Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #46

[Snoods]

I do not think the US should bail out the cruise ships. They greatly contributed to this mess, IMO.

I also do not want the government to provide my masks. I can do that for myself. IMO, the more you depend on government to provide for you, the less independence and autonomy an individual has.

And it’s too important to fail. Better not see cruise lines get help and our dear old postal service not.

The US is not bailing out any cruise ship lines, they will not receive one red cent of the stimulus package. They do not meet the criteria.

But unlike those industries, major cruise operators don’t locate their headquarters in the United States, so they will not have access to $500 billion in aid for large employers in the massive stimulus bill, the industry’s trade group said Thursday.

Major cruise companies have located their primary headquarters overseas, which for years has allowed them to pay almost no federal taxes and avoid some U.S. regulations. To staff their ships, the companies rely heavily on foreign workers from the Philippines, Indonesia and India.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/03/26/cruise-line-bailout/

 

[TristanP]

Do any of you remember the date when you personally became aware of this virus, at first vaguely in the news, and not yet in your area?

In So. California, I know I was already aware of the virus but as only a distant threat.

On Jan. 23--I saw a disgusting video of a woman eating Bat Soup and mentioned it in an email.

On Feb. 9-- around the Chinese New Year celebration here, I got on an elevator after a bunch of Chinese people got off on their way to the celebration, and it crossed my mind. I was hearing things and beginning to worry.

By Feb. 14th-- I was starting to feel cautious. I went to a gathering and it crossed my mind again.

By Feb 22nd-- I wondered if it was safe to babysit my granddaughter.

By March 3rd-- I finally was convinced I should be careful, but I never imagined this full-blown Pandemic. Still seems unreal.

When did you become aware of something happening elsewhere and then in your backyard?

I had surgery on 1/28/2020 and had to stay overnight in the hospital. The next morning the local newspaper (that I received with my breakfast tray) had a headline saying that a possible Coronavirus case was at that hospital. I can’t remember the exact wording of the headline, but the gist of the story is that a person had come back from China and had some respiratory illness so they were being evaluated. It fortunately turned out to be nothing. My surgeon and I both commented on how we wanted people to take the risk of influenza more seriously and worry less about the Coronavirus because the flu was a bigger threat in the US at that time.

My kids’ Spring Break was March 9-13 and we got a call on the 12th informing us classes would be resuming as usual on Monday the 16th. The next day on the 13th we received a call that they had decided to close schools for 2 weeks, so there would be no classes through 3/29. The following Tuesday 3/17, the Governor announced schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year in our state. I was *shocked*! I have major problems getting my daughter up and out the door on time and some days can’t get her to school at all...so in a certain way I was relieved, but I was also scared because I knew this was big.

My sister-in-law was able to give us 3 N-95 masks a couple days ago. Her husband works in an industry where they use them so they had a few. I am a cancer patient so I am so grateful to have that now, as I am due to start radiation daily in about a week. I certainly wouldn’t have thought this would be happening back on 1/28.

 

[katydid23]

I had surgery on 1/28/2020 and had to stay overnight in the hospital. The next morning the local newspaper (that I received with my breakfast tray) had a headline saying that a possible Coronavirus case was at that hospital. I can’t remember the exact wording of the headline, but the gist of the story is that a person had come back from China and had some respiratory illness so they were being evaluated. It fortunately turned out to be nothing. My surgeon and I both commented on how we wanted people to take the risk of influenza more seriously and worry less about the Coronavirus because the flu was a bigger threat in the US at that time.

My kids’ Spring Break was March 9-13 and we got a call on the 12th informing us classes would be resuming as usual on Monday the 16th. The next day on the 13th we received a call that they had decided to close schools for 2 weeks, so there would be no classes through 3/29. The following Tuesday 3/17, the Governor announced schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year in our state. I was *shocked*! I have major problems getting my daughter up and out the door on time and some days can’t get her to school at all...so in a certain way I was relieved, but I was also scared because I knew this was big.

My sister-in-law was able to give us 3 N-95 masks a couple days ago. Her husband works in an industry where they use them so they had a few. I am a cancer patient so I am so grateful to have that now, as I am due to start radiation daily in about a week. I certainly wouldn’t have thought this would be happening back on 1/28.

I hope things go well for you and your upcoming treatments. Are you going to receive them from home or in the hospital?

My very good friend, who also my son's mother-in-law, is receiving radiation treatments now. Her first one was in a hospital in Los Angeles, in early March, but after just one day, they decided to postpone briefly and send her back home.

Since then they have her receiving them at home, 3x a week, with a nurse who comes for the afternoon.

My friend says she is relieved to be home instead of in the hospital during the treatments. She feels like she can relax more and has more control over her immediate environment.

This darn virus makes everything so darn complicated....

 

[tresir2012]

"Coronavirus: England's oddest events hit by the lockdown - BBC News" The eccentric events cancelled by coronavirus

Just had to post this link to show you what mad stuff we usually get up to at Easter. You have probably all heard of welly throwing but some of these are way above that tame occupation.

