Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #66

[astheworldfallsdown]

Coronavirus: No deaths reported today as 18 new cases confirmed in Ireland

THERE HAVE BEEN no further deaths from Covid-19 in Ireland, according to the daily update from the Department of Health this evening.

In a statement, it said that a further 18 cases of coronavirus have also been confirmed here, bringing the total number of cases to 25,527 .

The death toll from Covid-19 in Ireland is 1,741.

The latest figures follow on from consistently low numbers of new cases in recent weeks.

These numbers have allowed health authorities to recommend opening up the country again and last Monday saw the re-opening of restaurants and hairdressers, among others, in an accelerated Phase Three.

 

[tresir2012]

They are going to try a new initiative called Pool testing. Mentioned in this press conference from the White House.

Press Briefing by Vice President Pence, Governor DeSantis of Florida, and Members of the Coronavirus Task Force | Tampa, FL | The White House

I was going to copy and paste but it is a really large briefing transcript. Dr Birx and the Governor speak as well as the VP.

 

[CharlestonGal]

Uh oh.

Medical companies warn PPE, critical medical equipment situation ‘not sustainable,' House memo says

New York Democratic Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, submitted the memo Thursday to the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus ahead of its hearing on the administration’s efforts to procure, stockpile and distribute critical supplies during the pandemic. The memo was provided to NBC News.

In the memo, Maloney wrote that as the pandemic flares anew in several states, the companies are cautioning that the supply of personal protective equipment for medical staff is not meeting demand and that prices for raw materials have increased “dramatically.”

“Despite months of effort, there are still severe shortages of PPE and critical medical equipment ...”

 

[10ofRods]

A couple of other notes - death data is poor for the weekend, due to the holiday, but only 256 deaths were reported yesterday for the US. About 2 weeks ago, the estimated overall infection rate for the US was about 25,000-30,000 per day (perhaps as high as 60,000 using the few random sample studies we have).

So it all seems consistent - if we're to have 50-80,000 new cases per day for the next couple of months, it stands to reason that the death rates will be 500-650 per day, gradually rising throughout this week and then plateauing somewhere (650 is optimistic, 800 is probably realistic - could be higher) until...CoVid is gone, either through widespread vaccination or through herd immunity. A vaccine is probably less than a year away (btw, new vaccine-making techniques are entirely different to the processes used for making previous vaccines like mumps, this is cutting edge science and there are 200 vaccines somewhere in the process - all of them promising, none of them perfect but certainly good enough for me if I can ever get one).

 

[tresir2012]

As you know, the virus lives for a while outside of human bodies. It can easily disperse itself entirely through a room, via just one carrier. Then, in the kinds of buildings I work in, the air is recirculated. It's too expensive to take 115-118° air from outside and cool it. So, when the system is working, the air is recirculated (day and night) through the building.

The ducts are made of metal. The virus survives up to 72 hours in the ductwork. So every single carrier in every single classroom in each of our buildings gets their virions blown throughout the building. Studies show that sitting right next to the intake system is a bad place to sit, sitting or standing right under the outflow area is not good at all.

This is true of restaurants, airplanes, bars and all other buildings with mechanical air movement. Coronavirus is in the air. HVAC systems that recirculate the air are correlated with flu viral outbreaks too, so this isn't new. We have successfully managed (sometimes) to get the heat turned off in the winter here (flu season). I haven't gone into a classroom with a working heat system in 10 years. And I'm glad. It actually took quite a bit of action to get the heat turned off in our offices as well.

Further, as I've posted over and over: humidity affects the amount of time CoVid remains viable in the air (dry is worse). Both A/C and heating dry the air. If we were to add humidifiers (cleaned several times a day of course) to classrooms, it would decrease the amount of virus in the ventilation system (but only by about a third - not nearly enough to keep a person standing directly under an output vent from getting a pretty hefty viral load).

Grocery stores are generally kept cool (and dry, except for the produce sections in some stores). Restaurants usually have ventilation. This is why those who work in those places are especially vulnerable.

I'm putting together some links on the A/C topic (I've posted a bunch before). I have permission from Tricia to post a link to them on my blog, when they're ready.

I am particularly interested because of recent outbreaks in meat factories that operate under cool conditions and because of the increases in Florida, Arizona, Texas and California.

 

[CharlestonGal]

10,000+ cases again today in FL. On a holiday Sunday weekend, no less.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/coronavirus/article244011507.html

It took three months, from early March to June 22, for Florida to cross 100,000 new confirmed COVID-19 cases.

