Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #101

[Grouse]

Boris, earlier today:

Turning to Covid, I want to update you on our progress,and, in particular, on these storm clouds that are gathering over the continent.

A new wave of Covid has steadily swept through central Europe and is now affecting our nearest neighbours in western Europe.

Our friends on the continent have been forced to respond with various degrees of new restrictions, from full lockdowns, to lockdowns for the unvaccinated, to restrictions on business opening hours and restrictions on social gatherings.

We don’t yet know the extent to which this new wave will wash up on our shores, but history shows we cannot afford to be complacent.

Thinks he's Churchill

 

[weepingangel]

Stockpiling of the Xmas presents
Holiday shoppers are stockpiling gifts to make sure there's something to unwrap

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Stockpiling of the Xmas presents
Holiday shoppers are stockpiling gifts to make sure there's something to unwrap

Meanwhile, I’ve told my kids it’s Christmas Lite this year as they don’t need much and I’ve been decluttering their bedrooms recently, so no stockpiling of lots of gifts for us. Probably overcompensated and spoilt them last year as we couldn’t be with extended family. I have, however, been picking up little stocking fillers when I go shopping since September! I don’t trust a last minute food shop/delivery this year either.. need to be a bit more organised than usual, I reckon.

 

[mickey2942]

It's becoming a vicious circle. Prices are rising to the point where people will stop eating out and then restaurants won't need employees. At first, I didn't mind because people were struggling, but at some point it will get ridiculous.

A lot of restaurants where I live are skipping traditional Thanksgiving buffets or dinners. Problems with staffing, and food, just too expensive. Not worth it.

 

[sds71]

@AP
Pfizer said it is asking U.S. regulators to authorize its experimental pill for COVID-19, setting the stage for a likely launch of the promising therapy in the coming weeks. Pfizer asks US officials to OK promising COVID-19 pill

 

[KALI]

Yep. We are closing for Thanksgiving for first time since we opened 17 years ago. We usually do a very big deal, make everything from scratch. We have families who come every year.
however, I am too tired, my staff is too tired and for the first time in 17 years I am making Thanksgiving for just my family!

A lot of restaurants where I live are skipping traditional Thanksgiving buffets or dinners. Problems with staffing, and food, just too expensive. Not worth it.

 

[Betty P]

Kudos to Progressive for doing the right thing. Un vaccinated employees cost responsible employees a lot of money.

https://www.news5cleveland.com/news...ssive-in-mayfield-to-protest-vaccine-policies

A spokesperson for Progressive released the following statement:

"Our priority has been and continues to be our people’s health and safety, from shifting to remote work to providing our people with information and resources to stay healthy. We told our employees some time ago that we would add a bi-weekly surcharge for employees who choose to enroll in our medical plans but choose not to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We knew the surcharge wouldn’t be welcome news for some, but we feel strongly it’s the right decision for us to help address the financial risks associated with COVID-19 claims while controlling plan premiums for all Progressive employees​

 

[Mo Thuairim]

We have had further restrictions announced by the government here in Ireland tonight to try to reduce Covid numbers. They are pretty weak compared to previous restrictions - basically telling people to work from home again and now requiring the Covid vaccine/recovery pass to access all hospitality/entertainment, not just bars and restaurants - so I imagine they will do little except prepare people for further stricter measures to come. All close contacts also need to self-isolate now regardless of vaccination status. The hospitals are nearly full already and we are only in mid-November. Unfortunately the worst is still to come this year with the winter surge.

At a glance: Here are the updated Covid-19 restrictions

 

[mickey2942]

Federal vaccine mandate could impact holiday travel

For those of you who are planning air travel for the holidays, I would reconsider this plan. TSA may have issues, with vaccine mandate in place by November, 22, 2021.

 

[weepingangel]

Pfizer booster shot could offer protection for 9-10 months — initial data
More at link
Pfizer’s booster COVID-19 shot is effective for 9 – 10 months and maybe even longer, according to preliminary data from Israeli research leaked to Channel 12 news on Sunday.

The network said initial results from a study on antibody levels being conducted by the Tel Hashomer Hospital are set to be made public in 2 – 4 weeks, and will show that the third shot offers different, apparently improved, protection from the first two doses.

The booster shot yields more antibodies, and the antibodies are also better at preventing the disease, the channel quoted people involved with the study as saying.

 

[jjenny]

Pfizer booster shot could offer protection for 9-10 months — initial data
More at link
Pfizer’s booster COVID-19 shot is effective for 9 – 10 months and maybe even longer, according to preliminary data from Israeli research leaked to Channel 12 news on Sunday.

The network said initial results from a study on antibody levels being conducted by the Tel Hashomer Hospital are set to be made public in 2 – 4 weeks, and will show that the third shot offers different, apparently improved, protection from the first two doses.

