Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #88

[Colorado303]

I think they are aiming to remove the conspiracy theory posts, like the ones that say the vaccine changes your DNA, or that it has microchips that allow governments to spy on you.

I know. But it’s a slippery slope. What if the powers that be decide someone observing the vaccine causes birth defects (as example) is alarmist and incorrect? IMO as soon as people feel entitled to control the information flow because they think the public is too stupid to recognize nonsense we’re all in trouble.

 

[margarita25]

WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the release of the global estimates of the need for rehabilitation
WHO, IHME and The Lancet
2 December 2020 | source
My sister Senait,

Distinguished colleagues and friends,

I am so pleased to join you today for the launch of this landmark study, the very first global estimate of the need for rehabilitation services.

The demand is far, far greater than most people assume.

More than 2.4 billion people, almost a third of the global population, need these services to help them reclaim their lives and livelihoods.

Public health emergencies are an often-overlooked area where rehabilitation services are needed. After the fight to survive is won, then comes the fight to restore full health and dignity.

People living with the long-term consequences of COVID-19 have spoken to me again and again about their need for rehabilitation services, along with the need for recognition, and further research.

Those requiring rehabilitation services may include survivors of both infectious and noncommunicable disease, accidents, conflicts, and so many other health problems that arise over the course of one’s life.

The data that we are launching today show the magnitude of the challenge.

Rehabilitation services must be part of essential packages of care as part of every country’s journey towards universal health coverage.

Working together, we can build a safer, fairer, and more caring world for all of us.

I thank you.

 

[SouthAussie]

Regarding the lowered influenza rates for this season, I have read various articles that have postulated theories, such as
1) Viral "competition"
2) Fewer influenza positives due to masks, hand washing, social distancing etc.
3) Greater uptake of 'flu vaccine.

All is IMO, will try and quote sources tomorrow, but a cursory Google search will provide some info.

We had massive drops in our flu rates during our covid winter. About 15% of the usual rate, with flu deaths down to 8% of usual flu deaths.

The experts put it down to this .....


Closing schools, maintaining physical distancing and boosting hand hygiene have all contributed to the massive decline in flu diagnoses and deaths.

"The main reasons are due to social distancing, as influenza is spread just like COVID-19 is," Professor Barr said.
"And the closure of schools probably also has a big part in the transmission of the flu in a normal season."
Vaccination rates have also jumped ........ (2 million more people got themselves vaccinated for flu than in the previous year).

This time last year 430 people had died from influenza. This year it's just 36

 

[SouthAussie]

I know. But it’s a slippery slope. What if the powers that be decide someone observing the vaccine causes birth defects (as example) is alarmist and incorrect? IMO as soon as people feel entitled to control the information flow because they think the public is too stupid to recognize nonsense we’re all in trouble.

I think you are going to have the opposite problem. That people will believe garbage information. Far too many people have already proved themselves as being inadequate at being able to distinguish truth from lies.

I say let FB squelch the garbage that is posted on their forum, because you and I both know that a TON of that will try to go onto FB feeds. Go to valid Science sources for your real and accurate information.

FB isn't going to squelch WHO or UNICEF or any of the valid sources of info that I see on FB. Maybe, for a change, only valid info will abound.

We don't even let FB info onto WS because it is rumours, and too much of it is incorrect.



ETA: FB are only going to remove the info after it has been debunked by experts, they are not going to make judgements on their own.

“Given the recent news that Covid-19 vaccines will soon be rolling out around the world, over the coming weeks we will also start removing false claims about these vaccines that have been debunked by public health experts ....
“This is another way that we are applying our policy to remove misinformation about the virus that could lead to imminent physical harm.”
Facebook to remove false claims about Covid vaccines

 

[margarita25]

We had massive drops in our flu rates during our covid winter. About 15% of the usual rate, with flu deaths down to 8% of usual flu deaths.

The experts put it down to this .....


Closing schools, maintaining physical distancing and boosting hand hygiene have all contributed to the massive decline in flu diagnoses and deaths.

"The main reasons are due to social distancing, as influenza is spread just like COVID-19 is," Professor Barr said.
"And the closure of schools probably also has a big part in the transmission of the flu in a normal season."
Vaccination rates have also jumped ........ (2 million more people got themselves vaccinated for flu than in the previous year).

This time last year 430 people had died from influenza. This year it's just 36

Yes, precautions are similar, such as respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, etc., as we have known from the beginning.

