Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #89

[margarita25]

Scotland:

Top Scots Covid adviser says it's safer to get vaccine than be exposed to virus

—

High prevalence of Covid means new variants more likely, says top Scots adviser

—

 

[ilovewings]

B.C. family posts ad asking to be infected with COVID-19

Speechless!!!!!

 

[10ofRods]

We're watching a live stream from London (filmed late Saturday afternoon UK time) and there are droves of people out. People getting onto the London Eye together. People standing shoulder to shoulder, completely packed. I will say that it's mostly families and I don't see any elderly people (but there are some chubby younger people out and about). People are obeying the rules about not packing into stores and it seems dining is outdoors. Playground for kids is closed. Lots of loud talking and people in fairly large groups (10-12), although most people are in pairs or trios. And there are *some* older people in the mix - maskless.

Wait - there are definitely people dining inside (looks like maybe they have a limit on how many...but still). Some establishment called BFI South Bank is totally packed. Just wow.

The skatepark (which is **so cool**) might as well be indoors as most of it is tucked way inside what appears to be a car park with fairly low ceilings. And those bubble tents are also not a great idea.

I can see people cooking without masks. I'm shocked because none of this would happen where I live (and we have about the same high rates of new cases as London...) Not a single cook at a food stand is wearing a mask and they are inside these trailer-like spaces...wowsa.

I'm just not getting why it's okay for Londoners to do what they're doing today (Dec 19) but...tomorrow they must stop? Is that it? We Californians would not be able to handle so many rule changes (and at no point in the past 6 months has it been okay to appear on a street in my city without a mask - and right now, compliance is very high).

I'd say only one in 100 people in this live stream are wearing masks. I feel like giving each of the mask wearers a gift certificate for a nice home delivery meal.

TBF, the carolers are standing mostly 6-8 feet apart and most people are keeping well away from them...

London looks very beautiful, of course. Are people riding the tube maskless too, I wonder? I can see them at one train station without masks.

St Pancras has announced that "social distancing is not possible" today and the station is absolutely packed (various sources on that). Apparently lots of Londoners want to get out of town before the confinement continues.

Footage of St Pancras Station looking 'like a war zone' pre-Tier 4

London's ICU beds are 90% full (which is where Los Angeles was on Wednesday, we became 100% full late on Thursday evening).

 

[10ofRods]

UK:

Travel banned between Scotland and England

(Scotland Thread)

There is no new new strain though. This is the same "new" strain that was documented in April (it was more confined then, but Italy had a lot of it, and New York/New Jersey already had it).

Then, it got to the West Coast around May. UK has already had documented cases of it.

The new variant was apparently first noticed in February and by July, you can see from this published article in Cell that the new variant had almost overcome the old variant, globally:

https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/...m/retrieve/pii/S0092867420308205?showall=true

Surely the British medical specialists keep up on their virology. This was published in July:

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/med....08.10.20171884.DC1/2020.08.10.20171884-2.pdf

and it shows that the mutation arrived in England (and was well-documented there) by February.

 

[ilovewings]

Just heard on NBC news that 85 million are expected to travel over the Xmas
holiday-- obviously not listening to docs begging people not
to travel---disgusting

 

[CoverMeCagney]

There is no new new strain though. This is the same "new" strain that was documented in April (it was more confined then, but Italy had a lot of it, and New York/New Jersey already had it).

Then, it got to the West Coast around May. UK has already had documented cases of it.

The new variant was apparently first noticed in February and by July, you can see from this published article in Cell that the new variant had almost overcome the old variant, globally:

https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(20)30820-5?_returnURL=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867420308205?showall=true

Surely the British medical specialists keep up on their virology. This was published in July:

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/med....08.10.20171884.DC1/2020.08.10.20171884-2.pdf

and it shows that the mutation arrived in England (and was well-documented there) by February.

Isn't it two different new mutations of that strain - N501 and H69/V70 (the one that was found in all those dead mink)

This article says "we have seen this happen before" and then refers to G614, which is the one you're talking about, and links to an article from August. They appear to be well aware we already had that one.

