Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #79

[SouthAussie]

A moving look at the pandemic’s effects on Americans from all walks of life: https://www.washingtonpost.com/grap...0000-death-toll-coronavirus/?itid=hp_national

The compassion ...

"When Cleon died, there could be no public funeral, so friends and neighbors organized a Palm Sunday parade, a procession that was at once somber and joyful, as cars, trucks, fire and police units, tractors and Cleon’s own snow groomer rolled through Wilmington’s historic downtown."

And the heartlessness ...

“Can you please back up?” she asked. “It’s supposed to be six feet.”
“Oh, for chrissakes,” muttered a woman who had nearly brushed against Boyd.
“I lost my husband to this covid,” Boyd explained.
The woman laughed, Boyd said. The woman’s companion stepped in: “I’m so sorry. Let’s leave the store.”
But the woman kept laughing as she left.

IMO

 

[Lilibet]

The compassion ...

"When Cleon died, there could be no public funeral, so friends and neighbors organized a Palm Sunday parade, a procession that was at once somber and joyful, as cars, trucks, fire and police units, tractors and Cleon’s own snow groomer rolled through Wilmington’s historic downtown."

And the heartlessness ...

“Can you please back up?” she asked. “It’s supposed to be six feet.”
“Oh, for chrissakes,” muttered a woman who had nearly brushed against Boyd.
“I lost my husband to this covid,” Boyd explained.
The woman laughed, Boyd said. The woman’s companion stepped in: “I’m so sorry. Let’s leave the store.”
But the woman kept laughing as she left.

IMO

And all of it heartbreaking.

 

[RANCH]

And all of it heartbreaking.

It's behind a paywall so I can't read it.

 

[astheworldfallsdown]

Coronavirus: 'Critical point' in pandemic as UK infection rate heading in wrong direction, says chief medical officer

England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has warned the rate of COVID-19 infections in the UK is "heading in the wrong direction".

Later this morning, Professor Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance will deliver a televised briefing on the latest coronavirus data.

According to Downing Street, they will explain how the coronavirus is currently spreading - and set out "potential scenarios" for the months ahead.

They will not be joined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson or any members of the cabinet, and will not take questions from journalists.

 

[Yvettea]

Pages #13 and #14 will not display for me no matter what I try to get to those pages.

 

[katydid23]

The compassion ...

"When Cleon died, there could be no public funeral, so friends and neighbors organized a Palm Sunday parade, a procession that was at once somber and joyful, as cars, trucks, fire and police units, tractors and Cleon’s own snow groomer rolled through Wilmington’s historic downtown."

And the heartlessness ...

“Can you please back up?” she asked. “It’s supposed to be six feet.”
“Oh, for chrissakes,” muttered a woman who had nearly brushed against Boyd.
“I lost my husband to this covid,” Boyd explained.
The woman laughed, Boyd said. The woman’s companion stepped in: “I’m so sorry. Let’s leave the store.”
But the woman kept laughing as she left.

IMO

We don't know about the 'laughing.' That is what Boyd experienced and what she saw. Who knows what was actually going on. Is it possible that a very cruel heartless woman laughed out loud at hearing that Boyd's husband died of covid?

Yes, it's possible. But I think it is very unusual and it is possible that she misinterpreted what she saw. It happens.

The woman's companion stepped in and said they were going to leave the store, which was a compassionate response. So maybe the 'laughing' woman has mental health issues and could not process what was being said?

I just look at these articles as less than 100% accurate. The author's use journalistic license to make their points and to paint a narrative. We cannot accept it all as factual information. JMO

 

[Lilibet]

It's behind a paywall so I can't read it.

Although I was able to read the entire article because I have a subscription, I was referring to the small piece @SouthAussie posted.

The article covered several very different families who have lost loved ones to Covid-19 and the emotional toll it has taken on them.

 

[Lilibet]

We don't know about the 'laughing.' That is what Boyd experienced and what she saw. Who knows what was actually going on. Is it possible that a very cruel heartless woman laughed out loud at hearing that Boyd's husband died of covid?

Yes, it's possible. But I think it is very unusual and it is possible that she misinterpreted what she saw. It happens.

The woman's companion stepped in and said they were going to leave the store, which was a compassionate response. So maybe the 'laughing' woman has mental health issues and could not process what was being said?

I just look at these articles as less than 100% accurate. The author's use journalistic license to make their points and to paint a narrative. We cannot accept it all as factual information. JMO

Well, of course anything is possible, and all the authors of the article can do is relate what Mrs Boyd told them she perceived about the laughing woman. Whether she was mistaken or not in this particular instance, there have been plenty of MSM news articles about people who are offended and even become insulting or physically aggressive when asked to keep their distance. It happens.

