Waking Up to a New World - Pandemic Response A few weeks ago, I was at the Rodeo Houston kickoff barbecue. At the time, a few people were talking about the Novel Coronavirus; but, most were laughing it off as media hyperbole and panic. However, I remember being concerned that hand washing stations were out of water; and, I noticed that the crowds were avoiding anyone who was coughing or sneezing. It's now only two and a half weeks later.