Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #89

[24Roses]

Iowa numbers and news for Thurs. Dec. 17: As of 10:00 a.m. today, we had 1,983 new "confirmed" cases for a total of 262,210 confirmed cases of which 204,840 are recovering (IMO +4,061). 97 more were reported to have passed for a total of 3,451.
95 were hospitalized in the last 24 hrs. for a total of 746 (-30). Iowa DPH: 97 more Iowans die of COVID-19, bringing death toll to 3,451
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U.S. HHS: Reported reduced COVID-19 vaccine shipments 'incorrect'
Iowa hospitals to lose $433 million due to pandemic
Test Iowa sites to remain open on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve

 

[margarita25]

Colorado:

Colorado bishops warn Catholics about morality of COVID-19 vaccines, citing fetal cells
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Colorado finalizes '5 Star' program, giving restaurants chance at less COVID-19 restrictions

DENVER — Colorado health officials on Wednesday finalized a program that would allow restaurants to operate with less COVID-19 restrictions, if they meet health and safety requirements and are certified by their local public health agency.

The so-called 5 Star program would give restaurants and other businesses the opportunity to operate under less-restrictive conditions, depending on their county's level on the state's COVID-19 dial.
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DENVER COVID-19: Mayor Hancock will provide an update on COVID-19 in Denver
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Colorado Appears To Have, So Far, Dodged A Post-Thanksgiving Coronavirus Surge

“The worry was many people would travel and gather in-person for Thanksgiving. It was something public health officials, like Fauci, warned could spread COVID-19. But people in this state at least seemed to have listened, and flattened the curve, France said.

“We attribute that flat to the hard work of all Coloradans,” France said.

His comments echoed the governor as well who attributed the state’s dodging of spike to its citizens..

“Thankfully Coloradans did very well, and were thoughtful, collectively, about Thanksgiving,” Gov. Jared Polis said on Dec. 15. “It doesn't mean you don't know somebody who did the wrong thing for Thanksgiving. We all do. But by and large, the numbers bear out that Coloradans made good science-informed decisions to keep their families safe.”“

 

[gngr~snap]

Feeling "good as he!!"
Boston hospital employees after getting COVID vaccine.
Dancing outside hospital.
FOX59 News

 

[Cool Cats]

Watch Live: FDA panel votes on Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine

CBSNews
Thu, December 17, 2020, 11:35 AM EST

How to watch FDA advisory board vote on Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is debating and voting on whether to recommend that the FDA approve Moderna's vaccine for emergency use.

Date: December 17, 2020. Debate scheduled to start at 9 a.m. ET; Vote is expected around 3:10-5:15 p.m. ETOnline stream: Live on CBSN in the player above and on your mobile or streaming device

 

[margarita25]

I am happy to report that my healthcare worker friend, whom I’ve talked about so much here, and who said was going to wait/decline on the vaccine, got vaccinated. I haven’t talked to her yet, but she texted me enthusiastically with the news and reported only soreness at the vaccination site, and no side effects. I am assuming she felt more comfortable with her fellow health workers being vaccinated, both locally and nationally, and this made her change her mind. She sounded so positive and optimistic. It seems all the health workers are ecstatic, nurses/doctors celebrating on the news with dances on tiktok, etc. Let us revel in this joy. They have sacrificed so much. I have tears of happiness for them.

Eta: I asked her what made her change her mind, she just responded that she talked with a doctor who had covid. She also said “the side effects can’t be worse than covid”, and mentioned patients on ventilators. I guess she was just scared. She also said she wants to be an example for others, and is updating her social media for “educational purposes”.

 

[margarita25]

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.

Now this is weird, I could’ve sworn in a news broadcast, NBC Nightly News maybe, it specifically said a prescription would NOT be required, and the cost would be $30. Going back to check sources. Jmo.

Eta:
FDA Approves Non-Prescription Home Test for COVID

Eta2:
“Ellume said the kit will cost around $30 and will be available online or at drug stores, according to the Associated Press.”

