Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #86

[Reasonable & Just]

What I found interesting is this coach was totally committed to prevention. Now coaches are probably really exposed to a lot of people, so that probably has something to do with it.
Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo has COVID-19

Oh, I'm sure. I hope Coach Izzo, Dr. Carson, and the 1000(?) unknown, unsung Americans who caught it today recover fully and quickly (along with everyone else around the world).

 

[Cool Cats]

Ran across this, sharing because I find it interesting
to see it explained this way.

The lost six weeks when US failed to contain virus

Having watched Asian and European countries struggle against Covid-19, the US was slow to ramp up testing and order its residents to stay at home. We look at this crucial time period and what exactly was done to prevent the outbreak.

Produced by the BBC's Franz Strasser, narrated by Hannah Long-Higgins

 

[SouthAussie]

CDC has found that after being released from the hospital following admittance for covid, 9% of people (1 in 11 people) have been re-admitted to the same hospital within 2 months. And 1.6% have been re-admitted more than once.


"After hospitalization for COVID-19, the most common primary discharge diagnoses from hospital readmission were diseases of the circulatory, digestive, or respiratory systems."
Characteristics of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Discharged ...

 

[Lilibet]

Calling @10ofRods! What does the bold part mean about the vaccine’s 90% efficacy only until day seven after the last of the two injections? And do you have any comments on other points made in the linked article? Many thanks!

From the link:

It’s early, but we can be cautiously optimistic,” says Mark Slifka, a viral immunologist at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. “By hitting greater than 90 percent, that’s where we want to see successful vaccines.”

Slifka notes that it’s unknown whether the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine’s effectiveness will hold over time.” That 90 percent efficacy is “only until day seven [after the last of the two injections]. We just need to see if it maintains above, at or near that level and if so for how long. And even if it goes down, that doesn’t necessarily mean the vaccine is a failure. It just tells us when we would need to do another booster.”
BBM

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-pfizer-effective-early-trial-data

 

[SoCalDavidS]

The lost six weeks when US failed to contain virus

Having watched Asian and European countries struggle against Covid-19, the US was slow to ramp up testing and order its residents to stay at home. We look at this crucial time period and what exactly was done to prevent the outbreak

The good news is that someday, the historical records will hold the U.S. out as an excellent example of how Not to handle a pandemic, so perhaps future civilizations can avoid our fate.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Calling @10ofRods! What does the bold part mean about the vaccine’s 90% efficacy only until day seven after the last of the two injections? And do you have any comments on other points made in the linked article? Many thanks!

From the link:

It’s early, but we can be cautiously optimistic,” says Mark Slifka, a viral immunologist at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. “By hitting greater than 90 percent, that’s where we want to see successful vaccines.”

Slifka notes that it’s unknown whether the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine’s effectiveness will hold over time.” That 90 percent efficacy is “only until day seven [after the last of the two injections]. We just need to see if it maintains above, at or near that level and if so for how long. And even if it goes down, that doesn’t necessarily mean the vaccine is a failure. It just tells us when we would need to do another booster.”
BBM

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-pfizer-effective-early-trial-data

I'm not who you asked, but I think I can give you insight. That means that 90% of the individuals who got those two shots did get an initial sufficient immune response of IGG and IGM antibodies and they must have hit within the control group 25 or 50 infections and there perhaps was only one infection in the group that got the vaccine? (ETA: The first interim report was going to be done with 32 cases.. yet changed and See below, they hit 94 cases within this report for their evaluation) I think that's what the first marker was for but I would have to look up the actual study to determine that. And those antibody responses were verified 7 days after the second dose for all the people that are now in the trial.

That's just all the time that they have the data for. Enough time has not gone by to give more information on the individuals that got the shots as a total picture over a longer period of time.

The big unknown is how long those antibodies last for vaccinated people, which is something we will have to wait to find out at the next stage. And a bigger unknown if it will be protective to all the mutations that might come in the future. I know they're concerned about Denmark and the mink variation right now. But we'll have to see in a few weeks if the mink variation is indeed an issue.

