Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #59

[CSIDreamer]

That article is referencing a report the WHO put out in March. IMO at that time there was still a public effort to conserve masks (n95s) for health care workers. Now that there are cloth and surgical masks available, the advice has been updated to "yes, wearing masks helps reduce transmission even if it doesn't block the virus 100%".

So I lay the fault in this instance on Fox News for republicizing obsolete advice in a fluid situation where expert advice is changing week to week. IMO MOO

This is straight off the WHO website:

• If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19.
• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
• Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

When and how to use masks

 

[margarita25]

It must be noted that WHO has placed a great emphasis on protecting the supply of masks/PPE for front line medical workers.

 

[anneg]

That article is referencing a report the WHO put out in March. IMO at that time there was still a public effort to conserve masks (n95s) for health care workers. Now that there are cloth and surgical masks available, the advice has been updated to "yes, wearing masks helps reduce transmission even if it doesn't block the virus 100%".

So I lay the fault in this instance on Fox News for republicizing obsolete advice in a fluid situation where expert advice is changing week to week. IMO MOO

Auntie, can you provide a link to that updated guidance from WHO? I posted a link from WHO above that doesn't mention wearing masks to help reduce transmission even if the don't block the virus 100%. I think it's CDC that changed its guidance... ?? MOO.

 

[anneg]

This is straight off the WHO website:

• If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19.
• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
• Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

When and how to use masks

Yes, this is what I cited above.

 

[mickey2942]

I found it very interesting that at the Farmer's Market about 75% of the people there were wearing masks. All of the vendors were wearing masks.

This was outside, not crowded. Far less people attending than usual, and half the amount of vendors.

This is going to be a sad Summer.
1. No music festivals
2. No Shakespeare in Park
3. Food festivals, craft shows, State fairs, cancelled.
4. Community pools have been closed, not sure on reopening.

 

[Lavender Moon]

I found it very interesting that at the Farmer's Market about 75% of the people there were wearing masks. All of the vendors were wearing masks.

This was outside, not crowded. Far less people attending than usual, and half the amount of vendors.

This is going to be a sad Summer.
1. No music festivals
2. No Shakespeare in Park
3. Food festivals, craft shows, State fairs, cancelled.
4. Community pools have been closed, not sure on reopening.

Summer need not be sad. We need to find other ways to celebrate the season; especially since there has been a prediction of an approaching dark Winter. " Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. "

 

[mickey2942]

Summer need not be sad. We need to find other ways to celebrate the season; especially since there has been a prediction of an approaching dark Winter. " Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. "

Well, I think that it is okay to acknowledge "sadness". So many people had plans for the Summer, to travel, see family, friends. All crushed. Sure, stay home, go for a bike ride. It is not the same.

It is okay to acknowledge that this whole Coronavirus is depressing. And doesn't seem to be getting better. There is an endless spiral of job losses, businesses closing, more people dying. Sure, gather roses. For graves.

 

[10ofRods]

Can someone explain the antibody test for Covid? I understand basically what it means to have antibodies but how does one have a false positive? Don’t they look for specific antibodies? Either you have them or not? I am sorry is this has been explained. TIA.

Antibodies are very small. The test needs to be quite specific. In about 1-2% of tests, the results are invalid (usually on the side of missing antibodies, but there are other, similar antibodies to prior SARS-COV-1.

I'm not sure what people expect of science, particularly sophisticated tests involved in antibody testing or in virus testing. 100% is super-rare in science. Gravity is held to be 100% active on Earth. Not much else is certain.

Many things effect why these 1-2% result errors happen. Some people's antibodies fall below the level of detection (and they probably shouldn't count themselves as having antibodies against CoVid anyway - so it seems to me, that's not a worthless test result at all).

Another reason for a false negative would be that the individual in question has rare genes for antibody formation, and hence, didn't form the same antibodies (there are many aspects to how an immune system works, it's not all antibodies - what if some people possess such great immune systems that CoVid was suppressed in some other way? How would we even know at this point?)

Anyway, anything that's 98-99% accurate as a test is pret' darned good, IMO. CoVid-19 testing, especially at the beginning of the pandemic in the US, weren't even that accurate - but lots of study done since. And the upcoming saliva tests may be less sensitive, but much less invasive and therefore suitable for use in children, which is important.

Things are going to fall through the cracks. That's why anti-viral campaigns need redundancy (and the nations with multiple anti-CoVid systems in place are doing very well in eradicating it and suppressing it).

I wonder if we'll ever get to where we have a national quarantine on incoming travelers.

