Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #68

[casesensitive]

This is such an important thread for keeping up to date with the shared information on this pandemic.

I would like to give a shout out to Amonet who recognized the importance of starting this thread way back on Jan. 17.

And another shout out to our Forum Coordinator JerseyGirl, who has not only closed and opened 67 threads, but has also been an active participant in sharing information. I can't even imagine how much time she had dedicated to this thread. Thank you JG, and all WS members who contribute.

 

[LeeAnnB]

Respectfully, Kali, I notice that Birx is now representing the US govt as the medical officer of choice. Instead of them having the MOST respected expert, Dr Fauci, representing them.
This is making the rest of the world (at least here in Oz) wonder why would that be? We are all having our very top guns speaking with us, on behalf of our govt.

Also the FOX NEWS article that was posted is from April...

 

[Bravo]

This is such an important thread for keeping up to date with the shared information on this pandemic.

I would like to give a shout out to Amonet who recognized the importance of starting this thread way back on Jan. 17.

And another shout out to our Forum Coordinator JerseyGirl, who has not only closed and opened 67 threads, but has also been an active participant in sharing information. I can't even imagine how much time she had dedicated to this thread. Thank you JG, and all WS who contribute.

Absolutely agree times a billion

 

[zecats]

I noticed billboards in my state:

The electronic overhead signs on the Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike say: “Masks Required at Service Centers”

Electronic signs around Newark Airport say: “Out Of State? Dial 511 for Quarantine Status”

Those are in the way to the Shore as well. Many visitors heading that way.

 

[Sulamith]

Not at all. If you diced yourself up with a chainsaw. Were hospitalized, tested positive for COVID-19, then died of your chainsaw injuries, you are still classified as a COVID-19 death. California and other states as well.

I used to be an AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist and I worked at California hospitals and also coded for some Texas hospitals. Same rules applied in both states. The chainsaw accident that led to the patient's death would mostly likely be the primary diagnosis and Covid probably the secondary DX. Anyway, that is the simplistic version. The hospital will capture all the PT's comorbid conditions (if any). Coding Covid does not alarm me at all. MOO

 

[tmar]

Trump aides seek to discredit Fauci over coronavirus crisis as cases surge

Trump aides seek to discredit Fauci over coronavirus crisis as cases surge

Adam Gabbatt in New York

5 hrs ago
...
The Trump administration is increasingly at war with Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s top public health expert, over the handling of the coronavirus crisis, as the US continues to report around 60,000 new cases a day.

Related: 'This is a war': the coronavirus disaster in California's hardest-hit – and poorest – county

In what appeared to be a concerted effort to discredit the infectious diseases expert, Trump aides told news outlets over the weekend Fauci, who has become the public face of the government’s response, had made a series of “mistakes” in his predictions.

Fauci’s unvarnished manner and willingness to be blunt in a way that may question or contradict statements by the president have fed reports he has been barred from major media appearances, though he has testified in Congress and continued to speak to the press. Fauci said last week he had not briefed Trump in months.
The US contributed heavily to 230,000 new cases of Covid-19 being reported to the World Health Organization on Sunday. Trump has formally started the process of withdrawing the US from the WHO. Joe Biden, Trump’s opponent for the presidency in November, has said he will reverse that decision, which will take effect in July 2021.

States in the American south in particular appear to be suffering from lifting lockdowns too early. The WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned on Monday that those witnessing resurgences of the virus were not following proven methods to reduce risk.

“Let me blunt,” he said. “Too many countries are headed in the wrong direction. The virus remains public enemy number one, but the actions of many governments and people do not reflect this.”
...
Adam Schiff, an influential Democratic congressman, described the president’s behaviour as “atrocious”, telling CNN it was “so characteristic of Donald Trump. He can’t stand the fact that the American people trust Dr Fauci and they don’t trust Donald Trump – and so he has to tear him down.”

 

[tmar]

Human trials begin on coronavirus vaccine at the University of Queensland

Human trials begin on coronavirus vaccine at the University of Queensland

By Talissa Siganto

1 day ago
...
Human trials have begun for another potential COVID-19 vaccine in Queensland.

One hundred and twenty volunteers in Brisbane will receive their first dose of the potential immunisation which has been developed by the University of Queensland (UQ).

It is one of several clinical trials being conducted around the country, including one other involving Queensland researchers and volunteers.

The trial, which will see people injected with two doses every four weeks, will look at the safety and immune response of the vaccine among volunteers.

Researchers will measure their reactions and volunteers will be monitored over a 12-month period.

Preliminary results of the trial are expected to be released by the end of September.

