news Covid19-Coronavirus updates and news

[Mister Funsky]

Having relatives and friends scattered all over the globe, I am getting an overload of input (some on the record and some off the record).

My intention for this thread is for community members from around the world to post first hand stories and/or links to information sources that, for the most part, should be reliable.

In my community, just outside a major southeastern city, 'assets' have been placed. Only because I have friends in both high and low places have I heard about some of this. At this point it is only some basic medical supplies that should be equally distributed anyway in preparation for a natural emergency (hurricane/wildfire/etc.).

I will start with posting a link to a site with current data that seems to come from an aggregate of sources and hope others will do the same as they come across similar sites/pages.

Because of the 'typhoid Mary' spread-ability of this disease, I feel we may be in for a really large spread globally which will impact the global economy and through extension, retail domain prices.

One thing is for sure...things will get worse before they get better.

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/usa-coronavirus/

 

[koolishman]

Abbott launches antibody test for coronavirus, plans to deliver 20 million tests by June

The test helps identify disease-fighting antibodies in people who have been infected but may have had mild symptoms or none at all, making it different from the current diagnostic tests that require nasal swabs to confirm active infection.

Abbott has previously won U.S. authorization for two coronavirus testing kits: an automated test that can be used in labs and a test that can deliver results within minutes and be used in physicians’ offices, clinics and hospitals.

 

[koolishman]

China’s Data on Symptom-Free Cases Shows Most Never Get Sick

China for the first time publicized a breakdown of people testing positive for the novel coronavirus without outward signs of being sick, revealing that those among them who remain symptom-free throughout infection are in the majority.

Among 6,764 people who tested positive for infection without showing symptoms, only one fifth of them -- 1,297 -- have so far developed symptoms and been re-classified as confirmed cases, China’s National Health Commission spokesman Mi Feng said at a briefing in Beijing Wednesday.

Some 1,023 are still being monitored in medical quarantine to see if they develop symptoms. The rest -- 4,444 -- have been discharged from medical observation after recovering from the virus.

The phenomenon of asymptomatic transmission is a puzzling feature of the virus that’s allowed the pandemic to spread wider and faster than previous outbreaks. While researchers earlier thought that most patients ultimately end up developing symptoms, the indication from China’s data that a sizable group remains symptom-free throughout infection underscores the challenge of containing the widening pandemic.

 

[koolishman]

Mutations of the virus.

https://nextstrain.org/ncov/global

 

[Sutruk]

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/covid-19-when-will-coronavirus-pandemic-social-distancing-end

To stop the virus spread: "...like South Korea and Taiwan,” Rivers says. “They’ve shown the virus can be [locally] contained through general social distancing coupled with extensive testing, case isolation and contact tracing."

And I would add, very important, that EVERYBODY started wearing masks when going outside. This is also a very important factor to stop the virus spread.

Also I would add, that these measures will work better if they are done BEFORE the virus spreading explosion. That's why they have worked so well in South Korea. Once the virus has been spreading and running along the population during weeks with no contention nor social distancing measures, the mess is already done and more difficult to contain.

 

[Sutruk]

How South Korea Solved Its Face Mask Shortage:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/opinion/covid-face-mask-shortage.html

On March 5, the government increased its share of mask purchases to 80 percent of national production.

“Starting today, 70 percent of all masks acquired through the public distribution system will be sold at pharmacies,” Mr. Moon wrote. “Pharmacies are the primary on-the-ground node in our public health system.” All citizens and registered noncitizens could buy two masks per week.

Kuk Seung-gon, the president of the pharmacists’ association in Gimcheon, near South Korea’s Covid-19 hot spot, told me: “It’s been terrible to see what’s been happening in Europe and America. I really hope that, in the West, people develop a culture of mask wearing. A mask is not just for sick patients.”

“Now that people are able to buy two masks per week, they feel reassured,” Ms. Yoo told me. “We pharmacists do, too.”

 

[koolishman]

Coronavirus destroys lungs. But doctors are finding its damage in kidneys, hearts and elsewhere.

The new coronavirus kills by inflaming and clogging the tiny air sacs in the lungs, choking off the body’s oxygen supply until it shuts down the organs essential for life.

But clinicians around the world are seeing evidence that suggests the virus also may be causing heart inflammation, acute kidney disease, neurological malfunction, blood clots, intestinal damage and liver problems. That development has complicated treatment for the most severe cases of covid-19, the illness caused by the virus, and makes the course of recovery less certain, they said.

