Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #89

[ilovewings]

Bravo!!!!!! that housekeeping staff are at the top of the list and are recognized also for their exposures.

YES-- that is absolutely awesome and the way it should be!!!!!!

 

[ilovewings]

Why bother to give the FL residents any vaccines then? One vaccine at 52% efficacy is not going to stop the pandemic.


Some participants became infected in between taking the first and second doses, highlighting the need to get the second dose (efficacy after just the first dose was only 52%).
Pfizer vaccine final results: it's highly protective – but how long for?

This study found that the vaccine has to have an efficacy of at least 70% to prevent an epidemic and of at least 80% to largely extinguish an epidemic without any other measures (e.g., social distancing).
Vaccine Efficacy Needed for a COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine to Prevent or Stop an Epidemic as the Sole Intervention

DeSantis is playing with fire and people's lives: I can't imagine he will be allowed to make that decision.

 

[astheworldfallsdown]

COVID-19: London hairdresser facing £10,000 fine after turning salon basement into makeshift club

The owner of a hairdressers in central London is facing a £10,000 fine for transforming their shop's basement into a makeshift club.

Police discovered more than 100 people in the Cut and Grind Salon in Soho in the early hours of last Friday.
The West End salon had a bar and dancefloor set up in the basement - above the barber chairs and sinks upstairs.
Officers also found turntables and a set of speakers.

 

[anneg]

From yesterday's University of Washington Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness newsletter (Covid-19 Literature Situation Report). I get this newsletter by email weekdays.

Covid-19 Literature Situation Report

DECEMBER 14, 2020
The scientific literature on COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and these articles were selected for review based on their relevance to decision-making around COVID-19 response efforts. Included in these Lit Reps are some manuscripts that have been made available online as pre-prints but have not yet undergone peer review. Please be aware of this when reviewing articles included in the Lit Reps.

Today's summary is based on a review of 228 articles (182 published, 46 in preprint).

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issued an interim recommendation for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in persons aged ≥16 years for the prevention of COVID-19. More
• A meta-analysis (54 studies, 77,758 participants) reported higher secondary transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2 among households with transmissions from symptomatic index cases (vs. asymptomatic), to adult contacts (vs. child) and to spouses (vs. other family members), and among households with 1 contact (vs. more contacts). More
• Receiving the anti-inflammatory medication baricitinib in addition to remdesivir was associated with shorter recovery time (median 7 vs. 8 days), higher level of improvement at day 15, and fewer adverse events in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 1,033 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. More

 

[SouthAussie]

DeSantis is playing with fire and people's lives: I can't imagine he will be allowed to make that decision.

I hope not. I did read that it was up to each state to determine who was getting their allotment of the vaccine. I wonder who the vaccine governing board is, in each state?

And I wonder if Mr Desantis will be getting his two shots. or is only one shot good enough for him? Because, of course, he can probably have the magic elixir if he needs it.

 

[SouthAussie]

Canada:

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It is good to hear Justin Trudeau reinforcing that to be free of the virus the whole world must overcome this pandemic.

And he has just thrown a bunch of money into the Global Fund.


The Global Fund applauds the government of Canada for allocating CAD 65 million to the Global Fund’s efforts to support low- and middle-income countries to fight COVID-19, including procuring and deploying millions of COVID-19 rapid diagnostics tests as well as reinforcing health systems.

“We are tremendously grateful to Canada for its steadfast support for the Global Fund,” said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “With this new investment, Canada is once again showing its leadership as an unwavering champion for a more just world where no one is left behind, and where everyone has access to disease prevention and treatment services.”

Canada Contributes CAD 65 million to Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response - World

 

[CSIDreamer]

Scott Gottlieb, former Commissioner of the FDA, makes the same suggestion. Gottlieb's view is that there will be more supply of the vaccine in January and following, so why keep half of the currently available vaccine on the shelf now? Gottlieb's view is that we should "get as many shots in arms as possible." So his view is not that different from Governor DeSantis. And Gottlieb should be well-informed about how much vaccine that Pfizer will manufacture in January, since he sits on Pfizer's Board.

