Coronavirus Thread VI: Are We Nearly There Yet? (READ OP)

[Neutraligon]

New variant discovered in India

A new and potentially troublesome variant of the coronavirus has been detected in India, as have variants first detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, health officials said Wednesday.

Health Ministry officials and experts, however, cautioned against linking the variants with an ongoing surge in new infections in India.

Cases in India had been plummeting since September and life was returning to normal. But cases began spiking last month and more than 47,000 new infections were detected in the past 24 hours, along with 275 deaths — the highest one-day death toll in more than four months.[…] The new variant found in India has two mutations in the spiky protein that the virus uses to fasten itself to cells, said Dr. Rakesh Mishra, the director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, one of the 10 research institutes sequencing the virus.

He added that these genetic tweaks could be of concern since they might help the virus spread more easily and escape the immune system, but he cautioned against linking it to the surge.

The Health Ministry said in a statement that the variant was found in 15%-20% of the samples sequenced from Maharashtra state. The state, which is home to India’s financial capital, has been worst hit by the recent surge and accounts for over 60% of all active cases in India.

In Maharashtra’s Nagpur city, the infections caused by this new variant were in those parts of the city that had, so far, been least affected, said Dr. Sujeet Singh, the chief of the National Centre for Disease Control in New Delhi.

“The susceptible pool of population ... was substantially large,” Singh added.

We're never gonna beat this pandemic...

Right now the vaccines are pretty good against the variants. Oh, for those wondering about getting vaccinated if you have already had COVID I believe the answer is get vaccinated.

[Xmara]

We're never gonna beat this pandemic...

Right now the vaccines are pretty good against the variants. Oh, for those wondering about getting vaccinated if you have already had COVID I believe the answer is get vaccinated.

Thanks. It's just so hard to feel any glimmer of hope for the future. Especially since cases are starting to rise again in WV.

[The Free Joy State]

Tbh, I never got the "my freedom" arguement when it came to masks. I get it when we talk about limiting church attendance or political rallies, but masks? There is no restriction on movement, you can still go and say what you want..... idiots. I just don't see it, and I am a crazy "muh freedom" type.

Indeed. We had no leadership in the beginning so people "made it up" as time moved on. As we started to understand more and vaccines started to appear; we are rethinking things and adjusting.

It is extremely stupid to make mask wearing and social distancing a freedom/political thing. If it was mandated a permanent thing; there would be protests especially when covid was reduced to just a bad thing to have caught versus a pandemic.

Makes you wonder how these people would have done during WW2 with all the rationing that went on.

Not to mention the months of mandatory blackouts...

"But it's my freedom to turn on as many lights as I want in my house and not use blackout curtains. But I don't care if Nazi-war planes fly overhead. My freedom to dance around in a brightly lit house shouting whoop-whoop trumps the rights of my neighbours to survive an air-raid."

So it should be permanently mandated for all?

It always shocks me that you gravitate a lot more towards what I call the "COVID shruggers" on this issue. If you believe that public health and good governance is important, as I know you do, then the logical conclusion of that is to make people wear masks in public places until this shit dies down. It's really not that bad. I'd much rather have mask-mandates than another wave, or worse yet, another wave in conjunction with another true lockdown. I can wear my mask and still go dine at a restaurant, go to the gym, etc etc, so long as I wear that mask. Better that than not being able to do any of that because the cases are too high once again.

Once the vast majority of America is vaccinated, I can see lifting the mandates, but really, I think erring on the side of caution is just the best policy approach. I've been saying that all year, and this year has shown us how critical siding towards caution really was.

That's how I view it. When everyone wears a mask, we provide reciprocal protection for ourselves and those around us. And that protection reduces the chance of another lockdown. And really, what can't you do with a mask? You can do every daily activity with a mask on that you did before. It's no inconvenience.

There are even see-through ones to aid lip-readers (or just to see the bottom-half of someone's face) -- so worries about facial cues don't have to be a major concern.

I'm with you. Better to err on the side of caution than risk another wave by relaxing restrictions too quickly.

Starting to think you believe it should considering you've repeated the idea more than anybody else here by far. As for me, as soon as this pandemic is over you can have all my masks. I won't be needed them.

Maybe I'll keep one around in case I catch a cold or the flu and have to go to the store, ya never know.

