Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #67

[weepingangel]

Massachusetts
Massachusetts Gov. Baker announces free testing in cities with higher COVID-19 rates

As local health officials [URL='https://www.masslive.com/coronavirus/2020/06/while-state-focuses-on-targeted-covid-19-testing-local-health-officials-say-universal-testing-is-needed.html']raise the alarm about pockets of the state with higher coronavirus infection rates and lower testing levels, the Baker administration announced an initiative to provide free COVID-19 testing in eight communities in Massachusetts.

Gov. Charlie Baker said the “Stop the Spread” initiative will offer free tests starting Friday in Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough and New Bedford to ensure those residents can get testing without concern about possible costs associated with testing. Baker also encouraged asymptomatic people to take advantage of the free testing.
The programs will run until Aug. 14.

While the statewide positive test rate remains at roughly 2%, these communities have seen positive test rates of 8%.
And they are also making up a significant portion of the state’s COVID-19 cases: These eight municipalities account for 27% of the state’s current positive tests, according to the governor’s office.
[/URL]

 

[weepingangel]

Massachusetts reports 30 new coronavirus deaths, 162 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday

Massachusetts reported 30 new coronavirus deaths and 162 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. In addition, the state reported another 102 probable cases of the virus.
Probable cases are those where patients had a positive antibody test and either COVID-like symptoms or were likely exposed to COVID-19.

Massachusetts continues to show positive momentum in the battle against the virus, with significantly lower numbers of new cases and deaths compared to the peak of the pandemic here in Massachusetts.

The seven-day weighted average of the positive test rate was at 2.0% Wednesday, a 93% decrease from the middle of April, when Massachusetts saw its peak of the outbreak. The average had remained at 1.8% or 1.9% since June 29. COVID-19 hospitalizations went up slightly Wednesday, with 662 people hospitalized across the state, compared to 621 on Tuesday and 603 on Monday. Of those, 102 are in intensive care units and 49 are intubated.


Total confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Massachusetts reached 8,028 on Wednesday with another 215 probable deaths. Total confirmed cases in the state reached 104,961 with 5,641 probable cases.

 

[KALI]

As a business owner (restaurant) here in California, I thought I'd share with you our daily business experience...
Absolutely, depending on what our Governor Gavin Newsome says, or, does NOT say our sales go up or they go down.
ALL sales. Dine in, to go, curbside, you name it.
*Where we operate, out of over 50 thousand residents, we have had -0- deaths.
Doesn't matter. Although we have over 39 million people living in California, the same rules are applied to all of us.
So, last Thursday, after Gavin Newsome gave one of his speeches, we had exactly 1 (one) customer.
All of our overhead remains the same. Rent, electric, insurance, telephone, gas, payroll and taxes.
Somewhat of a solution would be for our govenor to monitor where the problems are in this huge state, and where they are not.
Instead of treating us all the same.
So, yeah, I'm sure, some will disagree...
It's 2020. He's got the tech and the man power to do this.
Sweeping declarations are going to destroy businesses that shouldn't be destroyed.
California has a negative 54 Billion budget as of two months ago.
The next tally? Huge increase to her deficit.
Moo a hundred times.

 

[pocketaccent]

This is scary. No test available for this week, and possibly for next few weeks. What is happening to our country? "Test, isolate, treat, contract trace" Remember that slogan? When will we ever get to that stage? It's been more than 4 long months of horrific war.
------------------------

COVID-19 test appointments full this week as L.A. County grapples with increased demand, surging spread | KTLA

The demand for coronavirus testing will likely continue to outstrip appointment availability over the next few weeks in Los Angeles County, even as officials scramble to expand capacity amid record-high case increases.

No appointments are available the rest of this week countywide, including at locations run by the city, county and state, as well as at private clinics and pharmacies usually included in the directory on L.A. County’s scheduling website, said Dr. Christina Ghaly, the county’s director of health services.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the county website had no option to schedule a test, and the map of locations only showed those run by the county or city. The county will typically open appointments for the coming week by the weekend before.

Ghaly said testing has been at capacity the past few weeks due to closures over the Fourth of July weekend — including a four-day halt to services at the city’s massive Dodger Stadium site — and a spike in people seeking a test.
...

 

[Lilibet]

I was looking back just now at my first post on Coronavirus thread #7 on Feb. 26, 60 threads and over 4 months ago (an eternity). I ended it this way:

“This is going to be a bumpy ride, folks. Hang in there.”

We knew it was going to be bad, folks, but we never, ever could have imagined the surreal nightmare it has been, and continues to be, on so many levels. You can’t make this stuff up! And there is no end in sight. It’s still going to be a bumpy ride, folks. So be safe and stay well. Hug yourselves and those in your household and continue to hang in there.
JMO

 

[pocketaccent]

'Potentially 2 million Americans could lose their lives': ABC's Dr. Jennifer Ashton describes alarming COVID-19 death rate in US

...
"Our fatality rate for confirmed COVID-related deaths is hovering just under 5%. That is incredibly high. Worldwide, we're hearing numbers of 0.6% fatality rate. To compare that to seasonal flu - that's 0.1% fatality rate - six times as deadly. If you're talking about numbers like that, you're potentially talking about millions, potentially 2 million Americans who could lose their lives to this," said Dr. Ashton.
...

