Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #43

[gregjrichards]

Brave ‘warrior’, 6, with cystic fibrosis beams as he describes beating coronavirus

Six-year-old Joseph Bostain, from Tennessee, US, has beaten coronavirus despite suffering from cystic fibrosis and calls himself a “warrior” in a heart-warming video

Boy, six, with cystic fibrosis beams as he describes how he beat coronavirus

Joseph is a very brave young man indeed. I’m so glad he managed to beat the virus.

#StayHomeSaveLives

 

[Lilibet]

Married for 51 years, they died of Covid-19 six minutes apart - CNN
Updated 8:39 PM ET, Fri April 3, 2020

Adrian and Stuart Baker were married for more than 51 years, and their family called them inseparable. On March 29, they both died of complications due to Covid-19 -- just six minutes apart.

—

Adrian and Stuart Baker, at the time of their marriage.

”"They were as compatible and inseparable as two human beings have ever been married and existed on earth," Baker said.

Baker's message for others
On Thursday, Baker, his three children and his sister's family gathered for his parents' memorial service in Boynton Beach. The service was live-streamed for other friends and relatives and watched by people all over the world, he said.
"Hopefully people hear our story and it motivates them to do the right thing," he said. "By doing that, maybe it won't affect them or it won't affect their family but maybe they help another family not endure the pain and agony that me and my sister and our kids and the rest of our family are enduring right now."
Baker said he hopes his family's story can be a catalyst for change. He's calling on people to listen to what health officials have been saying: practice social distancing, wash their hands regularly and most importantly, stay at home.”

Tragic. But I’m so glad they could be together when they died. I’m sure that’s what they would have wanted if they had known.

 

[margarita25]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/busi...-up-medical-supplies-angering-canada-germany/

“The White House late Thursday ordered Minnesota mask manufacturer 3M to prioritize U.S. orders over foreign demand, using its authority under the Defense Production Act, or DPA, to try to ease critical shortages of N95 masks at U.S. hospitals.

The Trump administration has asked 3M to stop exporting the masks to Canada and Latin America, and to import more from 3M’s factories in China, the company said Friday.”

[...]

“President Trump announced late Thursday he was invoking the Defense Production Act in relation to 3M, suggesting it was for punitive reasons. “We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their Masks,” he tweeted. “Big surprise to many in government as to what they were doing - will have a big price to pay!”

On Friday, Trump added he was “not happy with 3M,” without elaborating.

In an executive order, the White House said it would use the act to acquire “the number of N-95 respirators that the [FEMA] administrator determines to be appropriate.””

-more at link

—

3M Response to Defense Production Act Order

“The Administration also requested that 3M cease exporting respirators that we currently manufacture in the United States to the Canadian and Latin American markets. There are, however, significant humanitarian implications of ceasing respirator supplies to healthcare workers in Canada and Latin America, where we are a critical supplier of respirators. In addition, ceasing all export of respirators produced in the United States would likely cause other countries to retaliate and do the same, as some have already done. If that were to occur, the net number of respirators being made available to the United States would actually decrease. That is the opposite of what we and the Administration, on behalf of the American people, both seek.”

 

[otto]

Thanks for the links. I don't see anything in them saying that the US intercepted supplies meant for Canada and Germany and took them.

I see that Trudeau is curious about these reports and is wanting to investigate. Nothing here for me to get excited about.

US accused of 'modern piracy' after diversion of masks meant for Europe

Trudeau worried supplies meant for Canada have been diverted to US

We'll find out in a day or two whether NAFTA has been scrapped.

 

[Deleted member 39678]

We'll find out in a day or two whether NAFTA has been scrapped.

I'm not sure what you mean but I do know that discussing NAFTA would be political so I will not ask for a clarification.

 

[margarita25]

France:

How 160,000 Police In France Are Cracking Down On Errant Easter Travelers

“160,000 police and gendarmes are out on French roads and motorways in force, cracking down on errant Easter holidaymakers. Friday marked the beginning of the usual grand départ in France, when millions of people leave home and head to the coast and countryside.

The start of the two-week festive break is staggered across the country, and unfurls for over a month. Greater Paris–the Île-de-France–and the southern France Occitanie region surrounding Toulouse were the first off the mark this weekend. Others will follow soon.

But “the virus is not on holiday,” warned French prime minister, Édouard Philippe, in a televised address Thursday. This as France enters the third week of its lockdown, now extended until at least mid-April as COVID-19 cases continue to spiral.”

