Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #91

[margarita25]

California:

Los Angeles County ambulance crews are told not to transport Covid-19 patients with little chance of survival - CNN

"”Hospitals are declaring internal disasters and having to open church gyms to serve as hospital units," County Supervisor Hilda Solis said. "Our health care workers are physically and mentally exhausted and sick." Solis called the situation a "human disaster."

Almost 7,900 people are hospitalized with Covid-19 in just Los Angeles County. And 21% of them are in intensive care units, officials said Tuesday. The number of hospital patients grew by more than 200 from Monday.”

—-

Illinois:

New COVID Strain Likely Already in Chicago, May Have Sparked 2nd Surge: Health Official

—

Texas:

Coronavirus hospitalizations hit new highs in Texas, Dallas County; state adds more than 30,000 cases

“Dallas County reported 2,794 more coronavirus cases and 20 new COVID-19 deaths Tuesday as hospitalizations for the virus reached record numbers in the county and statewide.

Across Texas, more than 30,000 new cases were reported, close to the record high set one week earlier. More than 13,000 people in the state are now hospitalized for the virus.“

Texas Republican Rep. Kevin Brady tests positive for Covid-19

Houston opening rollbacks loom as COVID hospitalizations spike | khou.com

“As COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb, the Houston region is on the verge of reaching a new critical point.

"Right now, the 14-day average is off the charts at 1,700 new cases on average reported every single day," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said.

Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order states that if Trauma Service Area Q – which includes Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Austin, Colorado, Matagorda, Walker, Waller and Wharton Counties – has seven consecutive days of COVID-19 hospitalizations above 15% of total hospital capacity, certain indoor businesses will have to go back to 50% occupancy and elective surgeries will have to stop. Bars will also have to close.

"We are getting perilously close to that," Houston Health Authority Dr. David Persse said.“

[...]

“Texas COVID by the numbers
On Monday, the state reported 15,976 new COVID-19 cases. There were 52 newly-reported deaths and we now have 12,961 COVID patients in Texas hospitals, which is a new record.

The positivity rate in the state is at 20.13%. That means in Texas, one person out of every five people who are tested are positive for COVID-19.“


Coronavirus updates in Central Texas: Texas hits new record high for COVID-19 hospitalizations
Coronavirus update in Austin, Texas: What to know Jan. 5 | kvue.com

Coronavirus hospitalizations hit new highs in Texas, Dallas County; state adds more than 30,000 cases

 

[nightowl1975]

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.

The POTUS can’t mandate masks, even if he wants to. He certainly can’t make it a “law” that everyone must wear a mask. That’s just not how our government is set up. There are reasons for this, but you’re absolutely correct in saying freedom isn’t free. There is always a cost, sometimes a very large one.

 

[margarita25]

Texas (continued):

Houston-area counties ordered to roll back reopening plans | khou.com
Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties are among 9 Southeast Texas counties that have reported a week of worrisome hospitalization numbers.


HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Seven straight days of high hospitalization rates have triggered a state-issued order for several Houston-area counties to scale back their reopening plans.

‘Trauma Service Area Q – which is made up of Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Austin, Colorado, Matagorda, Walker, Waller and Wharton counties – has had seven consecutive days of COVID-19 hospitalizations above 15% of total hospital capacity.”

—

Houston bars are on the verge of shutting down again
—

Harris County's 7-day high of COVID-19 hospitalizations triggers rollback

“HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo confirms the region has crossed the state's hospitalization threshold to trigger COVID-19 reopening rollbacks.

"The Harris County region officially crossed the state's hospitalization threshold triggering #COVID19 reopening rollbacks. Honestly, this is just another milestone on the road to a catastrophe unless each of us acts. We can't rely on a small occupancy rollback. Do your part," Hidalgo tweeted Tuesday afternoon.“

[...]

"“This is not an academic exercise, it is not a threshold that we should in any way celebrate reaching. What we need to recognize is that without community action were are going to find ourselves in a very difficult situation," Hidalgo said.

Hidalgo added that this is the last wake-up call we might get and called for residents to avoid any gatherings with people they don't live with to help prevent the spread of the virus.”
—

Fort Bend Co. deputy constable dies of COVID-19 one month after getting sick, family says

“FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Fort Bend County Precinct 2 deputy constable died from COVID-19 a month after he got sick, according to his family.