The booster shot yields more antibodies, and the antibodies are also better at preventing the disease, the channel quoted people involved with the study as saying.

So we will probably have to get a booster once a year.

 

[anneg]

Federal vaccine mandate could impact holiday travel

For those of you who are planning air travel for the holidays, I would reconsider this plan. TSA may have issues, with vaccine mandate in place by November, 22, 2021.

We were considering air travel to see family the week after Christmas, but we've decided not to do it. Just don't need the hassle and aggravation, plus exposure to people with various viruses and flu. No thanks!

 

[anneg]

Pfizer booster shot could offer protection for 9-10 months — initial data
More at link
Pfizer’s booster COVID-19 shot is effective for 9 – 10 months and maybe even longer, according to preliminary data from Israeli research leaked to Channel 12 news on Sunday.

The network said initial results from a study on antibody levels being conducted by the Tel Hashomer Hospital are set to be made public in 2 – 4 weeks, and will show that the third shot offers different, apparently improved, protection from the first two doses.

The booster shot yields more antibodies, and the antibodies are also better at preventing the disease, the channel quoted people involved with the study as saying.

I hope this is true!

 

[Cool Cats]

Yep. We are closing for Thanksgiving for first time since we opened 17 years ago. We usually do a very big deal, make everything from scratch. We have families who come every year.
however, I am too tired, my staff is too tired and for the first time in 17 years I am making Thanksgiving for just my family!

Good! Maybe you can relax a little and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in real time for a change!

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

 

[MimosaMornings]

Federal vaccine mandate could impact holiday travel

For those of you who are planning air travel for the holidays, I would reconsider this plan. TSA may have issues, with vaccine mandate in place by November, 22, 2021.

“Rachel Engeler is the assistant airport director at Austin Straubel International Airport.

She says the size of the airport in Ashwaubenon should allow passengers to get through without a hitch, even if some TSA agents remain unvaccinated.

"In reality, I don't think we'll see it as much at our airport," said Engeler. "And it certainly isn't any different than any of the staffing challenges that we're seeing in a lot of locations across the country."

Adding while Austin Straubel should see a minimal impact, other airports might not be as lucky.

"Every airport is going to be different based on their demand and what they have as far as load factors with their aircraft," said Engeler. "But that will come just everybody waiting and getting through line."

Austin Straubel is a small airport (two concourses with six gates at each) so of course it might not have as much of an impact. I don’t remember it being a hub or being a major connection airport.
How about interviewing some of the medium to large airports to get a true picture of upcoming air travel during the holidays.
MCO (Disney. Shudders) ATL, ORD, etc.
You think the security line is long? Wait until you see the food line.
JMO

 

[mickey2942]

@MimosaMornings my opinion is that no one really wants to "know" what is going to happen in Las Vegas, Denver, LAX, Atlanta and Chicago. Let's just focus on places that are obscure.

Concerns Raised With TSA Staffing and Vaccine Mandate Ahead of Holiday Travel

It looks like currently TSA is 56% vaccinated. What may save this holiday is using federal contractors, who are not being held to the mandate until January 4th, conveniently.
Why Contractor Vaccine Mandate Is ‘Tough’ to Challenge in Court

 

[Turkeytrot]

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/16/dr-...00-a-day-to-get-to-a-degree-of-normality.html

Can't imagine that happening anytime soon

 

[Lilibet]

A friend from here in Southern Oregon just got back from a quick semi-business trip to NYC with her daughter. She said it was unusual to see someone without a mask. In contrast, my nurse friend here in rebellious Jackson county Oregon went to our local Costco over the weekend. People were handed masks at the door and made a show of dropping them in their carts…the usual “no one is going to tell ME what to do” attitude. This is why Jackson county with 88 cases was third in the state today behind two northern metro counties with well over two or three times the population., but number of cases separated by less than 20.

Nurse friend told me today that one of the clerical staff who left our local hospital rather than get vaccinated said that the covid patients are all “crisis actors.” There is no cure for this kind of willful insanity.

In better news, my husband and I will get our boosters on Monday exactly two weeks before we have to fly to L.A. for a medical appointment. Our doctor was willing to give them to us about four days short of six months so we could have a full two weeks to build up antibodies. Whew! Our daughter and her husband in Atlanta (51) got theirs last week. We aren’t letting down our guard though.

 

[weepingangel]

Not really surprising
WHO Says Delta Variant Accounts for 99% of Covid Cases Around the World

more at link

• Almost all of the up to 900,000 Covid cases sequenced worldwide over the last 60 days originated from the delta strain, Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on Covid, said.
• Europe accounted for roughly 60% of the more than 3.3 million new cases in the world last week, Van Kerkhove said.
• Covid cases worldwide have been increasing over the last four consecutive weeks, she added.

 

[ilovewings]

NHL's Ottawa Senators forced to halt season after COVID protocols take out 10 players