On COVID-19 vaccine, ‘get as many shots in arms as possible, right away’: ex-FDA chief Q&A | American Enterprise Institute - AEI

I don’t understand why these allocations cannot be spread as far as they will go immediately unless there is some issue with manufacturing we haven't heard about. If there is, we're screwed anyway. JMO

 

[SouthAussie]

I don’t understand why these allocations cannot be spread as far as they will go immediately unless there is some issue with manufacturing we haven't heard about. If there is, we're screwed anyway. JMO

They did have manufacturing setbacks. And it is said that we can't mix and match the vaccines. As in, the first dose can't be Pfizer and the 2nd dose be Moderna.

So the first doses must be followed up with the (reserved) 2nd dose three weeks later ... in early January.

Plus Pfizer are supplying the US, the UK, and other countries. The designated allocations seem pretty firm at the moment.


The vaccine will be scarce at first. Pfizer had to scale back earlier estimates because of manufacturing setbacks, and has said it will be able to supply up to 25 million doses before the end of the year, and 100 million total vaccines by March.
Federal officials are initially holding back half of the supply so that they can give a booster shot to recipients three weeks after their first vaccination.
Covid-19: F.D.A. Clears Pfizer Vaccine and Millions of Doses Will Be Shipped Right Away

But a two-dose vaccine comes with supply-chain challenges and the possibility that not everyone will return to a doctor’s office for the critical second dose.
A double-dose vaccine would require twice as many vials, syringes, refrigerators, and clinic visits at a time when such resources are already limited.
Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine requires 2 shots given 3 weeks apart, which could make distribution more complicated

 

[MsArk]

WOW!

Workers who catered the company Christmas party of Tennessee-based personal financial guru Dave Ramsey were instructed not to wear gloves and masks to the event — even though hundreds were expected to attend and coronavirus cases in the state have been steadily rising in recent weeks, according to a complaint obtained by NBC affiliate WSMV.

Between 700 and 900 people were expected to attend the Dec. 12 party, according to the complaint.

Caterers at finance guru Dave Ramsey's holiday party told not to wear masks, complaint says

 

[24Roses]

Iowa numbers and news for Mon. Dec. 14 and Tues. Dec. 15
Dec. 14: Iowa reports 665 new cases, 60 more deaths
UIHC ER nurse is first to get COVID-19 vaccine in eastern Iowa
State of Iowa to return $21 million in CARES Act used for IT expenses
Dec. 15: Iowa reports 1,338 new cases, 67 more deaths
Iowa using $10M in virus aid to fund state police officers
MercyOne Hospital receives first batch of COVID-19 vaccine
St. Luke’s receives first COVID-19 vaccine shipment

 

[CSIDreamer]

They did have manufacturing setbacks. And it is said that we can't mix and match the vaccines. As in, the first dose can't be Pfizer and the 2nd dose be Moderna.

So the first doses must be followed up with the (reserved) 2nd dose three weeks later ... in early January.

Plus Pfizer are supplying the US, the UK, and other countries. The designated allocations seem pretty firm at the moment.


The vaccine will be scarce at first. Pfizer had to scale back earlier estimates because of manufacturing setbacks, and has said it will be able to supply up to 25 million doses before the end of the year, and 100 million total vaccines by March.
Federal officials are initially holding back half of the supply so that they can give a booster shot to recipients three weeks after their first vaccination.
Covid-19: F.D.A. Clears Pfizer Vaccine and Millions of Doses Will Be Shipped Right Away

But a two-dose vaccine comes with supply-chain challenges and the possibility that not everyone will return to a doctor’s office for the critical second dose.
A double-dose vaccine would require twice as many vials, syringes, refrigerators, and clinic visits at a time when such resources are already limited.
Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine requires 2 shots given 3 weeks apart, which could make distribution more complicated

With the first rounds going out to the most at risk groups, one would hope they will show up for their booster.

 

[SoCalDavidS]

Why bother to give the FL residents any vaccines then? One vaccine at 52% efficacy is not going to stop the pandemic.

Don't give him any ideas. And as DeSantis would say, "What pandemic?"