One thing this pandemic has definitely done has rewired my brain in how I view "sickness" in general. Even Post-Pandemic, I can see definitely see myself wearing a mask in a Target or something if I think I have the flu. I think that will become a lot more common.

I know I'll be a lot less laissez-faire about my health now.

Indeed. The next pandemic; I am going to take a way different approach as I have seen many many people not willing to do what needs to be done as it’s inconvenient and it’s not fair.....

I'm gonna have a six foot long fly swatter by the next pandemic.

Only six-foot?

But seriously, the number of people I've come across -- those who claim exemptions due to "breathing difficulties" and yet talk a mile-a-minute without stopping for air (I am actually exempt and you wouldn't catch me not wearing a mask if you paid me), or those who wear masks under their noses or under their chins or on their skulls (in the apparent belief that if they have a mask somewhere, it counts); those who you hear of doing repugnant things such as deliberately coughing over others and claiming they have COVID, and the number of conspiracy theorists (whose theories I refuse to air) and people who believe their freedoms extend to a freedom to actions that make it easier for dangerous viruses to spread -- should there be another pandemic in my lifetime, I will be wearing a mask long before it's mandatory (actually, I did that this pandemic) and (at least partially) locking down before told.

Because, it is truly a shame that some people are not willing to take a few simple, reciprocal steps to protect their fellow members of the social body because of "something-something freedom something".

I sometimes wonder why those "freedom" advocates -- fighting for the right to not have a lifesaving piece of unhindering fabric over their faces -- do not seem to grant the shop assistants, the bus drivers, the medical workers, the people on the street, the sick and the vulnerable they may meet if they need to see a dentist or pick up a prescription a more vital freedom: the freedom to not have their lives risked because of others' actions?

Unless, of course, only their "freedoms" -- no matter how small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things -- are vital? Sometimes, some of the arguments I've seen from some such advocates kind of gives me that impression.

We're never gonna beat this pandemic...

Right now the vaccines are pretty good against the variants. Oh, for those wondering about getting vaccinated if you have already had COVID I believe the answer is get vaccinated.

CDC says yes.

And I think that, assuming as many people as possible are vaccinated, we will get COVID under control. As it says here, right now, the vaccines are showing good protection (the Oxford didn't with regards to the B.1.351 variant that was first detected in South Africa, but was thought to protect against serious illness and the cohort was small), but even if the vaccines do become less effective, it will be possible to change the composition of the vaccine to act as a protection against variants.

[Elvato]

i've heard things about a 3rd coronavirus wave, lemme out of me house

[Vassenor]

So now we're seeing schools saying “we can’t enforce kids to wear a mask”. As if you haven’t enforced girls to cover up for years. If you can send a girl home for wearing a tank top, you can send a kid home for not wearing a mask.

[Caleonia]

So now we're seeing schools saying “we can’t enforce kids to wear a mask”. As if you haven’t enforced girls to cover up for years. If you can send a girl home for wearing a tank top, you can send a kid home for not wearing a mask.

We've been at physical school to some degree since August and enforcing it has been successful. However (and I don't know how) but we're going through an infestation that somehow hasn't touched me..

[Andsed]

New variant discovered in India

A new and potentially troublesome variant of the coronavirus has been detected in India, as have variants first detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, health officials said Wednesday.

Health Ministry officials and experts, however, cautioned against linking the variants with an ongoing surge in new infections in India.

Cases in India had been plummeting since September and life was returning to normal. But cases began spiking last month and more than 47,000 new infections were detected in the past 24 hours, along with 275 deaths — the highest one-day death toll in more than four months.[…] The new variant found in India has two mutations in the spiky protein that the virus uses to fasten itself to cells, said Dr. Rakesh Mishra, the director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, one of the 10 research institutes sequencing the virus.

He added that these genetic tweaks could be of concern since they might help the virus spread more easily and escape the immune system, but he cautioned against linking it to the surge.

The Health Ministry said in a statement that the variant was found in 15%-20% of the samples sequenced from Maharashtra state. The state, which is home to India’s financial capital, has been worst hit by the recent surge and accounts for over 60% of all active cases in India.

In Maharashtra’s Nagpur city, the infections caused by this new variant were in those parts of the city that had, so far, been least affected, said Dr. Sujeet Singh, the chief of the National Centre for Disease Control in New Delhi.

