Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #69

[tresir2012]

Lung radiation helps coronavirus pneumonia patients recover faster, study says

Low-dose radiation therapy to the lungs has shown to speed recovery in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with pneumonia, a new study found.

The research team from Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute in Georgia treated 10 patients with the therapy and compared clinical outcomes to 10 patients in a control group.

The findings, which have not been yet peer-reviewed, were published on Tuesday in the medRxiv preprint server.

The team suggested the therapy could reduce severe inflammation associated with coronavirus and improve patients' outcomes.

The radiation therapy allowed for a significantly faster clinical recovery, researchers wrote. Those treated with radiation recovered in three days, as opposed to 12 days in the control group.

Time to hospital discharge was reduced by eight days – 12, compared to 20 in the control group – and intubation was reduced to 10 percent of patients, compared to 40 percent for the control group.

Wow that is some reduction. Recovery reduced from 12 days to 3 and discharge from 20 to 12. Plus the reduction in intubation by 75%. It will be interesting to see the next stage results from Phase 3.

 

[tresir2012]

Thank you for posting this.

I tried to explain yesterday, to no avail.

Yup. Me too. It will still probably persist.

 

[JerseyGirl]

CDC report: Trump's European travel ban came too late for New York

For those who wonder why NYC was hit so hard, per CDC:
Although travel restrictions are an important mitigation strategy, by the time European restrictions were implemented, importation & community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 had already occurred in NYC

Detection and Genetic Characterization of Community-Based...
What is already known about this topic?
To limit SARS-CoV-2 introduction, the United States restricted travel from China on February 2 and from Europe on March 13, 2020. By March 15, community transmission was widespread in New York City (NYC).
What is added by this report?
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conducted sentinel surveillance of influenza-like symptoms (ILS) and genetic sequencing to characterize community transmission and determine the geographic origin of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Among 544 specimens tested from persons with ILS and negative influenza test results, 36 (6.6%) were positive. Genetically sequenced positive specimens most closely resembled sequences circulating in Europe.

__


“We closed the front door with the China travel ban, which was right,” Cuomo said in late April. “But we left the back door open because the virus had left China by the time we did the China travel ban.”

 

[24Roses]

Iowa numbers today: As of 10:00 a.m. today, we have 701 new confirmed cases for a total of 36,373 confirmed cases (IDPH had 36,866 by 11:00 a.m.) of which 27,353 have recovered (IDPH had 27,360 by 11:00 a.m.) Very sadly, 18 more have passed away for a total of 777. More than 700 COVID-19 cases and 18 deaths reported in Iowa Thursday
Iowa COVID-19 Information

 

[10ofRods]

Yes. I should have been more clear. But I need to figure out how to address misstatements like that in a few words, without alienating them. And I didn’t have the data or info to be able to do that.

It seems to be a complex and nuanced issue that we need much more study about but clearly kids can and do shed the virus, per what 10ofrods has shown. Just not as infectious as adults, which is pretty good news.

I think sometimes people will grab onto something they hear and make it more definitively fit their narrative or political position. Which we really can’t have in the middle of an international health emergency.

I want all available information to be able to make unbiased decisions.

Personally, I would be comfortable with 1 unmasked kid if I were masked. I think the risks are that low. If we were outside, I would be comfortable with several unmasked kids and social distancing. I am older and fairly high risk (APOE gene). I've given it a lot of thought.

So...to those parents who are sending their kids to surf camp or football training right now (ages 12 and under), I can say I understand and wouldn't worry. I don't worry that my grandkids occasionally play with other kids - it's the adults who will transmit CoVid to them in all likelihood - and with kids, come adults (who should still be masked).

Indoors, with lots of ventilation, I'd be okay, too (with 1 kid). In a classroom of teens? Nopity nope.

The thing is, it looks like Orange County and Florida are going to run experiments for us, as is usual in a pandemic. OC wants to use their own kids as guinea pigs.

Thing is, a lot of parents are going to use the schools as daycare. That means they'll take a kid who is sick to school. A couple of kids at days 5-10 of CoVid in one classroom? The teacher is likely to get it. It'll be so expensive for districts to pay all the substitute hours (many schools will run out of money by the end of a month or two). That's why schools often close if there's just one case - they can't afford the substitutes and they don't want their teachers to all be sick. And then the substitutes get sick too.