 

[10ofRods]

Iowa numbers and news for Mon. Dec. 14 and Tues. Dec. 15
Dec. 14: Iowa reports 665 new cases, 60 more deaths
UIHC ER nurse is first to get COVID-19 vaccine in eastern Iowa
State of Iowa to return $21 million in CARES Act used for IT expenses
Dec. 15: Iowa reports 1,338 new cases, 67 more deaths
Iowa using $10M in virus aid to fund state police officers
MercyOne Hospital receives first batch of COVID-19 vaccine
St. Luke’s receives first COVID-19 vaccine shipment

Oh my.

 

[mommadukes]

Don't give him any ideas. And as DeSantis would say, "What pandemic?"

I want to throw up every time I read posts (on another site) from people praising his efforts to offer people the right to choose what is best for their families. How they don’t see his true agenda is beyond comprehension. MOO.

 

[ilovewings]

I want to throw up every time I read posts (on another site) from people praising his efforts to offer people the right to choose what is best for their families. How they don’t see his true agenda is beyond comprehension. MOO.

He is dangerous and they are clueless

 

[10ofRods]

It’s a valid question that I’m sure has no real answer. Are we as a society better off giving twice as many people one dose of vaccine or half as many people two doses of vaccine when the supply is so incredibly low? Does it really even matter on a large scale in terms of virus spread considering how few vaccines we are starting with no matter how we roll it out?

I think it does have a real answer. You give 2 doses to people who need the maximum immunity, starting with healthcare workers. We cannot lose any more of them.

I'm not sure people realize that there are now hospitals all throughout the nation where no one else can be admitted to any kind of coronavirus care unit (regular or ICU) because there are no staffed beds. A bed alone is not enough.

The toll among respiratory techs, housekeeping staff, ambulance workers...has been immense. We need to protect those people first. This will save more lives because we need the doctors, nurses, LVN's, etc. to care for the sick.

People are sitting inside ambulances for up to 4 hours to be admitted in SoCal (not just one county, several). Ambulance workers should be vaccinated. These are COVID patients inside the ambulances.

Police and firemen have higher rates of COVID due to professional exposure.

Each place that has contact tracing has a clue about which workplaces and populations are more likely to get Covid (here in California, it's food packing plants, not just meat packing but also fruit, spices, etc). These people are essential workers so that the rest of us can eat.

By end of March, we should be able to vaccinate 100 million people. That will cover nearly all of those people. Then, the rest of us wait in line for our appointments. Since so many people are vaccine-hesitant, I don't think that's going to be a huge issue, either.

There's no point in wasting vaccine by giving half doses. One does is only "up to 50% effective." What good is that? After spending millions (billions?) to get a 95% effective vaccine approved...just seems patently ridiculous on the face of it to then use it against schedule and squander it.

Perhaps one day there will be a single shot dose, but there's a good chance it will remain like the shingles vaccine.

 

[sds71]

@MattCaronTV

@cvspharmacy
says Connecticut may be among the 1st state's in the country to receive COVID-19 vaccinations at nuring homes. Most vaccinations to begin Dec 21st. However, handful of CT homes could get vaccine Friday including one in Bristol.
@FOX61News

 

[anneg]

The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University has a Micronutrient Information Center, an excellent resource. Here is some info related to Covid-19 and supporting your immune system.

Nutritional strategies to support your immune system

As COVID-19 continues to spread, you may wonder what you can do besides the well-known behavior changes (frequent handwashing, social distancing, etc.) to protect yourself from illness. An additional important strategy to remain healthy is to support your immune system with the right nutrients.

Significant research shows that certain vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids play important roles in immunity. These nutrients support the specialized defenses that keep viruses and bacteria out of our bodies, destroy invaders that enter, and assist with recovery from illness and infection.

Nutrients for the Immune System
Many nutrients form the foundation of a healthy immune system. If you fall short of any of these nutrients highlighted here, you have more risk for serious illness and infection.

Do your usual food choices meet our recommendations on this list? Contact a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to see how your daily diet measures up.

If you think you are falling short, be sure to check the “Where can I get more?” section of the table. We list a few food examples to help you get started, but the LPI has nutrition information for many additional foods at its Micronutrient Information Center.

If you already know that your body is low in a specific nutrient, such as iron in the case of anemia, focus on that nutrient first.

