Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #101

[Orgona]

It’s good you’re feeling better.
Have you been checking your O2 levels? Might be experiencing a low level when you exert yourself after being very sick.
It varies on recovery, some take a few weeks to get back to some normalcy, I know some that it took 2-3 months plus some rehab/therapy.

Thanks, this is helpful.

My saturation is back to normal range, but I still use oxygen (2,0l) approximately 2x a day for an hour when I feel a little weaker.
I will have a CT scan in 3 weeks from now to see the extent of the damage, until then I need to rest, but I’m getting frustrated because I was a fit person and can’t stand being weak. I know everything is going to be fine (it has to be)
, I just lost patience with myself yesterday evening. From now on I’m hoping to get back on my feet in a few weeks.

 

[Skigh]

China suffering its most widespread Covid-19 outbreak since Wuhan with 19 provinces seeing new cases | Daily Mail Online


China is suffering its most widespread Covid-19 outbreak since the virus first emerged at the beginning of the pandemic in Wuhan in 2019.

The country's new locally transmitted Covid cases have spiked to a near three-month high amid what the Chinese government called a 'serious' new outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

Now, more than 600 locally-transmitted cases have been found in 19 of the country's 31 provinces, reports Bloomberg.

The National Health Commission confirmed on Wednesday 93 new local symptomatic cases for Tuesday, up from 54 a day earlier and the highest daily count since August 9 at the peak of China's last major outbreak.

Most of the local cases were found in Heihe, a city in the northern province of Heilongjiang, where 35 infections were recorded on Tuesday. Three new provinces detected cases: central Chongqing, Jiangsu and Henan, reported Bloomberg.

The spread and rise in Covid infections comes despite the Chinese government enforcing tighter curbs to contain the cases.

 

[tarabull]

MSN.COM:
Locking Guests Inside Disneyland Shows China's Extreme Covid Tactics

 

[jjenny]

My friend has Covid right now, she texted me earlier saying “there’s a good reason we’ve been trying to avoid this for 18 months, it’s horrible and it hurts”. Double vaxxed with Pfizer and was about to get her booster.

It does feel like it’s wearing off, my friend got her initial jabs early via work, maybe Feb & April so it’s been about 6 months. This is a pattern I’m seeing, quite a few medical friends who got vaccinated early are becoming ill lately. Buckle up!

Yep, time to get boosted. I already got mine (Moderna).

 

[Lilibet]

Thanks, this is helpful.

My saturation is back to normal range, but I still use oxygen (2,0l) approximately 2x a day for an hour when I feel a little weaker.
I will have a CT scan in 3 weeks from now to see the extent of the damage, until then I need to rest, but I’m getting frustrated because I was a fit person and can’t stand being weak. I know everything is going to be fine (it has to be)
, I just lost patience with myself yesterday evening. From now on I’m hoping to get back on my feet in a few weeks.

I’m so sorry you’re struggling still Orgona. I don’t believe I saw how recently you had covid. I’m considerably older than you and not in shape, so take this FWIW. When I was released from my six day stay in our hospital covid wing early last February, my doctor told me it can take weeks or months to fully recover from pneumonia. I was able to go home without oxygen and I would say I was back to “what passes for normal” (as I like to call it ) in about a month or six weeks.

Your body has been through a LOT, and if you’re still using oxygen, your body is weak and is still recovering. I’m glad you will have a CT scan and realize you need to rest. Your body has its own timetable. My doctor told me not to get impatient and rush it or I would risk a relapse. So, regardless of how long it takes, respect your body’s wisdom, nurture it and treat it with the patience you’d have for a friend who has been ill and can’t join you in activities yet. Your body will thank you and reward you for the loving kindness you show it. Do keep us posted. Hugs!

 

[margarita25]

30 sub lineages of Delta. Watching AY 4.2 ...

Q&A with the brilliant Docs Mike & Maria
Excellent insight/discussion towards end about when pandemic becomes endemic:

 

[GRT]

MSN.COM:
Locking Guests Inside Disneyland Shows China's Extreme Covid Tactics

I doubt they'll have too much of an outbreak--they mandated vaccines from the get-go.

 

[CoverMeCagney]

UK becomes first country in world to approve Merck's at-home pill for Covid that HALVES risk of severe illness in vulnerable and elderly patients

Health secretary Sajid Javid said the treatment was a 'gamechanger' for the most frail and immunosuppressed, who are vulnerable to Covid even when vaccinated.

The pill is expected to be rolled out on the NHS within weeks, providing the country with an extra layer of defence heading into winter.

First pill to treat Covid-19 approved in the UK: Molnupiravir | Daily Mail Online

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

How Covid invades the brain: Dealing with long-term coronavirus (nbcnews.com)

New research, while considered preliminary, may shed light on why some people experience ongoing neurological symptoms, such as brain fog.

Early research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can enter the brain easily through a person's nose, infiltrating brain cells where it lurks unchecked, possibly leading to lasting neurological symptoms, such as trouble with thinking and memory.

Two new studies — from the California National Primate Research Center and the Rotman Research Institute in Toronto — suggest that the virus directly infects neurons in the brain, potentially offering clues as to why some people suffer from a range of symptoms long after their initial Covid infection...