ETA- I did Corrections above as they must have hit the first marker of so many case of covid-19 control group to come out with this. There are certain stages did they can make claims after so many people get infected in the control group.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

ETA above, now headed to clinicaltrials.gov to look up the study

Study to Describe the Safety, Tolerability, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy of RNA Vaccine Candidates Against COVID-19 in Healthy Individuals - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

When I first saw the information come out, I had thought it was just that the IGM and IGG's were sufficient, but the link above does state that

• Vaccine candidate was found to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 in participants without evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first interim efficacy analysis
• Analysis evaluated 94 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in trial participants
• Study enrolled 43,538 participants, with 42% having diverse backgrounds, and no serious safety concerns have been observed; Safety and additional efficacy data continue to be collected
• Submission for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) planned for soon after the required safety milestone is achieved, which is currently expected to occur in the third week of November
• Clinical trial to continue through to final analysis at 164 confirmed cases in order to collect further data and characterize the vaccine candidate’s performance against other study endpoints

The Phase 3 clinical trial of BNT162b2 began on July 27 and has enrolled 43,538 participants to date, 38,955 of whom have received a second dose of the vaccine candidate as of November 8, 2020. Approximately 42% of global participants and 30% of U.S. participants have racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. The trial is continuing to enroll and is expected to continue through the final analysis when a total of 164 confirmed COVID-19 cases have accrued. The study also will evaluate the potential for the vaccine candidate to provide protection against COVID-19 in those who have had prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2, as well as vaccine prevention against severe COVID-19 disease. In addition to the primary efficacy endpoints evaluating confirmed COVID-19 cases accruing from 7 days after the second dose, the final analysis now will include, with the approval of the FDA, new secondary endpoints evaluating efficacy based on cases accruing 14 days after the second dose as well. The companies believe that the addition of these secondary endpoints will help align data across all COVID-19 vaccine studies and allow for cross-trial learnings and comparisons between these novel vaccine platforms. The companies have posted an updated version of the study protocol at https://www.pfizer.com/science/coronavirus. (Here is the study protocol itself https://pfe-pfizercom-d8-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/2020-11/C4591001_Clinical_Protocol_Nov2020.pdf)

Pfizer and BioNTech are continuing to accumulate safety data and currently estimate that a median of two months of safety data following the second (and final) dose of the vaccine candidate – the amount of safety data specified by the FDA in its guidance for potential Emergency Use Authorization – will be available by the third week of November. Additionally, participants will continue to be monitored for long-term protection and safety for an additional two years after their second dose.

Pfizer and BioNTech Announce Vaccine Candidate Against COVID-19 Achieved Success in First Interim Analysis from Phase 3 Study

After discussion with the FDA, the companies recently elected to drop the 32-case interim analysis and conduct the first interim analysis at a minimum of 62 cases. Upon the conclusion of those discussions, the evaluable case count reached 94 and the DMC performed its first analysis on all cases. The case split between vaccinated individuals and those who received the placebo indicates a vaccine efficacy rate above 90%, at 7 days after the second dose. This means that protection is achieved 28 days after the initiation of the vaccination, which consists of a 2-dose schedule. As the study continues, the final vaccine efficacy percentage may vary. The DMC has not reported any serious safety concerns and recommends that the study continue to collect additional safety and efficacy data as planned. The data will be discussed with regulatory authorities worldwide.

Pfizer and BioNTech Announce Vaccine Candidate Against COVID-19 Achieved Success in First Interim Analysis from Phase 3 Study | Pfizer

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-pfizer-effective-early-trial-data

 

[SouthAussie]

This Science News article says that while the vaccine prevented symptoms of the virus, it didn't stop people from catching the virus. Which leads to questions as to whether or not the virus will still spread.


But the news release suggests that the vaccine protects participants from getting sick with COVID-19 — that is, having the symptoms of the disease like loss of smell, fever or trouble breathing (SN: 7/2/20) — but not from infection with the coronavirus. That could have implications regarding whether the vaccine can eventually eliminate the virus from circulating among people. “It’s possible that a vaccine could prevent disease but still allow you to get infected,” Barker says.

The news release also doesn’t mention if there was a difference in how sick people in each group got. “That could be really important in terms of how this vaccine works in the population,” Barker says.

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-pfizer-effective-early-trial-data

 

[Lilibet]

I'm not who you asked, but I think I can give you insight.