Avery Canady, 50, died on Sunday. His wife confirms he started feeling ill on Dec. 4. The motorcycle deputy, who also worked for Union Pacific, was with the constable's office for nearly 20 years.“
—

Houston hospital system is offering its employees a $500 bonus if they get Covid-19 vaccine - CNN
—

Need a job? Pharmacies hiring and you don't need college degree | khou.com

“AUSTIN, Texas — If you’re looking for a job, pharmacies across Texas are hiring. They need extra manpower to help with the COVID-19 vaccine.“

[...]

“CVS has 28-hundred jobs open in Texas.

Walgreens pharmacy has another 12-hundred jobs available.

Depending on the job, some companies are offering extra hazard pay as an incentive.

“We're calling it hero pay for the folks going in the long-term care facilities,” Lackey explained.

Store pharmacies, like H-E-B, Kroger and Walmart, are also hiring.“

 

[margarita25]

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic

“"Defeating this beast once and for all means winning the footrace between vaccine implementation and the infection and hospital capacity rates," Governor Cuomo said. "New York is doing everything it can to not only ensure that the vaccine is being distributed as quickly and fairly as possible, but to also ensure we are prepared for widespread vaccinations of the general public once they are eligible. The issue here is the UK strain is highly problematic, and it could be a game-changer. Even if the lethality doesn't go up, the fact that it is so much more transmittable is a very real problem and makes it as important as ever that New Yorkers stay smart. Remember - behavior matters and the behavior of your community drives how fast the infection spreads and how many people get sick. So, let's stay tough, stay united, and collectively do what it takes to defeat this invisible enemy."“

 

[GRT]

Not only do we have the lowest rollout rate of the vaccine here in Kansas, it appears we also have the highest death rate for the start of the new year.

Kansas has started the new year with the nation’s highest rate of reported COVID-19 deaths over the past week.

Hays and Great Bend were the two worst city areas in the country for death reports per capita, and Comanche County was the worst county in the United States.

The rankings come from White House COVID-19 Task Force statistics, which use nationwide data compiled by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article248267560.html#storylink=cpy

I can't figure this out because I haven't seen anyone without a mask in months. It must be from private people getting together behind closed doors is all I can figure. We're not getting hardly any news or updates. It's difficult to find out what's going on. I called my mother's doctor yesterday to ask about the vaccine, and the receptionist said they're still waiting to hear from the State but that they don't think they'll get the vaccine at the clinic.

A new story tells us the low rate of vaccines in KS is due to providers not reporting, but that conflicts with what the providers are saying, which is that they're not getting any information about the vaccine, and not getting any vaccine, either. Where is all the vaccine Kansas got that people aren't receiving? This is so frustrating.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As of Tuesday evening, the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Kansas has received 131,750 doses of the vaccine, but has only administered 20,110 doses. That comes out to .69% of the population, or 690 people per 100,000 living in the state.

A spokesperson for Kansas said the low vaccination rate should be attributed to slow reporting.

Kansas attributes low vaccination rate to slow provider reporting

I don't think it's "slow reporting." The vaccine is just not here.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Not only do we have the lowest rollout rate of the vaccine here in Kansas, it appears we also have the highest death rate for the start of the new year.


https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article248267560.html#storylink=cpy

I can't figure this out because I haven't seen anyone without a mask in months. It must be from private people getting together behind closed doors is all I can figure. We're not getting hardly any news or updates. It's difficult to find out what's going on. I called my mother's doctor yesterday to ask about the vaccine, and the receptionist said they're still waiting to hear from the State but that they don't think they'll get the vaccine at the clinic.

A new story tells us the low rate of vaccines in KS is due to providers not reporting, but that conflicts with what the providers are saying, which is that they're not getting any information about the vaccine, and not getting any vaccine, either. Where is all the vaccine Kansas got that people aren't receiving? This is so frustrating.



Kansas attributes low vaccination rate to slow provider reporting

I don't think it's "slow reporting." The vaccine is just not here.

Click those ruby shoes together and make a wish.

In Kansas....
At least 20,158 doses have been administered,
covering 4.5% of the prioritized population...
and 0.7% of the state’s population.
Kansas has been allocated 199,450 doses,
enough to vaccinate 45.0% of the prioritized population...
and 6.8% of the state’s population.

In California....
At least 456,980 doses have been administered,
covering 11.0% of the prioritized population...
and 1.2% of the state’s population.
California has been allocated 2,691,675 doses,
enough to vaccinate 64.0% of the prioritized population...
and 6.8% of the state’s population.