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

White House sets early January deadline for private sector to comply with new vaccine rules (nbcnews.com)

Any employer failing to meet the requirements by Jan. 4 could face nearly $14,000 in fines for each employee who isn't in compliance.

WASHINGTON — Employers in the private sector will have two months to ensure their workers are fully vaccinated or tested weekly under a new federal regulation detailed Thursday that will affect more than two-thirds of the country’s workforce.

Any employer failing to meet the requirements by Jan. 4 could face nearly $14,000 in fines for each employee who isn't in compliance, a senior administration official said. Employees who are not fully vaccinated will be responsible for covering the cost of their own weekly testing.

Employers will be required to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated and recover from any side effects starting Dec. 5, the same day when unvaccinated employees will need to wear masks in the workplace...

 

[weepingangel]

And it looks like health care workers will not have the alternative option of testing.
White House sets early January deadline for employers to comply with new vaccine requirements

Officials also said that health care workers will be required to have their employees vaccinated by Jan. 4 if they want to receive payments from Medicare and Medicaid programs, as part of a separate executive order Biden signed in September. There will be no testing opt-out option for health care workers, and the rule will apply to more than 17 million people, including trainees, volunteers and contractors regardless of whether they interact with patients.

White House sets early January deadline for private sector to comply with new vaccine rules (nbcnews.com)

Any employer failing to meet the requirements by Jan. 4 could face nearly $14,000 in fines for each employee who isn't in compliance.

WASHINGTON — Employers in the private sector will have two months to ensure their workers are fully vaccinated or tested weekly under a new federal regulation detailed Thursday that will affect more than two-thirds of the country’s workforce.

Any employer failing to meet the requirements by Jan. 4 could face nearly $14,000 in fines for each employee who isn't in compliance, a senior administration official said. Employees who are not fully vaccinated will be responsible for covering the cost of their own weekly testing.

Employers will be required to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated and recover from any side effects starting Dec. 5, the same day when unvaccinated employees will need to wear masks in the workplace...

 

[MrX]

And it looks like health care workers will not have the alternative option of testing.
White House sets early January deadline for employers to comply with new vaccine requirements

Officials also said that health care workers will be required to have their employees vaccinated by Jan. 4 if they want to receive payments from Medicare and Medicaid programs, as part of a separate executive order Biden signed in September. There will be no testing opt-out option for health care workers, and the rule will apply to more than 17 million people, including trainees, volunteers and contractors regardless of whether they interact with patients.

I read the order and it's all very vague on proof. Will an attestation suffice? A picture of a card?

EDIT: It's explained here. Essentially the safety net consists of warning people of potential consequences, even though nothing will ever be checked or verified. And "acceptable proof" includes a signed attestation that the "dog ate my vax card."

 

[ilovewings]

The U.K. approves Merck's COVID-19 antiviral pill, calling it a world first

The dosing is 4 pills twice a day for 5 days for a total of 40 pills

U.K. authorizes Merck antiviral pill, 1st shown to treat COVID-19

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

When DH was in the checkout line at a store last week, the woman in front of him paid for her groceries using her Princess (Cruises) Visa card. DH was paying cash but took his Princess Visa out to show the woman. She asked if DH was going to be sailing anytime soon and agreed that the protocols prior to and while onboard were ridiculous. Besides proof of vaccination, passengers must also present proof of negative Covid test that is done within 48 hours of embarkation. Masks must be worn in most public areas, along with a litany of other rules while onboard. While we miss cruising and are eager to enjoy our favorite form of travel, there are just too many restrictions that would make a cruise vacation undesirable. If you check out the Frequently Asked Questions at the link, you'll see what I mean. I don't think we'll be saying "Bon Voyage" anytime soon.

CruiseHealth™ – Health Protocols for Your Cruise - Princess Cruises

 

[ilovewings]

When DH was in the checkout line at a store last week, the woman in front of him paid for her groceries using her Princess (Cruises) Visa card. DH was paying cash but took his Princess Visa out to show the woman. She asked if DH was going to be sailing anytime soon and agreed that the protocols prior to and while onboard were ridiculous. Besides proof of vaccination, passengers must also present proof of negative Covid test that is done within 48 hours of embarkation. Masks must be worn in most public areas, along with a litany of other rules while onboard. While we miss cruising and are eager to enjoy our favorite form of travel, there are just too many restrictions that would make a cruise vacation undesirable. If you check out the Frequently Asked Questions at the link, you'll see what I mean. I don't think we'll be saying "Bon Voyage" anytime soon

CruiseHealth™ – Health Protocols for Your Cruise - Princess Cruises

It seems to me, as long as there is a pandemic, a cruise would still be a rather high risk to contract the virus, which is why they have all those restrictions: Does not sound like a lot of fun. You have a lot to look forward to once we are no longer in the grip of this nasty virus: no masks, no tests, just enjoying your favorite form of travel!

 

[jjenny]

I doubt they'll have too much of an outbreak--they mandated vaccines from the get-go.