Image captionNudeFest2020 hopes to return in September with naked dodgems
"The Easter and Spring Bank Holidays mark some of the oldest - and oddest - traditions in England's eclectic calendar. As the lockdown continues, here's a look at some of the more unusual events cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus.

Bottle-kicking contest

Media captionThe Hallaton Bottle Kicking contest is akin to a rugby scrum
The Hallaton Bottle Kicking contest - a ferocious thousands-strong rugby scrum in Leicestershire - has been cancelled on Easter Monday.

The tradition pits teams from Hallaton against neighbouring Medbourne to wrestle kegs of beer over the hills back to their respective village.

"The rules are very simple - there aren't any rules," chairman Phil Allan told the BBC.

"We do add… that there is no murder, no gouging or no riding on horseback with the bottle allowed… it is actually like a very ferocious rugby scrum."

The event also involves the parading of a hare pie which is later "scrambled" or thrown into the crowd.

Mr Allan urged loyal supporters and fans to stay safe and look forward to next year's event.

Worm charming championships

Image copyrightTORI COX
Image captionWorm charmers must prove their liquid concoctions are safe by drinking them first
Blackawton International Festival of Worm Charming has been cancelled in South Devon on 1 May.

"All worms are diligently practising social distancing. Therefore they have requested that they do not charm this year," the event's Facebook page said.

Normally, about 100 teams of three compete to charm the greatest number of worms from their 1m (3ft) square patch of grass. But digging is banned.

They are allowed to use their own liquid concoctions to tempt the mini beasts and favourites include water, beer, gravy and sugar.

"People try to simulate the sound of rain to coax the worms out," said chairman Steve Thomas. "We've had everything from tapping on the ground to musical instruments and a team with a mobile phone in each corner of their patch blaring out noises."

As part of the day Old Father Worm imparts his knowledge in the form of "cheats" and school children sing "cheers to the worm". "

More craziness at link.

 

[margarita25]

My DD’s big barn wedding is supposed to be the end of May in Pennsylvania. I don’t really expect it to be able to go as planned. Does anyone think there is even a chance?

No, not imo.

 

[they'll get you]

Sweden's Relaxed Approach could Already Be Backfiring.

Sweden is isolating the old and the vulnerable and allowing all others to continue living as normal.
9,141 confirmed cases and 793 people have died, experts worry weaker measures may be leading to a more severe outbreak in the country of just 10 million citizens.

Sweden's Relaxed Approach to the Coronavirus Could Be Backfiring

 

[margarita25]

More grocery workers :

Michigan:
Kroger reports first 4 COVID-19 deaths of grocery store workers in Michigan

“The nationwide grocery store chain Saturday said four Kroger employees who worked at stores on the east side of Michigan have died. "We are mourning along with their families during this extraordinarily difficult time," said a statement from Ken DeLuca, the president of Kroger of Michigan.”

[...]

“Saturday, Meijer also announced its first employees to die from COVID-19. The Midwest grocery store chain did not indicate which stories the employees worked at or how many employees have died.”
—-

New Hampshire:
Grocery Worker Who Died Of COVID-19 Lacked Protective Gear She Needed, Husband Says

—

Maryland:
Grocery store worker insisted on helping seniors, disabled before coronavirus death

—-

Mar 30
Coronavirus: Employees at Amazon, Costco and 3 different SoCal grocery stores test positive for COVID-19

—-

NY, Maryland, Chicago / Trader Joe’s, Walmart
Grocery workers are beginning to die of coronavirus
5 days ago

—-

Grocery store and supermarket workers now eligible for free, priority COVID-19 testing

 

[they'll get you]

Why do I not believe China’s numbers?

 

[Trino]

Texas Greg Abbott said he plans to allow businesses to reopen with an executive order that would lift the coronavirus lockdown in a "safe" way.

And, how's that, Governor?

Austin, Houston, Dallas are overwhelmed. The Texas count is (04/11) 12,561 cases and 254 deaths AND rising. And, this governor wants to re-open. Just don't think this is going to work.

 

[Lilibet]

Texas Greg Abbott said he plans to allow businesses to reopen with an executive order that would lift the coronavirus lockdown in a "safe" way.

And, how's that, Governor?

Austin, Houston, Dallas are overwhelmed. The Texas count is (04/11) 12,561 cases and 254 deaths AND rising. And, this governor wants to re-open. Just don't think this is going to work.

How do you get your haircut safely? As long as social distancing is in place some businesses won’t be able to open. What is it you don’t understand Mr Governor?

 

[CeeCeeCat]

Do any of you remember the date when you personally became aware of this virus, at first vaguely in the news, and not yet in your area?

In So. California, I know I was already aware of the virus but as only a distant threat.

On Jan. 23--I saw a disgusting video of a woman eating Bat Soup and mentioned it in an email.

On Feb. 9-- around the Chinese New Year celebration here, I got on an elevator after a bunch of Chinese people got off on their way to the celebration, and it crossed my mind. I was hearing things and beginning to worry.

By Feb. 14th-- I was starting to feel cautious. I went to a gathering and it crossed my mind again.

By Feb 22nd-- I wondered if it was safe to babysit my granddaughter.

