Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #91

[Cool Cats]

Teachers in UK have 333% more COVID than the median rate for the population.

Word still not in regarding the new variants and their effect on children's ability to transmit (it's thought that the UK variant bumps up the viral load in the nasal passages a great deal...which is already where children have high viral loads).

Ohio Governor Says Students Exposed to COVID-19 In The Classroom Don’t Necessarily Need to Quarantine

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Folks, I'm going to have to go back upthread as I think I may have missed something? If anyone has info to add?

Is it just with docs, or MSM or ??? that there is an emerging variant called E484K mutation of concern? (South Africa and Brazil)

I'll not post more.. until I have more info from MSM or other here.

I'm kinda distracted tonight with something else *wink*

 

[sds71]

Folks, I'm going to have to go back upthread as I think I may have missed something? If anyone has info to add?

Is it just with docs, or MSM or ??? that there is an emerging variant called E484K mutation of concern? (South Africa and Brazil)

I'll not post more.. until I have more info from MSM or other here.

I'm kinda distracted tonight with something else *wink*

Spike protein shape shifter
While the UK variant was first detected in September, officials noticed that it was rapidly spreading through the country in mid-December, leading to tighter restrictions on movement and businesses within days. South African officials reported on December 18 that 501.V2 had been largely replacing other strains of the coronavirus as early as November.

501.V2 carries a mutation in the spike protein called E484K, which is not present in the UK strain, Francois Balloux, the director of the University College London Genetics Institute, says in a statement. “The E484K mutation has been shown to reduce antibody recognition,” he says, which may help the virus bypass immune protection provided by prior infection or vaccination. However, he says that the mutation is not sufficient for the variant to bypass the protection provided by vaccines.
South African SARS-CoV-2 Variant Alarms Scientists

Dr Julian W Tang, Honorary Associate Professor/Clinical Virologist at the University of Leicester, said:

“The South African variant (B.1.351 or 501Y.V2) differs significantly from the UK B.1.1.7(variant) in several ways that may impact on vaccine effectiveness.
expert reaction to the South African variant | Science Media Centre
“Both variants share the N501Y mutation in the viral S gene which lies in the receptor binding domain (RBD) – where the virus binds to the host cell – and where vaccine-induced antibodies bind to the virus. But the South African variant has two more mutations – E484K and K417N – in this RBD region that are absent in the UK variant. These two additional mutations may interfere more with vaccine effectiveness in the South African variant than in the UK variant.

“This does not mean that the existing COVID-19 vaccines will not work at all, just that the antibodies induced by the current vaccines may not bind and neutralise the South African variant as well as it would the other circulating viruses – including the UK variant.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Spike protein shape shifter
While the UK variant was first detected in September, officials noticed that it was rapidly spreading through the country in mid-December, leading to tighter restrictions on movement and businesses within days. South African officials reported on December 18 that 501.V2 had been largely replacing other strains of the coronavirus as early as November.

501.V2 carries a mutation in the spike protein called E484K, which is not present in the UK strain, Francois Balloux, the director of the University College London Genetics Institute, says in a statement. “The E484K mutation has been shown to reduce antibody recognition,” he says, which may help the virus bypass immune protection provided by prior infection or vaccination. However, he says that the mutation is not sufficient for the variant to bypass the protection provided by vaccines.
South African SARS-CoV-2 Variant Alarms Scientists

Dr Julian W Tang, Honorary Associate Professor/Clinical Virologist at the University of Leicester, said:

“The South African variant (B.1.351 or 501Y.V2) differs significantly from the UK B.1.1.7(variant) in several ways that may impact on vaccine effectiveness.
expert reaction to the South African variant | Science Media Centre
“Both variants share the N501Y mutation in the viral S gene which lies in the receptor binding domain (RBD) – where the virus binds to the host cell – and where vaccine-induced antibodies bind to the virus. But the South African variant has two more mutations – E484K and K417N – in this RBD region that are absent in the UK variant. These two additional mutations may interfere more with vaccine effectiveness in the South African variant than in the UK variant.

“This does not mean that the existing COVID-19 vaccines will not work at all, just that the antibodies induced by the current vaccines may not bind and neutralise the South African variant as well as it would the other circulating viruses – including the UK variant.

Thanks so much.

I'll have to do like Margarita does and do a placecard at this point to catch up.

The mRNA vaccines have a short short code, (therefore if mutation there is bad) but the upcoming vaccines which are more traditional such as the AZ/Oxford and the Jansen have the more complete virus and MANY sites for antibodies for many areas of the virus to be made?

So the future vaccines would be better suited for these drifts?

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Just saw that Nebraska governor said no undocumented workers at meatpacking plants will not be eligible for the vaccine.. and could disqualify many of that states meatpacking workers.

I had thought that all states included undocumented folks. 'Cause you know.. it's a virus and a worldwide pandemic?


Nebraska Governor says undocumented meatpacking workers will not be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine - KNBN NewsCenter1

Undocumented workers at Nebraska meat plants will NOT get COVID vaccines | Daily Mail Online

 

[mickey2942]

Just saw that Nebraska governor said no undocumented workers at meatpacking plants will not be eligible for the vaccine.. and could disqualify many of that states meatpacking workers.

I had thought that all states included undocumented folks. 'Cause you know.. it's a virus and a worldwide pandemic?


Nebraska Governor says undocumented meatpacking workers will not be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine - KNBN NewsCenter1

Undocumented workers at Nebraska meat plants will NOT get COVID vaccines | Daily Mail Online

The issue is the law, and eligibility. It is not "being mean" and not caring about folks. The vaccine cost money, which the United States government paid for, to the benefit of United States citizens and Legal Permanent Residents, who are eligible for the benefit.

