Coronavirus Thread V: A Shot in the Arm (READ OP)

[Fartsniffage]

[The New California Republic]

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Spoilsports.

[The Huskar Social Union]

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*come out ye black and tans stops*

[Stellar Colonies]

The number of known active cases in my county has apparently gone below 1,000 again, which is nice. Although the graph I am looking at is showing a tendency of it going up, then dropping down to a point higher than the previous spike, then going up again, etc. etc. since late May, so the number of positive tests showing new cases may have a large spike again soon if that pattern continues.

[The Rich Port]

How utterly obnoxious. If I was American, I would be absolutely incensed.

Pro-Mask Americans are plenty incensed for everybody, don't you fucking worry.

Ya know, I partly get it. I forgot my mask a couple times. But unlike most people I guess, I evolved a self-preservation instinct and a desire to avoid being a hypocrite.

[Ifreann]

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*come out ye black and tans stops*

[Gerry disliked that]

[The Black Forrest]

How utterly obnoxious. If I was American, I would be absolutely incensed.

Pro-Mask Americans are plenty incensed for everybody, don't you fucking worry.

Ya know, I partly get it. I forgot my mask a couple times. But unlike most people I guess, I evolved a self-preservation instinct and a desire to avoid being a hypocrite.

Forgetting a mask is ok. Especially if you make an effort to social distance. People get that.

The moron’s blathering on about MUH LIBERTIES!, advancing on people, coughing on people, etc., etc. are as H put it deplorable.

[The Black Forrest]

The number of known active cases in my county has apparently gone below 1,000 again, which is nice. Although the graph I am looking at is showing a tendency of it going up, then dropping down to a point higher than the previous spike, then going up again, etc. etc. since late May, so the number of positive tests showing new cases may have a large spike again soon if that pattern continues.

Don’t get too excited. I have been watching Critical numbers and they climb and fall and usually are in the neighborhood of 16800.

When they drop a couple hundred, it’s time to think it’s getting better.

[Shanghai industrial complex]

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[Knask]

25 scientists: Sweden hoped herd immunity would curb COVID-19. Don't do what we did. It's not working.

Sweden has often been considered a leader when it comes to global humanitarian issues, regarded as a beacon of light in areas such as accepting refugees and working against global warming. In the COVID-19 pandemic, Sweden has also created interest around the world by following its own path of using a “soft” approach — not locking down, introducing mostly voluntary restrictions and spurning the use of masks.

This approach has been perceived as more liberal and has shown up in “Be Like Sweden” signs and chants at U.S. protests. Wherever measures have been lenient, though, death rates have peaked. In the United States, areas that are coming out of lockdown early are suffering, and we are seeing the same in other countries as well.

The motives for the Swedish Public Health Agency's light-touch approach are somewhat of a mystery. Some other countries that initially used this strategy swiftly abandoned it as the death toll began to increase, opting instead for delayed lockdowns. But Sweden has been faithful to its approach.

Why? Gaining herd immunity, where large numbers of the population (preferably younger) are infected and thereby develop immunity, has not been an official goal of the Swedish Public Health Agency. But it has said immunity in the population could help suppress the spread of the disease, and some agency statements suggest it is the secret goal.

An unnerving death rate

Further evidence of this is that the agency insists on mandatory schooling for young children, the importance of testing has been played down for a long time, the agency refused to acknowledge the importance of asymptomatic spread of the virus (concerningly, it has encouraged those in households with COVID-19 infected individuals to go to work and school) and still refuses to recommend masks in public, despite the overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness. In addition, the stated goal of the Swedish authorities was always not to minimize the epidemic, but rather slow it down, so that the health care system wouldn’t be overwhelmed.

Several authorities, including the World Health Organization, have condemned herd immunity as a strategy. "It can lead to a very brutal arithmetic that does not put people and life and suffering at the center of that equation,” Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO's Health Emergencies Program, said at a press conference in May.

With COVID-19, don’t only focus on death: Too many Americans are alive and in misery.

Regardless of whether herd immunity is a goal or a side effect of the Swedish strategy, how has it worked out? Not so well, according to the agency’s own test results. The proportion of Swedes carrying antibodies is estimated to be under 10%, thus nowhere near herd immunity. And yet, the Swedish death rate is unnerving. Sweden has a death toll greater than the United States: 556 deaths per million inhabitants, compared with 425, as of July 20.

Sweden also has a death toll more than four and a half times greater than that of the other four Nordic countries combined — more than seven times greater per million inhabitants. For a number of weeks, Sweden has been among the top in the world when it comes to current reported deaths per capita. And despite this, the strategy in essence remains the same.

