Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #89

[dmac55]

We are up to 17 cases in NSW's northern beach area now. Mass testing going on. They don't yet know how the outbreak started.

https://twitter.com/GladysB/status/1339477376950910976

I know it is an amazingly small number compared to other places, but it is all hands on deck now to stop the spread. People there are to stay home for three days until they determine the source.

I admire so much the forward thinking and action
When there is an uptick in cases, there is action taken not only to identify the source, but to nip the uptick in the bud, and not let it fester

 

[astheworldfallsdown]

COVID-19: Furlough scheme extended until end of April

The furlough scheme supporting workers temporarily laid off due to the coronavirus crisis will be extended by a month until the end of April.

It will mean the government continues to pay 80% of wages "giving business and employees across the UK certainty into the new year", the Treasury said.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced that government-backed loan schemes designed to support stricken firms through the coronavirus crisis would continue until the end of March.

 

[weepingangel]

Rapid, over-the-counter home COVID test approved by FDA

More at link
U.S. regulators on Tuesday allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be performed entirely at home and delivers results in 30 minutes.

The announcement by the Food and Drug Administration represents an important step in U.S. efforts to expand testing options for COVID-19 beyond health care facilities and testing sites. However, the test will require a prescription, likely limiting its initial use.
Lucira said it expects the test to cost $50 and to be available nationwide by next spring.

 

[24Roses]

Iowa numbers and news for Wed. Dec. 16 (sorry I'm late): There were 1,986 new confirmed cases for a total of 260,237 of which 200,779 are recovering (+4,635). 14 more had been reported to have passed for a total of 3,354. A total of 776 were hospitalized (-22) with 108 being hospitalized in that last 24 hrs. Dec. 16: Iowa passes 200k COVID-19 recoveries as almost 2,000 new cases are reported
Iowa governor adjusting COVID-19 restrictions, bars and restaurants can resume regular hours
Tyson completes investigation of wagering allegations at Waterloo plant, fires 7 managers
Key Iowa vaccine panel will keep meetings closed to public
Iowa receiving 30% less vaccine volume than originally expected

 

[weepingangel]

Texas Wedding Photographers Have Seen Some $#!+
More at link
The photographer who got sick after shooting the COVID-positive groom said her experiences throughout the pandemic have left her a little depressed. She recalled one conversation from that wedding, before she left the reception. “I have children,” she told a bridesmaid, “What if my children die?” The bridesmaid responded, “I understand, but this is her wedding day.”

 

[FrostOwl]

Here's a link to a site about covid-19 statistics from the Swedish television channel STV. It's both Swedish statistics, how many are/have been hospitalised, in intensive care, or have died, with age and what kind of health issues they have. There is also statistics from how the situation is in other parts of the world, and there is an English version of the site.
Här sprider sig coronaviruset

 

[astheworldfallsdown]

Post-Christmas lockdown in Scotland a ‘possibility’

Tougher coronavirus restrictions after Christmas – including a potential lockdown – is a “possibility” due to a “rising tide of Covid”, the Deputy First Minister has said.

John Swinney said on Thursday that the cabinet will meet as it usually does on Tuesday to discuss restrictions across the country, but could not rule out the imposition of strict new measures in Scotland.

Up to three households are allowed to gather indoors between December 23-27 in a relaxation of the rules, although people are being asked to stay at home.

According to Swinney, cases are beginning to rise again in Scotland, with 99 cases per 100,000 people ten days ago increasing to 116.

 

[weepingangel]

Mid fall, y’all
(Or at this rate maybe mid 2025 )
Dr. Fauci Says US Could Return to Normal by Mid-Fall If Most People Get COVID-19 Vaccine

true story a coworker thought the little paper card given with the vaccine is to prove “you don’t have to Wear a mask anymore”.

2020
it’s like running into a brick wall. Over and over and over.

 

[Niner]

snipped for focus...
Different nations will have very different numbers of people who avoid the vaccine. Germany seems to be getting ready to vaccinate. I suppose France is, but I can't find any specific evidence that they have 1) purchased ample doses and 2) have a system for supplying it (especially given the freezer concerns). Slovakia? I don't think they'll have vaccinations next year. What about Mexico, I wonder?

for my country - Latvia

Latvia will be able to start immunization against Covid-19 as soon as vaccines are available - Vinkele | News | LETA

RIGA, Dec 11 (LETA) - Latvia has made all the preparations necessary to start immunization against Covid-19 along with the other European countries as soon as the vaccines are available, Health Minister Ilze Vinkele (For Development/For) told journalists today.