Yea, but some of those vaccines are not highly effective. Immunity from all vaccines, and from natural infection, presumably wanes with time.

 

[weepingangel]

Europe facing 500,000 more Covid deaths by February, WHO warns - CNN
more at link
Europe is facing a potentially devastating winter that could see half a million people die with Covid-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday, as it sounded the alarm over a surge in cases and bemoaned stuttering vaccination rollouts on parts of the continent.

Much of Europe is battling spikes in infections, with Germany on Thursday reporting its highest number of daily new cases since the pandemic began.
And in a dire new warning, WHO regional director Hans Kluge said the pace of transmission across the region was of "grave concern."

 

[margarita25]

UK becomes first country in world to approve Merck's at-home pill for Covid that HALVES risk of severe illness in vulnerable and elderly patients

Health secretary Sajid Javid said the treatment was a 'gamechanger' for the most frail and immunosuppressed, who are vulnerable to Covid even when vaccinated.

The pill is expected to be rolled out on the NHS within weeks, providing the country with an extra layer of defence heading into winter.

First pill to treat Covid-19 approved in the UK: Molnupiravir | Daily Mail Online

The U.K. approves Merck's COVID-19 antiviral pill, calling it a world first

The dosing is 4 pills twice a day for 5 days for a total of 40 pills

U.K. authorizes Merck antiviral pill, 1st shown to treat COVID-19

This is such fantastic news. Similar drugs from other companies could possibly follow, iirc from one of the links below (links are pre-Merck approval).

Dr. Jha said in his latest podcast that the pills should not be considered an alternative to vaccination, and explained why: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podca...th-dr-ashish-jha/id1537623373?i=1000535333535

Dr. Mike also expressed his optimism about the nasal sprays in the above Q&A link I posted a few posts up. It is hard to paraphrase a man so brilliant, so going back for his exact quote on the “nasal tract”and why this is especially significant.

Eta2: Reposting Q&A for reference. I swear Dr. Mike is one of the most brilliant people on this planet:

Eta3: Doc Mike talks about these antiviral pills at 40:00

Eta4: 33:00ish, Doc Maria on sequences and Delta evolving, tracking more than 30 sublineages, explains why we shouldn’t call it “Delta +”. It is “delta plus additional mutations”. Also mentions AY 4.2, the one to watch on GISAID, etc. imo.

 

[MimosaMornings]

When DH was in the checkout line at a store last week, the woman in front of him paid for her groceries using her Princess (Cruises) Visa card. DH was paying cash but took his Princess Visa out to show the woman. She asked if DH was going to be sailing anytime soon and agreed that the protocols prior to and while onboard were ridiculous. Besides proof of vaccination, passengers must also present proof of negative Covid test that is done within 48 hours of embarkation. Masks must be worn in most public areas, along with a litany of other rules while onboard. While we miss cruising and are eager to enjoy our favorite form of travel, there are just too many restrictions that would make a cruise vacation undesirable. If you check out the Frequently Asked Questions at the link, you'll see what I mean. I don't think we'll be saying "Bon Voyage" anytime soon.

CruiseHealth™ – Health Protocols for Your Cruise - Princess Cruises

I didn’t see a lot of restrictions on board other than wearing a mask in certain crowded indoor places such as elevators, in crowded lines for meals (can take if off once seated) and in the retail shops. No mask if you are actively eating or drinking in the casino
(A tropical cocktail sounds wonderfully delicious right now)
No mask required for outside/outdoors which is where most people want to be?
And no more self serve at the buffets, staff will serve you.

I think proof of vaccination and a quick rapid test prior to boarding is going to be standard protocol on cruises for quite a while.

I’m wearing more sunscreen on my forehead area since I’m outside a lot, noticed a bit of mask tan!

 

[mickey2942]

Las Vegas COVID-19 Resources and Research | LVCVA

So, this is interesting. My friend works in Vegas, at the largest shows. Right now, everyone has to show proof of vaccine to enter a venue, or have a rapid test done, on the spot and wait for negative results prior to being admitted.

Gwen Stephani's show is Saturday night, 8,000 people. All have to have vaccine cards checked or negative test done.

I see chaos happening. And BTW, one of the biggest problems, is as we know these days, information changes in a heartbeat. People buy tickets, not realizing the requirements, and workers, like my friend, get the blowback.

 

[MimosaMornings]

Las Vegas COVID-19 Resources and Research | LVCVA

So, this is interesting. My friend works in Vegas, at the largest shows. Right now, everyone has to show proof of vaccine to enter a venue, or have a rapid test done, on the spot and wait for negative results prior to being admitted.

Gwen Stephani's show is Saturday night, 8,000 people. All have to have vaccine cards checked or negative test done.

I see chaos happening. And BTW, one of the biggest problems, is as we know these days, information changes in a heartbeat. People buy tickets, not realizing the requirements, and workers, like my friend, get the blowback.

I was just looking at tickets on Vivid and Ticketmaster for her show, there’s a red symbol with HealthCheck showing and states a health check is required for the venue. People will ignore it, think it doesn’t apply to them, get pissed that it suppresses their freedom and cause a ruckus at the gate.
I feel for your friend working the show.