Thanks so much @dixiegirl1035. My eyes tend to cross trying to understand all this! It just seems that the vaccine will be distributed while it’s not yet known how long “immunity” lasts, and whether it will really stop the spread as noted below. Sigh. I’m not ready to celebrate.

This Science News article says that while the vaccine prevented symptoms of the virus, it didn't stop people from catching the virus. Which leads to questions as to whether or not the virus will still spread.

This jumped out at me too, @SouthAussie. It made me wonder if people getting the vaccine would end up being asymptomatic spreaders.

I guess I’m not ready to pin my hopes on a vaccine yet and will plan to hide out indefinitely as cases grow rapidly in my Oregon county.

 

[PommyMommy]

NOV 10, 2020
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/a...fter-contracting-covid-19-fatah-official-says
Saeb Erekat, a prominent Palestinian spokesman for decades, died on Tuesday after contracting COVID-19, a senior member of his Fatah party said. He was 65.

[...]

Erekat confirmed on Oct. 8 that he had been infected with the coronavirus. In 2017 he underwent a lung transplant in the United States, which suppressed his immune system.

He was rushed from his home in the West Bank city of Jericho to Hadassah Medical Center in Israel last week. Doctors placed him on a ventilator and in a medically induced coma after his condition deteriorated.

Also see: Longtime Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erekat Dies Of Complications From COVID-19

 

[CoverMeCagney]

"Lockdown" has been declared the word of the year for 2020 by Collins Dictionary, after a sharp rise in its usage during the pandemic.

It "encapsulates the shared experience of billions of people", Collins said.

Lexicographers registered more than 250,000 usages of "lockdown" during 2020, up from just 4,000 last year.

Other pandemic-linked terms on the 10-strong list include "furlough", "key worker", "self-isolate" and "social distancing" as well as "coronavirus".

According to the dictionary, lockdown is defined as "the imposition of stringent restrictions on travel, social interaction, and access to public spaces".

Covid-19: 'Lockdown' declared Collins Dictionary word of the year


Previous Collins words of the year
2019: Climate strike

2018: Single-use

2017: Fake news

2016: Brexit

2015: Binge-watch

2014: Photobomb

2013: Geek

 

[weepingangel]

U.S. allows first emergency use of a COVID-19 antibody drug

WASHINGTON — U.S. health officials have allowed emergency use of the first antibody drug to help the immune system fight COVID-19, an experimental approach against the virus that has killed more than 238,000 Americans.

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday cleared the experimental drug from Eli Lilly for people 12 and older with mild or moderate COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization. It’s a one-time treatment given through an IV.

The therapy is still undergoing additional testing to establish its safety and effectiveness. It is similar to a treatment President Donald Trump received after contracting the virus last month.


Lilly’s studies of the antibody drug are continuing. Early results suggest it may help clear the coronavirus sooner and possibly cut hospitalizations in people with mild to moderate COVID-19. A study of it in hospitalized patients was stopped when independent monitors saw the drug did not seem to be helping in that situation.


The government previously reached an agreement to buy and supply much of the early production of Lilly’s drug.


Only one drug -- Gilead Sciences' remdesivir -- has full FDA approval for treating COVID-19. Government treatment guidelines also back using dexamethasone and other steroids for certain severely ill, hospitalized patients.


One other treatment has an emergency use designation now — convalescent plasma, or the blood of COVID-19 survivors. No large studies have shown it to be more effective than usual care alone, however.


The new drug is part of an emerging family of biologic therapies that offer a promising new approach to preventing serious disease and death from COVID-19. Experts say the infused drugs could serve as a therapeutic bridge to help manage the virus until vaccines are widely available.

 

[SouthAussie]

Sydney are rolling out a system of notifying all (metro card user) train passengers if their train will be crowded, or if they can physically distance. Lots of commuting on trains in the Sydney area.


Transport customers will soon be notified if their Sydney trains or metros are full before they board.
The Opal Travel app will now send alerts about physical distancing on board ......

Notifications are sent 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, but can also be personalised.
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the new feature is a "world leading piece of innovation".


Opal app launches notifications to alert passengers if trains are full

 

[SouthAussie]

Teresa Ashby fights back tears talking about it.
Her husband Clint Nixon is in a US hospital with COVID-19. She says he contracted the virus after attending Crossroads Community Church in Fitchburg, a city in northern Massachusetts, last month.
"I'm very scared," Ms Ashby said. "Before the last service that he went to, the church held two weeks of revival services, completely packed, no masks."