 

[Footwarrior]

Sorry, I was on my tablet, don't know how to cut and paste on it.

Here is the Link:
CORONAVIRUS
Published April 7
Birx says government is classifying all deaths of patients with coronavirus as 'COVID-19' deaths, regardless of cause
By Louis Casiano | Fox News

Birx says government is classifying all deaths of patients with coronavirus as 'COVID-19' deaths, regardless of cause



Not at all. If you diced yourself up with a chainsaw. Were hospitalized, tested positive for COVID-19, then died of your chainsaw injuries, you are still classified as a COVID-19 death. California and other states as well.

Colorado publishes two different counts. Deaths among people with COVID-19 and Deaths attributed to COVID-19. The latter is about 10% less than the former. Most of that difference is due to the fact that recent deaths are often not yet included in the second figure.

Case data | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

Beginning May 15, the department began reporting the number of deaths in two ways:

• The number of deaths among people with COVID-19. This represents the total number of deaths reported among people who have COVID-19, but COVID-19 may not have been the cause of death listed on the death certificate. This information is required by the CDC and is crucial for public health surveillance, as it provides more information about disease transmission and can help identify risk factors among all deaths across populations.
  
• The number of deaths among people who died from COVID-19: This represents the total number of people whose death was attributed to COVID-19 as indicated on a death certificate. This number is determined by the CDC and is updated daily for dates through the previous Saturday.

Important things to know about these two datasets:

• The numbers of deaths due to COVID-19 and deaths among people with COVID-19 should not be added together to determine a total death count. They are separate numbers.
  
• The numbers of deaths due to COVID-19 and deaths among people with COVID-19 are reported from two different systems that are updated on different timelines. These numbers cannot be compared day-to-day to determine how many deaths have occurred in each category.
  
• The number of deaths due to COVID-19 are not necessarily included in the number of deaths among people with COVID-19. After review, at either the state or national level, some deaths may not be counted as COVID-19 deaths. This is rare, and the expectation is in the end, the numbers will closely align.
  
• The deaths due to COVID-19 are provisional counts and often track several weeks behind other data. The number reported indicates the number of deaths from records that have been analyzed as of the date indicated. However, due to the one- to eight-week timeframe it can take to completely process death records, counts from previous weeks are continually revised as more records are received and processed.

 

[WildOrchid]

https://www.foxtv.com/news/in-anoth...cline-of-covid-19-antibodies-after-just-weeks

LOS ANGELES - The term “herd immunity” has spread in conversation about the novel coronavirus almost as a beacon of hope in the fight against the deadly disease — until, at least, a vaccine is created. But researchers continue to find evidence that the concept of immunity from widespread infection may not apply to COVID-19.

A study published on July 11 by researchers at King’s College London found that antibodies detected in the human body which fight the coronavirus declined after just a few weeks, leaving the possibility of herd immunity out of the question.

 

[tresir2012]

Dr. Birx Provides Update on COVID-19 in Arizona, Florida, Texas, and California | C-SPAN.org

These are the most recent briefings given by Dr. Birx from the WH Coronavirus Team re California, Arizona, Texas and Florida. I don't think they have been posted here yet.

 

[SouthAussie]

https://www.foxtv.com/news/in-anoth...cline-of-covid-19-antibodies-after-just-weeks

LOS ANGELES - The term “herd immunity” has spread in conversation about the novel coronavirus almost as a beacon of hope in the fight against the deadly disease — until, at least, a vaccine is created. But researchers continue to find evidence that the concept of immunity from widespread infection may not apply to COVID-19.

A study published on July 11 by researchers at King’s College London found that antibodies detected in the human body which fight the coronavirus declined after just a few weeks, leaving the possibility of herd immunity out of the question.

I think they need to be telling the US population exactly how long any kind of herd immunity would take.

I get the feeling that some think it can happen quickly, when I tend to think it may take years. (layman's opinion from looking at the numbers required)

And, now, studies tend to show that it can't happen effectively at all.

 

[CSIDreamer]

I am hoping these vaccines get their rush approval and are safe and effective. I've got no school age children, but I'm really not comfortable with schools opening up. Jmo

 

[margarita25]

Oregon announces ban on indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people, outdoor mask mandate

“Brown announced the new measure as Oregon’s coronavirus transmission rate has increased dramatically and threatens to spiral out of control, with cases projected to triple in the next six weeks.“

 

[10ofRods]

Sorry, I was on my tablet, don't know how to cut and paste on it.

