. will have to do with the buildup to the “midterm” elections on November 8, 2022. This deserves a word of explanation because it can be quite baffling, and perhaps unsettling to Canadians. “Midterms” refer to the elections held every two years for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives (yup − they all have to run every two years). One-third of the 100 senators are also running for re-election (their six-year terms are staggered). The president (who is elected directly by popular vote, unlike the Parliamentary procedure in Canada) is only halfway through his four-year term and will not be up for re-election until 2024. In addition, there are thousands of other electoral offices being contested at state and local levels. The political noise can be deafening, if you let it get to you. The debates also get quite toxic and emotionally charged. As most snowbirds know, Americans (as individuals) are generally an open, friendly people…generous and welcoming. But when it comes to politics − tread lightly. Opinions expressed even innocently or jokingly can be taken out of context. And if overheard by third parties − neighbours, friends, shoppers ahead of you in line at the supermarket − even seemingly innocent comments can ignite more than nasty looks. Unless you knowwith whom you’re speaking, keep your thoughts about politics to yourself. But enjoy the good things − especially the weather. Even politicians can’t change that. Gas prices Samples of gas prices per regular U.S. gallon in U.S. dollars on June 5, 2022 Port Charlotte, FL − Sam’s Club. . . . $4.55 Lakeland, FL − 7-Eleven . . . . . . . $4.61 Fort Lauderdale, FL − Speedway . . . . . $4.73 Sun City, AZ − Circle K . . . . . . . $5.37 Gilbert, AZ − Sam’s Club . . . . . . $5.27 Cathedral City, CA − Valero. . . . . $6.09 Palm Springs, CA − Mobil . . . . . . $6.29 Hemet, CA − 7-Eleven. . . . . . . . $5.89 © Copyright 2022. Milan Korcok. All rights reserved. Medical writer and author Milan Korcok is a dual Canadian/U.S. citizen. He has been covering international health and snowbird issues for many years. He resides in Fort Lauderdale. He can be reached at Mkorcok@aol.com CSANews | SUMMER 2022 | 31 Travel
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