The minister said that a month ago the Health Ministry received a list of tasks that have to completed before the inoculation with vaccines made by BioNTech and Pfizer can be started, but now all these works are in the final stages.

Svens Henkuzens, head of the State Agency of Medicines, revealed that most of the first batch of BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines, which will include 12,000 doses for the inoculation of 6,000 people, will go to Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital, which would receive 3,240 doses for 1,620 people. The Emergency Medical Service would receive 3,000 doses for 1,500 people.

The rest of the first batch of BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines would be distributed among other hospitals of Latvia that are treating Covid-19 patients.

From the second quarter of 2021, Covid-19 vaccines might be made available to 40 percent of Latvia's population, Henkuzens said.
[.....]
The Covid-19 vaccines would be first provided to people over 60 and then gradually to younger people, Henkuzens said.

So 2nd quarter - April, May or June... but don't know if I am in that 40% of the population!! But I am one of those over 60!

and...
Latvia Cases Recovered Deaths
27,495 18, 153 382
for the day +1,023 +676 +25

link:coronavirus cases in latvia update - Google Search

our surge started around Nov. 10th....

 

[SoCalDavidS]

Remember back in February, March & April when we were told the virus was a Hoax?

Remember when in April, May & June we were told it was all going to go away?

Remember in July when we were told that there was ZERO chance of a 2nd Surge?

Remember how in July we were told that after November 4th we'd never hear about the virus again?

Remember in July, August & September when we were told we were turning the corner and defeating the virus?

Remember in October when we were told "IT'S OVER," and "We've Won & Defeated The Virus!"

Remember how in November we were told there was ZERO chance of a 3rd Surge?

Remember in February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November & December when we were repeatedly told how Completely Wrong everyone who said the virus would be bad, were?

Remember the Constant Projection, about how those who were So So Wrong about the deadliness and contagiousness of the virus should owe us all an apology?

And EVERY SINGLE TIME, a pass is given. And here we are, still dealing with a Single Reality, while the Alternate Unreality that has existed since February, IS STILL PRESENT & THRIVING.

If this were a movie, people would have left the theater halfway through it, because it was too illogical. I've seen more sensibility and believable scenarios on Lifetime or Soap Operas.

There is so much light out there. I see it every day. I know people who live in the real world, and act accordingly during this pandemic. Many are right here. But admittedly, I find it difficult to appreciate that, and instead dwell on the constant feeling of complete Embarrassment, Disappointment and Depression, when I see the presence of the alternate unreality.

Were this not a DEADLY virus we were being told LIES about on a daily basis, it would still be wrong. The fact it Is a virus which has claimed the lives of 310,000+ and counting, makes it Despicable, Horrific, and Criminal. THAT is the reality. It is truly disgusting that some still continue to look the other way, and excuse All the Lies like they came from a Weatherman giving an incorrect forecast. But these were not predictions that proved incorrect, these were LIES that they knew were LIES before the breath left their mouths.

As we approach the day when there will be 4,000 Covid-19 deaths, likely before Christmas, I have only one thing to say again.

REDRUM!

 

[drama_farmer]

Remember back in February, March & April when we were told the virus was a Hoax?

Remember when in April, May & June we were told it was all going to go away?

Remember in July when we were told that there was ZERO chance of a 2nd Surge?

Remember how in July we were told that after November 4th we'd never hear about the virus again?

Remember in July, August & September when we were told we were turning the corner and defeating the virus?

Remember in October when we were told "IT'S OVER," and "We've Won & Defeated The Virus!"

Remember how in November we were told there was ZERO chance of a 3rd Surge?

Remember in February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November & December when we were repeatedly told how Completely Wrong everyone who said the virus would be bad, were?

Remember the Constant Projection, about how those who were So So Wrong about the deadliness and contagiousness of the virus should owe us all an apology?

And EVERY SINGLE TIME, a pass is given. And here we are, still dealing with a Single Reality, while the Alternate Unreality that has existed since February, IS STILL PRESENT & THRIVING.

If this were a movie, people would have left the theater halfway through it, because it was too illogical. I've seen more sensibility and believable scenarios on Lifetime or Soap Operas.

There is so much light out there. I see it every day. I know people who live in the real world, and act accordingly during this pandemic. Many are right here. But admittedly, I find it difficult to appreciate that, and instead dwell on the constant feeling of complete Embarrassment, Disappointment and Depression, when I see the presence of the alternate unreality.