 

[musicaljoke]

I see my mother almost daily, but that's only because my sister and I take turns shopping for her and doing all her chores and errands. She's elderly now, and getting frail, but we don't want to put her in long-term care as long as covid is ravaging nursing homes. We have a unique situation. My husband and I built a home for my parents about 13 years ago on acreage we sold them--at that time it was because my dad was becoming unable to walk and he needed a home with wide doorways and other elements of universal design in order for my mom to use lifts to put him on the pot, in his powerchair, etc.

He passed 8 years ago and my mother has gone downhill substantially since then. My husband and I also deeded land to my sister who move here after her divorce and built her a small house (husband is a contractor), so now, the three families all live on an 80-acre parcel. My mom needs meals made, housecleaning done, etc., so we take turns. She sees one of us daily (we both work from home now), but she still feels isolated. When the weather permits, she takes walks down the long drive with her walker and her cat. It's the best we can do right now, but I'm hoping we can get her vaccinated soon.

This sounds wonderful for your mom and your family.

 

[LadyL]

already posted in Canada thread but thought it would be of interest here to a wider audience too:

He's 101, she's 92. But this couple at an Ontario seniors' home isn't a priority for the COVID-19 vaccine

 

[mickey2942]

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-st...orte-sets-guidelines-for-lifting-mask-mandate

So, this is interesting. The new Republican governor of Montana is planning on getting rid of the mask mandate.

Meanwhile, local county health departments will not budge on the mask mandate. And apparently, the health department regulations override the governor.

Despite changes statewide, county's public health rules will remain

 

[Gibbo214]

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-st...orte-sets-guidelines-for-lifting-mask-mandate

So, this is interesting. The new Republican governor of Montana is planning on getting rid of the mask mandate.

Meanwhile, local county health departments will not budge on the mask mandate. And apparently, the health department regulations override the governor.

Despite changes statewide, county's public health rules will remain

Why on earth, would he think of even doing that?

 

[mickey2942]

Why on earth, would he think of even doing that?

That was the platform he ran on...that people don’t need to be told what to do. Same as South Dakota, which has never had a mask mandate.

It has been interesting to view the rhetoric regarding "mask vs no mask".

North Dakota got a mask mandate, South Dakota didn't. COVID-19 cases have plummeted in both | Grand Forks Herald

 

[Gibbo214]

That was the platform he ran on...that people don’t need to be told what to do. Same as South Dakota, which has never had a mask mandate.

It has been interesting to view the rhetoric regarding "mask vs no mask".

North Dakota got a mask mandate, South Dakota didn't. COVID-19 cases have plummeted in both | Grand Forks Herald

I have seen it in other places. Anti-maskers want restrictions lifted because things are improving but completely ignore that they are getting better because at least most people are following the restrictions. Imagine how much better it would be if everyone did.

 

[mickey2942]

Biden to Ask Americans to Wear Masks for 100 Days

I find this very interesting. Our new President is "asking" folks to wear a mask. No law. So, "anti maskers" can keep doing what they want. No wonder Covid cases in the United States are so astronomical.

The cost of freedom.

 

[MimosaMornings]

Biden to Ask Americans to Wear Masks for 100 Days

I find this very interesting. Our new President is "asking" folks to wear a mask. No law. So, "anti maskers" can keep doing what they want. No wonder Covid cases in the United States are so astronomical.

The cost of freedom.

I need a drink.

 

[Gibbo214]

Biden to Ask Americans to Wear Masks for 100 Days

I find this very interesting. Our new President is "asking" folks to wear a mask. No law. So, "anti maskers" can keep doing what they want. No wonder Covid cases in the United States are so astronomical.

The cost of freedom.

'Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose'. Except your or your grandma's life.

 

[Gibbo214]

I need a drink.

Join me in a G&T.

 

[Yvettea]

This all seems like a global experiment at times IMO. Different countries following different (and changing) protocol and suffering different outcomes. The US and nearly half its population is treated with derision. It’s causing a civil war of sorts between citizens and inner turmoil within individuals.

 

[weepingangel]

Iirc in New York in the spring the National Guard helped the locals perform a similar task. Basically collecting the bodies of people who had passed away at home and such. No link but it might have been a NY times story

Well, that sounds a little better. They will only not be transporting if resuscitation measures don't work. I guess at that point, the funeral director is called. Or some morgue pick up service, if there is one?

 

[dmac55]

Iirc in New York in the spring the National Guard helped the locals perform a similar task. Basically collecting the bodies of people who had passed away at home and such. No link but it might have been a NY times story

This is from Time, but a similar story from May 21, 2020

"Reinforcements from the National Guard have been called in, with part-time soldiers like Senior Airman Steve Ollennu pulled off his job installing communications equipment to retrieve bodies as grieving family members say their last goodbyes."

Inside New York’s Citywide Effort to Bury Its Dead | Time
‘We Do This for the Living.’ Inside New York’s Citywide Effort to Bury Its Dead

 

[mickey2942]

This is from Time, but a similar story from May 21, 2020

"Reinforcements from the National Guard have been called in, with part-time soldiers like Senior Airman Steve Ollennu pulled off his job installing communications equipment to retrieve bodies as grieving family members say their last goodbyes."

Inside New York’s Citywide Effort to Bury Its Dead | Time
‘We Do This for the Living.’ Inside New York’s Citywide Effort to Bury Its Dead

Back in February, I remembered a skit from a British film..."Monty Python". It isn't so funny now. Hits so close to home.