Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #53

[CSIDreamer]

Not at all surprised by this development. Are any of the states opening this week also planning to open schools before the end of the school year?

"Gov. Andrew Cuomo officially announced Friday that all schools in New York state, including the city’s public schools, will be shuttered for the remainder of the academic year due to the coronavirus crisis."

https://nypost.com/2020/05/01/ny-schools-colleges-will-be-closed-for-rest-of-academic-year/

Indiana closed for the year awhile back. I'm kinda shocked NY wasnt already closed.

 

[10ofRods]

There are enough tests for 100 senators. How could the Capitol physician not have any? I am wondering if he is being honest or has some other agenda for this statement.

The governor of cali has 300k tests available for free drive through testing for all Californians. They are not 15 min tests but they are 48 hr tests.

The senators could get tested 2 days before they have to go back to the building.

It is truly puzzling. I can think of many hidden agendas, because groups of powerful people do have them. Not necessarily nefarious, but in my own research, I know that no matter what the disease is, some people simply do not want to know whether they have it or not. For any reason. It's too anxiety-producing or something. They usually have a difficult time stating exactly why. My dad was like that and so was his brother, so perhaps it's also cultural. Some people are just phobic about swabbing, too.

However, as it's stated in the news, there are not enough tests in Washington, D.C. to test 100 Senators (and, I suppose, their staff). They don't want to come back without their staffs, as they won't know what to do or how to vote without the typical briefings and caucuses.

There does seem to be a pattern of the White House and staff getting preferential treatment over Senate - but why that is, well, there's just lots of speculation. I suspect that the Senate needed to organize itself and ask for testing, which may not have occurred until the last few days.

 

[IceIce9]

.
Restaurants will open as part of Stage 2 of the plan. All counties are eligible to move to that stage on Monday, May 4, except Marion and Lake Counties, which have been hotspots for COVID-19.

Those two counties are a week behind and under the state's plan, could reopen at 50% on May 11. Marion County, which includes Indianapolis, is under a city stay at home order that extends through May 15.

What Gov. Holcomb's reopening plan means for restaurants

 

[IceIce9]

Churches will encompass huge clusters of infection moo. We saw it with Daegu and we will see it again JMO.

My church has been doing Zoom services, and it was announced that we would continue Zoom no matter what the governor announced.

 

[CSIDreamer]

That is not what I said at all. Its the reality of what is happening. People are on the beaches now in Florida and some other places while the people in care homes all over the country are dying. They have not been protected by the stay at home at all.

In fact, if you look at the post above some areas are recognising this by now making the stay at home for over 65 and for those with underlying health conditions only.

If it helps, I understood what you were saying. Funny. Indiana is reopening by phases with a shelter in place for those 65+. Its called protect the vulnerable. Jmo

 

[CSIDreamer]

Indiana all churches can open on May 8 with no restrictions. In all counties, statewide.

"Updated guidance coming". Jmo

 

[Reasonable & Just]

Indiana closed for the year awhile back. I'm kinda shocked NY wasnt already closed.

I think you probably meant " already closed for the year", but just clarifying for others- we have been closed since mid-March, and extended every couple of weeks or so until now.

 

[tresir2012]

Capitol physician doesn't have enough coronavirus tests for all lawmakers as Senate plans return

The capitol physician told Republican aides Thursday he does not have enough coronavirus tests for all lawmakers as senators are scheduled to return to Washington, D.C., on Monday, according to multiple media reports.

The news comes after Senate aides brought up the issue of COVID-19 testing to Capitol physician Brian Monahan this week, noting that most senators are considered at-risk for contracting the coronavirus.

Monahan told the staff that neither he, nor anybody else in the nation's capital, has access to the 15-minute tests the White House uses. He also noted that he does not have enough resources to test asymptomatic lawmakers, and will only be testing those who show signs associated with the disease such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, runny nose and fatigue.

"Monahan told the staff that neither he, nor anybody else in the nation's capital, has access to the 15-minute tests the White House uses. He also noted that he does not have enough resources to test asymptomatic lawmakers, and will only be testing those who show signs associated with the disease such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, runny nose and fatigue."

Ok so what are these 15 minute tests? Anyone know why everywhere cannot use them?

 

[margarita25]

Healthy pigs being killed as meatpacking backlog hits farms

 

[Reasonable & Just]

"Monahan told the staff that neither he, nor anybody else in the nation's capital, has access to the 15-minute tests the White House uses. He also noted that he does not have enough resources to test asymptomatic lawmakers, and will only be testing those who show signs associated with the disease such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, runny nose and fatigue."

Ok so what are these 15 minute tests? Anyone know why everywhere cannot use them?