WHO guidance: Healthy people should wear masks only when ‘taking care of’ coronavirus patients

This is why people are confused: The WHO says healthy people should wear masks only when taking care of Coronavirus patients: this is clearly at odds with CDC guidelines.

The way I see it, a mask is a barrier- so if someone sneezes or coughs, their droplets stay in the mask--- so what is the harm in wearing it? If someone is asymptomatic, even breathing on someone for a protracted period of time can spread the virus.

i think the WHO is giving bad advice and i just don't understand it.

WHO is not known as your "State of the Art" advice place. Our own CDC, fearing a mask shortage, said similar things. But it does a good job coordinating data collection efforts in poorer countries, and has been instrumental in getting basic care advice to Africa in particular, but also many places in Asia and Latin America.

I suspect the US will continue to use their data whenever relevant (as it's important) but simply not pay for membership.

 

[Auntie Cipation]

Thanks- i looked at the date of the article it was May 28-so Fox is at fault for republishing
an old article

I don't know that Fox republished an old article, but they referenced a WHO report from March.

This is straight off the WHO website:

• If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19.
• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
• Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

When and how to use masks

Auntie, can you provide a link to that updated guidance from WHO? I posted a link from WHO above that doesn't mention wearing masks to help reduce transmission even if the don't block the virus 100%. I think it's CDC that changed its guidance... ?? MOO.

It seems that this mask advice is still on WHO's website as folks pointed out. It's possible that it still reflects their current advice.

I'm not claiming anything in particular one way or the other, just pointing out that the news article referenced a two-month-old report in a fast-changing situation. I made the assumption that WHO now supports widespread mask use, as (I believe) CDC does, but I might be wrong in that assumption.

Personally I think it's a shame that these large organizations don't either align with each other on this kind of advice, or at least clearly lay out the reasoning behind the places where their advice diverges, so we laypeople can make informed choices unaffected by political biases and agendas. IMO MOO

 

[anneg]

I don't know that Fox republished an old article, but they referenced a WHO report from March.





It seems that this mask advice is still on WHO's website as folks pointed out. It's possible that it still reflects their current advice.

I'm not claiming anything in particular one way or the other, just pointing out that the news article referenced a two-month-old report in a fast-changing situation. I made the assumption that WHO now supports widespread mask use, as (I believe) CDC does, but I might be wrong in that assumption.

Personally I think it's a shame that these large organizations don't either align with each other on this kind of advice, or at least clearly lay out the reasoning behind the places where their advice diverges, so we laypeople can make informed choices unaffected by political biases and agendas. IMO MOO

Yes, it would be helpful if we were getting the same (or at least similar!) recommendations from multiple agencies/sources.

One of the frustrating things about the pandemic is the constantly changing information about many aspects of it. It's hard to keep up with, and thank goodness for this thread. I understand that there are good reasons for things changing. Certainly we are constantly learning more about the virus and its effects, about research into treatments and vaccines, about the statistics, and so on.
...MOO!

 

[anneg]

I found it very interesting that at the Farmer's Market about 75% of the people there were wearing masks. All of the vendors were wearing masks.

This was outside, not crowded. Far less people attending than usual, and half the amount of vendors.

This is going to be a sad Summer.
1. No music festivals
2. No Shakespeare in Park
3. Food festivals, craft shows, State fairs, cancelled.
4. Community pools have been closed, not sure on reopening.

At our local farmers market, I think more like 90% of people are wearing masks (and all the vendors). Those without masks stand out and are pretty easy to avoid.

A sad summer indeed. I'm sad because I can't sing in my church choir or go to church except online, or sing in my community chorus, or go visit relatives in other parts of the country, as we were hoping to do.... well, you know. MOO

 

[ilovewings]

Just as an example China (population 1,439,323,776) contributes $50 million dollars, approx the same as Canada, that has a population of only 37 million. UK ( population 67 million) contributes $230 million while the US contributes $400 million.

How is the World Health Organization funded?

That article is referencing a report the WHO put out in March. IMO at that time there was still a public effort to conserve masks (n95s) for health care workers. Now that there are cloth and surgical masks available, the advice has been updated to "yes, wearing masks helps reduce transmission even if it doesn't block the virus 100%".

So I lay the fault in this instance on Fox News for republicizing obsolete advice in a fluid situation where expert advice is changing week to week. IMO MOO

Thanks- i looked at the date of the article it was May 28-so Fox is at fault for republishing
an old article

I don't know that Fox republished an old article, but they referenced a WHO report from March.





It seems that this mask advice is still on WHO's website as folks pointed out. It's possible that it still reflects their current advice.

