Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #46

[Arkay]

I don't think the writer's of the constitution of the United States were considering a world wide pandemic.
This is a game changer at the moment.
Life and death situations, that could change (life as we know it) should not depend on a document written by people in 1777. We are in 2020 and facing a humanitarian crisis.
To stop it, we need to stay home. Let's stop this *** virus, and deal with our freedoms when it has passed. Imo.

The Constitution was written in 1789, but I know that's not the point.
There were a lot of things that the founders could not foresee, living in the 18th century while we live in the 21st. That's precisely why we have Constitutional Amendments.

The National Emergencies Act is a federal law, passed in 1976, that allows the President to activate emergency powers during a national crisis.

I agree 100% that we need to stay home. The president and the governors are abridging our normal freedoms (like to go outside and stand near someone, or the right to assembly) in order to keep us alive and to keep the hospitals functioning. It's like when men were drafted into war, even though so many didn't want to go. A national emergency takes precedence.

We are still a democratic republic. We still vote for our leaders, we still have freedom of speech and the press and to worship. We just can't assemble right now.

 

[Lilibet]

I don't think that discussion about the law is inappropriate. But, I created a thread. If anyone is interested in a polite discussion.

Or, mods can review it and delete it.

That’s fine @mickey2942. My post was not in response to yours even though it posted afterward. I didn’t see it before posting.

 

[otto]

I personally have no doubt that China is concealing the true facts and figures. They made Dr. Li Wenliang apologize for and retract his message about a new SARS-like virus that was circulating around a wet market in Wuhan. Had the government done the opposite, not only might Dr. Li have lived, but the pandemic would have instead been a localized problem. It probably could have been kept under control through contact tracing and a perimeter quarantine, with treatment for those first few victims.

It reminds me of the old Soviet regime. Anything that was bad for public relations was lied about and/or swept under the rug. North Korea and Cuba, as well. In a Communist or dictatorship regime, the image is far for important than the truth. Citizens who don't play along don't fare very well (to understate it).

I think China was doing contact tracing and isolation/quarantine as soon as they knew they had a problem, perhaps as early as November, but they failed to contain. Every country has failed to contain. Eventually China contacted the WHO about the situation, but that would only be after they knew it could not be controlled.

Thinking back, I think we were all quite surprised that one of the first things we learned about China and the virus was dumping loads of dirt on roads into Wuhan, and other infected places, to prevent travel in the country. At the same time, people were allowed to travel from those locations every where in the world.

 

[KALI]

Thank you. Will do tomorrow.

If you like history and also reading about viruses, epidemics, etc...our local newspaper put out a fascinating series in 14 chapters about the yellow fever epidemic...entitled The Fever, you can read it for free here. I felt it was one of the most interesting and well done series I've ever read...The Fever | Portsmouth, VA

 

[imstilla.grandma]

I personally have no doubt that China is concealing the true facts and figures. They made Dr. Li Wenliang apologize for and retract his message about a new SARS-like virus that was circulating around a wet market in Wuhan. Had the government done the opposite, not only might Dr. Li have lived, but the pandemic would have instead been a localized problem. It probably could have been kept under control through contact tracing and a perimeter quarantine, with treatment for those first few victims.

It reminds me of the old Soviet regime. Anything that was bad for public relations was lied about and/or swept under the rug. North Korea and Cuba, as well. In a Communist or dictatorship regime, the image is far more important than the truth. Citizens who don't play along don't fare very well (to understate it).

Cuba Slams ‘Cruel’ US Sanctions amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Socialist Economies: How China, Cuba, and North Korea Work

 

[KALI]

That would be great, UNLESS the proposal is a bait and switch.
These essential workers could get $25,000 in hazard pay under 'Hero Fund' plan
Democrats in Congress want to give essential workers a raise for staying on the job in the face of coronavirus.

Senate Democrats are proposing nurses and doctors, but also grocery clerks and transit workers, get as much as $25,000 in hazard pay from the federal government.


These essential workers could get $25,000 in hazard pay under 'Hero Fund' plan[/QUOTE]

If you like history and also reading about viruses, epidemics, etc...our local newspaper put out a fascinating series in 14 chapters about the yellow fever epidemic...entitled The Fever, you can read it for free here. I felt it was one of the most interesting and well done series I've ever read...The Fever | Portsmouth, VA

 

[KALI]

approved into law 1789. Written in 1777. ;-)

The Constitution was written in 1789, but I know that's not the point.
There were a lot of things that the founders could not foresee, living in the 18th century while we live in the 21st. That's precisely why we have Constitutional Amendments.