It seems the above test I’m referencing is Ellume, not Lucira. Need more coffee.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I wonder what would be wrong with a child repeating a grade or repeating subjects after things get back to a more normal school year? I see nothing wrong with that instead of making it out to be such a loss and failing etc... children can learn later what they struggle with.

Especially if there are many. The stigma is more because of the small numbers. I went to a school system that held kids back every year. I know personally of a few that felt they did sooo much better because of it, even though it was painful at the time it happened. i h ave thought about this often, when parents tell me how they think their kids are doing so poorly with remote....

PSA announcements on this issue could go a long way..........

 

[SouthAussie]

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

This is interesting ... 2,000 new daily cases and the Iowa governor thinks that it is good to resume regular trading in bars and restaurants. What could go wrong?

 

[SouthAussie]

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

They are well on their way to identifying the source already. And lots of things in that area are being closed, masks must be worn, long lines of people waiting to be tested. Bracing for more cases (one of the infected persons plays in a band .. the band played in three different locations last weekend).

Yes, it is a big deal here. We were all so hoping to have a covid free Christmas.


"We know the original source is an international source. It's an international strain," she said.
"But obviously we are yet to work out how it got from the international source to the community, whether it was through quarantine or other sources."

It came after a van driver who transports international airline staff tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday morning.
However it is not clear whether the South Sydney man was the case that kicked off the outbreak in the Northern Beaches.

Sewage testing in the Northern Beaches suggested there was no traces of coronavirus on December 10, meaning it may have been introduced into the community within the last week.
Sydneysiders urged to limit 'non-essential mobility' as Premier warns of more COVID cases

 

[SouthAussie]

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!

Makes me wonder if there will be a class action suit against the federal govt/agencies at some point in time.
Many of the deaths perhaps being directly caused by knowledgeable people deciding to take no action to stop the virus.
Seems like there is proof of that now being released in the form of emails.

 

[ColyH]

This is interesting ... 2,000 new daily cases and the Iowa governor thinks that it is good to resume regular trading in bars and restaurants. What could go wrong?

Governors are just business managers elected by the people of their state.

 

[margarita25]

How Moderna's coronavirus vaccine differs from Pfizer's - CNN

 

[SouthAussie]

Governors are just business managers elected by the people of their state.

Any governor *should* be working with their state's CMO in virus containment. That is what the CMO is there for.
If they think they are helping the economy by fully opening up businesses, they are wrong. IMO

Taking these kind of actions only move the loss of money from the businesses to great expenditure on the medical system, which will directly impact the taxpayer. Let alone cause lots of personal illness and, potentially, death.

Has that 2nd federal covid stimulus package been approved yet, or are they still stuffing around?

 

[margarita25]

Live Q&A with Dr. Mike and Dr. Maria:

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Ep 36 Osterholm Update COVID-19: The Miracle in Brainerd

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https://youtu.be/N0F3vkyjoCE

JHU’s Daily COVID-19 Data in Motion: Dec. 17, 2020

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[Cool Cats]

I am happy to report that my healthcare worker friend, whom I’ve talked about so much here, and who said was going to wait/decline on the vaccine, got vaccinated. I haven’t talked to her yet, but she texted me enthusiastically with the news and reported only soreness at the vaccination site, and no side effects. I am assuming she felt more comfortable with her fellow health workers being vaccinated, both locally and nationally, and this made her change her mind. She sounded so positive and optimistic. It seems all the health workers are ecstatic, nurses/doctors celebrating on the news with dances on tiktok, etc. Let us revel in this joy. They have sacrificed so much. I have tears of happiness for them.

Eta: I asked her what made her change her mind, she just responded that she talked with a doctor who had covid. She also said “the side effects can’t be worse than covid”, and mentioned patients on ventilators. I guess she was just scared. She also said she wants to be an example for others, and is updating her social media for “educational purposes”.

So great that instead of widespread resistance there is widespread embracing of the vaccine. Nice to hear your friend decided to get it.

Coronavirus Vaccine: Healthcare Workers Share Experiences

Healthcare worker Elizabeth Plasencia clasps her hands together after receiving a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the Jackson Memorial Hospital on Dec. 15 in Miami.