 

[JerseyGirl]

New York Govenor Cuomo launched a nationwide ad campaign to encourage Americans to wear masks --> Be #NewYorkTough and Mask Up, America!

 

[10ofRods]

Lung radiation helps coronavirus pneumonia patients recover faster, study says

Low-dose radiation therapy to the lungs has shown to speed recovery in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with pneumonia, a new study found.

The research team from Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute in Georgia treated 10 patients with the therapy and compared clinical outcomes to 10 patients in a control group.

The findings, which have not been yet peer-reviewed, were published on Tuesday in the medRxiv preprint server.

The team suggested the therapy could reduce severe inflammation associated with coronavirus and improve patients' outcomes.

The radiation therapy allowed for a significantly faster clinical recovery, researchers wrote. Those treated with radiation recovered in three days, as opposed to 12 days in the control group.

Time to hospital discharge was reduced by eight days – 12, compared to 20 in the control group – and intubation was reduced to 10 percent of patients, compared to 40 percent for the control group.

This is useful for patients who are very very sick and for whom there are few alternatives. As with all radiation, there's a significant risk. One time, if it helps, is not too bad, but it's certainly targeted enough to raise worries about longterm effects (in some people).

What we need to know is whether the GGO's in the lungs are permanent, and if they are, whether the radiation increases the risk of lung cancer.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Arkansas will require face coverings in public, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced at an afternoon news conference.

“We need to do more,” the governor said as he spoke about the order. Hutchinson said the new order, which will take effect on Monday, will require masks to be worn when people are in the presence of non-household members and aren’t able to social distance. Children under the age of 10 are exempt from the order.

The mask order, he said, is enforceable and offenders can be cited and fined.

 

[margarita25]

Japan "extremely concerned" as 136 COVID cases reported on U.S. bases - CBS News
July 15

“Okinawa, Japan — The biggest coronavirus outbreak within the U.S. military anywhere in the world continues to grow. U.S. Forces Japan confirmed Wednesday another 36 infections among troops on the Japanese island of Okinawa, bringing the total to at least 136 since the U.S. military reported its first cases there last week.

Until then, all of Okinawa had seen only 148 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since February, with Japanese authorities managing to contain the spread of the virus that causes the disease.

In a sign of the growing tension between Japanese officials and the U.S. military in Okinawa, Defense Minister Taro Kono has pointed to "several problems" with the U.S. response to the pandemic. He notably avoided giving specifics when pressed by reporters earlier this week.”

—-

Coronavirus outbreak on U.S. bases in Okinawa grows, fueling anger in Japan
July 14

“Local officials and news reports have pointed to Fourth of July parties held both on and off the bases — attended by hundreds if not thousands of personnel and employees — as the likely root of the new outbreak.“

—-

July 13

“Mr. Tamaki added that he had “strong doubts” about the prevention measures reported by the United States.“

[...]

““When anything like this happens, when the military doesn’t provide essential information of how many people are infected or where they are from or where they have been outside of the base, the Okinawan people are really scared and frustrated and disappointed,” said Manabu Sato, professor of political science at Okinawa International University, which overlooks the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.

“I’m scared,” said Tomonari Kiyuna, a worker at a noodle shop in Chatan, a neighborhood on Okinawa frequented by American soldiers. “We’re very careful, wearing masks, washing hands, and sanitizing,” Mr. Kiyuna said. “I want them to disclose the information. They are Americans but they are staying in Okinawa, Japan. Okinawans or the Japanese people have the right to know” about infections stemming from the bases.“

Coronavirus Outbreak at U.S. Bases in Japan Roils an Uneasy Relationship

 

[tresir2012]

CDC report: Trump's European travel ban came too late for New York

For those who wonder why NYC was hit so hard, per CDC:
Although travel restrictions are an important mitigation strategy, by the time European restrictions were implemented, importation & community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 had already occurred in NYC

Detection and Genetic Characterization of Community-Based...
What is already known about this topic?
To limit SARS-CoV-2 introduction, the United States restricted travel from China on February 2 and from Europe on March 13, 2020. By March 15, community transmission was widespread in New York City (NYC).
What is added by this report?
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conducted sentinel surveillance of influenza-like symptoms (ILS) and genetic sequencing to characterize community transmission and determine the geographic origin of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Among 544 specimens tested from persons with ILS and negative influenza test results, 36 (6.6%) were positive. Genetically sequenced positive specimens most closely resembled sequences circulating in Europe.

