Coronavirus COVID-19 *Global Health Emergency* #15

[Herat]

IMO...this is what happened in Wuhan and why there are low counts.

And now COVID-19 is endemic in the region, @EvergreenHosp in Washington, ground-zero for this disease, will no longer even test you. Assume you have it.
kate sheridan on Twitter

In Seattle, the CDC has determined that Covid19 is now endemic, meaning its regularly found in the region and population. So they have stopped testing and assume you have it. The nasal swab risk transmission to the clinicians giving the test.

The nasal swab risk is transmission to the clinicians giving the test

I don't understand the comment or rationale.

Nasal swabs are used daily to collect specimens for Influenza, Pertussis, RSV, and potentially many other infectious agents and I can't find that this is considered a High-Risk procedure for the provider.

I mean Pertussis is bad bad stuff and I would think much higher risk than the SARS-CoVid-2.

I assume providers are wearing gloves when they collect any of these specimens, but outside of Pertussis, I think masks are not even considered.

Much higher risk are tracheal washes, bronchial washes or aspirates, procedures that have much higher splash potential.

I understand not doing them because you assume it is endemic in the population. That makes sense. There is no reason to delay your care when the patient becomes symptomatic, whatever the disease.

And I checked with a Hospital Microbiology Specialist and they have never heard of this, either.

 

[margarita25]

The nasal swab risk is transmission to the clinicians giving the test

I don't understand the comment or rationale.

Nasal swabs are used daily to collect specimens for Influenza, Pertussis, RSV, and potentially many other infectious agents and I can't find that this is considered a High-Risk procedure for the provider.

I mean Pertussis is bad bad stuff and I would think much higher risk than the SARS-CoVid-2.

I assume providers are wearing gloves when they collect any of these specimens, but outside of Pertussis, I think masks are not even considered.

Much higher risk are tracheal washes, bronchial washes or aspirates, procedures that have much higher splash potential.

I understand not doing them because you assume it is endemic in the population. That makes sense. There is no reason to delay your care when the patient becomes symptomatic, whatever the disease.

And I checked with a Hospital Microbiology Specialist and they have never heard of this, either.

Yes I had specifically asked about this earlier as well to see if someone could clarify.

 

[dotr]

I kind of took the cherry blossoms as a symbol of beauty and growth amongst all the sickness and death, a type of artistic allegory, if you will. I appreciated the post, personally.

Thanks, had posted the cherry blossoms for the very reasons you described!

Dreamstime.com

 

[ilovewings]

Remember that Saturday Night Live skit with Dan Akroyd and Jane Curtain on "count/counterpoint" wayyyy back where the banter went back and forth.

There was the quote "Jane, you ignorant sl*t". That's what I feel like yelling to my computer during some live streams and even listening to/conversing with my friends who think I'm nuts and overreacting and panicking! (NOT here at WS on this thread though as this place is my only salvation)

Was going to do a YouTube link of the skit, but thought better and don't want to go to camp and learn a musical instrument iykwim. You older folks will remember that skit I'm sure.

That skit was one of my favorites- ever!!! hilarious!!

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

10 ways the coronavirus is making people change their daily lives

Don't bring your reusable cup to Starbucks, just listen to music at home and stop shaking hands.

The steady rise in coronavirus cases in the United States and across the globe has had a far-reaching effect on how we interact with one another. Some jittery people have turned to panic buying at grocery stores and pharmacies, refused to shake hands and canceled or put off travel plans.

Here are some of the ways normal routines are being altered as the virus' spread shows no sign of slowing down...

 

[Herat]

That skit was one of my favorites- ever!!! hilarious!!

It's a little cringe-worthy in retrospect (as was all SNL's stuff - that was the lure) but it truly is a classic and I have used that line many a time....

( Sorry about the O/T post)

 

[Amonet]

Glad to hear it and that your niece is ok. Hopefully it will be under control soon and everyone will be out of quarantine. But I’m very worried at how well China is going to prevent future outbreaks.

The current prediction from epidemiologists seems to be that China might have a double peak, which means the peak they've already had, plus another one later in the year.

And countries like the UK and US should be aiming for a single, gentler, summer peak to coincide with fewer flu/pneumonia cases. To achieve that, they can use various social distancing measures to change the R0 and change the shape of the curve.