The prevalence of these effects is too great to attribute them solely to the “cytokine storm,” a powerful immune-system response that attacks the body, causing severe damage, doctors and researchers said.

 

[WatchDogue]

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/covid-19-when-will-coronavirus-pandemic-social-distancing-end
And I would add, very important, that EVERYBODY started wearing masks when going outside. This is also a very important factor to stop the virus spread.

We began to wear face masks several weeks back whenever we had to venture out for meds, Dr. appointments ( several were cancelled) or groceries. Have acquired a supply of disposable face masks and various fabric washable face masks and have more of each en route.

Also have taken to wearing nitrile gloves and, sunglasses when out. The gloves get systematically / carefully peeled off and tossed after use. Sunglasses wiped down carefully.

Also disinfect shoes before coming back into the house after an outing.

We live on a rural rather isolated acreage so social distancing is easy - nobody close at all and keep a respectable distance when out.

I hate it but do it.

 

[Sutruk]

We began to wear face masks several weeks back whenever we had to venture out for meds, Dr. appointments ( several were cancelled) or groceries. Have acquired a supply of disposable face masks and various fabric washable face masks and have more of each en route.

Also have taken to wearing nitrile gloves and, sunglasses when out. The gloves get systematically / carefully peeled off and tossed after use. Sunglasses wiped down carefully.

Also disinfect shoes before coming back into the house after an outing.

We live on a rural rather isolated acreage so social distancing is easy - nobody close at all and keep a respectable distance when out.

I hate it but do it.

Very well done. That's the way to go, in order to stop the virus spread and stay safe.

 

[J Sokol]

Does anyone have any current information about the availability of test kits in the U.S.?

The pandemic started getting a lot of press here in early March, so it's been about six weeks, but test kits still seem to be in short supply. They're such a critical element in slowing the spread of the virus -- I would think more of them would be available by now.

 

[Cal2]

This breathing technique may help coronavirus patients feel better

https://www.today.com/health/corona...help-covid-19-patients-breathe-better-t177870

 

[Mister Funsky]

Does anyone have any current information about the availability of test kits in the U.S.?

The pandemic started getting a lot of press here in early March, so it's been about six weeks, but test kits still seem to be in short supply. They're such a critical element in slowing the spread of the virus -- I would think more of them would be available by now.

It is a mad race for a dependable rapid test...I have been told that several companies are 'pre selling' and taking orders as they know it is a matter of time before one is developed with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

My best guesstimate is two or more will be approved with two weeks...the market to sell directly to the public is enormous. Pure profit per test is going to be kept low...probably less that a buck per unit...maybe even pennies if a patent can be secured. Someone sent me an image of a mock up of a 'test' package in 4 languages...one language per side with English on the top and bottom (as well as one side).

It will become a part of daily life fairly soon...at least for many months...to test oneself via saliva before interacting closely with other humans (work, restaurant, movie theater, first date, etc). But, I could be wrong.

ADD: a functional blood test will be available first...also, the mutating factor may come into play with any test manufactured

ADD 2: Emirates Airline Begins Conducting Rapid COVID-19 Tests For Boarding Passengers
https://www.npr.org/sections/corona...-rapid-covid-19-tests-for-boarding-passengers

 

[J Sokol]

It will become a part of daily life fairly soon...at least for many months...to test oneself via saliva before interacting closely with other humans (work, restaurant, movie theater, first date, etc). But, I could be wrong.

Who would have guessed that life could change so dramatically in the space of a few months?

 

[Cal2]

Test kits that test faster and more accurately will be a benefit - eg. one that was just approved here in Canada, that produces results in less than an hour: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coron...on-of-rapid-covid-19-testing-device-1.4893257

But I'm thinking that something like wearable tech for i.d.ing infections like covid-19 could really make a difference. A smart ring example I came across the other day: https://futurism.com/neoscope/smart-ring-ai-spot-covid19-before-symptoms-begin

More article links on it: https://www.google.com/search?sourc...hUKEwim_v3qrOvoAhWIjp4KHf45DI4Q4dUDCAk&uact=5

 

[enlytend]

Abbott launches antibody test for coronavirus, plans to deliver 20 million tests by June

The test helps identify disease-fighting antibodies in people who have been infected but may have had mild symptoms or none at all, making it different from the current diagnostic tests that require nasal swabs to confirm active infection.