I’m not sure you had access to the article, but I read the entire article, which covered the experiences of several families, and I didn’t get the sense that the authors were “using journalistic license to make their points.” There was no point other than telling how this disease has impacted a variety of families from different walks of life. No agenda. Just heartbreak.
JMO

 

[katydid23]

Well, of course anything is possible, and all the authors of the article can do is relate what Mrs Boyd told them she perceived about the laughing woman. Whether she was mistaken or not in this particular instance, there have been plenty of MSM news articles about people who are offended and even become insulting or physically aggressive when asked to keep their distance. It happens.

I read the entire article, which covered the experiences of several families, and I didn’t get the sense that the authors were “using journalistic license to make their points.” There was no point other than telling how this disease has impacted a variety of families from different walks of life. No agenda. Just heartbreak.
JMO

It was behind a paywall for me, so I couldn't read it in context.

It just seemed so odd that a woman would laugh in a widow's face, and continue to laugh on her way out of the store, because she heard the husband just died. It just seems so odd and does not seem at all like a usual reaction. It does not sound like anything I have heard of happening here.

I know people are fighting about wearing masks etc. But I have not heard anywhere else, about anyone laughing in someone's face, when hearing their husband had just died of the virus.

If this story is supposed to be about what life is like for those who have lost loved ones, I wonder how many others have experienced that same thing---having a stranger burst out laughing in response? It just doesn't ring true to me that it is a regular occurrence. JMO

And that is why I wondered if it was an agenda of some kind. Because in my opinion, it is not something that occurs on any kind of regular occurrence. It seems way out of bounds and very unusual, imo. But in the story, it seems to be described as if it is somewhat common?

And to your point, I agree, some people have reacted horribly when asked to keep a distance. That is awful and there is no excuse for it. And I believe it happens.

But that's not the same thing as acting that way in reaction to hearing she just lost her husband. I do not believe that is a common reaction to that circumstance. IMO

 

[SouthAussie]

It's behind a paywall so I can't read it.

Oh, it wasn't paywalled for me. It opened right up with no logons or account required.
Maybe it is not paywalled outside the US.

 

[SouthAussie]

It was behind a paywall for me, so I couldn't read it in context.

It just seemed so odd that a woman would laugh in a widow's face, and continue to laugh on her way out of the store, because she heard the husband just died. It just seems so odd and does not seem at all like a usual reaction. It does not sound like anything I have heard of happening here.

I know people are fighting about wearing masks etc. But I have not heard anywhere else, about anyone laughing in someone's face, when hearing their husband had just died of the virus.

If this story is supposed to be about what life is like for those who have lost loved ones, I wonder how many others have experienced that same thing---having a stranger burst out laughing in response? It just doesn't ring true to me that it is a regular occurrence. JMO

And that is why I wondered if it was an agenda of some kind. Because in my opinion, it is not something that occurs on any kind of regular occurrence. It seems way out of bounds and very unusual, imo. But in the story, it seems to be described as if it is somewhat common?

No, it is not described as common. And the article is not all about masks. It is about a bunch of different people's covid deaths and experiences. How people's experiences have evolved.
It is a touching article, with absolutely no agenda that I can see.
And who knew all couldn't see it? I could read it right off the bat, otherwise I wouldn't have replied to the post about it.

 

[katydid23]

dbm

 

[katydid23]

No, it is not described as common. And the article is not all about masks. It is about a bunch of different people's covid deaths and experiences. How people's experiences have evolved.
It is a touching article, with absolutely no agenda that I can see.
And who knew all couldn't see it? I could read it right off the bat, otherwise I wouldn't have replied to the post about it.

I have read my share of WAPO apparently, and they demand payment if I would like to look at any more articles for now.

I just have my doubts about some of their interpretations. That story doesn't ring true to me. Of course I could be wrong. But it sounds as though they are painting a picture of cruel coldhearted 'Muricans' hating on grieving widows. It sounds manufactured to me. JMO IMO MOO

 

[JudgeJoe]

dbm

Jmo... My guess is that the laughing woman knew exactly what was going on & had no difficulties whatsoever processing the situation, but chose to be an a$$ anyway. I’ve witnessed some stunning behavior since corona invaded US- especially at grocery. Locally, Tuesdays early is the best time to avoid the crowds & jerks, so I’ve rearranged my work sched to accommodate this. I won’t go any other time. That’s how bad it is. Moo

 

[Lilibet]

And that is why I wondered if it was an agenda of some kind. Because in my opinion, it is not something that occurs on any kind of regular occurrence. It seems way out of bounds and very unusual, imo. But in the story, it seems to be described as if it is somewhat common?

And to your point, I agree, some people have reacted horribly when asked to keep a distance. That is awful and there is no excuse for it. And I believe it happens.

But that's not the same thing as acting that way in reaction to hearing she just lost her husband. I do not believe that is a common reaction to that circumstance. IMO

BBM

I just have my doubts about some of their interpretations. That story doesn't ring true to me. Of course I could be wrong. But it sounds as though they are painting a picture of cruel coldhearted 'Muricans' hating on grieving widows. It sounds manufactured to me. JMO IMO MOO

BBM

No, it absolutely was not described in the WaPo story as common, nor was it painting a picture of “cruel, coldhearted ‘Muricans’ hating on grieving widows.” I guess I could say you are hating on WaPo.