In Florida....
At least 264,512 doses have been administered,
covering 5.0% of the prioritized population...
and 1.2% of the state’s population.
Florida has been allocated 1,473,125 doses,
enough to vaccinate 28.0% of the prioritized population...
and 6.9% of the state’s population.

In Georgia....
At least 94,607 doses have been administered,
covering 2.5% of the prioritized population...
and 0.9% of the state’s population.
Georgia has been allocated 698,000 doses,
enough to vaccinate 18.0% of the prioritized population...
and 6.6% of the state’s population.

In Iowa....
At least 60,137 doses have been administered,
covering 28.0% of the prioritized population...
and 1.9% of the state’s population.
Iowa has been allocated 217,725 doses,
enough to vaccinate 100.0% of the prioritized population...
and 6.9% of the state’s population.

In Montana....
At least 23,526 doses have been administered,
covering 37.0% of the prioritized population...
and 2.2% of the state’s population.
Montana has been allocated 76,400 doses,
enough to vaccinate 119.0% of the prioritized population...
and 7.1% of the state’s population.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/health/covid-vaccine-states-distribution-doses/

 

[Cool Cats]

Click those ruby shoes together and make a wish.

In Kansas....
At least 20,158 doses have been administered,
covering 4.5% of the prioritized population...
and 0.7% of the state’s population.
Kansas has been allocated 199,450 doses,
enough to vaccinate 45.0% of the prioritized population...
and 6.8% of the state’s population.

In California....
At least 456,980 doses have been administered,
covering 11.0% of the prioritized population...
and 1.2% of the state’s population.
California has been allocated 2,691,675 doses,
enough to vaccinate 64.0% of the prioritized population...
and 6.8% of the state’s population.

In Florida....
At least 264,512 doses have been administered,
covering 5.0% of the prioritized population...
and 1.2% of the state’s population.
Florida has been allocated 1,473,125 doses,
enough to vaccinate 28.0% of the prioritized population...
and 6.9% of the state’s population.

In Georgia....
At least 94,607 doses have been administered,
covering 2.5% of the prioritized population...
and 0.9% of the state’s population.
Georgia has been allocated 698,000 doses,
enough to vaccinate 18.0% of the prioritized population...
and 6.6% of the state’s population.

In Iowa....
At least 60,137 doses have been administered,
covering 28.0% of the prioritized population...
and 1.9% of the state’s population.
Iowa has been allocated 217,725 doses,
enough to vaccinate 100.0% of the prioritized population...
and 6.9% of the state’s population.

In Montana....
At least 23,526 doses have been administered,
covering 37.0% of the prioritized population...
and 2.2% of the state’s population.
Montana has been allocated 76,400 doses,
enough to vaccinate 119.0% of the prioritized population...
and 7.1% of the state’s population.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/health/covid-vaccine-states-distribution-doses/

Thankx DG, this is exactly what I have been looking for - from your link.

 

[SoCalDavidS]

The POTUS can’t mandate masks, even if he wants to. He certainly can’t make it a “law” that everyone must wear a mask. That’s just not how our government is set up. There are reasons for this, but you’re absolutely correct in saying freedom isn’t free. There is always a cost, sometimes a very large one.

He can mandate them in Federal Buildings, and on All Airlines, since they're regulated by the FAA. There might be some others, but I know he can definitely require them in those venues.

 

[Cool Cats]

7 heartwarming things that happened in an otherwise terrible 2020

Frontline medical workers were celebrated as heroes every night for months.

Medical workers hug outside NYU Langone Health hospital in New York City on May 7 as people applaud to show their gratitude.

People forced to stay home adopted pets in record numbers.

Mase, an adopted pit bull, plays in Escondido, CA

A giant panda cub was born.

An announcement at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
on Aug. 22, following the birth of its first giant panda cub in five years.

Everyday Americans stepped up to provide critical supplies.
Everyday Americans stepped up to provide food.

In March, Larry Galper, a New Orleans pizza chef who lost his job when the restaurant he worked for was forced to close, on a whim began making and delivering free pizzas to essential workers and others in need.

“I thought, I’m going to wake up, make as many pizzas as I can and go deliver them to as many deserving people as I can,” Galper said. “People who think no one’s thinking about them.”

Galper’s NOLA Love Pizza quickly took off, delivering thousands of pizzas with the help of Louisiana food distributors and postal workers.

A record 158 million people voted.
An unassuming tennis star found her voice.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

7 heartwarming things that happened in an otherwise terrible 2020

Frontline medical workers were celebrated as heroes every night for months.