I'm not claiming anything in particular one way or the other, just pointing out that the news article referenced a two-month-old report in a fast-changing situation. I made the assumption that WHO now supports widespread mask use, as (I believe) CDC does, but I might be wrong in that assumption.

Personally I think it's a shame that these large organizations don't either align with each other on this kind of advice, or at least clearly lay out the reasoning behind the places where their advice diverges, so we laypeople can make informed choices unaffected by political biases and agendas. IMO MOO

Here is how i look at it--- if you (generic you)-- are reasonably intelligent you can use that
intellgence with a dose of common sense to figure out what mskes sense and what
doesnt--IMO masks make a great deal of sense--it is a barrier and with a virus that is
very contagious through aerosolization of droplets, a mask would seem to offer at
least a modicum of protection-- if i sneeze those droplets will stay pretty much
contained behind. the mask-- besides how can it hurt? it certainly isnt invasive
in any way---

 

[tresir2012]

At our local farmers market, I think more like 90% of people are wearing masks (and all the vendors). Those without masks stand out and are pretty easy to avoid.

A sad summer indeed. I'm sad because I can't sing in my church choir or go to church except online, or sing in my community chorus, or go visit relatives in other parts of the country, as we were hoping to do.... well, you know. MOO

I thought I read something about choirs today but it may have been the UK. I'll see if I can find it.

This may have been it. A choir getting together again but keeping a distance between each other.

Slipped Disc | A church choir sings again – several feet apart

 

[Teche]

Coronavirus Chicago: Rats starved by pandemic invading homes, experts warn

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning about "aggressive" rats looking for food during the pandemic. As the rodents find their way inside homes, experts share how you can defend yourself against the tiny invaders.

Yikes! One of my greatest fears! They need fixed barnyard female cats. Females are the best hunters.

 

[SouthAussie]

I thought I read something about choirs today but it may have been the UK. I'll see if I can find it.

From what I have read recently, the White House had the CDC remove (from their website) their guidance that there should be no choirs/singing/sharing of cups at religious services - as this guidance infringes on US freedom under the First Amendment.

The Catholic News Agency reports that Catholic medical professionals and experts continue to recommend against singing in church though, as singing could spread the virus.


The Trump administration has removed guidance on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website which discouraged, among other things, singing, choirs and “shared cups” at religious services.
Despite the CDC’s backtrack, Catholic medical professionals and other experts with whom CNA has spoken continue to recommend that singing and the Communion cup ought to be discouraged at Mass for the time being.
CDC removes faith guidance discouraging choirs, shared cups 

 

[tresir2012]

From what I have read recently, the White House had the CDC remove (from their website) their guidance that there should be no choirs/singing/sharing of cups at religious services - as this guidance infringes on US freedom under the First Amendment.

The Catholic News Agency reports that Catholic medical professionals and experts continue to recommend against singing in church though, as singing could spread the virus.


The Trump administration has removed guidance on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website which discouraged, among other things, singing, choirs and “shared cups” at religious services.
Despite the CDC’s backtrack, Catholic medical professionals and other experts with whom CNA has spoken continue to recommend that singing and the Communion cup ought to be discouraged at Mass for the time being.
CDC removes faith guidance discouraging choirs, shared cups

That may well be what I remembered. Anyway, the Trondheim choir info shows it can still take place if distancing.

 

[Runswithscissorz]

From what I have read recently, the White House had the CDC remove (from their website) their guidance that there should be no choirs/singing/sharing of cups at religious services - as this guidance infringes on US freedom under the First Amendment.

The Catholic News Agency reports that Catholic medical professionals and experts continue to recommend against singing in church though, as singing could spread the virus.


The Trump administration has removed guidance on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website which discouraged, among other things, singing, choirs and “shared cups” at religious services.
Despite the CDC’s backtrack, Catholic medical professionals and other experts with whom CNA has spoken continue to recommend that singing and the Communion cup ought to be discouraged at Mass for the time being.
CDC removes faith guidance discouraging choirs, shared cups

I haven’t been in a church in decades but shared cups are still a thing?? I always thought shared cups were gross and after my first communion I refused to go up anymore. Years later they implemented individual cups.

 

[10ofRods]

I don't know that Fox republished an old article, but they referenced a WHO report from March.


It seems that this mask advice is still on WHO's website as folks pointed out. It's possible that it still reflects their current advice.

I'm not claiming anything in particular one way or the other, just pointing out that the news article referenced a two-month-old report in a fast-changing situation. I made the assumption that WHO now supports widespread mask use, as (I believe) CDC does, but I might be wrong in that assumption.