The story simply quoted Mrs Boyd without editorializing. I don’t believe laughing like this at a woman who lost her husband is common, but poor behavior is common enough in these stressful times that I can believe it could happen. On the other hand, as you mentioned, the person who laughed could have had a mental disorder and no filter. But either way, Mrs Boyd was a victim of poor behavior in this situation and I think we are in the habit here at WS of believing a victim until their story or perception is proven false. And if, in her grief, Mrs Boyd misinterpreted this woman’s words and laughter, it might help our empathy to know that both her husband and her husband’s twin brother died of Covid-19 a few days apart.
JMO

 

[SouthAussie]

NSW and Victoria, being our two most hard hit states, are consciously making preparations for the coming summer, to try to make it a covid-safe summer.

There are considerations such as closing down certain laneways and streets in cities/towns to make them alfresco dining zones, so more people can sit outside, dine, and enjoy the weather without crowding. Of course, we have lots of outdoor dining in this country, but this would allow for greater capacity.

Another thought to keep people focussed on social distancing while at the beach is to make sure you are always one beach-towel-length away from other people.

'A summer like never before': Victoria and NSW prepare for Covid risk in the holiday season

 

[SouthAussie]

This is a contact-tracing first that I have seen.
We often see calls for people who have been here or there at different times. But now there is a taxi driver in NSW who has apparently been driving around while covid-positive for 8 days.

So, today we see this (pic below) ... calls for people who took these taxi rides to come forward for testing. Presumably these are the specific customers who have not yet been able to be identified - perhaps customers who didn't prebook the taxi and just flagged the Silver Service taxi in the street.



NoCookies | The Australian

 

[musicaljoke]

This is a contact-tracing first that I have seen.
We often see calls for people who have been here or there at different times. But now there is a taxi driver in NSW who has apparently been driving around while covid-positive for 8 days.

So, today we see this (pic below) ... calls for people who took these taxi rides to come forward for testing. Presumably these are the specific customers who have not yet been able to be identified - perhaps customers who didn't prebook the taxi and just flagged the Silver Service taxi in the street.

View attachment 264466

NoCookies | The Australian

That's really specific! But, oh dear, what a concern for all. Taxi drivers are so vulnerable, and many are the sole supporters of their families and possibly their extended families. They may be highly motivated to keep working, even if they know they have Covid. That's not to say this man knew he had Covid. We don't know that.

Do you know if drivers are screened off from their passengers? How is it possible to make it safe for taxi drivers and their passengers?

 

[musicaljoke]

NSW and Victoria, being our two most hard hit states, are consciously making preparations for the coming summer, to try to make it a covid-safe summer.

There are considerations such as closing down certain laneways and streets in cities/towns to make them alfresco dining zones, so more people can sit outside, dine, and enjoy the weather without crowding. Of course, we have lots of outdoor dining in this country, but this would allow for greater capacity.

Another thought to keep people focussed on social distancing while at the beach is to make sure you are always one beach-towel-length away from other people.

'A summer like never before': Victoria and NSW prepare for Covid risk in the holiday season

We went to a beach at a provincial park in Ontario this summer, and the beach front was marked by cones which indicated where you could sit with your family. They were 20-25 feet apart, and only in a single line across the beach front. When the cones were claimed, no more people could be on the beach. Users could go from their cone to the water directly in front of them, so no one walked between cones. It looked pretty safe.

Washrooms were limited to one person at a time, and there was no food service.

Your beach sounds like it would have to accommodate a lot more guests.

 

[Tugela]

It was behind a paywall for me, so I couldn't read it in context.

It just seemed so odd that a woman would laugh in a widow's face, and continue to laugh on her way out of the store, because she heard the husband just died. It just seems so odd and does not seem at all like a usual reaction. It does not sound like anything I have heard of happening here.

I know people are fighting about wearing masks etc. But I have not heard anywhere else, about anyone laughing in someone's face, when hearing their husband had just died of the virus.

If this story is supposed to be about what life is like for those who have lost loved ones, I wonder how many others have experienced that same thing---having a stranger burst out laughing in response? It just doesn't ring true to me that it is a regular occurrence. JMO

And that is why I wondered if it was an agenda of some kind. Because in my opinion, it is not something that occurs on any kind of regular occurrence. It seems way out of bounds and very unusual, imo. But in the story, it seems to be described as if it is somewhat common?

And to your point, I agree, some people have reacted horribly when asked to keep a distance. That is awful and there is no excuse for it. And I believe it happens.

But that's not the same thing as acting that way in reaction to hearing she just lost her husband. I do not believe that is a common reaction to that circumstance. IMO

Well, she could have been laughing about anything, people misinterpret things all the time. Even when they think the conversation is about the same thing, the parts they are focused on is not necessarily the parts the other person is focused on. Such is the nature of witnesses in general unfortunately. They are not accurate recorders, but reflect their interpretation of events, not necessarily accurately or in context.