Were this not a DEADLY virus we were being told LIES about on a daily basis, it would still be wrong. The fact it Is a virus which has claimed the lives of 310,000+ and counting, makes it Despicable, Horrific, and Criminal. THAT is the reality. It is truly disgusting that some still continue to look the other way, and excuse All the Lies like they came from a Weatherman giving an incorrect forecast. But these were not predictions that proved incorrect, these were LIES that they knew were LIES before the breath left their mouths.

As we approach the day when there will be 4,000 Covid-19 deaths, likely before Christmas, I have only one thing to say again.

REDRUM!

REDRUM, indeed. And, speaking of movies (the Shining), it was Danny's imaginary friend, TONY, who alerted him to danger. We were never given the last name of Tony, or if Tony were a doctor, but the coincidence is glaring, IMO

 

[IceIce9]

What would you say to someone who believes there’s no way you can see any long term effects in the time it took to develop the vaccine? What if they raise the issue of DES (on the market for over ten years and may have caused fertility issues in the following two generations! This vaccine warns of fertility issues. Other drugs have caused loss of limbs in babies that were given to pregnant mothers. Again over ten years to pull the drug. They plan on giving this to pregnant woman. Kids! Warning against giving it to people with allergies and recommending not getting it and especially if you have had an anaphylactic reaction. What if they claim there is no way in the time they had to do a proper trial; what we will see is people dying of natural causes again seeing how heart attack is on there.

These are concerns I’ve seen voiced online.

We already know that people are dying of COVID and experiencing long term effects of COVID.

 

[weepingangel]

Tennessee governor: 'One thing this vaccine will not solve or cure is selfishness' - CNN
"One thing this vaccine will not solve, or cure is selfishness or indifference to what is happening to our neighbors around us," he said.
Lee also added the vaccine is not a cure for foolish decisions on how we gather, or one's refusal to wear a mask and it won't cure the idea that someone else's decision won't impact another person's life.


Fwiw I don’t think we’ll reach the 75-80 percent being vaxed that’s needed per dr fauci to return to “near normal” Anytime within the next year.

 

[IceIce9]

One of the clinics where I work is inside the same medical building as an outpatient lab ( on the 2nd floor) and a large coffee shop. The coffee shop has a huge lobby where normally there are a couple dozen tables. These have been taken completely out to discourage people from congregation during COVID.

People still hang out in the coffee shop lobby, they just stand or sit on the floor.

The nickname for the coffee shop is COVID Valley, because the people who get their rapid COVID tests done in the lab upstairs come down and hang out there while waiting for their test results. The lab asks people to wait in their vehicles but many/most want to wait inside, so they hang out in COVID Valley. Hardly any of them even wear masks.


Sure enough, COVID Valley coffee shop is closed this week. Our clinic was informed that all 3 coffee shop employees have COVID.

 

[weepingangel]

Yah that’s so not surprising
(that people are still allowed to gather eating/drinking/maskless in a medical building even)

I suspect our on-site food places are contributing to our employee spread. But what do I know

I already refer to a different part of the building as “Coronaville” and from now on our food court area will be Covid Valley. Ha.


Also ....We’ve had a bit of backlog of testing in the building because the person who does the cv tests in our lab is “on vacation” suuuurrrrre

eta- I haven’t gotten a take out coffee since February. Ugh. Kinda crave one every now and again

One of the clinics where I work is inside the same medical building as an outpatient lab ( on the 2nd floor) and a large coffee shop. The coffee shop has a huge lobby where normally there are a couple dozen tables. These have been taken completely out to discourage people from congregation during COVID.

People still hang out in the coffee shop lobby, they just stand or sit on the floor.

The nickname for the coffee shop is COVID Valley, because the people who get their rapid COVID tests done in the lab upstairs come down and hang out there while waiting for their test results. The lab asks people to wait in their vehicles but many/most want to wait inside, so they hang out in COVID Valley. Hardly any of them even wear masks.


Sure enough, COVID Valley coffee shop is closed this week. Our clinic was informed that all 3 coffee shop employees have COVID.

 

[acutename]

One of the clinics where I work is inside the same medical building as an outpatient lab ( on the 2nd floor) and a large coffee shop. The coffee shop has a huge lobby where normally there are a couple dozen tables. These have been taken completely out to discourage people from congregation during COVID.