[...]

“New Smartphone App To Control People’s Movement
Castaner says from Monday a new smartphone app will be available on the interior ministry’s website. This will for many replace the mandatory printed document people have to carry with them at all times to justify their reasons to leave home. Travelers can present it to police who then scan a QR code.”

[...]

““We’ll be there when you leave, during the journey and when you arrive,” declared Paris’s police chief, Didier Lallement on BFMTV. “Those who persist in their stupid plans” will be stopped in their tracks he added. Penalties he said will be “extremely severe”.

[...]

“We Are Watching You: Surveillance Stepped Up”

[...]

““You cannot leave to go to a holiday home,” transport minister, Laurent Nuñez, said on RTL Radio. Drone checks will also be stepped up over Easter to curb the traditional exodus he warned. “There will be no leaving for holiday … There will be checks across the country. Considerable numbers of police and gendarmes will be put in place mostly checking on the ground but also from the air.” Those who snub the lockdown rules could face hefty fines, he added. People who blatantly “challenge the restrictions” would be committing a crime.”

[...]

This comes amid rising concerns in France, that despite the extreme coronavirus outbreak, people are slackening off on the lockdown rules. Even though the outbreak is yet to reach its peak. As one headline read today: “Quarantine: Attention Don’t Get Too Relaxed”.”

—-

France Has Deadliest Virus Day as Infection Rate Slows in Spain

“The health ministry in Paris reported 588 hospital deaths, the most yet, bringing the figure to 5,091 since the beginning of the outbreak. In contrast, new infections slowed and fatalities declined in Spain for the first time in four days, as infections stabilized in Italy. Together, the three countries account for more than half the deaths worldwide in the pandemic.

Austria could become one of the first in the region to loosen restrictions that have shut down much of public life. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz’s government will review data and consider a plan in coming days to gradually restart the economy, the Austrian leader told parliament in Vienna on Friday.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions because there are some positive signals,” Kurz said. “I can promise you, if the numbers support it, we’ll do what we can to return to normality step by step.””

[...]

“Germany is planning to set up an extra 300 billion-euro aid program to help small- and medium-sized companies, and Switzerland doubled the amount of state credit guarantees for businesses to 40 billion francs ($41 billion).”

 

[Darling136]

Good morning all!

I hope that all the countries will follow the guidelines before and during Easter holidays. Spain is generally off the week before Easter and i hope this will not make them move more around, visiting etc. The figures for Spain and Italy are hopefull and it is important they keep this trend.

I fancy the idea to organize a virtual Easter sunday family event, MrDarling is not supportive and not motivated to explain his mother how this works.

PS: i have seen some discussion here last night, please do me a favour and slow down, thanks!

 

[margarita25]

Spain:

“With hospitals stretched to breaking point, the elderly are being turned away, and the care homes, lacking staff and appropriate equipment, must do what they can for the sick and dying.

“When they are very sick - not only here, in more than one place - ... when they see there is no solution ... they sedate them and see how long they last, because they’re leaving intensive care wards for younger people,” said Maria Jose Alvarez, whose 85-year-old mother is in a home near Barcelona.

“It’s sad, it’s really sad. They don’t deserve this.””

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-spain-homes-idUSKBN21L2TPA

—-


Spain experienced it’s highest and second highest death-toll days back-to-back Thursday and Friday.
April 3, 2020

A temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients located at the IFEMA convention center in Madrid. (PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

“THE NUMBER OF coronavirus cases in Spain has surpassed those in Italy, topping 117,700 on Friday.

Health officials report more than 117,710 COVID-19 cases in Spain, surpassing Italy's more than 115,240 cases and trailing only the U.S., which has nearly a quarter-million COVID-19 patients.”

 

[MajorHoople]

Not certain where you are, but I found Tylenol at Office Depot, look at some of the office supply websites - large quantity, but that is something I never stock and had absolutely none. Hope to be able to share this bounty once all in clear. Good luck!

Office Depot has items in their catalog that surprised me. When I couldn't find the right filter for my old coffee maker at any store in town I ordered one and received it two days later with free shipping. The cost was very cheap.

 

[margarita25]

Germany and France Blame Americans for Playing Dirty Over Masks

“The scarcity of safety equipment essential to the coronavirus fight is fueling tensions between longtime transatlantic allies, with local officials in France and Germany accusing unnamed Americans of using unfair means to obtain protective masks.