__


“We closed the front door with the China travel ban, which was right,” Cuomo said in late April. “But we left the back door open because the virus had left China by the time we did the China travel ban.”

As it happens banning it in Jan as soon as WHO knew about it would have made no difference either as it has been identified in Italy as early as Dec 2019.

When Did The Coronavirus Outbreak Start? Italy Is Latest To Say Earlier Than Previously Thought

 

[margarita25]

As it happens banning it in Jan as soon as WHO knew about it would have made no difference either as it has been identified in Italy as early as Dec 2019.

When Did The Coronavirus Outbreak Start? Italy Is Latest To Say Earlier Than Previously Thought

Of course earlier mitigation measures would have made a difference. Everything makes a difference. It’s called minimizing transmission. Why do contact tracers go to such great lengths to track down even one person?

So, because in China CV has been floating around since November, and even possibly earlier, does that mean we shouldn’t have issued a travel ban from China?

 

[Simply Southern]

The CDC director issued a media statement yesterday clarifying that the new data system was a CDC initiative, but the media, IMO, is unlikely to submit a retraction of their White House conspiracy theory, which has now become mainstream 'fact'.

Prepared Remarks from HHS Media Call with CDC Director Redfield and CIO Arrieta on COVID-19 Data Collection

At todays WH PC, the question was ask. Kayleigh response was (paraphrase) Only 80% of hospitals were responding to the CDC tracker. Dr. Birx needs all hospitals to respond, so she knows what is available and who needs what. The "new" system had been used since April for hospitals to place emergency request, it contained all the needed information to make a determination and justification for each request.


What no ones talking about .....Some Private hospitals do not except indigent or Medicaid. They don't even have provider numbers to bill even in an emergency. They focused on private services like catered meals, luxury suites, with extra rooms for family, valet parking. All the extras they can and do charge those that can afford. IMO...these folks don't share well with others, and certainly are not interested in the poor darken their doors, pandemic or not.

By having data reported to HHS, imo....creates a more even playing field for all, not just those than can afford to by pass the system.

Moo

ETA
Live | The White House

 

[CSIDreamer]

CVS will require customers wear face coverings starting next week

"With the recent spike in Covid-19 infections, we're joining others in taking the next step and requiring all customers to wear face coverings when entering any of our stores throughout the country effective Monday, July 20," CVS Health Chief Operating Officer Jon Roberts said in a press statement.

Thanks! Added to my neighborhood watch post.

 

[FrostOwl]

Which trustworthy countries will have had time to do a meaningful study on reopening their schools? Has any trustworthy country had a school open longer than a few weeks?

Here in Sweden the schools never closed for children under the age of 16, it was only the students in high schools and universities that had to study from home. Among children and young people under the age of 20, there have been 11 cases in intensive care, and 1 death (probably among the older teens), Covid-19 hos barn och unga – en kunskapssammanställning — Folkhälsomyndigheten A publication from the Public Health Agency of Sweden, published on the 29th of May, 2020.
Nor have there been more cases among teachers and pre-school teachers than among other groups here in Sweden.

 

[margarita25]

Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 71,842; Death toll now at 6,101

 

[CSIDreamer]

I was initially very concerned an attempt to withhold information could occur.

After very little research and working in healthcare management I completely understand what is happening.

Hospitals have computer systems that track EVERYTHING, medication, employee time, supplies, lengthy of stay, cost per length of stay, the list is endless. I know, I lived this life.

It is much easier to use a software program that can be interfaced with a hospital system that is already capturing large amounts of data. Than to have an employee sit down everyday, look up the information CDC/HHS needs and hand enter it. The margin of error is greater.

So basically HHS partnered with the major software company to hospitals to create a program to captive the data directly from the hospital computer. Less chance of error, real time data and push a button and upload directly to HHS. Way more efficient. Hospital computers are very a custom to interfacing with Medicare to automatic and electronically file claims, as well as reporting deaths, outcome, ER information and tons of other data directly to government agencies.