New Covid strain: How worried should we be?

 

[gngr~snap]

I totally want you for my next shot!!!

My kids always asked me to give thier shots.
Even Pen V K when my son had strep throat and he needed 2 shots. one in each thigh.
*that stuff was like Elmer's glue!
After giving as many shots as I have. I got pretty proficient.
(Even gave myself a few flu shots.) LOL
Maybe because I'm a lefty?
Ha!
MOO
ETA: I also had a friend who brought her Depo Provera vial to hive her her quarterly birth control shots.

 

[dmac55]

Another "bad Santa" story - Arizona

Mr. and Mrs. Claus catch COVID following Gilbert town events.
https://www.abc15.com/news/region-s...aus-catch-covid-following-gilbert-town-events

 

[ilovewings]

Another "bad Santa" story - Arizona

Mr. and Mrs. Claus catch COVID following Gilbert town events.
https://www.abc15.com/news/region-s...aus-catch-covid-following-gilbert-town-events

"it wasn't all bad"- really? oh well, what's a little Covid between friends- Pandemic? what pandemic?

 

[momrids6]

I have not stared at my scar for such a long time.... !!..... Those little circles within the bigger circle... are just such a "part of me". ha ha...
I don't think younger folks truly understand what we did faithfully to be safe and healthy....

They lined us up in school for that thing. I had to explain to my kids what it was

 

[pocketaccent]

State senator dies from COVID-19 complications

Minnesota State Republican Sen. Jerry Relph has died due to complications from COVID-19.
...
Relph contracted the virus at a Republican Caucus meeting on Nov. 5, where other senators were also infected, KSTP reported. He began quarantining on Nov. 10 and started seeing symptoms three days later. It's unclear when his condition began to worsen.

 

[Yesiamapirate]

So shocking watching the press conference today, my stomach was in knots. My area, which just a month or so ago had relatively low numbers, is now tier 4. My son has been locked into Tier 3 London with his girlfriend's family for weeks now and was coming home for Christmas. So that's now cancelled. All the treats I bought them, special drinks, candles, Christmas bedding, a tree for their room.. They're just things but I'm still gutted. And I really, really wanted some time with my boy.

Perspective though, unfortunately. Today I had to phone my cousin to tell her no one from our side of the family are attending my aunt's funeral. None of us think it's safe enough to go. Bloody awful.

Aww HKP, I am sorry. I host my son in a similar way each Christmas. Not this year. I still set up his “room” as usual. Same thing, tree with lights, stocking hanging on the fireplace and pretty holiday bath towels. Just a special place for him to escape his crazy music industry life. I don’t know why I set it up. We both cried when I sent the pics. Anyways, I can sadly relate.
Hugs!

 

[margarita25]

Africa:

Africa crosses 2.5 million COVID-19 cases - Reuters tally

After COVID, Africa needs to make healthcare a priority

—-

South Africa:

South Africa’s second coronavirus wave is fueled by a new strain, teen ‘rage festivals’

Coronavirus in South Africa: Unravelling the mystery

BBM by me in red / I wonder how correct this article is wrt increased severity:

Severe COVID variant detected in South Africa, health minister says

“JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — A severe variant of the coronavirus has been detected in South Africa which could explain the rapid spread of a second wave that affects younger people, the health minister said Friday.

Known as the 501.V2 Variant, it was identified by South African researchers and details have been sent to the World Health Organization, Zwelini Mkhize said in a statement.“

[...]

“South African doctors have remarked that more patients are younger, and do not always have other conditions that amplify the virus’ effect, but are nonetheless suffering from more severe forms of COVID-19.”

The research team, led by Tulio de Oliveira, has shared its findings with the scientific community and alerted authorities in Britain, who have “studied their own samples and found that a similar mutation… was the variant that was driving their resurgence in London,” he said.”
—

Eta:

Here’s what you need to know about the new coronavirus variant, now confirmed in SA
Dec. 18, 2020

South Africa announces a new coronavirus variant.
Dec. 18, 2020

South Africa identifies new coronavirus strain causing surge in cases
Dec. 18, 2020

““The evidence that has been collated, therefore, strongly suggests that the current second wave we are experiencing is being driven by this new variant,” Mkhize added.