FTR, this is why when someone says, “oh I’ve been so careful, so I probably just have the flu and not covid”, I think to myself, “well, if you were close enough to get the flu, you were close enough to get covid”...jmo. It’s weird to me how people separate the two wrt exposure.

 

[Lilibet]

I think you are going to have the opposite problem. That people will believe garbage information. Far too many peple have already proved themselves at being inadequate at being able to distinguish truth from lies.

I say let FB squelch the garbage that is posted on their forum, because you and I both know that a TON of that will try to go onto FB feeds. Go to valid Science sources for your real and accurate information.

FB isn't going to squelch WHO or UNICEF or any of the valid sources of info that I see on FB. Maybe, for a change, only valid info will abound.

You were so much nicer than I would be about the ability of the general public to distinguish truth from lies! The problem is we are in huge trouble because the public is too stupid (or willfully ignorant) to recognize Covid-19 nonsense! That’s exactly why we have a pandemic raging uncontrolled in this country. Some of this nonsense has likely been deliberately posted to sow chaos. FB is within its rights to control the accuracy or inflammatory nature of information posted on its site, as is Websleuths. Facebook is not the government (powers that be), so free speech is not a constitutional right on that site. I really think FB is trying to serve public interest and public health by weeding out the clearly nutcase stuff, not the legitimate discussions of scientific facts and legitimate theories.
JMO

 

[SouthAussie]

Swedes' support for anti-lockdown stance slips amid rising Covid deaths

A six-monthly poll by Statistics Sweden this week showed support for the prime minister’s centre-left Social Democrats had dropped nearly five percentage points to 29.4% since May, amid signs Swedes are increasingly unconvinced by the country’s strategy.

More than 80% of those surveyed said they were either “somewhat” or “very worried” that Sweden’s health service would not be able to cope with the challenge.

More than 7,000 people have died of Covid-19 in Sweden, giving the country of 10.2 million one of Europe’s highest per capita death rates.

Swedes' support for anti-lockdown stance slips amid rising Covid deaths

 

[SouthAussie]

Around the world - from South America to West Africa - previously happy couples are splitting up and many are divorcing. The stress of the pandemic has been blamed by some, while others say it has highlighted old problems.

Cooped up together in homes all over the world, many of us have felt the strain on our relationships. Juggling childcare, chores and work, worrying about health, finances and the state of the world, the global Covid-19 crisis has left many of us also navigating a domestic crisis of our own behind closed doors.

For some, like Reni, the close confinement of lockdown has also meant discovering secrets - and having to deal with the fallout.

'Covid ended our marriage': The couples who split in the pandemic

 

[SouthAussie]

Italy approved new restrictions on Thursday to avoid a surge in coronavirus infections over Christmas and the New Year, banning midnight mass and halting movement between towns, as the country posted its highest daily death toll of the pandemic.

The prime minister Giuseppe Conte said that from 21 December to 6 January movement between Italy’s 20 regions will only be allowed for work, medical reasons or emergencies. On Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Italians cannot even leave their towns.

On Thursday, 993 people died - Italy’s highest daily toll yet.

Italy imposes Christmas travel curbs – as it happened

 

[dixiegirl1035]

OREGON—New, improved, updated Covid-19 website...

People in Oregon will find it easier to learn about the state framework that went into effect today with an updated coronavirus website. The website is the new go-to place for anyone who wants to learn about COVID-19 in Oregon. Among the highlights are a map with each county risk level, state guidelines, resources, testing information and more.

Explore the updated website at coronavirus.oregon.gov.

I love this particular part linked below showing a risk map. Note that most of the whole state is “extreme‘’ including my county (Jackson) on the southern border with CA, the third county in from the coast. You can click/tap on each county for details.

Tableau Public

Lake County at 853 per 100,000. WOW! I thought where I am was high, but that's really high there.

 

[gngr~snap]

We had massive drops in our flu rates during our covid winter. About 15% of the usual rate, with flu deaths down to 8% of usual flu deaths.

The experts put it down to this .....


Closing schools, maintaining physical distancing and boosting hand hygiene have all contributed to the massive decline in flu diagnoses and deaths.

"The main reasons are due to social distancing, as influenza is spread just like COVID-19 is," Professor Barr said.
"And the closure of schools probably also has a big part in the transmission of the flu in a normal season."
Vaccination rates have also jumped ........ (2 million more people got themselves vaccinated for flu than in the previous year).