Learn from Sweden's mistakes

It is possible that the Public Health Authority actually believed that the Swedish approach was the most appropriate and sustainable one, and that the other countries, many of which went into lockdown, would do worse. Perhaps this, and not herd immunity, is the main reason the authorities are desperately clinging to their strategy. Or perhaps an unwillingness to admit early mistakes and take responsibility for thousands of unnecessary deaths plays into this resistance to change. Nevertheless, the result at this stage is unequivocal.

Adopting the Swedish model: Coronavirus doesn't care about public opinion and it still kills

We do believe Sweden can be used as a model, but not in the way it was thought of initially. It can instead serve as a control group and answer the question of how efficient the voluntary distancing and loose measures in Sweden are compared to lockdowns, aggressive testing, tracing and the use of masks.

In Sweden, the strategy has led to death, grief and suffering and on top of that there are no indications that the Swedish economy has fared better than in many other countries. At the moment, we have set an example for the rest of the world on how not to deal with a deadly infectious disease.

In the end, this too shall pass and life will eventually return to normal. New medical treatments will come and improve the prognosis. Hopefully there will be a vaccine. Stick it out until then. And don’t do it the Swedish way.

[Shanghai industrial complex]

From the beginning, all scientists have said that group immunity won't work to oppose the scientist in England.But Sweden actually tested the idea.I don't know how to evaluate their behavior.Just hope most people are OK

[Albrenia]

From the beginning, all scientists have said that group immunity won't work to oppose the scientist in England.But Sweden actually tested the idea.I don't know how to evaluate their behavior.Just hope most people are OK

I'm a little concerned they thought it was a workable plan to just let it spread unchecked until almost every is immune or dead.

[Glorious Hong Kong]

Bolivia's gone bonkers.

Bolivians try chlorine dioxide for Covid-19, despite Health Ministry warnings

CORONAVIRUS | Bolivians desperate to avoid or cure Covid-19 are ingesting chlorine dioxide, which the senate has approved as a treatment even as the country’s health ministry says people should stay away from it.

Chlorine dioxide is a bleach-like substance that the US Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers can jeopardise health and should not be purchased or drunk as a medical treatment.

But in the Bolivian city of Cochabamba - where the provincial government has approved its use - some shoppers said they believed the substance could help.

“I heard on the news that they were selling chlorine dioxide at the pharmacy. Acquaintances of mine took it, one for prevention and one for healing. It is doing them good,” said Eric Ocanha, outside of a pharmacy.

Others said they were confused about the advice they had been given.

“As always, the authorities say: 'Consult your doctor.' Which doctor? The poor do not have a doctor,” said Dionisio Flores.

Bolivia has confirmed 60,991 cases of the coronavirus nationwide, 2,218 of which have been fatal.

Dr Rene Sahonero, an adviser to the Health Ministry, said the ministry strongly warned against the use of chlorine dioxide for Covid-19.

“We have already drawn up a resolution that says this substance is not approved, that it is not suitable for human consumption and that it can have serious consequences,” Sahonero said, adding that cases of chlorine dioxide poisoning had been reported.

Despite the ministry warning, the country’s senate passed a bill last week approving the use of chlorine dioxide to prevent and treat the coronavirus. That must pass the lower chamber and survive a veto challenge before it becomes law.

- Reuters

Also, the difference between Canada and the United States:



Source: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/535501

Covid-19: A tale of two countries at Niagara Falls

Reuters
Published 9:05 am
Modified 9:06 am

The tourist hotspot of Niagara Falls has gained a new photo-op for social distancing Canadian visitors on board ferries taking them into the mist of the falls: crowds of Americans.

Although cases of Covid-19 continue to rise across the United States, neighbouring Canada has largely managed to contain the spread of the virus, helped by strict social distancing measures and mandatory masks in several jurisdictions.

At the famous waterfalls on the US-Canadian border, Canadian ferries are limited to just six passengers per boat, out of a 700-person capacity. But on the US side, the ferries are operating at 50% capacity, according to Maid of the Mist boat tours.

“We actually took a picture of the (American) boat,” said Julie Pronovost, visiting from Quebec with her family on Tuesday. “I don’t find that it’s very safe to be on a boat like that. It’s much better here.”

Maid of the Mist could not immediately be reached for comment but its website said it was following the guidance of New York State public health officials. The boats contain markers to keep visitors spaced out, and face coverings are compulsory, among other safety changes, it said.

Mory DiMaurizio, general manager and vice president of Canada’s Hornblower Niagara Cruises, said the limits placed on its business by the Ontario provincial government were “disappointing” and that it was “frustrating” to see the American boats relatively full.

“However we’ve made lemonade out of lemons,” DiMaurizio said, referring to a new VIP cruise the company has created - a near-empty boat, plus a meal and funicular ride included with the ticket. Health precautions include temperature checks and mandatory masks.

The popularity of the C$69.95 (US$52.00) per person cruise has “actually surprised us,” DiMaurizio said.