South Africa has recorded the highest number of coronavirus infections in Africa, approaching the 900,000 mark, with over 20,000 related deaths. A resurgence in cases saw the government tighten restrictions on society this week.”

[...]

““We are working with them with our SARS-COV-2 Virus evolution working group. They are growing the virus in the country and they’re working with researchers to determine any changes in the behaviour of the virus itself in terms of transmission,” WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove told a news conference in Geneva.“


Why scientists are concerned about SA's 'unusual’ new coronavirus variant | News24
Dec. 19, 2020

* note: the above article contradicts the previous bolded snippets in red, saying the new variant is not more severe.

—

New Variant of SARS-CoV-2 Frequently Asked Questions - NICD
Dec. 19, 2020

“Q What is the new SARS-CoV-2 variant?
A This new variant of the virus was discovered through routine genomic surveillance of SARS-
CoV-2 performed by a network of laboratories around the country (Network for Genomic Surveillance South Africa, NGS-SA). The new variant has been identified in almost 200 samples collected from over 50 different health facilities in Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu- Natal. The new variant is different from the others that were circulating in South Africa because it has multiple mutations (changes) in the spike protein – this is the very important part of the virus that binds to the receptor on the cells inside our body and that is also the main target for many of the antibodies produced during infection or after vaccination. Work is being done to understand what effect these mutations have on the behaviour of the virus and our body’s response to it - particularly whether it makes the virus spread more easily, whether it might lead to more severe COVID-19, and whether the virus can evade our immune response.

Q What is the geographical distribution of this mutation?
A The variant was first identified in Nelson Mandela Bay but has rapidly spread through the rest
of the Eastern Cape and to the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Testing in other provinces is being undertaken to understand the extent of geographical spread but it is likely that this variant has spread to other provinces too.

Q Is the new variant associated with an increase in the severity of the disease?
A At this stage, there is no clear evidence of the new variant being associated with more severe
disease or worse outcomes but clinicians are undertaking more studies to establish if this new variant does change the course of the disease.

Q Is this the same or different to the London variant?
A It is definitely not the same variant, but there are similarities as they both share the same
change in the spike protein at the 501 position. What it does tell us is that if we do not control the spread of the virus then it is likely to evolve in similar ways in different parts of the world.

Q The new variant of infection leads is associated with a higher viral load. Does this mean a higher rate of transmission?
A We do not know for sure that it is associated with a higher viral load, but some of our findings
suggest that might be the case. We need to gather more information to help us understand this. Overall there is some evidence that this new variant might be being transmitted more readily than other variants, although the mechanism of this remains to be fully worked out.”

[...]

“Q Will the new variant cause different symptoms?
A There is no reason to think the types of symptoms you get will be different. Patients will in all likelihood present with the same spectrum of symptoms as before. Whether the overall severity will be different, remains to be seen.”

[...]

“Q Will the new variant have an impact on the effectiveness of vaccines? (1)
A It is not currently known whether or not this mutation will impact on the effectiveness of vaccines.
More research is needed to see whether or not this is the case, and in the event that the mutation significantly reduces vaccine efficacy further vaccine development will be required.“

-more at link
—

@DrZweliMkhize
Dec 18
Karim: This new 501.V2 variant has become dominant in South Africa. This new variant has 3 mutations. #SARSCOV2MediaBriefing

https://mobile.twitter.com/drzwelimkhize/status/1339976270839504905?lang=en

 

[MimosaMornings]

Graphic photos show blood of boy spattered over hospital walls as he died from COVID-19 | Daily Mail Online

This story is particularly gross-- the pics are horrific. what struck me was this child had symptoms but was not admitted to the hospital initially- that statement is sort of glossed over. When he finally came to death's door step he was hospitalized- he was hemorrhaging blood all over the hospital room- walls included. Later in the article it says the family took all precautions like masks, which leads me to wonder when I keep reading that people say they did everything right and still got the virus-- but did they do everything right? who knows? I think they think they did everything right but they didn't, which is not to say that you can do everything right and still get the virus- which is pretty scary

What does “do everything right” mean to those people?