This time last year 430 people had died from influenza. This year it's just 36

Wow! I am a believer.
I have several Asian friends.
They don't understand why the USA has issues with masks.
The people I have contact with in Vietnam wear masks due to pollution and the lung issues it causes.
I guess if people could "see" the virus circulation in the air they might be more willing to "mask up".
Then again some people are just rebels and are going to refuse to follow guidelines period.
MOO

 

[gngr~snap]

I don't know about other states or a national database.
I feel like a DOD vaccine card is not in line with HIPAA.
Here in Georgia we have "GRITS".
Anyone who is vaccinated gets entered into the system.
If I go to another county and get injured anyone in the medical system can access my vaccine history.
I guess a DOD card would be for TSA etc... any corporation that isn't medical to see proof of being vaccinated.
I just don't know.
Seems like a slippery slope.
MOO

Georgia Immunization Registry (GRITS)


Vaccination cards will be issued to everyone getting COVID-19 vaccine, health officials say

 

[dixiegirl1035]

I don't know about other states or a national database.
I feel like a DOD vaccine card is not in line with HIPAA.
Here in Georgia we have "GRITS".
Anyone who is vaccinated gets entered into the system.
If I go to another county and get injured anyone in the medical system can access my vaccine history.
I guess a DOD card would be for TSA etc... any corporation that isn't medical to see proof of being vaccinated.
I just don't know.
Seems like a slippery slope.
MOO

Georgia Immunization Registry (GRITS)


Vaccination cards will be issued to everyone getting COVID-19 vaccine, health officials say

I'm not sure how a card given to a person to help them keep track for themselves is an issue in of itself? Matter of fact, I had no idea that I could get a record of my immunizations. Thanks! I know that when I went to Publix, they said they searched their database for my history and I know for a fact that it was incorrect and not up to date. I'm going to research more into what you listed above as to the registry so I myself can have a record of all my immunizations.

I do know that for international travel, I have had to get immunizations. I would like that for my files just to keep up to date as I was asked by my primary just this year if I had had one before... and I just could not remember when/specifics. And previous to this year, I was asked when I had my last tetanus booster. *DUH, dunno, can't recall*

And yes, the card is pretty meaningless MOO as a "proof", so I don't see that in of itself being used as proof... but perhaps some will state big brother/don't get it/gov'mt tracking or ???? for a reason not to get the vaccine as

"Lookie here! It's issued by DOD! OMG big brother"..... when we here know that it's just due to HHS / DOD project?

I don't see that TSA would be using this card at all as I've not heard any inklings of such to date... has anyone? I actually thought that I had heard the opposite as to such. MOO

Again, thanks for the information as I want to see/perhaps update my records.

ETA:

Can an Employer Require You to Get a Covid-19 Vaccine?

A Vaccine is Coming: Can Employers Require Employees to Take it?

Can your employer require you to take a COVID-19 vaccine?

Coronavirus vaccine: Can employers force workers to get vaccinated?

 

[SouthAussie]

I'm not sure how a card given to a person to help them keep track for themselves is an issue in of itself? Matter of fact, I had no idea that I could get a record of my immunizations. Thanks! I know that when I went to Publix, they said they searched their database for my history and I know for a fact that it was incorrect and not up to date. I'm going to research more into what you listed above as to the registry so I myself can have a record of all my immunizations.

I do know that for international travel, I have had to get immunizations. I would like that for my files just to keep up to date as I was asked by my primary just this year if I had had one before... and I just could not remember when/specifics. And previous to this year, I was asked when I had my last tetanus booster. *DUH, dunno, can't recall*

And yes, the card is pretty meaningless MOO as a "proof", so I don't see that in of itself being used as proof... but perhaps some will state big brother/don't get it/gov'mt tracking or ???? for a reason not to get the vaccine as

"Lookie here! It's issued by DOD! OMG big brother"..... when we here know that it's just due to HHS / DOD project?

I don't see that TSA would be using this card at all as I've not heard any inklings of such to date... has anyone? I actually thought that I had heard the opposite as to such. MOO

Again, thanks for the information as I want to see/perhaps update my records.

International travel is going to need a lot more than a simple vaccination card.

There are already a couple of more-secure proofs of covid vaccination being trialled, for this purpose.