Yeah, really? Though maybe they aren't approved for use on the public due to lack of clinical testing? So the idea is admin members accept an unknown level of risk for false positives or negative? That does make sense to me. Otherwise, I really don't know why we the humble folk still can't get tests and timely results. Just speculation.

 

[Trino]

Time to forgo meat:
More than 4,000 workers in meatpacking plants have the coronavirus, the C.D.C. says.
At least 4,193 workers at 115 meatpacking plants in the United States have been infected with the coronavirus, according to a report released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Indiana closed for the year awhile back. I'm kinda shocked NY wasnt already closed.

Indiana did not close schools for the entire year. New York schools are closed for the rest of the semester and Gov. Cuomo will address the issue of having summer school later this month. Indiana schools are in Phase 5 below:

Coronavirus in Indiana: 5-stage plan to have state 'back on track' by July 4, Holcomb says

Indiana reported Friday 55 deaths due to the novel coronavirus, bringing the state's death toll to 1,062. The state has reported 18,630 total cases and 99,639 administered tests.

Here's what Holcomb said about reopening:

• Holcomb said the state is using four principles to inform its reopening strategy: evidence of a 14-day decrease in the number of hospitalized patient, retaining the capacity of ICU beds and ventilators, the ability to test all Hoosiers who show symptoms of COVID-19, and the ability to contact trace all cases. The governor said the state has either met these principles are has ramped up efforts to do so.
• Holcomb said reopening will happen in five stages, with the goal of having the state “back on track” by July 4. He cautioned that the plan is subject to change.
• Stage 1 is the phase we have been in since mid-March. This phase includes essential manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, government, business and other critical operations remain open. Schools remain closed.
• Stage 2 will begin on Monday, May 4 for most counties. Marion and Lake Counties can begin Stage 2 on May 11. Cass County can start Stage 2 on May 18. The stage includes: Those 65 and older or high-risk should remain at home as much as possible. Social gatherings can increase to 25 people. Restaurants can open at 50% capacity starting May 11. Essential travel restrictions will be lifted. Remaining manufacturers that were not considered essential will be able to open. Retail and commercial businesses will open at 50% capacity.
• While state rules would allow Indianapolis to begin Phase 2 on May 11, a stay-at-home order for Marion County extends through May 15.
• Restaurants and bars that serve food may open for dine-in starting May 11 at 50% capacity, but bar seating will remain closed.
• Personal services such as hair salons and tattoo parlors can begin to open May 11 by appointment only and must follow social distancing guidelines.
• Those who work in office settings are encouraged to work remotely whenever possible.
• Starting May 8, for all counties, Indiana worship services may convene. Indoor services are limited to 10 people are fewer. Those 65 and older are asked to stay home.
• On May 24, Stage 3 may begin: Those who are high-risk may venture out, cautiously. Those who can work remotely should continue to do so. Social gatherings of up to 100 people may occur. Retail stores and malls can go up to 75% capacity. Movie theaters can operate at 50% capacity.
• If still on track, the state can move to Stage 4 by June 14. Face coverings will be optional. Zoos and museums can open at 50% capacity. Social gatherings of up to 200 will be allowed. State government buildings will reopen to the public. Office employees can resume work at full capacity. Retail can open at full capacity. Dining service can open at 75% capacity. Recreational sports and leagues can resume.
• Stage 5 would begin July 4. Fairs, festivals and sporting events can resume, with social distancing guidelines. Remote work will still be optional. Retails stores, gyms, personal services and dining can operate at full capacity. Restrictions will be lifted at amusement parks and like facilities.
• At Stage 5, the state will decide how to approach the next school year.
• “Now comes the hard part,” Holcomb said. He said the plan will require “constant vigilance” from everyone, adding the number of cases will likely continue to increase. If the four principles aren’t met, the plan could change. “This is up to each and every one of us,” he said.
• Holcomb said the point of the stay-at-home order was to make sure the state has the ability to treat patients, which requires slowing the spread of the virus. “Our effort going forward will be all about managing through this crisis. I’m praying for a vaccine but we gotta do what we can do right now.” Indiana State Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Lindsay Weaver added that the stay-at-home measures also protected those most at risk and helped hospitals prepare.
• Holcomb said the state will support local municipalities – like Marion County and Indianapolis -- that make different reopening decisions based on their specific needs and data. The governor’s general counsel said, per state law, local communities can be more strict in their requirements than the state.
• On the enforcement on the new guidelines, Holcomb said he trusts Hoosiers and that the state will continue to investigate complaints. But, Holcomb said, “it’s gonna come down to us” to play by the rules and stay on track.
• On the counties that will not enter Stage 2 on Monday, including Marion County, Weaver said the state has taken into consideration the referral patterns between hospitals. Officials also looked at capacity at hospitals in those areas to make sure they can handle an influx of patients.
• On balancing the public health and economic crisis, Holcomb said the state has taken a safety-first approach. “But we also don’t want to be reluctant to safely re-engage and restart and get back on track,” he said, adding that it’s “a little bit of science and a little bit of art.”
• Weaver said 84 sites across the state are providing COVID-19 tests. The state will add an additional 50 sites through a partnership with OptumServe. The online portal including a map of locations is expected to be available Monday.
• Asked about whether to wipe down groceries or mail with disinfectant, Weaver said the virus can live on a surface, but that proper hand washing and sanitizing should be enough.
• On the seemingly symbolic July 4 date for Stage Five, Holcomb said, “it just played out to July as we were looking at the data before us.” He reiterated the plan and dates could change depending on the data.
• Asked whether there was discussion about reopening regionally instead of by county, Holcomb said officials considered different geographies to contain the spread. “You’re obviously never going to get these things perfect… but we’ve tried to contain this to a point where we weren’t overextending those restrictions,” he said.