The National Emergencies Act is a federal law, passed in 1976, that allows the President to activate emergency powers during a national crisis.

I agree 100% that we need to stay home. The president and the governors are abridging our normal freedoms (like to go outside and stand near someone, or the right to assembly) in order to keep us alive and to keep the hospitals functioning. It's like when men were drafted into war, even though so many didn't want to go. A national emergency takes precedence.

We are still a democratic republic. We still vote for our leaders, we still have freedom of speech and the press and to worship. We just can't assemble right now.

 

[Arkay]

approved into law 1789. Written in 1777. ;-)

Hi, Kali. It was the Articles of Confederation that were in force in 1777. The Constitution was drafted in 1787 and then approved in 1789. But let's stop. We are on the same side.

I think your state has fewer deaths than we do in a single day in NYC because your governor was very proactive. When I heard L.A. was in lockdown, I couldn't imagine how that would work. I couldn't even picture it in NY, because we are a walking culture, not a car culture. Yet as much as I miss the world outside, it's the best thing for us.

Stay home, stay safe, stay healthy.

 

[madfrank]

Kansas Supreme Court sides with Gov. Laura Kelly in fight over church crowds

TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court on Saturday re-instated Gov. Laura Kelly’s ban on large church crowds by determining a Republican-led panel doesn’t have the power to overrule an executive order.​

The unanimous decision means Kelly’s order limiting religious gatherings to no more than 10 individuals will be in effect for Easter Sunday services. ​

 

[SugarQueen]

My DD’s big barn wedding is supposed to be the end of May in Pennsylvania. I don’t really expect it to be able to go as planned. Does anyone think there is even a chance?

 

[CrimeAway]

Again, there has never been a successful vaccine developed for a coronavirus.

There are successful coronavirus vaccines for animals Merck Animal Health USA

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Traditional llanero musicians are no longer warbling about Venezuela's grasslands and unrequited love. Instead, they have switched to singing about washing hands, staying at home and donning a mask.

"Venezuela, beautiful homeland, stay calm, I beg you," sings Ysidro Salom who is wearing a cowboy hat and strumming a harp. "We know what we have to do because we are blessed. We need to be conscious and cautious to make sure we don't contract coronavirus."

Shortages of hospital and medicine supplies are widespread and there is no doubt the virus will make supply issues worse.

• The crisis forcing mothers to give away their babies

"We have about 80 intensive care beds in the country - Venezuela should have about 2,500," says Dr Freddy Pachano, a doctor in the state of Zulia and president of the National Board of Directors for Postgraduate Medicine.

"Add that to the basic services we don't have in hospitals like constant electricity supply that ventilators rely upon. All of these elements together create a Dantesque scenario that could see lots of deaths in the country."

With millions of people now quarantined, Mr Maduro can exert more control over the population. But there is disquiet about the government's ability to cope and its willingness to report the true number of cases.

At the end of last month, journalist Darvinson Rojas was arrested after reporting on coronavirus. He was charged with "advocacy of hatred".

Doctors have also faced pressure when talking openly about the virus. "Several doctors have been directly or indirectly silenced, intimidated, threatened," Dr Pachano says.

He himself got into trouble for reporting suspected cases and for exposing the fact there was not enough PPE for medical staff. "This all makes medical and health personnel afraid to demand basic clothing to be able to deal with suspicious cases."
Why coronavirus could be catastrophic for Venezuela

 

[cass523]

All the evidence i have seen indicates homemade masks are far less effective than N95 masks. Homemade masks are mostly to protect other people from you (in case you are asymptomatic carrier). N95 masks can actually protect you from other people.

"The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can remain infectious on face masks for up to a week, and last on banknotes, stainless steel and plastic surfaces for days, according to a study. However, the virus can be killed by household disinfectants, bleach or frequent hand washing with soap and water, said the researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKU)."

Sharing silicone masks again, in case anyone is interested. I bought masks from GIR (Get It Right) business. Silicone is a good material. Breathable, reusable, easy to clean, sterilize.

GIR Company

"When we realized there was a need for protective gear for everyone from healthcare workers to grocery store workers to you and me. We’ve reached 5000+ donations in a matter of 24 hours!"