“The susceptible pool of population ... was substantially large,” Singh added.

We're never gonna beat this pandemic...

The variants might complicate things, but the daily case and death count has fallen significantly with the vaccine roll out. It might take a few more months but I think we’re on a decent track to the end of this.

[CoraSpia]

We're never gonna beat this pandemic...

Right now the vaccines are pretty good against the variants. Oh, for those wondering about getting vaccinated if you have already had COVID I believe the answer is get vaccinated.

I believe the answer is just get vaccinated, even if you're not at risk and/or have had it before. It hurts for a few days afterwards, but amongst other things it might help you go on holiday which is nice.

[Neutraligon]

Right now the vaccines are pretty good against the variants. Oh, for those wondering about getting vaccinated if you have already had COVID I believe the answer is get vaccinated.

I believe the answer is just get vaccinated, even if you're not at risk and/or have had it before. It hurts for a few days afterwards, but amongst other things it might help you go on holiday which is nice.

From hat I understand it is sorta like getting a second dose (an yes it is still recommended you get 2 doses for those that are 2 dose vaccines) since they apparently provide better protection against the disease and its varients.

[Glorious Hong Kong]

After much thought and consideration, I've decided to personally retire the term China virus in favor of Wuhan coronavirus, CCP virus, or simply the coronavirus. I've substituted the term China virus with Wuhan coronavirus in my Factbook and forum sig. Consider this a gesture of goodwill and solidarity with Asian-Americans and other visible Asian minorities around the world.

Believe it or not, I do, in fact, empathize with the plight of Asian-Americans. I do, in fact, believe that Asian-Americans are more likely to be brutally and racially targeted by non-Asians simply by virtue of being vastly outnumbered and being associated with a disease that communists in China failed to contain.

Asian-Americans, like American Jews, tend to receive the short end of the stick from both violent racist bigots on the Right and woke racists on the Left who want them to fail in life with anti-Asian affirmative action in college admissions. While I may vehemently disagree with woke leftists (to the point of being called a racist and a fascist) as to whether systemic racism even exists in the liberal, enlightened West, I think we can all agree that personal, individual racism is a universal human trait that exists in every country in the world, and it needs to be stamped out completely and utterly.

Asian Lives Matter. All Lives Matter. I see no contradiction between the two and I stand with Asian-Americans, Asian-Australians, Asian-Canadians, Asian-Britons, and visible Asian minorities elsewhere who have suffered tremendously as a direct result of the CCP Wuhan coronavirus pandemic.

(Again, I'm not implying some sort of sinister conspiracy involving bioweapons, pedophiles, Jews, lizards, and communists, or whatever the term CCP virus was supposed to imply.)

But don't get me wrong. I still don't believe Trump was actively trying to incite racism through his use of the term China virus or Chinese virus, nor do I believe he is personally, genuinely a racist at heart. Narcissistic sociopaths are incapable of holding genuine and sincere beliefs about anything, racism included. He was responding to China's claim that the virus originated in America and should thus be called the USA virus. I do think his use of China virus was nonetheless clumsy and reckless and he should've stuck with CCP virus instead. I still don't believe that China virus is always a hateful, racist term in every single context, and there may be some limited contexts in which the term may be applied or construed otherwise.

Nonetheless, I will refrain from using the term China virus on online forums from now on to avoid misunderstandings. But don't expect me to start saying Covid-19 anytime soon. There's more than one correct name for the virus and I will not be dictated to by the WHO or by woke leftists. It's Wuhan coronavirus for me.

[Ifreann]

After much thought and consideration, I've decided to personally retire the term China virus in favor of Wuhan coronavirus, CCP virus, or simply the coronavirus. I've substituted the term China virus with Wuhan coronavirus in my Factbook and forum sig. Consider this a gesture of goodwill and solidarity with Asian-Americans and other visible Asian minorities around the world.

Believe it or not, I do, in fact, empathize with the plight of Asian-Americans. I do, in fact, believe that Asian-Americans are more likely to be brutally and racially targeted by non-Asians simply by virtue of being vastly outnumbered and being associated with a disease that communists in China failed to contain.