Here is the Link:
CORONAVIRUS
Published April 7
Birx says government is classifying all deaths of patients with coronavirus as 'COVID-19' deaths, regardless of cause
By Louis Casiano | Fox News

Birx says government is classifying all deaths of patients with coronavirus as 'COVID-19' deaths, regardless of cause



Not at all. If you diced yourself up with a chainsaw. Were hospitalized, tested positive for COVID-19, then died of your chainsaw injuries, you are still classified as a COVID-19 death. California and other states as well.

No, that's not what it means and it's not how Medical Examiners/Coroners deal with death certificates.

Pneumonia, heart attack, etc. + CoVid = CoVid death most places.

Hacked to death with chain saw? Is not a natural death and the entire process starts with it being homicide, not natural.

Covid is a subcategory of "Natural Death" in the United States, per decades of CDC rules and practice.

 

[tresir2012]

Also the FOX NEWS article that was posted is from April...

I just posted Dr Birx recent Task Force briefing. She is still speaking for the government.

 

[tresir2012]

Some NY articles.

Herd Immunity

"Queens NY Infection Rate Rapidly Accelerates
The New York Times reported new data on July 9, 2020, that about 68% of people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at a clinic located in Corona, Queens, New York. And another clinic located in the Jackson Heights section of Queens report 56% of tested patients were also positive.

Just 3-weeks ago, the CityMD clinic had administered about 300,000 antibody tests in NYC and found just 26% of the tests came back positive for this virus's antibodies.

This news reported indicates the SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread in the NYC area."

(Funny the area is called Corona )

Herd immunity might exist in some NYC neighborhoods

There is growing evidence that some New York City neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic might have a unique advantage moving forward. “Some communities might have herd immunity,” Daniel Frogel, who plays a key role in the city testing program through his role at CityMD, told The New York Times.

Antibody test results and reports from local health care clinics suggest that somewhere around 70% of the people in places such as Jackson Heights in Queens and Borough Park in Brooklyn have already had the coronavirus. This could mean they have inadvertently achieved a level of communal protection that has eluded countries that deliberately tried to get it – with deadly consequences.

more at link.

Sad story here.

NYC ER doctor who killed herself amid coronavirus crisis told friends she 'couldn't help anyone' | Daily Mail Online

 

[KALI]

I very much agree with this.

Dr. Atlas: Coronavirus surges linked mostly to protests -- and proximity to US-Mexico border

The recent surges in U.S. coronavirus cases can be traced to two key factors -- crowds of protesters and proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, Dr. Scott Atlas, a senior fellow at The Hoover Institution, said Saturday night.


Most of the cases in the Southwest -- California, Arizona and Texas -- are occuring in counties closest to the U.S.-Mexico border, Atlas told anchor Jon Scott during an appearance on on "Fox Report Weekend."

"When you look in the southern counties of California, Arizona and the bordering counties of Texas -- with the Mexico border -- these are where most of these cases are really exploding," Atlas said. "And then you look at the Mexico map and in Mexico, that's where their cases are. Their cases are in the northern border zone states. And it turns out the timeline here correlates much more to the Mexico timeline of increasing cases than anything else."

More convincing arguments at link.

I mentioned the Mexico and protest connections about a week ago and this guy is basically saying the same thing. It makes sense. NY has placed a quarantine on travellers from other high case states but there is nothing stopping travellers returning from Mexico AFAIK.

 

[tresir2012]

No, that's not what it means and it's not how Medical Examiners/Coroners deal with death certificates.

Pneumonia, heart attack, etc. + CoVid = CoVid death most places.

Hacked to death with chain saw? Is not a natural death and the entire process starts with it being homicide, not natural.

Covid is a subcategory of "Natural Death" in the United States, per decades of CDC rules and practice.

That may be so but if the person had Covid, it is a reportable death, as I understand, under the WHO rules of a reportable disease. Deaths with Covid, and deaths of Covid all must get reported under WHO rules, not necessarily CDC rules perhaps MOO. (See the article I just posted which discusses the death of a NY Doctor where they even wondered if that should be classed as a Covid death.)

 

[SouthAussie]

I am hoping these vaccines get their rush approval and are safe and effective. I've got no school age children, but I'm really not comfortable with schools opening up. Jmo

I wonder if 'rush' approval can really = 'safe' and effective.

 

[KALI]

Yeah, that's out the window here in San Diego again as of today.
It's been 6 weeks since I managed to get mine done during our re-opening. Was going to make an appointment tomorrow... Nope, I'm going to have the longest hair in my life after this is over...

I haven't changed anything since March when we shut down. Only thing we do is see 1 couple at a time for a yard visit. Our Kids and Spouses outside as well. Oh and I got a haircut/color.