Soft material such as silicone is an amazing ingredient to make respirators.
A reloadable silicone mask fitted with a PM2.5 filter. Made with medical-grade, FDA and LFGB approved, platinum-cured silicone. Lightweight, breathable protection that’s easy to clean

Your mask will help fight the spread of COVID-19. Each kit comes packaged with five filters; you can purchase additional filters (pk of 10) from us here, or use your own filter supply.

Your mask should be worn snug across your face and secured behind your ears or head. Be thoughtful about how you place the filter inside the mask; it should cover the air holes and avoid creating gaps where “free air” can flow.

You can sanitize your mask in the dishwasher, microwave (15 seconds), oven (5 minutes at 300°), autoclave, or household cleaning products like bleach or by hand washing vigorously with soap and hot water."

Reusable Face Mask

GIR: Get It Right’s Instagram profile post: “Made with medical-grade, FDA and LFGB approved, platinum-cured silicone. Lightweight, breathable protection that’s easy to clean and comes…”

NEW YORK, April 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NYC-founded company GIR wanted to help combat the PPE crisis. So they looked to the material they knew best, platinum-cured silicone, and created a reusable mask for non-medical, general-purpose use.

Recent studies are now indicating that coronavirus can live on some fabrics for up to several days, so unless you're able to thoroughly clean your cloth masks after each grocery store run, it might not be the best option as the country accepts this new reality. And on that note, GIR also takes the protection of grocery store workers and parcel delivery very seriously. "

GIR Gets It Right with General-Purpose Reusable Silicone Masks

COVID-19 virus can last on face masks for a week, banknotes and other surfaces for days: study

 

[Deleted member 158085]

I don't think they've been able to do this for cats, though. Otherwise 80+% of cats would not test positive for having had the coronavirus that leads to deadly FIP in some.

There are successful coronavirus vaccines for animals Merck Animal Health USA

 

[Tripod]

<modsnip: quoted post has been removed>

There has been no indication, as yet, that Gov. Abbott is going to be setting a particular date for re-opening things in Texas, in his forth-coming EO. He, and each and every governor, is going to have to plan and issue specific guidelines for their own states, so this will be a needed outline for Texas residents and businesses.

 

[PommyMommy]

BNO Newsroom on Twitter
For the first time in history, all 50 U.S. states are under a federal disaster declaration simultaneously - CNN
4:47 PM - 11 Apr 2020

Ryan Struyk on Twitter
Reported US coronavirus cases via @CNN:
Feb. 11: 13 cases
Mar. 11: 1,267 cases
Apr. 11: 529,740 cases
10:47 PM - 11 Apr 2020

BNO Newsroom on Twitter
Over the past 24 hours, the U.S. reported 31,079 new cases of coronavirus and 1,845 new deaths, raising total to 533,475 cases and 20,548 dead
11:56 PM - 11 Apr 2020

Tracking coronavirus: U.S. data

 

[otto]

Looking at the world in photos - week of Jan 18-25. Everyone is in hazmat suits in the third week of January in Wuhan, so they knew that it was highly contagious and deadly. Why did the rest of the world wait until the virus was confirmed in their countries to react? This same week, China started building the 11 days hospital.

20 photographs of the week

 

[katydid23]

Shield sunglasses are cheap on eBay and would be very effective. Everyone should have them for going to the store when we start to go back. Regular sunglasses would help, but wraparound or shield style would be better.

I have a pair of goggles somewhere, but if I think there's that much virus someplace, I'm just not going. My DH says he has a snorkel mask if I would prefer that.

Nope.

CVS sells big wrap around glasses, made to fit over regular eyeglasses. I have a pair with yellow lenses, made for daytime. They completely cover your eyes really well. When I wear those with a mask and a hat, I feel very well protected, for brief visits into a store or post office.

 

[mickey2942]

My DD’s big barn wedding is supposed to be the end of May in Pennsylvania. I don’t really expect it to be able to go as planned. Does anyone think there is even a chance?

I am sorry to say, that there is probably not a chance that wedding day will happen as planned. And I doubt that all of the guests would attend.

Sorry. I don't think that I am wrong on this, because several events planned for Summer, 2020, have already been canceled. We may not even have baseball this season.

 

[katydid23]

Mask inquiry. I walk my two dogs, big apartment complex, multiple buildings, but I am never within six to ten feet of anyone, no one in halls, etc. Do I still wear a mask?

Do you use an elevator or a stair well?