Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #79

[anneg]

Exposed: COVID-19 was spreading in Houston before the rodeo, records show — Houston Chronicle

“In the early days of the coronavirus outbreak, the public messaging from the federal level down to local was consistent: Risk to the public was low. More than 850,000 people passed through the NRG gates as officials insisted there was no evidence the virus was spreading unchecked. But a Houston Chronicle investigation based on thousands of pages of emails, texts and documents and more than 50 interviews shows that a cascade of failures starting at the federal level left local officials ill-equipped to confront the biggest public health threat in generations.”
——-
Interesting article.
JMO

Amazing story, like reading a disaster novel. Thanks for posting.

 

[ilovewings]

Covid kills one million worldwide: Coronavirus has now spread to 210 countries | Daily Mail Online

Coronaviru has killed one million worldwide --- they talk about a 2nd wave- what exactly is a 2nd wave (as opposed to a continuation of the first wave. The article describes woeful the United States has been/is in containing the virus.

 

[MimosaMornings]

The Florida patrol attempting to enforce a mask mandate

“Key West code enforcement officer Paul Navarro was halfway through his shift and beginning to see signs of trouble. The crowds on lower Duval Street swelled just after 9pm, and social distancing quickly became impossible on the sidewalks.

Navarro is the last line of defense against the high-risk behaviors which spread Covid-19 and is one of the principal enforcers of the Florida city’s mask mandate – an effort to protect public health and the local economy. Until 16 September part of that balancing act had included a strict mask mandate, now that rule has been loosened.”

 

[ilovewings]

The Florida patrol attempting to enforce a mask mandate

“Key West code enforcement officer Paul Navarro was halfway through his shift and beginning to see signs of trouble. The crowds on lower Duval Street swelled just after 9pm, and social distancing quickly became impossible on the sidewalks.

Navarro is the last line of defense against the high-risk behaviors which spread Covid-19 and is one of the principal enforcers of the Florida city’s mask mandate – an effort to protect public health and the local economy. Until 16 September part of that balancing act had included a strict mask mandate, now that rule has been loosened.”

These states that want to get back to their "normal" life are in for a rude awakening. The virus does not care what you want--- you cannot get back to normal until this virus is contained. period.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

I don't know if they are even available here, as I have had no symptoms , but that would be my first call. I don't even know if they are reliable.

ETA just found this link that shows they are available to certain groups.

Antibody testing: coronavirus (COVID-19) | GOV.WALES

Yes thanks, similar to what I've seen here.

Mr HKP may be in the next phase of priorities as he's in transport. I'm reluctant to pay while they still seem a tad controversial in terms of reliability.

 

[10ofRods]

Many people with mild initial CV symptoms experience health problems for months:

https://twitter.com/AFPSouthAsia/status/1310248160539955201

Keep in mind that being "recovered" for statistical purposes just means that a person has had 1-2 negative tests (after testing positive). It does not mean the person feels well.

The list of symptoms in the above article is fairly stable, especially the skin lesions and the headaches. No one knows how long this lasts. There's also evidence that CoronaVirus affects humoral immunity (erases some of the T-cell memory...)ma

It reminds me of a saying i read about these times:
We are all in the same storm
We are not all in the same boat

Exactly. Those of us who can work from home are in a different boat altogether than those who cannot (some nations have almost no ability to get most employees online to do work, usually because the work must be done in person).

Those of us who live in single family dwellings with immediate outdoor access are in a different boat than those who must travel by elevator several times a day. People in more rural areas, without a major highway, are much less vulnerable than those of us who have to live in places with more travel, etc.

And of course, if you live in one of the 10-12 states where people are wearing masks (even then, the average is only about 50% of people wearing masks while out of their homes - apparently even in the most compliant places, many people don't think masks are necessary in many outdoor situations).

Active cases vary as well - it's so concerning that Florida is opening up with 400,000 still active cases (most of them expected to self-quarantine, but the R-naught rate would say that's not happening). That's about twice the number as in California and way more than Canada (with roughly the same population as California - but only 13,000 active cases).