 

[tresir2012]

These 4 factors fueled the US coronavirus outbreak, CDC says:

The report highlighted four main factors that accelerated transmission in March:

- Continued importation of the virus by travelers infected elsewhere, such as on cruise ships;
- Attendance at professional and social events, which amplified the spread;
- Introduction of the virus into facilities prone to amplification, including nursing homes and high-density urban areas; and,
- Problems detecting virus, including limited testing, the virus’ emergence during flu season, and “cryptic transmission” from people who were asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic.

CDC’s principal deputy director, Dr. Anne Schuchat, who penned the report, noted that in February “139,305 travelers arrived from Italy and 1.74 million from all Schengen countries.” She added that “the outbreak was spreading widely and rapidly” in those regions.

US coronavirus update: Some states have partially reopened

I think that report is pretty spot on.
Travellers, especially cruise ships.
Virus entering high density urban areas and facilities like nursing homes.
Professional and social events.
Limited testing, virus emerging during normal flu season and cryptic transmission.

(I know of several countries that got the virus from attendance at weddings by family members travelling from other countries for example)

 

[Trino]

May God bless Texas and creative Texans...................moo

Well, he did say it was a full service restaurant (LOL).

 

[tresir2012]

Indiana did not close schools for the entire year. New York schools are closed for the rest of the semester and Gov. Cuomo will address the issue of having summer school later this month. Indiana schools are in Phase 5 below:

Coronavirus in Indiana: 5-stage plan to have state 'back on track' by July 4, Holcomb says

Indiana reported Friday 55 deaths due to the novel coronavirus, bringing the state's death toll to 1,062. The state has reported 18,630 total cases and 99,639 administered tests.

Here's what Holcomb said about reopening:

• Holcomb said the state is using four principles to inform its reopening strategy: evidence of a 14-day decrease in the number of hospitalized patient, retaining the capacity of ICU beds and ventilators, the ability to test all Hoosiers who show symptoms of COVID-19, and the ability to contact trace all cases. The governor said the state has either met these principles are has ramped up efforts to do so.
• Holcomb said reopening will happen in five stages, with the goal of having the state “back on track” by July 4. He cautioned that the plan is subject to change.
• Stage 1 is the phase we have been in since mid-March. This phase includes essential manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, government, business and other critical operations remain open. Schools remain closed.
• Stage 2 will begin on Monday, May 4 for most counties. Marion and Lake Counties can begin Stage 2 on May 11. Cass County can start Stage 2 on May 18. The stage includes: Those 65 and older or high-risk should remain at home as much as possible. Social gatherings can increase to 25 people. Restaurants can open at 50% capacity starting May 11. Essential travel restrictions will be lifted. Remaining manufacturers that were not considered essential will be able to open. Retail and commercial businesses will open at 50% capacity.
• While state rules would allow Indianapolis to begin Phase 2 on May 11, a stay-at-home order for Marion County extends through May 15.
• Restaurants and bars that serve food may open for dine-in starting May 11 at 50% capacity, but bar seating will remain closed.
• Personal services such as hair salons and tattoo parlors can begin to open May 11 by appointment only and must follow social distancing guidelines.
• Those who work in office settings are encouraged to work remotely whenever possible.
• Starting May 8, for all counties, Indiana worship services may convene. Indoor services are limited to 10 people are fewer. Those 65 and older are asked to stay home.
• On May 24, Stage 3 may begin: Those who are high-risk may venture out, cautiously. Those who can work remotely should continue to do so. Social gatherings of up to 100 people may occur. Retail stores and malls can go up to 75% capacity. Movie theaters can operate at 50% capacity.
• If still on track, the state can move to Stage 4 by June 14. Face coverings will be optional. Zoos and museums can open at 50% capacity. Social gatherings of up to 200 will be allowed. State government buildings will reopen to the public. Office employees can resume work at full capacity. Retail can open at full capacity. Dining service can open at 75% capacity. Recreational sports and leagues can resume.
• Stage 5 would begin July 4. Fairs, festivals and sporting events can resume, with social distancing guidelines. Remote work will still be optional. Retails stores, gyms, personal services and dining can operate at full capacity. Restrictions will be lifted at amusement parks and like facilities.
• At Stage 5, the state will decide how to approach the next school year.
• “Now comes the hard part,” Holcomb said. He said the plan will require “constant vigilance” from everyone, adding the number of cases will likely continue to increase. If the four principles aren’t met, the plan could change. “This is up to each and every one of us,” he said.
• Holcomb said the point of the stay-at-home order was to make sure the state has the ability to treat patients, which requires slowing the spread of the virus. “Our effort going forward will be all about managing through this crisis. I’m praying for a vaccine but we gotta do what we can do right now.” Indiana State Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Lindsay Weaver added that the stay-at-home measures also protected those most at risk and helped hospitals prepare.
• Holcomb said the state will support local municipalities – like Marion County and Indianapolis -- that make different reopening decisions based on their specific needs and data. The governor’s general counsel said, per state law, local communities can be more strict in their requirements than the state.
• On the enforcement on the new guidelines, Holcomb said he trusts Hoosiers and that the state will continue to investigate complaints. But, Holcomb said, “it’s gonna come down to us” to play by the rules and stay on track.
• On the counties that will not enter Stage 2 on Monday, including Marion County, Weaver said the state has taken into consideration the referral patterns between hospitals. Officials also looked at capacity at hospitals in those areas to make sure they can handle an influx of patients.
• On balancing the public health and economic crisis, Holcomb said the state has taken a safety-first approach. “But we also don’t want to be reluctant to safely re-engage and restart and get back on track,” he said, adding that it’s “a little bit of science and a little bit of art.”
• Weaver said 84 sites across the state are providing COVID-19 tests. The state will add an additional 50 sites through a partnership with OptumServe. The online portal including a map of locations is expected to be available Monday.
• Asked about whether to wipe down groceries or mail with disinfectant, Weaver said the virus can live on a surface, but that proper hand washing and sanitizing should be enough.
• On the seemingly symbolic July 4 date for Stage Five, Holcomb said, “it just played out to July as we were looking at the data before us.” He reiterated the plan and dates could change depending on the data.
• Asked whether there was discussion about reopening regionally instead of by county, Holcomb said officials considered different geographies to contain the spread. “You’re obviously never going to get these things perfect… but we’ve tried to contain this to a point where we weren’t overextending those restrictions,” he said.

This seems to be a sensible approach.

 

[Trino]

Indiana closed for the year awhile back. I'm kinda shocked NY wasnt already closed.

I think many states are taking closings a couple of weeks at a time to avoid protests. Most people can take another two weeks, but if a month or two is put on the table, well...

 

[cody22]

CBSN Los Angeles

Los Angeles and Huntington Beach, California Virus News....Good live coverage.....moo

 

[dixiegirl1035]

The headline makes it sound as if people in Brooklyn WANT this to be the situation rather than being completely overwhelmed.

From the link:
"The owner, 41-year-old Andrew Cleckley, told police that he had been unable to get cemeteries and crematories to accept enough bodies to keep his facility from overflowing."

Sad situation at the funeral home and in the thread that is full of posts with headlines only, which is a disservice to discussion, imo.



jmo


eta = Edited to Add

Thank you for again viewing the headline to read and post the story itself for many of us to understand that the headline doesn't reflect the true story. Many perhaps don't take the /have the time to read.

 

[cass523]

Just read CNN's Health Report. Three scenarios. None of them good. Why, then, aren't we preparing? Actually, I haven't heard one scientist, doctor, health professional say we are on the upswing. It's been all political.
Coronavirus pandemic misery expected to last two more years, says expert report - CNN

From the article:

"Osterholm has been writing about the risk of pandemics for 20 years and has advised several presidents. He wrote the report along with Harvard School of Public Health epidemiologist Marc Lipsitch, who is also a top expert on pandemics; Dr. Kristine Moore, a former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiologist who is now medical director for CIDRAP; and historian John Barry, who wrote the 2004 book "The Great Influenza" about the 1918 flu pandemic.