People still hang out in the coffee shop lobby, they just stand or sit on the floor.

The nickname for the coffee shop is COVID Valley, because the people who get their rapid COVID tests done in the lab upstairs come down and hang out there while waiting for their test results. The lab asks people to wait in their vehicles but many/most want to wait inside, so they hang out in COVID Valley. Hardly any of them even wear masks.


Sure enough, COVID Valley coffee shop is closed this week. Our clinic was informed that all 3 coffee shop employees have COVID.

 

[sds71]

@JenniferJJacobs
Pfizer says it has shipped all 2.9 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine that U.S. govt ordered this week and that it has millions more doses sitting in warehouses awaiting instructions for where to ship.
Pfizer Says No Covi-19 Vaccine Shipments Have Been Delayed - Bloomberg

 

[acutename]

One of the clinics where I work is inside the same medical building as an outpatient lab ( on the 2nd floor) and a large coffee shop. The coffee shop has a huge lobby where normally there are a couple dozen tables. These have been taken completely out to discourage people from congregation during COVID.

People still hang out in the coffee shop lobby, they just stand or sit on the floor.

The nickname for the coffee shop is COVID Valley, because the people who get their rapid COVID tests done in the lab upstairs come down and hang out there while waiting for their test results. The lab asks people to wait in their vehicles but many/most want to wait inside, so they hang out in COVID Valley. Hardly any of them even wear masks.


Sure enough, COVID Valley coffee shop is closed this week. Our clinic was informed that all 3 coffee shop employees have COVID.

I read about a drive through coffee place in a nearby state where all 7 employees got COVID- no customers infected.... I have definitely gotten take out coffee and sandwiches since the pandemic started. All the food service people wear masks and gloves. Customers are required to wear masks. I also wear gloves and sanitize them and my hands. They actually allow you to make your own coffee- coffee dispensers, milk cartons, paper cups and lids in dispensers. Cashier and sandwich makers are behind plexiglass and you can be in and out in a few minutes. I mostly make my own coffee at home but not 100% of the time. I would not want to "hang around" one of the coffee shops- I hope that the precautions are sufficient. I guess the next phone app will be one that alerts you if you have been in a building in proximity to others for too long a time and tells you to leave. It is really hard to always be weighing risks knowing that you do not want to be the one time out of 10,000 that there is transmission in spite of the precautions.

 

[ZoriahNZ]

The fact that members of the current admin callously argued for a "herd immunity" strategy feels like a monumental betrayal to the American public. That my grandma, my sister and her newborn son, my aunts and uncles and cousins are guinea pigs or mere human capital stock to some is reprehensible. There needs to be a criminal investigation into this. The death toll and long term suffering (both medical and financial) is too significant to ignore. This is just my opinion, but it hits me like a gut punch that my dearest friends and family have been needlessly endangered.

And now we have even more perplexing news to investigate and process. What the heck is going on. Where are the extra shipments going? There is something very rotten in Denmark.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/12/17/pfizer-vaccine-supply-states/

Officials in multiple states said they were alerted late Wednesday that their second shipments of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine next week had been reduced, sparking widespread confusion and spurring the company’s CEO to put out a statement saying it had millions more doses than were being distributed.

The changes prompted concern in health departments across the country about whether Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration’s vaccine accelerator, was capable of distributing doses quickly enough to meet the target of delivering first shots to 20 million people by year’s end.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said anticipated shipments to the state in the next two weeks had been cut roughly in half. The uncertainty was even more pronounced in Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said new shipments from Pfizer were “on hold,” as officials in his administration reported their expected allocation disappearing entirely in Tiberius, the online tracking system the Trump administration is using to coordinate with the states. Fred Piccolo Jr., a spokesman for DeSantis, said the numbers had come back online by Thursday but had been reduced significantly.

Michael Pratt, an HHS spokesperson, denied any changes to “numbers locked in with states.”

“Allocations will depend on the amount of vaccine available,” Pratt added, saying the government was still on track to allocate enough vaccine for about 20 million people to receive their first doses by year’s end. “Each week, OWS will let states know how many doses are available to order against for the coming week.”

 

[acutename]

I am surprised how low Vermont's positive count has been. I know there is not very many people in Vermont but it borders on two states that have been hot spots.

my take on VT is that it really does not have any urban areas- it is pretty rural. The capitol city and Burlington are still pretty small. Other northern states such as ME, NH, have a few large cities. VT has quarantine requirements too.