Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #104

[CharlestonGal]

CDC: 5 days is okay folks!
Translation: herd immunity

JMO

I was thinking that, as well. The US seems to have moved to a herd immunity strategy without directly telling us so. jmo

 

[CharlestonGal]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-ontario-dec-29-2021-record-high-case-count-1.6299698

Ontario reported a new pandemic-high of 10,436 cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, slightly topping the previous record set on Christmas Day.

Infectious disease experts have said the actual number of cases is likely far higher than those reported each day because many public health units have reached their testing capacity.

The seven-day average of daily cases has climbed to 9,183, a sixth consecutive day of new pandemic highs.

The Ministry of Health is also reporting a jump in COVID-related hospitalizations, up to 726 from 491 the previous day and 420 last Wednesday.

 

[realanastasia]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/12/28/iowa-dale-weeks-hospitals-covid-sepsis/

If this was my dad (and it very well could have been) I’d be seeing red, to say the least.

 

[Warwick1991]

I think you cannot rely on the CDC for accurate information--Dont
know what happened to this once highly respected government department
but they have been disappointing during this pandemic

The problem is that the CDC depends on state health departments and hospitals for data. There is minimal sampling and testing for omicron by both states and hospitals, so the the data coming in is limited. At the hospital level, they are less likely to be looking at epidemiology and more focused on treatment. Some states have minimal sampling for mutant variations, and just measure positive cases. So, the CDC must use and periodically correct statistical modeling in lieu of actual testing.

IMO, based on the political realities here in the US, the CDC is doing the best they can. Our health policies are now influenced by politics, not just health…

 

[jakat]

In my son's situation where there were 8 together for Christmas and where his brother-in-law tested positive a couple of days later, this is the status so far.

My son does have shortness of breath. He doesn't smoke nor has he ever had a lung condition. He has all the other symptoms, fatigue, cough, runny nose, sore throat. He's waiting for the tests to come by mail from his company, should be today. They are PCR tests, I thought they were rapid tests. My mistake. My daughter-in-law is going to the pharmacy today to get a rapid test done because she has MS.

The 81 year old grandfather is the only other person so far to test positive except for the brother-in-law who came down with it first. Two others have tested negative.

 

[CharlestonGal]

China means business.

https://www.thebharatexpressnews.co...al-zero-covid-lockdown-as-omicron-cases-rise/

Chinese officials have announced that anyone seen driving will be jailed after 162 new cases of Covid were reported in Xi’an.

The brutal new lockdown rules are part of the country’s attempt to free itself from Covid, amid its worst outbreak since the start of the pandemic.

Local reports have suggested that the reason behind the new rules could be because the Winter Olympics, which are held there in February, are at risk if cases continue to rise.

Local health officials and police will ‘strictly inspect’ all cars seen on the road, with violators sentenced to 10 days in jail and a fine of £ 58.

 

[anneg]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/12/28/iowa-dale-weeks-hospitals-covid-sepsis/

If this was my dad (and it very well could have been) I’d be seeing red, to say the least.

This is such a sad story. Such a good man. He really needed the best possible medical care to diagnose and treat his infection, which was "in an artery near his stomach, where he had a stent previously installed to repair an aneurysm." This infection led to sepsis, and the delay in treatment ended up being fatal. Tragic.

 

[realanastasia]

Free COVID tests can be delivered to your door in N.J. Here’s how.

Just in case any NJ residents missed this announcement, the state is providing free at-home COVID-19 test kits for thise who think they might’ve been exposed/have C-19 symptoms.

You can request one be mailed to you at this link: https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nj/

Note that sometimes the supplies seem to run out, so if you get a message stating that all of the available test kits have been claimed, check back later and you’ll likely find they’ve restocked. I ordered one for myself to have on hand if, heaven forbid, I need it, and also requested a couple more on behalf of my elderly family members/neighbors.