That tells us nothing and people need information - otherwise it’s more of the “see, everyone is going to get it anyway no matter than you never leave the house” mentality.

JMO

 

[margarita25]

Dec. 18, 2020

Dec. 18, 2020

Dec. 19, 2020

 

[MimosaMornings]

So shocking watching the press conference today, my stomach was in knots. My area, which just a month or so ago had relatively low numbers, is now tier 4. My son has been locked into Tier 3 London with his girlfriend's family for weeks now and was coming home for Christmas. So that's now cancelled. All the treats I bought them, special drinks, candles, Christmas bedding, a tree for their room.. They're just things but I'm still gutted. And I really, really wanted some time with my boy.

Perspective though, unfortunately. Today I had to phone my cousin to tell her no one from our side of the family are attending my aunt's funeral. None of us think it's safe enough to go. Bloody awful.

I didn’t even bother doing anything because I didn’t want to get my hopes up because I suspected the numbers would be up and cancel everything. I’m ready for January.

 

[MimosaMornings]

Siblings die of Covid-19 just one week apart — CNN

“They tested positive for the coronavirus on November 6, after a trip to California to attend their uncle's funeral, their brother Daniel Trevino told CNN.

Adelita passed away from the virus on November 29 at Ascension Borgess Hospital. Her brother died a week later at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, hours after his sister's funeral, said their sister Jesusa Vela.”

“The brother and sister were neighbors in Hartford, Michigan. Both were raising children on their own as single parents, with 11 kids in total between the two.”
——-
Omg. Flew cross country for their uncle’s funeral and now their 11 children are without parents. Why would you take that risk? Both of them? I just don’t get it.
Are people no longer afraid of getting it?

Like the sign I saw by mask protesters along a city street.....
“99.9 survival rate! Lose the mask”

 

[margarita25]

Vaccines:

Dec. 18, 2020 - Dr. Fauci Anticipates Moderna Vaccine Will Be Administered ‘By Early Next Week’ | Today

Dec. 18, 2020 - This video discusses vaccine shipment issues wrt to Nor’easter and FedEx/UPS delays, flight cancellations, etc.

Dec. 18, 2020 - Several States Notified of Reduction In Planned Vaccine Shipments, Raising Questions

 

[ilovewings]

Siblings die of Covid-19 just one week apart — CNN

“They tested positive for the coronavirus on November 6, after a trip to California to attend their uncle's funeral, their brother Daniel Trevino told CNN.

Adelita passed away from the virus on November 29 at Ascension Borgess Hospital. Her brother died a week later at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, hours after his sister's funeral, said their sister Jesusa Vela.”

“The brother and sister were neighbors in Hartford, Michigan. Both were raising children on their own as single parents, with 11 kids in total between the two.”
——-
Omg. Flew cross country for their uncle’s funeral and now their 11 children are without parents. Why would you take that risk? Both of them? I just don’t get it.
Are people no longer afraid of getting it?

Like the sign I saw by mask protesters along a city street.....
“99.9 survival rate! Lose the mask”

Is it ignorance, stupidity? or is it people just don't understand how the virus is transmitted, or they are in denial, or, or --- well, I don't know- I am at a loss-

 

[margarita25]

B.C. family posts ad asking to be infected with COVID-19

I actually predicted this back in the early days because there were some moms in Colorado who held chicken pox parties.

(post 418 / Feb. 27, 2020
Coronavirus COVID-19 *Global Health Emergency* #7

* gah, it’s surreal to read back...I’m dreading the one year anniversary of my first post here...we’ve been here almost a year )

—
eta: I have a worried feeling reading back...(and have always had a worried feeling) - - there are so many posters who haven’t been here in ages...I hope everyone is okay.