 

[margarita25]

I was looking back just now at my first post on Coronavirus thread #7 on Feb. 26, 60 threads and over 4 months ago (an eternity). I ended it this way:

“This is going to be a bumpy ride, folks. Hang in there.”

We knew it was going to be bad, folks, but we never, ever could have imagined the surreal nightmare it has been, and continues to be, on so many levels. You can’t make this stuff up! And there is no end in sight. It’s still going to be a bumpy ride, folks. So be safe and stay well. Hug yourselves and those in your household and continue to hang in there.
JMO

I never panicked until now.
I’m officially panicking.

I’ve realized some things, though, during today’s self reflections;

1. A good friend mentioned the state of the times, how “so many people are either living in anger or fear.”

My reflection:

A) I’ve felt both of these feelings a lot lately, fear for sustenance and daily bread, fear for loved ones, fear of illness, future of economy and life was we know it, gyms, bars, schools, restaurants etc etc ...

B) These two “emotions” of fear and anger are negative frequencies. These emotions are lower level frequencies which can make you sick.

But how do we not worry.

Dbm too emotional

cmon people now, smile on your brother everybody get together, try and love one another right now

I hit reset. Time to go into phase 2.

This means prepping yourself for more possible shutdowns imo.

And, strong focus on our own and each other’s mental health and physical health moving forward/ positive activities, walking, movement.

 

[galiuro1]

What would your solution be? I'm seriously interested in exactly what you would enact if the Governor put you in charge. A comprehensive plan.

At the very least shut down dine in at restaurants; practically every health authority says this is high risk and yet still the governor allows it. Why? Since I am not the governor I don't know what other tools he has available but this single act is a no brainer as is a mask requirement that has some kind of teeth. Again, two simple acts that Arizona is NOT doing, despite the requests of mayors...

 

[charminglane]

Thank you Margarita - anger and fear. I am witnessing my 86 year old narcissist father verbally abuse everyone around him lately. I know it is the fear that propels the anger. The loss of control.
He actually admitted he wasn't listening when I was Chicken Little in January.
Reading here and being prepared keeps me in calm control.

 

[Tigerlily75]

As a business owner (restaurant) here in California, I thought I'd share with you our daily business experience...
Absolutely, depending on what our Governor Gavin Newsome says, or, does NOT say our sales go up or they go down.
ALL sales. Dine in, to go, curbside, you name it.
*Where we operate, out of over 50 thousand residents, we have had -0- deaths.
Doesn't matter. Although we have over 39 million people living in California, the same rules are applied to all of us.
So, last Thursday, after Gavin Newsome gave one of his speeches, we had exactly 1 (one) customer.
All of our overhead remains the same. Rent, electric, insurance, telephone, gas, payroll and taxes.
Somewhat of a solution would be for our govenor to monitor where the problems are in this huge state, and where they are not.
Instead of treating us all the same.
So, yeah, I'm sure, some will disagree...
It's 2020. He's got the tech and the man power to do this.
Sweeping declarations are going to destroy businesses that shouldn't be destroyed.
California has a negative 54 Billion budget as of two months ago.
The next tally? Huge increase to her deficit.
Moo a hundred times.

Thats what they’re trying to do here in Victoria (Australia). While the initial lockdown was statewide, this one is more targeted (we are now under lockdown for six weeks, starting today). Initially for this lockdown it was a number of suburbs and public housing towers, now it is the greater metropolitan region of Melbourne, plus Mitchell Shire (a council area that borders Melbourne). There’s no sense in locking down large regional areas that have no cases.

And wow, California is huge! The population of Australia is 25 million. (And the population of Victoria is 6.3m).

How do you manage food prep under these circumstances? I’ve never worked in a restaurant, but just on a normal day I’ve wondered how restaurants know how much of each dish to buy for and prep for on any given night, let alone in this situation.

 

[SoCalDavidS]

At the very least shut down dine in at restaurants; practically every health authority says this is high risk and yet still the governor allows it. Why? Since I am not the governor I don't know what other tools he has available but this single act is a no brainer as is a mask requirement that has some kind of teeth. Again, two simple acts that Arizona is NOT doing, despite the requests of mayors...

Here in CA, they're allowing dine-in only if you have outdoor seating. I'm not sure if that's helping or not. It's kind of hard to tell with lots of places open, and people out and about. I think the allowing of not wearing masks while sitting at tables, is a bit risky. Lots of people sitting waiting for their food, talking and spewing droplets into the air.

 

[Lilibet]

I never panicked until now.
I’m officially panicking.

I’ve realized some things, though, during today’s self reflections;

1. A good friend mentioned the state of the times, how “so many people are either living in anger or fear.”

My reflection:

A) I’ve felt both of these feelings a lot lately, fear for sustenance and daily bread, fear for loved ones, fear of illness, future of economy and life was we know it, gyms, bars, schools, restaurants etc etc ...