 

[SAMS]

State of emergency due to coronavirus:

- New York
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- Utah
- Indiana
- California
- Washington

 

[Henry2326]

Coronavirus UK: Britain 'looking at' closing churches and religious gatherings amid crisis Coronavirus UK: Britain ‘looking at’ closing churches and religious gatherings amid crisis #coronavirus #covid19 #wuhanpneumonia Novel Coronavirus - COVID19 on Twitter

 

[Henry2326]

Egypt reports 33 new #coronavirus cases, 19 foreigners and 14 Egyptian. Patients were on a ship in Luxor: Arabiya
#COVIDー19
Zaid Sabah on Twitter

 

[Herat]

Coronavirus UK: Britain 'looking at' closing churches and religious gatherings amid crisis Coronavirus UK: Britain ‘looking at’ closing churches and religious gatherings amid crisis #coronavirus #covid19 #wuhanpneumonia Novel Coronavirus - COVID19 on Twitter

WHOA

Closing churches and religious gatherings around Easter.

Serious stuff

 

[Henry2326]

Washington state....healthcare workers also isolating....geez

#BREAKING First #coronavirus case confirmed in Kittitas County.
The patient is a 67 y/o woman. #Q13FOX #COVID19 Ali Bradley on Twitter

 

[SAMS]

World Health Organization (WHO) on Twitter

NEW: WHO interim guidance on critical preparedness, readiness and response actions for #COVID19 bit.ly/2TvK5ML

#coronavirus

 

[Herat]

The current prediction from epidemiologists seems to be that China might have a double peak, which means the peak they've already had, plus another one later in the year.

And countries like the UK and US should be aiming for a single, gentler, summer peak to coincide with fewer flu/pneumonia cases. To achieve that, they can use various social distancing measures to change the R0 and change the shape of the curve.

You have the MOST RATIONAL posts, and I really need that right now.

Yes, I think we should all just start practicing social isolation as much as is feasible. That trip to London in May I was planning for is looking less and less likely..

Thanks so much.

 

[galiuro1]

I don’t know if this has been discussed as I am behind on this thread, but the scientists at UW in Seattle have been diligently working on tests for the Coronavirus since the first inkling of an outbreak in China. They’re basically heroes taking this on themselves for their community when the federal government failed them. Working round the clock while we were told this was nothing. Thank you UW Medicine Virology Lab!

When Coronavirus Struck Seattle, This Lab Was Ready To Start Testing


Jerome and other virologists started the process in January, after hearing reports about the coronavirus outbreak in China.

"Our opinion was, this is probably not going to be a problem, this is probably going to be a waste of our effort and some money, but we owe it to the people of our area to be prepared," he says.

So the scientists developed an assay and began using it test specimens sent in for research purposes.

At first, the tests found no infections, says Dr. Alex Greninger, the lab's assistant director. Then, on Feb. 28, one came back positive.

THIS is what leadership looks like...no bombastic empty guarantees, just hard work for their community and the world at large.

 

[Henry2326]

NEW: Italy will issue a decree later tonight with new measures to stop coronavirus, according to Reuters. Local media says new areas will be put on lockdown.

BNO Newsroom on Twitter

 

[Henry2326]

Nicola Zingaretti -- the head of Italy's co-governing Democratic Party -- has announced that he has tested positive for coronavirus, confirming in a video statement on Saturday that he is now in self-isolation. Italy coronavirus: Head of Italy's co-governing Democratic Party tests positive for coronavirus - CNN

 

[Trino]

At this point, it would not be surprising if in a couple of weeks all US borders get shut down, imo speculation.fwiw.

Well, our government better do something. Daily Pence updates aren't doing anything to stop the spread.

 

[Henry2326]

I am declaring a State of Emergency for New York amid an outbreak of #Coronavirus.
We will continue to provide updates to New Yorkers.
For more information on #COVID19, visit:
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Andrew Cuomo on Twitter

 

[SAMS]

Starting today, @NHL will close dressing rooms to media, on recommendation of Centers for Disease Control (@CDCgov) in effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. NBA, MLB + MLS are expected to follow. Media availabilities will be conducted in formal press conference area.

Elliotte Friedman on Twitter