Medical workers hug outside NYU Langone Health hospital in New York City on May 7 as people applaud to show their gratitude.
View attachment 278242

People forced to stay home adopted pets in record numbers.

Mase, an adopted pit bull, plays in Escondido, CA

A giant panda cub was born.

An announcement at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
on Aug. 22, following the birth of its first giant panda cub in five years.

Everyday Americans stepped up to provide critical supplies.
Everyday Americans stepped up to provide food.

In March, Larry Galper, a New Orleans pizza chef who lost his job when the restaurant he worked for was forced to close, on a whim began making and delivering free pizzas to essential workers and others in need.

“I thought, I’m going to wake up, make as many pizzas as I can and go deliver them to as many deserving people as I can,” Galper said. “People who think no one’s thinking about them.”

Galper’s NOLA Love Pizza quickly took off, delivering thousands of pizzas with the help of Louisiana food distributors and postal workers.

A record 158 million people voted.
An unassuming tennis star found her voice.

Thanks, there indeed is much good coming out from so many!!! I see it everyday around me. Every day.

 

[astheworldfallsdown]

COVID-19: A doctor shares images of a London coronavirus ward

It's rare to see images of the UK's COVID wards now, with few journalists allowed access.

But an anaesthetist in London - who also happens to have a passion for photography - has been sharing "honest" and "personal" photographs of what is happening in what is currently one of the busiest hospitals in the country.

Dr Jon Williamson has been posting the photographs on Instagram in the hope the images will be seen by people who do not usually engage with news.

"The aim is to give a realistic, human perspective and a personal experience of COVID on the frontline in a way that feels authentic and unstaged," he told Sky News.

 

[GRT]

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 know. This really is all any president can do except Biden could put more restrictions on travel between states and travel coming into our borders.

I've long said we need a positive public service message, something Trump failed to do, but something that has been successfully done in the past for quitting smoking, etc. Our Consitution just isn't set up for a President to issue a national or federal mandate of people who are not proved to be ill.

That's where the problem lies--in mandating masks for those who are not sick. It can be done on a state basis and on a county and community level, but not at the federal level. We could try to change the Constitution, and perhaps that's an idea for the future because it would take a lot of time, but that option isn't open to us right now.

I would like to see the Biden Administration develop a marketing plan that involves appealing to the populous at an emotional level, not an authoritarian level. Draw celebrities from all social circles, from the Left, the Right, and everywhere in between, and have them advocate for masks, hand-washing, social distancing, etc. Show a child kneeling at a graveside. Show a young adult on a ventilator. Have the message hit home.

That should have happened from the get-go and now we have to play catch-up with one hand tied behind us.

But, we also have to move forward with programs that keep people safe. My niece's yoga studio was closed last spring and she qualified for supplemental emergency income through CARES but she didn't get a dime. She has no other source of income and had to move in with a guy (I worry he is an abuser) because she had no money to buy food and she was too proud to come to my house or her mother's home. Her income is gone, yet people are shopping in Target and Menards every day.

The little guy is being unfairly squeezed and my guess is that those maskless protests are mainly the little guys who are feeling the brunt of the economic downfall. If we can't help people pay utility bills and food bills, we're going to see massive protests. Our Congress is absent.

Our local Food Bank is overwhelmed and I've worked my butt off to help with raising awareness, but so many are unaware of the pain some of our brothers and sisters are suffering.

Sometimes, I just get so discouraged at how this has been handled. Sorry. Rant over.

 

[GRT]

COVID-19: A doctor shares images of a London coronavirus ward

It's rare to see images of the UK's COVID wards now, with few journalists allowed access.

But an anaesthetist in London - who also happens to have a passion for photography - has been sharing "honest" and "personal" photographs of what is happening in what is currently one of the busiest hospitals in the country.

Dr Jon Williamson has been posting the photographs on Instagram in the hope the images will be seen by people who do not usually engage with news.

"The aim is to give a realistic, human perspective and a personal experience of COVID on the frontline in a way that feels authentic and unstaged," he told Sky News.

Those are good photos. I hope everyone remembers that a picture is worth a thousand words. I wish the journalists were not being excluded...we need those images now more than ever.

Thanks for sharing those!

 

[MimosaMornings]

I know. This really is all any president can do except Biden could put more restrictions on travel between states and travel coming into our borders.

I've long said we need a positive public service message, something Trump failed to do, but something that has been successfully done in the past for quitting smoking, etc. Our Consitution just isn't set up for a President to issue a national or federal mandate of people who are not proved to be ill.