Asian-Americans, like American Jews, tend to receive the short end of the stick from both violent racist bigots on the Right and woke racists on the Left who want them to fail in life with anti-Asian affirmative action in college admissions. While I may vehemently disagree with woke leftists (to the point of being called a racist and a fascist) as to whether systemic racism even exists in the liberal, enlightened West, I think we can all agree that personal, individual racism is a universal human trait that exists in every country in the world, and it needs to be stamped out completely and utterly.

Asian Lives Matter. All Lives Matter. I see no contradiction between the two and I stand with Asian-Americans, Asian-Australians, Asian-Canadians, Asian-Britons, and visible Asian minorities elsewhere who have suffered tremendously as a direct result of the CCP Wuhan coronavirus pandemic.

(Again, I'm not implying some sort of sinister conspiracy involving bioweapons, pedophiles, Jews, lizards, and communists, or whatever the term CCP virus was supposed to imply.)

But don't get me wrong. I still don't believe Trump was actively trying to incite racism through his use of the term China virus or Chinese virus, nor do I believe he is personally, genuinely a racist at heart. Narcissistic sociopaths are incapable of holding genuine and sincere beliefs about anything, racism included. He was responding to China's claim that the virus originated in America and should thus be called the USA virus. I do think his use of China virus was nonetheless clumsy and reckless and he should've stuck with CCP virus instead. I still don't believe that China virus is always a hateful, racist term in every single context, and there may be some limited contexts in which the term may be applied or construed otherwise.

Nonetheless, I will refrain from using the term China virus on online forums from now on to avoid misunderstandings. But don't expect me to start saying Covid-19 anytime soon. There's more than one correct name for the virus and I will not be dictated to by the WHO or by woke leftists. It's Wuhan coronavirus for me.

Why must you be so very bad at this? There are so many terrible things that the Chinese government does and you're focussing on this ridiculous campaign of blaming them for the pandemic.

[Caleonia]

After much thought and consideration, I've decided to personally retire the term China virus in favor of Wuhan coronavirus, CCP virus, or simply the coronavirus. I've substituted the term China virus with Wuhan coronavirus in my Factbook and forum sig. Consider this a gesture of goodwill and solidarity with Asian-Americans and other visible Asian minorities around the world.

Believe it or not, I do, in fact, empathize with the plight of Asian-Americans. I do, in fact, believe that Asian-Americans are more likely to be brutally and racially targeted by non-Asians simply by virtue of being vastly outnumbered and being associated with a disease that communists in China failed to contain.

Asian-Americans, like American Jews, tend to receive the short end of the stick from both violent racist bigots on the Right and woke racists on the Left who want them to fail in life with anti-Asian affirmative action in college admissions. While I may vehemently disagree with woke leftists (to the point of being called a racist and a fascist) as to whether systemic racism even exists in the liberal, enlightened West, I think we can all agree that personal, individual racism is a universal human trait that exists in every country in the world, and it needs to be stamped out completely and utterly.

Asian Lives Matter. All Lives Matter. I see no contradiction between the two and I stand with Asian-Americans, Asian-Australians, Asian-Canadians, Asian-Britons, and visible Asian minorities elsewhere who have suffered tremendously as a direct result of the CCP Wuhan coronavirus pandemic.

(Again, I'm not implying some sort of sinister conspiracy involving bioweapons, pedophiles, Jews, lizards, and communists, or whatever the term CCP virus was supposed to imply.)

But don't get me wrong. I still don't believe Trump was actively trying to incite racism through his use of the term China virus or Chinese virus, nor do I believe he is personally, genuinely a racist at heart. Narcissistic sociopaths are incapable of holding genuine and sincere beliefs about anything, racism included. He was responding to China's claim that the virus originated in America and should thus be called the USA virus. I do think his use of China virus was nonetheless clumsy and reckless and he should've stuck with CCP virus instead. I still don't believe that China virus is always a hateful, racist term in every single context, and there may be some limited contexts in which the term may be applied or construed otherwise.

Nonetheless, I will refrain from using the term China virus on online forums from now on to avoid misunderstandings. But don't expect me to start saying Covid-19 anytime soon. There's more than one correct name for the virus and I will not be dictated to by the WHO or by woke leftists. It's Wuhan coronavirus for me.