Testing is so important. How can you manage what you can't measure? You can't. And this virus is so crazy - anything from mild to no symptoms, various degrees of feeling crappy... or dead. But we need as much data as possible - who has it, who has had it - to make smart choices.

I think we are going to see big changes in workplaces - for one thing, companies are seeing that having remote workers isn't the end of the world. But once people are back in schools and workplaces there will be implementations of social distancing - at least until we see the last of this!

Wearing masks in stores has become mandatory here, now in NY also. I'm glad to see more people walking around the neighborhood wearing masks - my house is near the street and I don't need some jogger's COVID cooties drifting over to me when I step out the door.

 

[koolishman]

what will happen to manufacturing industries?

 

[Cannuck]

TRUMP HALTS U.S. FUNDING FOR WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AS U.S. PLANS REVIEW INTO 'MISMANAGEMENT' OF CORONAVIRUS

https://www.newsweek.com/trump-halt...lans-review-mismanagement-coronavirus-1497894

As a way of deflecting blame, cutting off funding for the World Health Organization during the worst pandemic we've experienced in modern times can only be likened to a crime against humanity. The US is losing its status as a global leader.

 

[enlytend]

what will happen to manufacturing industries?

Adapt? Rework things to meet social distancing criteria? I see potential business for engineering and industrial design.. The losers would be businesses in old buildings with very tight cramped workspaces.

As a way of deflecting blame, cutting off funding for the World Health Organization during the worst pandemic we've experienced in modern times can only be likened to a crime against humanity. The US is losing its status as a global leader.

If not criminal, than at the very least an epic example of poor judgement.

For argument’s sake, let’s assume there ARE grounds for investigation... Fine - Investigate AFTER we have this under control. Right now they are a source of much needed expertise.

If your apartment complex is on fire, you don’t cancel the fire call because you think the fire company misjudged something. The priority is putting out the fire.

 

[Cannuck]

what will happen to manufacturing industries?

Whose manufacturing industries? Domestic demand will allow the Chinese economy to remain bouyant (currently running at about 60%). The West sold out to foreign production a long time ago, the cheap consumer products we buy cost jobs. The only way back is a long hard road.

 

[enlytend]

For some interesting reading from a historical perspective - one of our clients put out this very well-researched post on the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic and the similarities and differences to the current COVID crisis:

https://www.crescorealestate.com/blog/cleveland-pandemic-history/

 

[Mister Funsky]

As a way of deflecting blame, cutting off funding for the World Health Organization during the worst pandemic we've experienced in modern times can only be likened to a crime against humanity. The US is losing its status as a global leader.

It was a stunning/shocking move...of course I did not intend my post of the story as political in either direction (another thread exists for that) but it is clear WHO has not been up to par in this outbreak and some others in the past.

Funding (from the US) will likely (and should) resume in 60 days, but there will be much more oversight from the 'investors' in the organization regardless of the origin of country/money. A 'shake up' at the WHO is needed from the top down and it, like the rest of the world, will be better and stronger after this crisis.

 

[Mister Funsky]

Current Covid19 death numbers as of 9:00 am EST are below, primarily from the source in the original post (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus). Please copy and place the list to correct any wrong numbers and/or to add your country of origin.

Total: 136,048
US: 28,559
UK: 12,868
France: 17,167
Spain: 19,130
AU: 63
Italy: 21,645
Canada: 1,010
Brazil: 1,760
Indonesia: 496
India: 423
Japan: 178
Mexico: 449

 

[Cannuck]

In South Korea, 133 people have retested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).

“Investigators are looking into whether the cause of relapse is the virus being reactivated or reinfection with the virus. We are also investigating whether relapse cases lead to secondary infection,” KCDC reported.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/apr/15/coronavirus-research-tests-reinfection-spread-fact/

 

[Cannuck]

Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking the critical moments of COVID-19

The Storm is Passing Over - Detroit Mass Choir

 

[Compassion]

Dr Tenpenny on the Plandemic

Build your immune systems....


No need to inject yourself with materials that are foreign and toxic to your body such as aborted fetal tissue, formaldehyde, mercury, aluminum . . .

 

[Chris Hydrick]

A friend had posted this. I found it helpful.