More at link.

* * * * * * * * *

Also, re intravenous (IV) vitamin C (red bold by me):
Is IV vitamin C effective against COVID-19?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is currently making headlines in the fight against COVID-19. Reports say that intravenous (IV) vitamin C may help people suffering from this disease.

Recently, IV vitamin C clinical trials began in China and Italy. Doctors in hard-hit areas of the United States are now reporting using it. Furthermore, IV vitamin C appears in some COVID-19 critical care guidelines, like at the Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Even though using IV vitamin C is nothing new, there is not enough scientific evidence to determine if it works against COVID-19. Read on for more information.

Much more info at this link.

 

[ilovewings]

I think it does have a real answer. You give 2 doses to people who need the maximum immunity, starting with healthcare workers. We cannot lose any more of them.

I'm not sure people realize that there are now hospitals all throughout the nation where no one else can be admitted to any kind of coronavirus care unit (regular or ICU) because there are no staffed beds. A bed alone is not enough.

The toll among respiratory techs, housekeeping staff, ambulance workers...has been immense. We need to protect those people first. This will save more lives because we need the doctors, nurses, LVN's, etc. to care for the sick.

People are sitting inside ambulances for up to 4 hours to be admitted in SoCal (not just one county, several). Ambulance workers should be vaccinated. These are COVID patients inside the ambulances.

Police and firemen have higher rates of COVID due to professional exposure.

Each place that has contact tracing has a clue about which workplaces and populations are more likely to get Covid (here in California, it's food packing plants, not just meat packing but also fruit, spices, etc). These people are essential workers so that the rest of us can eat.

By end of March, we should be able to vaccinate 100 million people. That will cover nearly all of those people. Then, the rest of us wait in line for our appointments. Since so many people are vaccine-hesitant, I don't think that's going to be a huge issue, either.

There's no point in wasting vaccine by giving half doses. One does is only "up to 50% effective." What good is that? After spending millions (billions?) to get a 95% effective vaccine approved...just seems patently ridiculous on the face of it to then use it against schedule and squander it.

Perhaps one day there will be a single shot dose, but there's a good chance it will remain like the shingles vaccine.

The way I see it is that there is protocol for administration of this vaccine in order
to get proper protection from this virus---it is to be given as two doses, not one--to tinker
with and/or change that protocol to one shot, will leave people with much less
protection--I imagine the manufacturers of this vaccine are very clear in this
regard

 

[ilovewings]

I think it does have a real answer. You give 2 doses to people who need the maximum immunity, starting with healthcare workers. We cannot lose any more of them.

I'm not sure people realize that there are now hospitals all throughout the nation where no one else can be admitted to any kind of coronavirus care unit (regular or ICU) because there are no staffed beds. A bed alone is not enough.

The toll among respiratory techs, housekeeping staff, ambulance workers...has been immense. We need to protect those people first. This will save more lives because we need the doctors, nurses, LVN's, etc. to care for the sick.

People are sitting inside ambulances for up to 4 hours to be admitted in SoCal (not just one county, several). Ambulance workers should be vaccinated. These are COVID patients inside the ambulances.

Police and firemen have higher rates of COVID due to professional exposure.

Each place that has contact tracing has a clue about which workplaces and populations are more likely to get Covid (here in California, it's food packing plants, not just meat packing but also fruit, spices, etc). These people are essential workers so that the rest of us can eat.

By end of March, we should be able to vaccinate 100 million people. That will cover nearly all of those people. Then, the rest of us wait in line for our appointments. Since so many people are vaccine-hesitant, I don't think that's going to be a huge issue, either.

There's no point in wasting vaccine by giving half doses. One does is only "up to 50% effective." What good is that? After spending millions (billions?) to get a 95% effective vaccine approved...just seems patently ridiculous on the face of it to then use it against schedule and squander it.

Perhaps one day there will be a single shot dose, but there's a good chance it will remain like the shingles vaccine.

The way I see it is that there is protocol for administration of this vaccine in order
to get proper protection from this virus---it is to be given as two doses, not one--to tinker
with and/or change that protocol to one shot, will leave people with much less
protection--I imagine the manufacturers of this vaccine are very clear in this
regard