One Potential Method of Proof
... the international airline regulator confirmed it was in the final development phase of the IATA Travel Pass, a digital health pass designed to support the safe reopening of borders.
When international travel opens up, this is why I'm flying with Qantas

Iata is working on a digital platform that will allow passengers to prove their tests and vaccination results “in a verifiable, safe and privacy-protecting manner”.
‘Digital Covid passport’ linked to vaccine could revive travel


Another Potential Method of Proof
A similar concept has already been trialled. The CommonPass is an initiative of The Commons Project, a Swiss-based non-profit social enterprise. With the aim of restoring confidence in travel and returning global travel and trade to pre-pandemic levels, the CommonPass verifies a traveller's health status via a smartphone app.
When international travel opens up, this is why I'm flying with Qantas


ETA: Also, Singapore has something called an Air Travel Pass which allows entry to Singapore for people from low-risk locations (Australia, Brunei, Vietnam, New Zealand, China) to make short term visits to Singapore, with certain PCR test stipulations.
Lessons Australia could learn from Singapore's international reopening

 

[SouthAussie]

Wow! I am a believer.
I have several Asian friends.
They don't understand why the USA has issues with masks.
The people I have contact with in Vietnam wear masks due to pollution and the lung issues it causes.
I guess if people could "see" the virus circulation in the air they might be more willing to "mask up".
Then again some people are just rebels and are going to refuse to follow guidelines period.
MOO

We don't understand the issues with masks either. My state has 7 active cases of covid at the moment. We are hoping that within 7-10 days we will again have zero cases.

I was at the mall today with my daughter. We wore masks, as did a good 50% of people there. The rest of the people maintained a good social distance. All for 7 active (and isolated) cases.
We are serious about getting rid of this virus. I wish everybody was.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

International travel is going to need a lot more than a simple vaccination card.

There are already a couple of more-secure proofs of covid vaccination being trialled, for this purpose.


One Potential Method of Proof
... the international airline regulator confirmed it was in the final development phase of the IATA Travel Pass, a digital health pass designed to support the safe reopening of borders.
When international travel opens up, this is why I'm flying with Qantas

Iata is working on a digital platform that will allow passengers to prove their tests and vaccination results “in a verifiable, safe and privacy-protecting manner”.
‘Digital Covid passport’ linked to vaccine could revive travel


Another Potential Method of Proof
A similar concept has already been trialled. The CommonPass is an initiative of The Commons Project, a Swiss-based non-profit social enterprise. With the aim of restoring confidence in travel and returning global travel and trade to pre-pandemic levels, the CommonPass verifies a traveller's health status via a smartphone app.
When international travel opens up, this is why I'm flying with Qantas


ETA: Also, Singapore has something called an Air Travel Pass which allows entry to Singapore for people from low-risk locations (Australia, Brunei, Vietnam, New Zealand, China) to make short term visits to Singapore, with certain PCR test stipulations.
Lessons Australia could learn from Singapore's international reopening

Yeah, it's going to be interesting how the public sector such as airlines and cruise ships handle such.

I know many people who have pent up demand for cruising.

I'll be watching from afar!

 

[ilovewings]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/12/04/kansas-obituary-covid-masks/

Unusual obituary_ from son whose father died from Covid-19- scathing criticism of people who refuse to wear masks

I say good for him--- get it out there- we need to out those people who are killing us with their so called " freedom"

 

[Deleted member 158085]

Stay at home order from my work announced today for 3 weeks. We have 48 hours to comply. My last day in the building until at least January 4 will be Saturday.
I'm thinking we won't be able to return until Valentine's Day, at the earliest.
Pasadena area.

Wow. So you won't even be able to offer curbside pick-up for patrons? (You work at a library, right?)

 

[MimosaMornings]

Yes, precautions are similar, such as respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, etc., as we have known from the beginning.

FTR, this is why when someone says, “oh I’ve been so careful, so I probably just have the flu and not covid”, I think to myself, “well, if you were close enough to get the flu, you were close enough to get covid”...jmo. It’s weird to me how people separate the two wrt exposure.

10 people in my family/friend group that told me it’s just “a little cold” - 8 tested positive.
JMO

 

[CoverMeCagney]

an American dies from Covid every 30 seconds

Joe Biden says he will ask EVERYONE to wear a mask for 100 DAYS to bring COVID under control | Daily Mail Online