It took less than two weeks for the state to go from 100,000 to 200,000 cases — and the positive test rate keeps rising.

The 10,059 confirmed new novel coronavirus cases from Sunday’s Florida Department of Health update, the third highest single day total, behind Saturday and Thursday, shot the state’s pandemic case number to 200,111.

While there’s been an increase in testing over the last week, there’s also been a massive leap in the positive test rate. The average daily positive test rate from July 21 through Jun 27 was 9.94%. The average for the next seven days: 14.47%.

 

[24Roses]

Iowa numbers today: 320 (IMO) or 321 new confirmed cases today and no new deaths were reported. As of 11:00 a.m we now have 31, 243 confirmed cases of which 24,674 have recovered (news says 24,671 @ 10:00 a.m.) Those who have passed remain at 721. Iowa COVID-19 Information
July 5: 321 new cases, 145 recoveries, no additional deaths

 

[tresir2012]

Publicans condemn images of street drinking in Dublin

"Licensed premises reopened last Monday under Phase 3 of the roadmap to kickstart the economy.

At present, pubs are only allowed serve alcohol to customers who purchase a "substantial" meal costing at least €9.

Pubs who do not operate this restaurant-style service must remain closed until Phase 4 of the roadmap begins on 20 July.

Customers should only be on the premises for 105 minutes.

Health worker Laura Durcan, who lives in Dublin city centre, shared her thoughts of last night's images.

She tweeted: "Town is horrendous tonight. Drunken crowds everywhere. No distancing.

"I am not the fun police, but I am really really worried about two weeks' time."

Former minister for health Simon Harris said: "C'mon everyone. We've come too far to go back.

"Great to see our economy reopened & social life resuming but let's keep using our cop on and common sense.

"We owe it to each other, to those families who have lost loved ones, to the local business we want to keep open and to our kids." "

 

[Yesiamapirate]

OK, I'm probably going to sound like a Pollyanna even though I don't mean to. I'm 78, live alone and have several health conditions so maybe I do know where people are coming from.

There is no need to be depressed, the world is an interesting place even though right now we can't go running around in it. Get on YouTube and watch movies, documentaries, all sorts of interesting things on there. You can even learn to knit, crochet, cook, probably tat if you want to. There is no need to let your brain atrophy, use it, enjoy.

Take a look out the window in the morning and see the beautiful sunrise/sunset. Read the Bible, marvel at the beautiful world God has given us. Pray.

You can read a book, write a book, call up for take out, get a bowl of fish, a canary. The possibilities are endless.

Learn to sew, work on a photo album, write your memories of this virus and everything else that's going on in the world. Who knows, in a hundered years someone might find your writings and learn something from them.

Take this time to work on yourself, do not sit around contemplating your naval, be glad you've still got one.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but there is sooooo much to do at home, to learn about in this world. If push comes to shove, you pick up the phone and cheer up someone else.

I love this. Thank you so much for posting this reminder of what we do have. Hugs!!

 

[Victoria Chambers]

The only thing I agree on is yes you need a mask less face to have a drink. We are opening. There will be risks and transmission but it will be managed. It is clearly not as crowded as all the protests a few weeks ago or the beaches last week.

Apart from majority of protestors wearing masks, both protesters and beach goers had room to move and walk about. Also, these people in the pictures are under the influence. Do you think whoever managed this has done a good job??

 

[CharlestonGal]

'I accept full responsibility:' Calvary Chapel pastor talks church's COVID-19 outbreak

"I accept full responsibility. I'm the leader of the church,” said Pastor Arbaugh.

When the church reopened its doors they implemented all COVID-19 required precautions.

"We kept all of the rules to the letter of the law,” said Pastor Arbaugh.

Last Wednesday the church immediately closed and was thoroughly cleaned after Paster Arbaugh and other leaders of the church found out some in the congregation had tested positive for COVID-19.

"We've had a lot of people, mostly staff is where it started and then it kind of spread out,” said Pastor Arbaugh.

Now at least one person is on a ventilator. However, Pastor Arbaugh said that member was already in the hospital. At least 50 others have tested positive for the virus, including Pastor Arbaugh and his wife although he said they have both since recovered. He said the majority have reported mild symptoms and he has been in constant communication with people within the church.

"If I could have done it all over again I would have said 'no hugging’,” said Pastor Arbaugh.

Pastor Arbaugh said when they initially reopened many people were happy to be back and were giving one another hugs.

He said not stopping that is something he accepts responsibility for and stricter rules will be in place when they eventually reopen.