Right now, the church is shut down. Last Sunday, The Fitchburg Health Department announced nearly 150 coronavirus cases have been connected to services and programs at the church on or around October 18.

"Too much hurt," she said. "We've gotten no phone calls from the pastor. Nothing."

Wife of COVID-19 patient linked to US church cluster speaks out

 

[SouthAussie]

More than 252,000 cases have been linked to colleges and universities over the course of the pandemic. Thousands more cases have been identified in elementary, middle and high schools.

Below are the 10 states with the most cases reported on campuses.

Texas 20,036 cases at 83 schools
Florida 13,650 cases at 87 schools
Ohio 12,171 cases at 59 schools
Georgia 11,406 cases at 37 schools
Pennsylvania 10,817 cases at 103 schools
North Carolina 10,296 cases at 48 schools
Wisconsin 10,054 cases at 31 schools
South Carolina 9,974 cases at 28 schools
Alabama 9,858 cases at 28 schools
Indiana 9,736 cases at 33 schools

Covid in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count

 

[GRT]

The memory of PPE distribution in the spring dies hard. It was ugly-partisan, and I don't blame people for being skeptical, especially if their states aren't on the "favored" list. They also admitted that distribution is not something they do (they said they aren't "shipping clerks"), so that may also fuel skepticism. Regardless, I hope this vaccine is a good one, and that it is available to all Americans, no matter who's in charge.

The problem was also amplified by China, from which we were getting our PPEs and they suddenly cut us off. That really hurt. Thankfully, some of our own manufacturing companies switched to making the PPEs and that helped.

This virus has been a huge learning experience for us, and I hope we never farm-out the manufacture of safety equipment and apparel (or related items) ever again.

 

[GRT]

Ran across this, sharing because I find it interesting
to see it explained this way.

The lost six weeks when US failed to contain virus

Having watched Asian and European countries struggle against Covid-19, the US was slow to ramp up testing and order its residents to stay at home. We look at this crucial time period and what exactly was done to prevent the outbreak.

Produced by the BBC's Franz Strasser, narrated by Hannah Long-Higgins

Barring a new Amendment to the Constitution, we're going to run into the same issue in the future if another pandemic looms.

The Atlantic explains why:

Within states, the president has little to no power to act, because of states’ sovereign rights to exercise their police powers. The president cannot direct a governor to implement or withdraw an order to stay at home or to close businesses such as bars, restaurants, and theaters. Even in a national emergency, governors retain primary authority to control the spread of an infectious disease within their states. However, as governors’ powers extend only to their states’ borders, they can limit intrastate movement (through travel restrictions, mass quarantines, or isolation orders), but cannot restrict interstate travel.

It's a real problem, but I'm not sure we have the support behind amending the Constitution.

That was a good video, thanks for sharing it. Looking back, it's interesting to see just how the timeline progressed.

 

[GRT]

DBM -- already posted.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Thanks so much @dixiegirl1035. My eyes tend to cross trying to understand all this! It just seems that the vaccine will be distributed while it’s not yet known how long “immunity” lasts, and whether it will really stop the spread as noted below. Sigh. I’m not ready to celebrate.



This jumped out at me too, @SouthAussie. It made me wonder if people getting the vaccine would end up being asymptomatic spreaders.

I guess I’m not ready to pin my hopes on a vaccine yet and will plan to hide out indefinitely as cases grow rapidly in my Oregon county.

@SouthAussie and @Lilibet I totally missed all that (at 3 am, remind me never to scan such that late at night and think my brain can comprehend)

I guess the reason that they are stating such is that they haven't done widespread antigen tests and all reporting has just been self reporting? Will they at any point be doing such within the 2 year study time? Darn, that study protocol is 146 pages...

https://pfe-pfizercom-d8-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/2020-11/C4591001_Clinical_Protocol_Nov2020.pdf


. I wonder what that states about such and has answers and explanations that we here at WS wanna know that MSM isn't giving us. Hmmmm, will someone take an attempt at a deep dive?

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I make the pocket and inner chin gusset in silk like this.

This is just so good to know....
really.