Health care workers from the Boston Medical Center (BMC) are seen dancing outside the facility as they prepare to receive the vaccines.

Media gather to document emergency room nurse Tarin Warns receiving a COVID-19 vaccine from pharmacist Cory Coffey at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020.

Nurse Vanessa Arroyo, seated, gets a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shot from nurse Rafael Martinez during a news conference Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla.

View attachment 275994
Beaumont Health Care worker Naomi Ishioka gets emotional after watching fellow health care workers receive the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as part of a "high priority group" of health care workers to receive the first doses of the vaccine at the Beaumont Service Center in Southfield on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. "This is the light at the end of the tunnel. It's the end," Ishioka who opened the Emergency Operations Center on March 13th. "Today is the beginning of the end I feel like."

 

[margarita25]

Medical Workers On How Coronavirus Misinformation Impacts Patients Care

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US sets new record for COVID hospitalizations, deaths | GMA

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Sweden’s king says country “failed” on coronavirus

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[SouthAussie]

Watch Live: FDA panel votes on Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine

CBSNews
Thu, December 17, 2020, 11:35 AM EST

How to watch FDA advisory board vote on Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is debating and voting on whether to recommend that the FDA approve Moderna's vaccine for emergency use.

Date: December 17, 2020. Debate scheduled to start at 9 a.m. ET; Vote is expected around 3:10-5:15 p.m. ETOnline stream: Live on CBSN in the player above and on your mobile or streaming device

Looks like Moderna was approved. Emergency authorisation probably by tomorrow.


The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine cleared a major hurdle Thursday when it got the overwhelming support of an advisory committee to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the second vaccine to be authorized in about a week. Committee members voted 20-0 with one abstention in favor of the Moderna vaccine, which uses a similar technology as the one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. It could receive emergency use authorization by Friday.
COVID update: Moderna vaccine gets OK; virus is leading cause of death

 

[IceIce9]

I stopped by a Subway restaurant tonight and was stunned to see that the two employees who were making sandwiches were not wearing masks. Even more stunned to see that there was a line of customers ordering sandwiches and watching them being made by employees who weren’t wearing masks. The customers either didn’t notice or didn’t care that the employees who were handling their food weren’t wearing masks or face coverings.

The employees weren’t kids, they were middle-aged men.

COVID cases have been spiraling out of control here, and our county, with a 27% positivity rate, is under orders to wear masks.

I was at Subway to get something for a friend. I don’t like Subway myself. However, I left without her food when I saw the employees without masks. Yuck.

 

[24Roses]

Iowa numbers and news for Thurs. Dec. 17: As of 10:00 a.m. today, we had 1,983 new "confirmed" cases for a total of 262,210 confirmed cases of which 204,840 are recovering (IMO +4,061). 97 more were reported to have passed for a total of 3,451.
95 were hospitalized in the last 24 hrs. for a total of 746 (-30). Iowa DPH: 97 more Iowans die of COVID-19, bringing death toll to 3,451
access
U.S. HHS: Reported reduced COVID-19 vaccine shipments 'incorrect'
Iowa hospitals to lose $433 million due to pandemic
Test Iowa sites to remain open on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve

This is interesting ... 2,000 new daily cases and the Iowa governor thinks that it is good to resume regular trading in bars and restaurants. What could go wrong?

Well, the only thing that is different is that they can stay open past 10:00 p.m. now. They still have to wear masks when not eating and when moving around the restaurant. Groups have to be 6 feet apart and no more than I think 8 in the group. I know there are many bars in Iowa that are receiving fines for not maintaining the social distancing rules. I never thought the early closure time would make that much of difference.

 

[gngr~snap]

Oh, snap!
I've been watching Flight
Radar today.
I noticed several life flights to Grady. Now I know why.
Total diversion due to COVID patients.
EXACTLY 21 days after Thanksgiving.
Nope. Not leaving my house until January!!!

MOO
BREAKING: Grady Hospital hit with influx of patients, placed on total diversion