Personally I think it's a shame that these large organizations don't either align with each other on this kind of advice, or at least clearly lay out the reasoning behind the places where their advice diverges, so we laypeople can make informed choices unaffected by political biases and agendas. IMO MOO

That kind of planning and coordination takes leadership and money. In the past, we could expect USA and UK (as well as most of Europe) to step and pay for these things. Since 2006-2008, things have declined in terms of monies for global cooperation, it has been tight for longer than that. At the same time, some nations got some small ability to improve their own circumstances (France helped a lot in several African nations; to some extent, so did the USA and UK - but the relative contributions of the Anglophone world have, IMO, declined).

We are right at the brink of barely being able to monitor and collect our own data in the USA. That's merely step 1. Let's see how we do at developing treatments and vaccines. It should be a vast international effort, with conferences and summits and commitments to do both parallel and divergent research, and to test simultaneously across several human populations - when that happens.

The WHO had that vision, once. They used to give annual streamed conferences, especially on the relationship among food security, health - and viral disease.

That slowed down as early as 2000. It used to be very widely watched - but back then, not much was streaming. So schools everywhere tuned into various portions of their work. Now, there's youtube - and not much funding for WHO.

Still - it will take a while for Africa to loose its gains, that came from WHO and foreign aid from France, UK, USA, Canada, Germany, and many other nations.

 

[SA55]

Checking in from NE TN, almost at the Virginia state line. I ventured out today, with my mask (YAY for me!), huge sunglasses and armed with plenty of hand sanitizer and wipes (even ones I had put in a snack size baggie for cart handles). It has been 3 months since I've done anything other than curbside pickup. First stop was Big Lots, a discount store, to load up on more planters, potting soil and garden items. Maybe 1/2 in there were wearing masks. The check out lady had on a mask but had it down under her nose. Once I got to the car and got everything loaded I stood outside the car after opening the door and used about 3-4 wipes to wipe everything I thought could have touched any germs. Then I used hand sanitizer after that. Next stop was another discount store, Ollie's, to try to find more garden items I couldn't find at first store. Again - maybe 1/3 - 1/2 of shoppers had masks on. I would step back and let the non masked shoppers pass in a wide berth before I continued. I left there empty handed. This store was across the state line in Virginia where a mandate had been issued that anyone in any enclosed space (stores included) need to wear a mask as of yesterday. Obviously, alot of folks don't listen or follow advice. From there, I drove another 5-10 minutes to a Lowe's (again in Virginia) where I proceeded to find a few more garden items. Yet again, maybe 1/2 were masked. Same routine after each store, I'd use wipes and then hand sanitizer. I had quite a bag of discarded items when I finally made it home.
The mask wearers I would smile and nod to, behind my mask and big sun glasses. The non masked I'd glare at and think - how nasty you are! I did make it home with a trunk and car loaded down with planters, more potting soil, plant supports, hose connectors and spilters and various other garden gadgets.
I felt so defeated once I got home, and so dirty. Then I realized my first real venture out into stores in 3 months was to discount stores and Lowes. I had to admit, my standards have lowered - I should have broken isolation for something a little more exciting than dirty discount stores! It was very disheartening to see all those out shopping as if they didn't have a care in the world. I can't make others do what is right - but that won't stop me.
Alot of the discussion on the recent posts has been in reference to contradicting advice on mask wearing. "WE" know masks are beneficial, it's just common sense. After today, I'll stay home again for awhile to watch the numbers and see how my area is doing. We have been very fortunate up to now, to have low numbers. It's here, but not rampant. I can't think of a thing I need that I can't order online or for curbside pickup.
Life is precious, I just can't imagine viewing it any other way. This will pass, but I can't be careless. I may get the virus, but if I do, I don't think it will be for having been neglectful or careless. I have a friend that has visited and we visit outside on the open front porch, maintaining distance. We exchange things with each other that we each have gotten and share with the other for harder to find items. I visit with my neighbors over the fence. But I do believe it will be awhile before I venture into another store.
One of my daughters and grandchildren and I are planning on meeting one day soon if we can catch a good weather day on a weekend for a picnic, about 1/2 way between us. We will remain outdoors and keep our distance as much as possible. I don't want to wait too long as I wouldn't be surprised to see our numbers start to slowly rise, if today is any example of how careless folks are being.
Stay safe everyone - we can't convince others to be careful, not for themselves or us. So we just need to be patient a little longer and see what unfolds. This will pass, I'm just not certain as to when. But I want to come out on the other side to watch all the grandkids grow up, I want to see my girls reach the age where they are at peace and being less overwhelmed by raising a family and all the worries that Moma's everywhere have for their children. I have so much waiting on the other side of this pandemic, I can be patient awhile longer.

 

[SA55]

DBM - duplicate