It's mind-boggling to think that Florida, with slightly fewer people than all of Canada, has 400,000 active cases (and very little mask compliance) and all of Canada has only about 13,000.

 

[Trino]

Countdown to get rid of 2020.
95 days...

 

[musicaljoke]

By saying North America I mean the Northern part of the American continent, not northern USA so I am thinking more of Canadians really and Americans living close to the Canadian border who get really severe winters. Depends how you can cope with that I guess, and what you normally do.

Yes, there are friends to visit in snowbird country, and a cozy lifestyle that would be sacrificed if one stays in the Great White North for the winter. It's expensive living in Canada during the winter too. There is a great draw to entice the snowbirds down to Florida.

But, if if means staying at home regardless of where they go, it might just make more sense to stay on the home side of the border.

I guess we shall see. The border is still closed and not expected to open soon. Possibly there will be no choice.

 

[tresir2012]

Yes, there are friends to visit in snowbird country, and a cozy lifestyle that would be sacrificed if one stays in the Great White North for the winter. It's expensive living in Canada during the winter too. There is a great draw to entice the snowbirds down to Florida.

But, if if means staying at home regardless of where they go, it might just make more sense to stay on the home side of the border.

I guess we shall see. The border is still closed and not expected to open soon. Possibly there will be no choice.

As you say though where would you rather be locked down? Are flights available with a hire car instead of driving?

 

[musicaljoke]

These states that want to get back to their "normal" life are in for a rude awakening. The virus does not care what you want--- you cannot get back to normal until this virus is contained. period.

Yes, I agree. The idea that lives can be sacrificed so that the economy can return to the way it was before the virus is not reasonable, nor sustainable. There is no going back.

 

[Sundog]

Countdown to get rid of 2020.
95 days...

Autumn is such a beautiful season, there is still so much to enjoy every day for the rest of 2020.

 

[musicaljoke]

As you say though where would you rather be locked down? Are flights available with a hire car instead of driving?

I would think that many snowbirds fly down and have a 2nd car waiting at their southern home. Last I checked, non-essential flights are still grounded.

 

[tresir2012]

Many people with mild initial CV symptoms experience health problems for months:

https://twitter.com/AFPSouthAsia/status/1310248160539955201

Keep in mind that being "recovered" for statistical purposes just means that a person has had 1-2 negative tests (after testing positive). It does not mean the person feels well.

The list of symptoms in the above article is fairly stable, especially the skin lesions and the headaches. No one knows how long this lasts. There's also evidence that CoronaVirus affects humoral immunity (erases some of the T-cell memory...)ma




Exactly. Those of us who can work from home are in a different boat altogether than those who cannot (some nations have almost no ability to get most employees online to do work, usually because the work must be done in person).

Those of us who live in single family dwellings with immediate outdoor access are in a different boat than those who must travel by elevator several times a day. People in more rural areas, without a major highway, are much less vulnerable than those of us who have to live in places with more travel, etc.

And of course, if you live in one of the 10-12 states where people are wearing masks (even then, the average is only about 50% of people wearing masks while out of their homes - apparently even in the most compliant places, many people don't think masks are necessary in many outdoor situations).

Active cases vary as well - it's so concerning that Florida is opening up with 400,000 still active cases (most of them expected to self-quarantine, but the R-naught rate would say that's not happening). That's about twice the number as in California and way more than Canada (with roughly the same population as California - but only 13,000 active cases).

It's mind-boggling to think that Florida, with slightly fewer people than all of Canada, has 400,000 active cases (and very little mask compliance) and all of Canada has only about 13,000.

Are those really active cases though? We know from other states that often those who have recovered at home are not recorded anywhere. How does California track the recovered cases?

 

[musicaljoke]

Are those really active cases though? We know from other states that often those who have recovered at home are not recorded anywhere. How does California track the recovered cases?

The Canadian stats should be very accurate. The Public Health system is top notch. Cases haven't risen beyond what the health system can follow up on. So far ... touch wood, salt over shoulder.

 

[tresir2012]

Autumn is such a beautiful season, there is still so much to enjoy every day for the rest of 2020.