The United States reported 57,777 new Covid-19 cases as of Tuesday, compared with Canada’s 786. Since the outbreak began, the United States has reported around 118 coronavirus cases per 10,000 residents, while Canada has around 30.

Canadian authorities are dealing with both unwanted tourists slipping though the border and permitted travellers - including essential workers, those en route to Alaska, and families reuniting - who break the strict quarantine laws, causing concerns about possible outbreaks in several provinces.

Tourists at the falls on Tuesday said they felt much safer with the six person per boat limit.

“I’m glad I’m in Canada,” said Amanda Barnes of Brampton, Ontario. “You can see why the pandemic is raging in the United States and not in Canada when you look at the difference between the boats.”

- Reuters

[The Black Forrest]

It seems the house GOP is upset with Liz Cheney over support of Fauci and breaking with the trump propaganda.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/21/politics ... index.html

I listened to some meat sack representative from Texas named Chip Roy when questioned of why he has issues with Fauci. Not in any particular order

1) the boarders being open are a reason for the pandemic.
- It has been shown the infection rates are noticeable at the border. However, I have not seen anything where the infection occurred. It could well be the migrant workers caught it from our side.
2) Kept bringing up he Lymphoma and got four opinions on treatment.
- Basically, you can trust Fauci as he is one guy. Never mind cancer and a pandemic are well two different problems.
3) We need to be talking to some guys in Oxford and a smart guy in Stanford as they paint a different picture.
4) Fauci’s previous statements about masks show he really doesn’t know what he is talking about.
5) A comment about hispanics getting infected because people are going to starbucks, specialized grocery stores(i forgot the name) before they ride their peletons. I guess that was a dig at the democrats.
6) The usual comments about destroying the economy.
7) He actually said the infection rates and death are not as bad as being said.
- The interview looked like “oh my god” and asked have you seen the curve for your state?
8 ) Trump is handling things. We test more then anybody blah blah blah.

What is disturbing is the fact this BS is not ment for everybody. Does the conservative base even question or study what has been said?

The demos can’t be lazy on this and have to challenge the absurd statements of Trumpests like this Chip guy.

[Adamede]

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What if I have one lacking a mouth opening?

[Page]

4) Fauci’s previous statements about masks show he really doesn’t know what he is talking about.

To be fair, Fauci did fuck up by saying that masks didn't work and it was not cool at all to hear him later say basically, we knew masks worked but we were afraid of running out of them so we lied about it.

The MAGA corona denialist crowd is mostly full of shit when it comes to their vendetta against Fauci and unlike Trump, Fauci does actually give a shit and isn't a moron. But still, Fauci made a grave mistake that cost lives and he shouldn't be sainted.

[Dominioan]

Most of the places where I am are now just mandating masks. I forgot mine when I went to a store, but they had a few that had not been used in storage, so I could use that.

[The Black Forrest]

4) Fauci’s previous statements about masks show he really doesn’t know what he is talking about.

To be fair, Fauci did fuck up by saying that masks didn't work and it was not cool at all to hear him later say basically, we knew masks worked but we were afraid of running out of them so we lied about it.

The MAGA corona denialist crowd is mostly full of shit when it comes to their vendetta against Fauci and unlike Trump, Fauci does actually give a shit and isn't a moron. But still, Fauci made a grave mistake that cost lives and he shouldn't be sainted.

Clarification. Are you refering to when he was saying the n95 should be left to the medical people?

[Fartsniffage]

Anyone who complains about wearing a mask due to health problems should probably be linked to this video.

https://imgur.com/gallery/KsTzHd4

[The Black Forrest]

Anyone who complains about wearing a mask due to health problems should probably be linked to this video.

https://imgur.com/gallery/KsTzHd4

Indeed!

[The Black Forrest]

Most of the places where I am are now just mandating masks. I forgot mine when I went to a store, but they had a few that had not been used in storage, so I could use that.

Many stores my way provide a mask if you don’t have one.

[San Lumen]

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronaviru ... mpaign=npr

One third of all museums in the United States might close due to shutdowns

[Fartsniffage]

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/07/22/894049653/one-third-of-u-s-museums-may-not-survive-the-year-survey-finds?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=nprnews&utm_campaign=npr

One third of all museums in the United States might close due to shutdowns

That sucks. Maybe the federal government should have given them some cash....

[Adamede]

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/07/22/894049653/one-third-of-u-s-museums-may-not-survive-the-year-survey-finds?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=nprnews&utm_campaign=npr

One third of all museums in the United States might close due to shutdowns

Shame. I have a lot of fond childhood memories from a variety of musuems.

[San Lumen]

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/07/22/894049653/one-third-of-u-s-museums-may-not-survive-the-year-survey-finds?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=nprnews&utm_campaign=npr

One third of all museums in the United States might close due to shutdowns

That sucks. Maybe the federal government should have given them some cash....

Republicans don’t care plus it all went to big corporations that didn’t need a penny