The protocol with these is that they’re self-administered but monitored by a medical professional (on Zoom, I guess?) and then you mail the sample in for processing. Results are delivered electronically or by phone.

One reporter described her experience using the test kit here:I took N.J.’s free at-home COVID test. It might not be as easy as you think.

 

[anneg]

The problem is that the CDC depends on state health departments and hospitals for data. There is minimal sampling and testing for omicron by both states and hospitals, so the the data coming in is limited. At the hospital level, they are less likely to be looking at epidemiology and more focused on treatment. Some states have minimal sampling for mutant variations, and just measure positive cases. So, the CDC must use and periodically correct statistical modeling in lieu of actual testing.

IMO, based on the political realities here in the US, the CDC is doing the best they can. Our health policies are now influenced by politics, not just health…

Thank you for the clarification about how incomplete data on variants likely led to overestimating the percentage of omicron cases. I also feel that the CDC is trying hard to do their best and I won't revile them.

 

[ilovewings]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/12/28/iowa-dale-weeks-hospitals-covid-sepsis/

If this was my dad (and it very well could have been) I’d be seeing red, to say the least.

Here's the thing: it does not matter if we get upset, mad or disgusted: the unvaccinated don't give a crap and the hospitals won't turn them away so they are taking up beds that other patients cannot have, even in an emergency. This case is sad for the family and the deceased patient and angering for the rest of us, because it could be any one of us or a loved one that cannot get a bed that is needed. There is just so much wrong with the way this pandemic has been handled in this country. It is chaos: not enough tests, the only monoclonal antibodies that could treat Omicron is not available in many areas. What kind of country have we become? Oh, and people who don't get vaccinated get the best treatment while people who took all precautions cannot get treated. I will tell you this: If I was a young single woman I would consider moving to Canada for a while. This country has become a chit-hole. sorry.

 

[ilovewings]

China means business.

China to jail drivers in brutal 'zero Covid' lockdown as Omicron cases rise - The Bharat Express News

Chinese officials have announced that anyone seen driving will be jailed after 162 new cases of Covid were reported in Xi’an.

The brutal new lockdown rules are part of the country’s attempt to free itself from Covid, amid its worst outbreak since the start of the pandemic.

Local reports have suggested that the reason behind the new rules could be because the Winter Olympics, which are held there in February, are at risk if cases continue to rise.

Local health officials and police will ‘strictly inspect’ all cars seen on the road, with violators sentenced to 10 days in jail and a fine of £ 58.

well that is just a little heavy handed LOL

 

[CharlestonGal]

well that is just a little heavy handed LOL

I'm morbidly curious to see if it works.

ETA: This is why I have to roll my eyes at people in the US who complain about our government's "draconian" measures and "tyranny". Er...what? jmo

 

[Skigh]

well that is just a little heavy handed LOL

How about this for heavy handed.


Chinese lockdown rule-breakers are publicly shamed to ensure Covid rules are obeyed | Daily Mail Online


Armed riot police in southern China have paraded four alleged violators of Covid rules through the streets, leading to criticism of the government's heavy handed approach.

Four masked suspects in hazmat suits - carrying placards displaying their photos and names - were paraded Tuesday in front of a large crowd in Guangxi region's Jingxi city.

Photos of the event showed each suspect held by two police officers - wearing face shields, masks and hazmat suits - and surrounded by a circle of police in riot gear, some holding guns.

The public shaming was part of disciplinary measures announced by the local government in August to punish those breaking health rules.

China banned such public shaming of criminal suspects in 2010 after decades of campaigning by human rights activists, but the practice has resurfaced as local governments struggle to enforce the national zero-Covid policy.

It comes as locked-down residents in one of China's biggest cities say they are at risk of starving in their homes after they were banned from going outside even to buy food under harsh new Covid measures sparked by just a few dozen cases.