Why must you be so very bad at this? There are so many terrible things that the Chinese government does and you're focussing on this ridiculous campaign of blaming them for the pandemic.

To me it’s more so a kind of... how do I put this... shining symbol? Of why the CCP is wrong in what it does and how the average person from China deserves a better life than what they have as a result of leadership that not only violates human rights, but also civilians who harbor an unjustified hatred for them in what should be considered their second chance at righting their ship through life.

[Ifreann]

Why must you be so very bad at this? There are so many terrible things that the Chinese government does and you're focussing on this ridiculous campaign of blaming them for the pandemic.

To me it’s more so a kind of... how do I put this... shining symbol? Of why the CCP is wrong in what it does and how the average person from China deserves a better life than what they have as a result of leadership that not only violates human rights, but also civilians who harbor an unjustified hatred for them in what should be considered their second chance at righting their ship through life.

The Chinese government is conducting a genocide, we don't need to pretend that this pandemic is their fault.

[CoraSpia]

I believe the answer is just get vaccinated, even if you're not at risk and/or have had it before. It hurts for a few days afterwards, but amongst other things it might help you go on holiday which is nice.

From hat I understand it is sorta like getting a second dose (an yes it is still recommended you get 2 doses for those that are 2 dose vaccines) since they apparently provide better protection against the disease and its varients.

Unfortunately here you have to get the two doses 3 months apart and you can't pay for priority access.

[Glorious Hong Kong]

The state government just launched an online survey asking us to choose which of the vaccines currently in use around the world would be the most appropriate to use. I chose Pfizer without hesitation. I am NOT taking Sinovac.

MY BODY. MY CHOICE.

RESIST.

[Caleonia]

From hat I understand it is sorta like getting a second dose (an yes it is still recommended you get 2 doses for those that are 2 dose vaccines) since they apparently provide better protection against the disease and its varients.

Unfortunately here you have to get the two doses 3 months apart and you can't pay for priority access.

Probably because if you could pay for priority access almost everyone would making the entire point of it useless. I could be wrong though.

[Ifreann]

From hat I understand it is sorta like getting a second dose (an yes it is still recommended you get 2 doses for those that are 2 dose vaccines) since they apparently provide better protection against the disease and its varients.

Unfortunately here you have to get the two doses 3 months apart and you can't pay for priority access.

Buying your way to the front of the vaccine queue has the very serious side-effect of causing crowds to show up at your house with torches and pitchforks.

[New Visayan Islands]

Data for PH as of March 25th, 1600 PHT/0400 EDT.

Detailed update. Also:

• Time is running out for the Coof Shots.
• Even the malls are helping to make mass testing a reality.
• Witness the power of containerized utility! (Okay, that sounded way better in my head.)
• Duterte: FFS, we have a priority list for a reason!

[The New California Republic]

Unfortunately here you have to get the two doses 3 months apart and you can't pay for priority access.

The first word does not belong in that sentence, as it is not unfortunate that people aren't allowed to buy their way to the front of the queue.

[CoraSpia]

Unfortunately here you have to get the two doses 3 months apart and you can't pay for priority access.

The first word does not belong in that sentence, as it is not unfortunate that people aren't allowed to buy their way to the front of the queue.

It's unfortunate that the government have decided that they deserve a monopoly on a product that would be in high demand.

[The New California Republic]

The first word does not belong in that sentence, as it is not unfortunate that people aren't allowed to buy their way to the front of the queue.

It's unfortunate that the government have decided that they deserve a monopoly on a product that would be in high demand.

Not particularly.

[CoraSpia]

It's unfortunate that the government have decided that they deserve a monopoly on a product that would be in high demand.

Not particularly.

Why should the private sector not be allowed to assist with distribution for a fee?

[The Black Forrest]

Not particularly.

Why should the private sector not be allowed to assist with distribution for a fee?

The problem is the profit motive. "If we don't charge this; then we have to reduce blah blah blah" It quickly stops being about ending the pandemic.

[The Alma Mater]

Not particularly.

Why should the private sector not be allowed to assist with distribution for a fee?

Because "being rich" is not something that makes you a high risk group.

[Caleonia]

Why should the private sector not be allowed to assist with distribution for a fee?

Because "being rich" is not something that makes you a high risk group.

Couldn’t have said it better myself.