B) These two “emotions” of fear and anger are negative frequencies. These emotions are lower level frequencies which can make you sick.

But how do we not worry.

Dbm too emotional

cmon people now, smile on your brother everybody get together, try and love one another right now

I hit reset. Time to go into phase 2.

This means prepping yourself for more possible shutdowns imo.

And, strong focus on mental health, out ourselves - my friend and I are going into yoga mode.

Oh @margarita25! I hope my post didn’t add to your panic! I felt myself start to panic today too for the first time. Great minds and all that. But it’s time for deep breaths and hitting reset as you said.

When you said “how do we not worry” I thought of a few good quotes I have stashed in my notebook...

“Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but it robs today of its strength.”

“Worrying is like being in a rocking chair. You can exert all sorts of effort but you’re not going to get anywhere.”

“If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”

This article has some helpful tips:
How to Stop Worrying About Things You Can't Change

Although we may feel that everything around us is spiraling out of control, what we can control is the way we think about it and what we do about it that’s within our control. That’s it. And that’s enough to keep us all busy!

We need to conserve our mental, emotional and physical energy to get prepared for the uncertain future as best as we can...whatever that means for us individually.

And as you said...ditch the fear and the anger (but no stinkin’ promises about either one ).

GROUP HUG!! I sure miss that old emoji.

 

[KALI]

I completely understand your angst.
This virus has turned ka-zillions of lives completely upside down.
It is horrible.
For me, the fact that I had nothing to do with this murdering, tiny organism that is killing lives and families and small businesses is maddening.
I feel trapped, through no actions of my own.
Absolutely I agree with you about life passing us by.
You are right. It is. Absolutely.
For me, I try to focus on those worse off.
There are millions of people worse off then we who can express our feelings via an internet connection and a roof over our head.
I try to remember that.
However, I will never stop being furious at the humans who threw this virus into our lives.
Never.
Keep focusing on your potential grand children and being here for them to get to spend time with you.
I Sincerely hope that your father recovers well.
I'm confident he will, my husband went through very serious heart surgery 15 months ago.
He is doing amazing.
Hang in there. Xxxooo

I have to admit that I felt a little down today and started questioning why I am not out galavanting around...My best friend whom we planned a trip this summer we both agreed to cancel...Thanks Facebook!...is on vacation out of state..(!) Nothing like feeling life is passing by...I can see how easy it is to be beckoned to just throw caution to the wind and forget about Covid. I am over 60 btw with another birthday coming up...son has been married only a year, so I want to be around for my potential grands. Sigh.

My father had 3 stents put in today. It was his heart giving him problems. He's doing well. So there is that...

 

[margarita25]

I just hit the jackpot with elderberry beer.

 

[Snoods]

These are the states mandating people wear a mask when in public.

The order notes that Texas law enforcement is allowed to enforce the law by issuing a $250 fine if someone doesn’t comply after being warned.

These are the states requiring people to wear masks when out in public - CNN

Texas governor issues mandatory face mask policy

 

[Snoods]

Death rates from Covid-19 in the US as of July 8, 2020, by state. (per 100,00 people) Kind of interesting to see where your state ranks.




Hawaii and Alaska are 1 and 2. I ran out of room!

U.S. COVID-19 death rate by state | Statista

 

[Trino]

Melbourne has re-entered a lockdown. How long before US cities follow?

 

[margarita25]

Rabbit hole

I was just listening to Grace Slick, “if you go chasing rabbits” and was just wondering if there has ever been a spillover from rabbits?

—

eta iirc I saw some photos of rabbits in the Wuhan market - again we know it’s likely a bat spillover; SARS was civet cats, iirc WHO sees more evidence of civet role in SARS

—-
eta2:
Rabbit meat production and processing in China - ScienceDirect


we know this is bat spillover, at this time.

eta3: I can’t wait for the results from the next WHO team’s investigation going in.

eta4: Zoonoses Associated with Rabbits | Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee | Washington State University

 

[Snoods]

Arizona, Florida and Texas have a serious problem and leaders that don’t seem to understand how bad the situation is. Missouri, Alabama and South Carolina are not as bad but seem to be following the same path. Only three states have the virus mostly under control. The rest need to pay attention and may need a bit more social distancing.

America’s COVID warning system.

Let’s not forget that with a population of 30 million people Texas is still among the lowest at #10 in the rate of death per 100,000 people. So 40 states have a higher death rate from Covid than Texas does. This is important. (Link posted a few posts back.)

Texas, as of July 2, is one of only a few states with a mandated mask law.

Texas is in the middle somewhere with the number of Covid cases per 100,000 people. There are 25 or 26 states with more cases per capita than Texas, even with the huge uptick in cases Houston is suffering.

C’mon, show Texas some love. Just a little?

CDC COVID Data Tracker
Texas governor issues mandatory face mask policy

 

[Snoods]

I just hit the jackpot with elderberry beer.

Mmmm, yummy!