2015 -The Nation is Dangerously Vulnerable to a Biological Event."

More people who warned about a pandemic, the danger
The Clade-X exercise 2018- Warning

This was Nightline on April 30th (13:00)

There was a mock exercise that featured an actual fake newscast charting the events of a pandemic, May, 2018.

The Clade-X exercise was conducted in front of a live audience of government officials, academics, and members of the health security community and streamed live on Facebook.

The scenario opens with the present-day outbreak of a new, serious respiratory disease in Germany and Venezuela. Soon after, Clade X is identified as a novel strain of human parainfluenza virus with genetic elements of Nipah virus.

"Clade X is a pandemic tabletop exercise hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in May 2018 to identify important policy issues and preparedness challenges that could be solved with sufficient political will and attention. The Center designed the Clade X scenario by mixing aspects of actual past events with well-researched fictional elements to illustrate some of the difficult decisions that national leaders could face in a severe pandemic."

A congressional oversight committee discussed the disasterous results of Clade X, Dr. Anthony Fauci in attendance.

Noted:

"One year to produce a vaccine for this is too long."

"Lack of preparation is not an option, we have to do more to be prepared for these types of outbreaks."

"We don't have enough PPE to serve our healthcare workers, it is made in China and when China shuts down, this will impede our supply."

"We have not done our planning, we have not done our coordinating, we have not done the the kind of thoughtful analysis about how we manage a crisis before the crisis even starts."

It is not clear if President Trump and his top aides were ever informed about Clade-X exercise. but there were many other alarm bells, including already world wide threat assessments in 2018 and 2019, flagging pandemics as a major threat to the U.S.

A 2019 pandemic exercise revealing deficiencies with vaccine development and critical supplies. Noting global manufacturing capacity will likely not be sufficient to meet demand.

Then the report two days before the president declared a national emergency, warning that the country's lack of coodination around pandemic planning and preparation could limit the success of the bio defense strategy.

-Before the outbreak, there was no single leader in charge of the entire federal bio defense enterprise which spans as many as two dozen agencies.
(The video goes into more detail-spending)

-The medical and scientific community missed key moments,"There clearly has been a breakdown in our U.S. public health infrastructure, and the CDC is on the top of that food chain."

-Nightline goes back to memos of what was said on January 22, 27, 28, Feb 27 and March 24, by Joe Lieberman, President Trump, the CDC, Dr Fauci, and Alex Azar (6:00 video)

"We missed signals."

Community spread, Lock down, lost time (6:00 mark video)

Pandemic warnings existed long before coronavirus hit US, experts say | Nightline

https://www.centerforhealthsecurity...e/pdfs/Clade-X-executive-summary-document.pdf

Clade X policy recommendations | JH Center for Health Security

 

[tresir2012]

<modsnip: quoted post was removed and OP had no link to statistical info stated as fact>

San Morino
+11 41 82 457 5 17,094 1,208 2,386 70,319
Belgium 49,032 +513 7,703 +109 11,892 29,437 740 4,231 665 253,198 21,847
Andorra 745 42 468 235 17 9,642 544 1,673 21,653
Spain 242,988 +3,648 24,824 +281 142,450 75,714 2,500 5,197 531 1,528,833 32,699
Italy 207,428 +1,965 28,236 +269 78,249 100,943 1,578 3,431 467 2,053,425 33,962
UK 177,454 +6,201 27,510 +739 N/A 149,600 1,559 2,614 405 1,023,824 15,082
France 167,346 +168 24,594 +218 50,212 92,540 3,878 2,564 377 724,574 11,101
Sint Maarten 76 +1 13 44 19 7 1,773 303 329 7,673
Netherlands 39,791 +475 4,893 +98 N/A 34,648 735 2,322 286 225,899 13,184
Sweden 21,520 +428 2,653 +67 1,005 17,862 531 2,131 263 119,500 11,833
Isle of Man 316 +1 22 +1 271 23 21 3,716 259 3,228 37,962
Ireland 20,833 +221 1,265 +33 13,386 6,182 123 4,219 256 153,954 31,179
Channel Islands 538 +1 41 +1 406 91 3,094 236 5,342 30,725
Switzerland 29,705 +119 1,754 +17 23,900 4,051 167 3,432 203 271,500 31,371
Montserrat 11 1 2 8 1 2,204 200 36 7,212
USA

These are all the countries with more deaths per million than the USA. The deaths per 1m is the third figure from the end on each line.

Source Worldometers.
Coronavirus Update (Live): 3,383,932 Cases and 238,610 Deaths from COVID-19 Virus Pandemic - Worldometer