Completely agree, it is beautiful here today. Little chill in the air this evening but weather fine for the next few days. It's good to be alive and enjoying it, for which I am thankful, as well as not knowing anyone personally who has either had it or died from it. I hope good health continues for me and everyone on here.

 

[Sundog]

I would think that many snowbirds fly down and have a 2nd car waiting at their southern home. Last I checked, non-essential flights are still grounded.

Many of the Canadian snowbirds I know drive to Florida for the winter. And the snowbirds that I know from Ohio and Michigan drive to Florida as well. They like to have their car with them when they get to Florida so they can get around and be independent.

My American snowbird friends have often chosen to make their Florida address their permanent home so they don't have to pay taxes on their retirement income. That means they have to get a Florida driver's license, etc., to make it really their permanent address. Then their homes in Ohio and Michigan become their second home. We are considering doing the same thing when we retire. Either Florida or Texas. Looking for a state where retirement income isn't taxed, as well as good weather.

ETA The situation has arisen in at least three families that I know of personally, where one of the Canadian or American snowbirds has become ill and couldn't drive back home from Florida, so someone in the family, a son or daughter, or sister or brother, or niece or nephew, has had to fly down to Florida and drive them back.

 

[tresir2012]

The Canadian stats should be very accurate. The Public Health system is top notch. Cases haven't risen beyond what the health system can follow up on. So far ... touch wood, salt over shoulder.

That's good you can have confidence in them. I am not sure about our UK recovered figures at all and have absolutely no clue about Florida.

 

[mickey2942]

Many of the Canadian snowbirds I know drive to Florida for the winter. And the snowbirds that I know from Ohio and Michigan drive to Florida as well. They like to have their car with them when they get to Florida so they can get around and be independent.

My American snowbird friends have often chosen to make their Florida address their permanent home so they don't have to pay taxes on their retirement income. That means they have to get a Florida driver's license, etc., to make it really their permanent address. Then their homes in Ohio and Michigan become their second home. We are considering doing the same thing when we retire. Either Florida or Texas. Looking for a state where retirement income isn't taxed, as well as good weather.

ETA The situation has arisen in at least three families that I know of personally, where one of the Canadian or American snowbirds has become ill and couldn't drive back home from Florida, so someone in the family, a son or daughter, or sister or brother, or niece or nephew, has had to fly down to Florida and drive them back.

A lot of veterans have made Florida their "base" for Primary Health Care. And follow up with their provider during the winter for annual health care.

The West Palm Beach VA is a good example, during the summer the place is quiet, few patients. The winter, it is bustling with veterans, having annual appointments.

 

[tresir2012]

In UK approximately £12k per annum each is tax free. We also have some renewable energy income that is completely tax free too, so we don't do too badly, just paying tax on any pension that is more than the £12k. It is important to check that out. I hate paying tax if I don't have too.

Many of the Canadian snowbirds I know drive to Florida for the winter. And the snowbirds that I know from Ohio and Michigan drive to Florida as well. They like to have their car with them when they get to Florida so they can get around and be independent.

My American snowbird friends have often chosen to make their Florida address their permanent home so they don't have to pay taxes on their retirement income. That means they have to get a Florida driver's license, etc., to make it really their permanent address. Then their homes in Ohio and Michigan become their second home. We are considering doing the same thing when we retire. Either Florida or Texas. Looking for a state where retirement income isn't taxed, as well as good weather.

ETA The situation has arisen in at least three families that I know of personally, where one of the Canadian or American snowbirds has become ill and couldn't drive back home from Florida, so someone in the family, a son or daughter, or sister or brother, or niece or nephew, has had to fly down to Florida and drive them back.

 

[24Roses]

Iowa numbers today: As of 10:00-11:00 a.m. today, we had 804 new confirmed cases for a total of 86,229 new confirmed cases of which 65,782 had recovered (+342). 4 more had passed away for a total of 1,315. Sept. 27: 804 new cases, 342 recoveries, and 4 deaths
Iowa COVID-19 Information