Apparatchiks running the city of Xi'an on Monday told 13 million people they are only allowed out of their homes when invited to take part in a new round of mass testing, or for medical emergencies.

 

[ilovewings]

How about this for heavy handed.


Chinese lockdown rule-breakers are publicly shamed to ensure Covid rules are obeyed | Daily Mail Online


Armed riot police in southern China have paraded four alleged violators of Covid rules through the streets, leading to criticism of the government's heavy handed approach.

Four masked suspects in hazmat suits - carrying placards displaying their photos and names - were paraded Tuesday in front of a large crowd in Guangxi region's Jingxi city.

Photos of the event showed each suspect held by two police officers - wearing face shields, masks and hazmat suits - and surrounded by a circle of police in riot gear, some holding guns.

The public shaming was part of disciplinary measures announced by the local government in August to punish those breaking health rules.

China banned such public shaming of criminal suspects in 2010 after decades of campaigning by human rights activists, but the practice has resurfaced as local governments struggle to enforce the national zero-Covid policy.

It comes as locked-down residents in one of China's biggest cities say they are at risk of starving in their homes after they were banned from going outside even to buy food under harsh new Covid measures sparked by just a few dozen cases.

Apparatchiks running the city of Xi'an on Monday told 13 million people they are only allowed out of their homes when invited to take part in a new round of mass testing, or for medical emergencies.

How would that work in a country (US) that has no shame????

 

[CharlestonGal]

How would that work in a country (US) that has no shame????

OMG, that's funny.

 

[epiphany]

CDC: 5 days is okay folks!
Translation: herd immunity

JMO

When NY announced - No Testing Required to get back to work after positive result, that clinched that they are going for herd immunity now for me

 

[MrX]

I'm morbidly curious to see if it works.

ETA: This is why I have to roll my eyes at people in the US who complain about our government's "draconian" measures and "tyranny". Er...what? jmo

I guess it depends on if we are using the 21st century or the Middle Ages as a baseline.

 

[CSIDreamer]

I guess it depends on if we are using the 21st century or the Middle Ages as a baseline.

Also, communism vs not. Not directed at you, but I'm not okay with people acting like a country that has no qualms sniffing out its citizens is exemplary.

 

[Sundog]

Also, communism vs not. Not directed at you, but I'm not okay with people acting like a country that has no qualms sniffing out its citizens is exemplary.

Agree 100%.

 

[Arkay]

I guess it depends on if we are using the 21st century or the Middle Ages as a baseline.

Sure, let's use the Middle Ages as a baseline. Prepare to die from any number of diseases, then, probably by age 30 for those who are younger than that. Prepare for your 14-year old wife to give birth annually, as your children will likely die before aged two. Prepare for your weary wife to eventually die in childbirth trying to have that child who will live.

Of course we don't live in an authoritarian, centralized government such as China. They did all this when Covid began in Wuhan last year. Even plastered people inside their homes so they couldn't leave. The Chinese government is also not going to readily admit their caseload. They didn't last year and certainly won't now, with the Olympics on the horizon.

This couldn't and shouldn't work in America. What CAN work in America is a greater understanding that with our freedom comes a responsibility. In gun states, don't shoot each other. If you drink, don't get behind the wheel. Get your children vaccinated with the ordinary panel of vaccines, pre-Covid, or they can't attend school.

Oh, and if it is our turn for a pandemic, as has occurred throughout history, take the easy measures that are free and available to us. Get vaccinated, get boosted---free and easy. Wear a high-grade mask---easy and costs a few dollars.

All of us are obviously on the Internet, so I can reasonably infer we can afford to pay for masks. The only cloth masks I've ever used are three or four layers with the nose wire and a filter, but now I'll just use a KN95.

I've forfeited so many things since Covid, but no one in my family has gotten Covid as of yet. It's weighing the balances for me....should I forfeit that New Year’s party I'm invited to, or should I forfeit a family member if I catch the virus there?

Etcetera.

IMO.