All the data will be uploaded daily by hospitals, HHS will keep what they need and hopefully have a program to interface with CDC. This should increase reporting, as hospitals will be forced to report daily or risk shipments of PPE or drugs. Currently CDC is backlogged on reporting deaths, that's why state numbers NEVER match CDC. Currently hospitals report ALL data to the State, the State sends to CDC. Understanding the current process helps to understand how much better this process will work. Hospitals don't report deaths to CDC, but to Medicare and the State.

The media, in my opinion have misrepresenting the "project" and portrayed as censorship, when in fact it is a program to monitor hospitals on a faily basis to provide supplies, physical support,medication and PPE

That's what all the articles I posted outlined. The American Hospital Association is a creditable source and all hospitals are members.

The articles clearly state, stress and inform hospital to report daily information as NO special request for drugs, supplies or assistance with be provided without this reporting.

So clearly this is a tool for the national supply chain. It is NOT required by law, but clearly states of you don't send in your information, don't expect to receive support.

It's basically an inventory based program, number of beds, ventilators, PPE on hand and drug supplies.

It has nothing, zero impact on number of cases or deaths.

CDC website states they will clearly continue to report deaths, cases, etc.

Its amazing to me how the media either didn't understand the purpose, or didn't research purpose, much less what hospitals would be reporting.

Moo...

Thank you for this excellent explanation.

 

[tresir2012]

Of course earlier mitigation measures would have made a difference. Everything makes a difference. It’s called minimizing transmission. Why do contact tracers go to such great lengths to track down even one person?

So, because CV has been floating around since November, and even possibly earlier in China, does that mean we shouldn’t have issued a travel ban from China?

The article is saying US should have had a Europe travel ban earlier than March 3. It is not saying the China ban should not have been in place and neither am I. The point is noone knew it was even in Europe so how could a ban have been earlier? Travellers between NY and Europe, especially Italy, would have been enormous numbers from well before Christmas and New Year so the virus would have already been in the city completely unknowm at that time.

ETA First Italian case was diagnosed 20th February.

Diagnosing the first COVID-19 patient in Italy – Codogno, Italy

 

[margarita25]

Doctors, nurses warn of another protective gear shortage as coronavirus surges

“Months after some New York City nurses were forced to wear garbage bags for protection, the shortage of protective gear impacting rural and urban hospitals, nursing homes and private physicians' offices is one of several problems with the nation's pandemic response that have resurfaced again, along with delays in testing and crowded hospitals in several regions.

“I just cannot believe that we are in this situation again,” said Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University, who previously served as Baltimore's Health Commissioner. “It’s because of failure of planning and anticipation.”

In interviews with ABC News, nurses, doctors and health care supply chain experts blamed the scarcity of masks, gowns and gloves on the Trump administration’s decision not to centralize and coordinate the purchase of protective gear, which has forced states and hospitals to bid against each other.”

 

[Simply Southern]

Of course earlier mitigation measures would have made a difference. Everything makes a difference. It’s called minimizing transmission. Why do contact tracers go to such great lengths to track down even one person?

So, because in China CV has been floating around since November, and even possibly earlier, does that mean we shouldn’t have issued a travel ban from China?

Yes, we should have locked the barn door in early Dec, but China and WHO were reassuring everyone nothing's wrong.

This whole world wide pandemic could have been stopped before it left the boarders of China. But looking back don't change all the pain, suffering and death.

We just gotta buckle down and stop the spread.

Moo....

 

[margarita25]

The article is saying US should have had a Europe travel ban earlier than March 3. It is not saying the China ban should not have been in place and neither am I. The point is noone knew it was even in Europe so how could a ban have been earlier? Travellers between NY and Europe, especially Italy, would have been enormous numbers from well before Christmas and New Year so the virus would have already been in the city completely unknowm at that time.

Yeah, people may have been coming in before we knew about this, and it was already here and that obviously can’t be helped, but we sat here and watched people flooding in from Italy, etc. after we knew about it as it was happening with not so much as a temperature check. There was much coverage about this as it was happening.

So what if there were coming in. Do we just open up the floodgates then?