OPINION / U.S.A. March 6, 2023 THE ASIAN REPORTER n Page 7 MY TURN n Wayne Chan A word about that Chinese balloon very Tuesday, I play tennis. At my age, my definition of “tennis” is a bunch of 50- and 60-year-old guys complaining about their current ailments and how much pain they’re in while playing a couple sets. After tennis, we go to the club sports bar, drink a few beers, and expand on our ever-growing list of strained muscles and aching joints. I know it doesn’t sound like that much fun, but ya gotta be there. On this particular Tuesday night, beyond describing the latest slipped disk or pulled groin muscle, we started talking about the Chinese balloon that floated across the country. During the discussion, maybe because I’m the only Asian guy in our group, one of my tennis buddies turns to me and asks, very earnestly, “Wayne, what do you think is going on with that balloon?” I could give him the benefit of the doubt and consider the fact that he might know I’ve travelled to China on business many, many times, or maybe he assumes I may have family there who have connections. But honestly, I think he asked because, as I mentioned before, I was the only Asian there. Before I could even think of a clever reply, another one of my buddies (who is also not Asian), chimes in and says, “What are you asking Wayne for? What makes you think he knows anything? He’s just as clueless as the rest of us!” I’ve never appreciated getting a backhanded compliment as much as that one. From the scant information released at the time, the balloon was about 200 feet tall, was carrying a payload of more than three busloads, and had propellers that could move it in various directions. Based on my calculated guess, I had narrowed it down to two things — it was either a surveillance balloon or someone decided to pay for the world’s most expensive floating RV cara- van. In all seriousness, though, my friend was right — I was completely clueless when it came to this balloon. Still, that doesn’t mean I couldn’t have a little fun with the guys at the next tennis night. Something like this: OK, fellas, I checked with my sources. I know what the Chinese are up to. I know it looks like a 200-foot-tall balloon, but the truth is, it’s not really a balloon. If the thing hadn’t been shot down, April Fools’ Day would have been when its purpose was revealed. It wasn’t a balloon. It was a giant egg. And for those of you who have a backyard pool, you’re just lucky you weren’t the target of this elaborate April Fools’ joke. You would have been known as the victim of the world’s largest egg drop soup. I wonder how many cartons of MSG they would have had to drop to get it just right. Humor writer Wayne Chan lives in the San Diego area; cartoonist Wayne Chan is based in the Bay Area. Healthcare settings mask mandate to end in OR, WA WBC in Japan to still feature masks E PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Washington and Oregon will soon drop mask require- ments in healthcare settings, according to state health officials, moving to lift the last major masking requirements meant to curb the spread of COVID-19. Mandates in both states will end on April 3, meaning healthcare workers, patients, and visitors will no longer be required to wear a mask in facilities including hospitals, urgent care centers, and dental and doctors’ offices. Washing- ton’s mask requirements in correctional facilities will also end April 3. The decision came as recent data has shown decreases in circulation of COVID- 19, RSV, and the flu, the three respiratory viruses that triggered a surge in visits to hospitals last fall, state epidemiologist Dean Sidelinger said in a news release from the Oregon Health Authority. The Washington Department of Health also said disease rates and hospitaliza- tions have continued to decline since the end of last year. “Masks have been — and will continue to be — an important tool, along with vaccinations, to keep people healthy and safe,” Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health, said in a news release. “We are thankful for our health and long-term care providers, staff members, patients, and all Washingtonians, for following the important public health measures put in place during the pandemic to protect one another.” Healthcare facilities and local public health agencies have about a month to prepare for the change and adjust their safety policies accordingly. Some healthcare settings may decide to continue requiring masks even after the statewide requirements are lifted. Continued from page 4 The government policy announced on March 13 will still recommend mask-wearing for crowded indoor settings — the WBC venue the Tokyo Dome is indoors — commuter trains, and hospitals. Businesses will also be allowed to ask customers to wear masks. My Turn: Inspiration from Lan Su Continued from page 6 foundation of our identity, we also want to be a destination for the celebration of all cultures so that our community members have a deeper, more immersive world view.” Many of the visual images designed for the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon set and background are inspired by Lan Su. I’m looking forward to beginning rehearsals in mid-March and continuing to draw inspiration from the garden. I hope you’ll tell family and friends about Lan Su. And please also bring them to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon in May. 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