Berlin’s state interior ministry blamed the U.S. for confiscating 200,000 masks ordered from a U.S. producer when they were in transit through Bangkok. French officials have accused unidentified Americans of paying over the odds to secure masks in China that had already been earmarked for France.

The U.S. embassy in Paris said any suggestion that the federal government was involved in such practices was “completely false.” There was no immediate response the allegations from the White House or the State Department.

“We view this as an act of modern piracy,” Berlin Interior Minister Andreas Geisel said. “You cannot act in such a way among transatlantic partners. Such wild west methods can’t dominate, even in a time of global crisis.”“

[...]

““A load was taken from us by Americans who overbid on a batch that we had identified,” Valerie Pecresse, regional president of Paris, told broadcaster LCI Thursday. “We pay on delivery because we want to see the masks, while Americans pay cash and without looking. Of course this is more attractive for those who just seek to turn a profit on the back of the world’s distress.” She didn’t say whether the people involved were federal officials, company representatives or private individuals.”

[...]

“3M Co. on Friday defended its decision to export respirators from its U.S. facilities to Canada and Latin America, saying there would be “significant humanitarian implications” from halting supplies. President Donald Trump earlier threatened retribution against the company for sending masks and ventilators outside the U.S.”

 

[Amonet]

We're potato farmers in Idaho and the price of potatoes just took a huge dive for the same reason.

This is awful! That milk could be sold, it could be made into cheese and yogurt. The potatoes could be sold, made into mashed potato granules, frozen potatoes, ethanol for sanitizer!

This kind of waste is one of the things we should be trying to avoid!

 

[margarita25]

Trump says CDC advises cloth masks to protect against coronavirus, but he will not wear one

“The CDC’s website explained that the recommendations were updated following new studies that some infected people can transmit the coronavirus even without displaying symptoms of the disease.

“In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain,” such as in grocery stores or pharmacies, “especially in areas of significant community-based transmission,” the CDC says.”

[...]

“The CDC said that cloth face coverings can be made at low cost from household items as an additional measure. The coverings are not a replacement for other social distancing measures when in public, such as maintaining six feet away from other people, the CDC said.

The agency also noted that the coverings it recommends people wear “are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.”

“Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders,” the new guidance says.”

—-

Doctors say Trump's idea to 'use a scarf' to protect against coronavirus is unproven
Apr 1

“Doctors told CNBC that there are pros and cons to using masks, makeshift or otherwise, in public.”

 

[margarita25]

L.A. County records 11 new deaths: next few weeks will be 'critically important'

“The rate of increase of new coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County has slowed compared to last week, signaling that stay at home orders have been working, although new cases and deaths are still increasing overall, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Friday.”

[...]

“Barbara Ferrer, director of the county Department of Public Health, said Friday that L.A. County should expect to see 1,000 new coronavirus cases per day in the coming weeks and that the key to keeping the rate of spread manageable is social distancing.”

[...]

“The increase in L.A. County cases may also be due to a spike in cases reported in institutional settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, shelters, treatment centers, jails and prisons. These facilities tend to house a large number of vulnerable people who are older or have underlying health conditions, and residents often live in close quarters, making it difficult to curb the virus’ spread.”

 

[otto]

I'm not sure what you mean but I do know that discussing NAFTA would be political so I will not ask for a clarification.

It's not political. The USA decided yesterday that Canada and Germany could not have essential health supply masks. That's an essential health issue, like water. Violation of NAFTA is violating market value free trade. If the USA continues to interfere with Canada Federal Government purchases of medical supplies, it will be a NAFTA violation - obviously. It's not political, it's just how it is.

 

[otto]

Germany and France Blame Americans for Playing Dirty Over Masks

“The scarcity of safety equipment essential to the coronavirus fight is fueling tensions between longtime transatlantic allies, with local officials in France and Germany accusing unnamed Americans of using unfair means to obtain protective masks.

Berlin’s state interior ministry blamed the U.S. for confiscating 200,000 masks ordered from a U.S. producer when they were in transit through Bangkok. French officials have accused unidentified Americans of paying over the odds to secure masks in China that had already been earmarked for France.

The U.S. embassy in Paris said any suggestion that the federal government was involved in such practices was “completely false.” There was no immediate response the allegations from the White House or the State Department.

“We view this as an act of modern piracy,” Berlin Interior Minister Andreas Geisel said. “You cannot act in such a way among transatlantic partners. Such wild west methods can’t dominate, even in a time of global crisis.”“

[...]