That's where the problem lies--in mandating masks for those who are not sick. It can be done on a state basis and on a county and community level, but not at the federal level. We could try to change the Constitution, and perhaps that's an idea for the future because it would take a lot of time, but that option isn't open to us right now.

I would like to see the Biden Administration develop a marketing plan that involves appealing to the populous at an emotional level, not an authoritarian level. Draw celebrities from all social circles, from the Left, the Right, and everywhere in between, and have them advocate for masks, hand-washing, social distancing, etc. Show a child kneeling at a graveside. Show a young adult on a ventilator. Have the message hit home.

That should have happened from the get-go and now we have to play catch-up with one hand tied behind us.

But, we also have to move forward with programs that keep people safe. My niece's yoga studio was closed last spring and she qualified for supplemental emergency income through CARES but she didn't get a dime. She has no other source of income and had to move in with a guy (I worry he is an abuser) because she had no money to buy food and she was too proud to come to my house or her mother's home. Her income is gone, yet people are shopping in Target and Menards every day.

The little guy is being unfairly squeezed and my guess is that those maskless protests are mainly the little guys who are feeling the brunt of the economic downfall. If we can't help people pay utility bills and food bills, we're going to see massive protests. Our Congress is absent.

Our local Food Bank is overwhelmed and I've worked my butt off to help with raising awareness, but so many are unaware of the pain some of our brothers and sisters are suffering.

Sometimes, I just get so discouraged at how this has been handled. Sorry. Rant over.

If like to see the superspreader event locations shut down. The constant defiance is continuing the community spread.
Maybe wedding licenses should be issued with a court house ceremony only for the next 100 days? You’d probably still have the big reception afterwards. There needs to be big fines for those events - the event center plus the contract signers.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Vaccine Information You Need from the Immunization Action Coalition
Photos

 

[Betty P]

Not only do we have the lowest rollout rate of the vaccine here in Kansas, it appears we also have the highest death rate for the start of the new year.


https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article248267560.html#storylink=cpy

I can't figure this out because I haven't seen anyone without a mask in months. It must be from private people getting together behind closed doors is all I can figure. We're not getting hardly any news or updates. It's difficult to find out what's going on. I called my mother's doctor yesterday to ask about the vaccine, and the receptionist said they're still waiting to hear from the State but that they don't think they'll get the vaccine at the clinic.

A new story tells us the low rate of vaccines in KS is due to providers not reporting, but that conflicts with what the providers are saying, which is that they're not getting any information about the vaccine, and not getting any vaccine, either. Where is all the vaccine Kansas got that people aren't receiving? This is so frustrating.



Kansas attributes low vaccination rate to slow provider reporting

I don't think it's "slow reporting." The vaccine is just not here.

Or its not going to the people who are supposed to get it.
My SIL is a nurse in a state owned hospital in NC. Very dangerous work there with COVID 19 going around the wards.

Last week they were told they would get the vaccine. Instead, it went to top administrators, not front line staff. Now they have to wait for the next batch, who knows how long.

That's why all the reporting is off,JMO.

 

[MimosaMornings]

Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine across the Carolinas | wcnc.com

“Each county will move from Phase 1A to Phase 1B independently in this county-by-county rollout. Factors contributing to the progress of phases including the available supply of the vaccine and the progress through the previous phase. The process for making reservations will vary by county and not all counties have announced plans publicly yet.”

 

[GRT]

Or its not going to the people who are supposed to get it.
My SIL is a nurse in a state owned hospital in NC. Very dangerous work there with COVID 19 going around the wards.

Last week they were told they would get the vaccine. Instead, it went to top administrators, not front line staff. Now they have to wait for the next batch, who knows how long.

That's why all the reporting is off,JMO.

That's so wrong on so many levels. The front line workers were supposed to be first in line. A think a lot of underhanded things are going on. I hope your SIL gets it soon.

 

[FrostOwl]

Israel report / interview. Israel is one of the tops in vaccination program.

They've done 15% of the entire population as of toda

But only if you are Israeli, the Palestinians in occupied Vest Band and Gaza will have to wait for months.
Palestinians excluded from Israeli Covid vaccine rollout as jabs go to settlers

 

[GRT]

This is disappointing.

Hong Kong (CNN)The World Health Organization said that China has blocked the arrival of a team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, in a rare rebuke from the UN agency.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said two scientists on the United Nations team had already left their home countries for Wuhan when they were told that Chinese officials had not approved the necessary permissions to enter the country.

WHO Covid team blocked from entering China to study origins of coronavirus - CNN