By March 3rd-- I finally was convinced I should be careful, but I never imagined this full-blown Pandemic. Still seems unreal.

When did you become aware of something happening elsewhere and then in your backyard?

I became aware of it early in January, mainly through the whistleblower Doctors in China. I felt badly for everyone affected but it was, as you say, a distant threat.
Early February, Chinatown in London was unusually quiet. I remember discussing the virus with our vet and with a couple of other friends, again it seemed a world away from us.
By late February, I was getting concerned enough to start - not stockpiling - but adding extra cat litter, kibble and cat food to each delivery.
Early in March, my Dad and I started talking about postponing his upcoming visits to me - I had a whole plan in place to ensure we would be exposed to the wider world as little as possible should the visits go ahead (they didn’t).
On March 10th and 11th, I was in Scotland for meetings. As soon as I arrived at London City Airport, I knew the virus was having an impact. Non-existent queues to go through security, empty flight - I sat at the departures gate alone, with my Pret coffee and frequent hand sanitising.
As I waited for my flight home the next day, it was announced the virus was now a pandemic. The world hasn’t been the same since.

It’s made me incredibly grateful for the smallest of things and I think the majority of people have shown their true colours through the way they’ve behaved. Happily, I still think most of those ‘true colours’ are kind, generous, thoughtful and caring.

 

[CeeCeeCat]

Powerful, and true.

 

[Betty P]

U.S. government gave $3.7million grant to Wuhan lab that experimented on coronavirus source bats | Daily Mail Online

Interesting article. Some is information previously revealed by whistle blowers when the outbreak was first happening in China.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Christoph Sigrist read out a blessing from the city’s 800-year-old church, known as one of the birthplaces of the Protestant Reformation.

Sigrist asked God to protect people of all religions in his blessing which he read from the top of the 60-meter high tower, using only a traditional wooden cone as a loudhailer, rather than an electric microphone.

“In times of crisis long ago, priests in Switzerland used to go out into mountains and sing out God’s blessings to the people,” Sigrist told Reuters.
Pastor calls for bravery against coronavirus from atop Swiss cathedral tower

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Happy Easter my friends.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

If you like history and also reading about viruses, epidemics, etc...our local newspaper put out a fascinating series in 14 chapters about the yellow fever epidemic...entitled The Fever, you can read it for free here. I felt it was one of the most interesting and well done series I've ever read...The Fever | Portsmouth, VA

Started reading..it is very well done. In the midst of all of our turmoil, isn't it a great feeling to feel a little bit "smarter". It's like we are all going to school again..

 

[BUF]

China clamping down on coronavirus research, deleted pages suggest

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I totally agree. I wasted a lot of time, effort and money, with my 3 instacart deliveries. I paid much higher grocery prices and was not successful with the most needed items, like TP and fresh produce and eggs.

So I paid very high prices for macaroni, cookies and more canned goods, but missed out on the most important items.

Eventually I did what you described. I put on my protective gear and went to 'senior' hour at my local Albertsons, and was able to get lettuce, spinach, avocados, baby potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, TOILET PAPER, paper towels, free range eggs, flour, tortillas, wine and bottled water and ice cream. And many items were ON SALE.

Yeah... my trip "made my day!" and it was so nice "seeing " my regular grocery people and thanking them for all they do. (And that 30-roll toilet paper was icing on the cake...and plan to offer it out to our little church congregation on Zoom later this am!

 

[tresir2012]

Texas Greg Abbott said he plans to allow businesses to reopen with an executive order that would lift the coronavirus lockdown in a "safe" way.

And, how's that, Governor?

Austin, Houston, Dallas are overwhelmed. The Texas count is (04/11) 12,561 cases and 254 deaths AND rising. And, this governor wants to re-open. Just don't think this is going to work.

You all wear spacesuits ?

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Mike’s breathing declined, and doctors put him on supplemental oxygen. He began to grow confused, and his sunny outlook darkened. Unable to speak, he took to scrawling notes to Beth. He asked his daughter where he was. How his wife was doing. And then he wrote, “How much longer am I going to be sick?”

It was the last message he’d ever share with her.

The next day, Mike’s doctors put him on a ventilator. No longer conscious, his blood pressure plummeted, and he went into cardiac arrest. As Beth watched, doctors and nurses performed CPR. Then they hooked him to a heart and lung machine to keep him alive.

Mike never regained consciousness. He eventually tested positive for the coronavirus and was moved to a special COVID-19 unit. After a week, the family made the decision to take him off of life support.

The hospital made a special exception and let Beth and her mother come into the COVID-19 unit. The pair put on full protective gear: gown, mask, shoe coverings, gloves. The room Mike was in was sealed off, and there was not even a chair for a visitor. So, Marilea and Beth stood by as a nurse switched off the life support machines. Mike died minutes later.

With the glimmers of hope we’re seeing, the temptation grows stronger each day to let down our guard. To reopen churches and businesses. To start visiting friends and family. To relax social distancing.

But we must remain patient. Because the virus is patient, too. If we don’t wait it out, it will roar back. And that will mean many, many more stories like Mike’s.
The life behind a coronavirus statistic