““A load was taken from us by Americans who overbid on a batch that we had identified,” Valerie Pecresse, regional president of Paris, told broadcaster LCI Thursday. “We pay on delivery because we want to see the masks, while Americans pay cash and without looking. Of course this is more attractive for those who just seek to turn a profit on the back of the world’s distress.” She didn’t say whether the people involved were federal officials, company representatives or private individuals.”

[...]

“3M Co. on Friday defended its decision to export respirators from its U.S. facilities to Canada and Latin America, saying there would be “significant humanitarian implications” from halting supplies. President Donald Trump earlier threatened retribution against the company for sending masks and ventilators outside the U.S.”

Thank you for the link.
Spells it out. Wonder why it has to be said.

"Such wild west methods can’t dominate, even in a time of global crisis.”​

 

[tresir2012]

The problem with that reasoning is that during disasters like the wildfires in Australia and fallout from volcanic eruptions like what happened in Hawaii a couple of years ago, is that no-one would step up to the plate. China provided millions and millions of face masks to Australia during the wildfires and the volcanic eruptions in the Philippines. Me-first attitudes is the same as a 250 pound man not waiting his turn to get off a burning plane, using the backs of the smallest and weakest to step on. Tit for tat politics hurt everyone.

No I don't think it is the same as that. First of all, Oz has wild fires every year so should be prepared beforehand as that can be predicted. Hawai also knows well about volcanic eruptions and can be prepared. Noone knew this was coming or how fast it would spread. Now there are not enough of the right sort of mask so homemade or scarfs are being suggested. What would Australia have said if the PM said to make masks and use scarfs against the smoke?

 

[margarita25]

China:

China Enters The Next Phase of Its COVID-19 Outbreak: Suppression

—

Washington:

Coronavirus first ravaged parts of Washington state. Now there are signs of a change. - CNN

—-

Japan:

U.S. warns Americans to leave Japan amid "significant increase" in COVID-19 cases - CBS News


Coronavirus outbreak latest: April 4, 2020

—-

Mexico:

Coronavirus Crisis: Three Actions Mexico’s President Needs To Take Now


Shoppers In Mexico Are Panic-Buying Beer During The Coronavirus Crisis


Mexico stops brewing Corona beer, deemed non-essential in epidemic


26 infected with coronavirus at Mexico hospital; doctor dead
Apr 2

—

Brazil:

Could Bolsonaro be impeached? Brazil's leader under intensifying pressure over coronavirus denial


Brazil's Church leaders warn about threat to prisoners posed by COVID-19

—-

Italy:

Italy coronavirus: As north ravaged by pandemic, there's trouble brewing down south - CNN


Italy appears to be flattening its curve, data shows


Italian doctors’ fatalities reach tragic levels as they fight COVID-19 in overburdened hospitals


Italy Questions Russians Over Their Goodwill Virus Gestures


Italy Appears to be Flattening the Curve. What Did the Country Do Right?
Apr 2

—-

Louisiana:

New Orleans mayor on curfew: Shouldn't take National Guardsmen for people to follow the rules


Louisiana gets D-grade for social distancing, New Orleans A-minus


New Orleans Mayor Cantrell said the city should expect to see more deaths; masks for public recommended

—-

Michigan:

Michigan sees largest spike with 1,953 new confirmed coronavirus cases


Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 12,744; Death toll now at 479

—-

New York:

NYC’s Former Top Cop Discusses Protecting Coronavirus Medical Supplies


Opinion | Bill de Blasio: We Need All Medical Workers on the Front Lines


JetBlue, United Airlines agree to fly volunteer medical workers to New York free of charge


Store owners boarding up buildings across Manhattan


New York woman played her husband their wedding song on FaceTime as he passed away from coronavirus - CNN


Coronavirus News: NYC funeral homes and morgues overwhelmed


The 1,000-Bed Comfort Was Supposed to Aid New York. It Has 20 Patients.


NYC doctor makes urgent plea for help: 'We're near the breaking point'
Apr 2

—-

New Jersey:

Coronavirus in New Jersey: Map and Case Count

—

The White House is watching these next coronavirus 'hot spots' to follow New York and New Jersey

 

[ilovewings]

Married for 51 years, they died of Covid-19 six minutes apart - CNN
Updated 8:39 PM ET, Fri April 3, 2020

Adrian and Stuart Baker were married for more than 51 years, and their family called them inseparable. On March 29, they both died of complications due to Covid-19 -- just six minutes apart.