 

[CharlestonGal]

Fifth San Quentin Death Row Inmate Dies During Prison COVID-19 Outbreak

SAN QUENTIN (CBS SF) — While California has not executed a death row inmate since 2006, an out-of-control COVID-19 outbreak at San Quentin State Prison may have contributed to the death of a fifth condemned inmate on Saturday.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

Apart from majority of protestors wearing masks, both protesters and beach goers had room to move and walk about. Also, these people in the pictures are under the influence. Do you think whoever managed this has done a good job??

What can they do tho Victoria? That looks like a street in Soho. The bar managers cant stop people coming thro. People have got to take responsibility themselves. But after a few drinks, they wont

 

[musicaljoke]

'I accept full responsibility:' Calvary Chapel pastor talks church's COVID-19 outbreak

"I accept full responsibility. I'm the leader of the church,” said Pastor Arbaugh.

When the church reopened its doors they implemented all COVID-19 required precautions.

"We kept all of the rules to the letter of the law,” said Pastor Arbaugh.

Last Wednesday the church immediately closed and was thoroughly cleaned after Paster Arbaugh and other leaders of the church found out some in the congregation had tested positive for COVID-19.

"We've had a lot of people, mostly staff is where it started and then it kind of spread out,” said Pastor Arbaugh.

Now at least one person is on a ventilator. However, Pastor Arbaugh said that member was already in the hospital. At least 50 others have tested positive for the virus, including Pastor Arbaugh and his wife although he said they have both since recovered. He said the majority have reported mild symptoms and he has been in constant communication with people within the church.

"If I could have done it all over again I would have said 'no hugging’,” said Pastor Arbaugh.

Pastor Arbaugh said when they initially reopened many people were happy to be back and were giving one another hugs.

He said not stopping that is something he accepts responsibility for and stricter rules will be in place when they eventually reopen.

He claims they kept all rules to the letter of the law. Did they miss the one about distancing? Even so, the lack of distancing might not have been the only reason for the spread.

 

[astheworldfallsdown]

Kate Garraway's husband has opened his eyes after three months in coma

Great news! Kate Garraways husband Derek Draper has woken from his coma. Hopefully he will make a full recovery.

''Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has revealed her husband Derek Draper has opened his eyes after spending three months in a coma.

Kate says Derek, 52, has emerged from a deeper coma into a 'minimum state of consciousness' and in a recent breakthrough he has opened his eyes.''

 

[HongKongPhooey]

Kate Garraway's husband has opened his eyes after three months in coma

Great news! Kate Garraways husband Derek Draper has woken from his coma. Hopefully he will make a full recovery.

''Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has revealed her husband Derek Draper has opened his eyes after spending three months in a coma.

Kate says Derek, 52, has emerged from a deeper coma into a 'minimum state of consciousness' and in a recent breakthrough he has opened his eyes.''

Oh my God this is amazing news!! So pleased for her, been dreading the worst. Let's hope now

 

[Victoria Chambers]

It's not out of control where I am except one city that is still in lockdown (whack a mole mode till 19th July). So in the states, those with more than 5% positive tests need to be taking action, not everyone.

<modsnip: removed snark>

You're wrong. The States that are under 5% positive also need to be taking action NOW in order so as not to reach 5%. Some States can still get a grip on this But a plan of action is a cert. Prevention is always better than cure X

 

[CharlestonGal]

Kate Garraway's husband has opened his eyes after three months in coma

Great news! Kate Garraways husband Derek Draper has woken from his coma. Hopefully he will make a full recovery.

''Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has revealed her husband Derek Draper has opened his eyes after spending three months in a coma.

Kate says Derek, 52, has emerged from a deeper coma into a 'minimum state of consciousness' and in a recent breakthrough he has opened his eyes.''

That is indeed great news. I hope he continues to recover.

I despise this damn virus so much. So much suffering.

 

[Satchie]

He claims they kept all rules to the letter of the law. Did they miss the one about distancing? Even so, the lack of distancing might not have been the only reason for the spread.

This is where I'm gobsmacked. Everybody was hugging each other? Didn't they understand how the virus is transmitted? Never mind what the Pastor told them, what message did they miss in the news media. If this is typical, no wonder the virus is surging in various states.

Where I live in Canada, nobody has to be told not to hug, there's no question, you'd be pushed away.

 

[CharlestonGal]

You're wrong. The States that are under 5% positive also need to be taking action NOW in order so as not to reach 5%. Some States can still get a grip on this But a plan of action is a cert. Prevention is always better than cure X

Agreed. 1st step is travel bans from states >5%. Keep them out until they get it together. jmo