—

Adrian and Stuart Baker, at the time of their marriage.

”"They were as compatible and inseparable as two human beings have ever been married and existed on earth," Baker said.

Baker's message for others
On Thursday, Baker, his three children and his sister's family gathered for his parents' memorial service in Boynton Beach. The service was live-streamed for other friends and relatives and watched by people all over the world, he said.
"Hopefully people hear our story and it motivates them to do the right thing," he said. "By doing that, maybe it won't affect them or it won't affect their family but maybe they help another family not endure the pain and agony that me and my sister and our kids and the rest of our family are enduring right now."
Baker said he hopes his family's story can be a catalyst for change. He's calling on people to listen to what health officials have been saying: practice social distancing, wash their hands regularly and most importantly, stay at home.”

This is so sad--there are too many stories that follow this pattern---someone gets symptoms, they call their doctor or go to a hospital, no testing, told to go home, symptoms
fluctuate, they seem to get better and then all of a sudden they deteriorate and die.

 

[Amonet]

I very rarely think 'blame' is appropriate. I much prefer analysis and responsibility.

At a time like this, instead of reading 'blame' articles in the news sites, I would rather read examples like where companies that have protected designs for ventilators allow more factories to produce those designs.

More examples like the breweries and distilleries making ethanol for hand sanitisers instead of for drinking alcohol.

And I'd like to see governments try and work to see what they can do to reduce waste (like the milk and potatoes) and ensure that excess production is the aim wherever possible, so that there's no just enough for one city or country but that they each do what they can to also produce excess for other countries....and forget bidding wars wherever possible, and instead focus on getting what is needed into the place where it's needed.

I think this should be like a 'war' effort, a war on the virus, not a war on other people or countries. And if that means doing things like ensuring maximum production of milk, potatoes, masks, sanitizer, or whatever, then I think the aim should be to save lives globally and get any excess sent where it's needed.

We can go back to 'normal' when the virus is 'defeated', but in the meantime businesses that are usually working to beat each other need to be working together to beat the virus, countries need to contact each other and say "we need some help from you to produce an excess of something and share the final product with your country and other countries". Outbidding might work well in normal times, especially if it's for a more luxury item, but at the moment it seems we're hearing of more and more examples where it's unhelpful and cruel.

From a "Market" perspective, bidding something up in the normal way might mean a company can take on extra staff to meet higher demand next month or next year. I would like to see solutions that can achieve the end of meeting more demand but without as much taking from one person in need to give to another person in equal need. Economies across the world are screwed if you use normal measures....so we need different measures for a while, and different methods to get things moving well until we have beaten the virus and can go back to business as usual.

 

[otto]

I very rarely think 'blame' is appropriate. I much prefer analysis and responsibility.

At a time like this, instead of reading 'blame' articles in the news sites, I would rather read examples like where companies that have protected designs for ventilators allow more factories to produce those designs.

More examples like the breweries and distilleries making ethanol for hand sanitisers instead of for drinking alcohol.

And I'd like to see governments try and work to see what they can do to reduce waste (like the milk and potatoes) and ensure that excess production is the aim wherever possible, so that there's no just enough for one city or country but that they each do what they can to also produce excess for other countries....and forget bidding wars wherever possible, and instead focus on getting what is needed into the place where it's needed.

I think this should be like a 'war' effort, a war on the virus, not a war on other people or countries. And if that means doing things like ensuring maximum production of milk, potatoes, masks, sanitizer, or whatever, then I think the aim should be to save lives globally and get any excess sent where it's needed.

We can go back to 'normal' when the virus is 'defeated', but in the meantime businesses that are usually working to beat each other need to be working together to beat the virus, countries need to contact each other and say "we need some help from you to produce an excess of something and share the final product with your country and other countries". Outbidding might work well in normal times, especially if it's for a more luxury item, but at the moment it seems we're hearing of more and more examples where it's unhelpful and cruel.

From a "Market" perspective, bidding something up in the normal way might mean a company can take on extra staff to meet higher demand next month or next year. I would like to see solutions that can achieve the end of meeting more demand but without as much taking from one person in need to give to another person in equal need. Economies across the world are screwed if you use normal measures....so we need different measures for a while, and different methods to get things moving well until we have beaten the virus and can go back to business as usual.

What if psycho babble became obsolete in the time of pandemic, and it was understood and accepted that people said goodbye to loved ones through technology, occasionally choosing that time ahead of intubation and hallucination?