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/

 

[Sutruk]

About the russian vaccine Sputnik V. It appears to be effective, as per "TheLancet" article.

Safety and efficacy of an rAd26 and rAd5 vector-based heterologous prime-boost COVID-19 vaccine: an interim analysis of a randomised controlled phase 3 trial in Russia

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00234-8/fulltext

Background

"A heterologous recombinant adenovirus (rAd)-based vaccine, Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V), showed a good safety profile and induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses in participants in phase 1/2 clinical trials."

Findings

"Between Sept 7 and Nov 24, 2020, 21,977 adults were randomly assigned to the vaccine group (n=16 501) or the placebo group (n=5476). 19,866 received two doses of vaccine or placebo and were included in the primary outcome analysis."

Interpretation

"This interim analysis of the phase 3 trial of Gam-COVID-Vac showed 91·6% efficacy against COVID-19 and was well tolerated in a large cohort."

 

[Mister Funsky]

Coming soon to a country, airline, bank and grocery store near you...

Denmark to Develop Digital Passport Proving Vaccinations
Denmark’s government is developing a digital passport that would show whether people have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Denmark's government said Wednesday it is joining forces with businesses to develop a digital passport that would show whether people have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, allowing them to travel and help ease restrictions on public life.

https://www.usnews.com/news/busines...develop-digital-passport-proving-vaccinations

 

[CraigD]

Coming soon to a country, airline, bank and grocery store near you...

Denmark to Develop Digital Passport Proving Vaccinations
Denmark’s government is developing a digital passport that would show whether people have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Denmark's government said Wednesday it is joining forces with businesses to develop a digital passport that would show whether people have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, allowing them to travel and help ease restrictions on public life.

https://www.usnews.com/news/busines...develop-digital-passport-proving-vaccinations

“It will be the extra passport that you will be able to have on your mobile phone that documents that you have been vaccinated,” Boedskov said. “We can be among the first in the world to have it and can show it to the rest of the world.”

The issue with mobile phone documents is that people need to own a smart phone that supports the app technology. This creates a divide in society because there are many who either cannot afford, cannot use or simply don't wish to use these devices. Hopefully alternatives are being made available.

 

[J Sokol]

Covid coughing study suggests NHS staff at far greater risk than thought

The NHS has been urged to rethink safety for thousands of frontline staff after new research suggested that Covid patients’ coughing is putting them at far greater risk of catching the virus than previously thought.

The study found that coughing generated at least 10 times more infectious “aerosol” particles than speaking or breathing – which could explain why so many NHS staff have fallen ill during the pandemic.

The research has led to fresh demands that anyone caring for someone with Covid-19, or suspected Covid-19, should be provided with the most protective equipment – including FFP3 respirator masks – and that hospital ventilation should be improved.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...ts-nhs-staff-at-far-greater-risk-than-thought

 

[Mister Funsky]

The issue with mobile phone documents is that people need to own a smart phone that supports the app technology. This creates a divide in society because there are many who either cannot afford, cannot use or simply don't wish to use these devices. Hopefully alternatives are being made available.

Those with the means to have the proper smart phone/device will likely embrace the ability to 'flash' their phone to gain access (to whatever it is the info is required for). Those not wanting to 'compromise' their device or who cant afford one will use something designed in the late 80's. It will likely be required to carry a card complete with chip/antenna in the near very near future to access travel and/or certain buildings with the option to have the 'proof' embedded for the sake of convenience. I'll carry the 'chip' card if I should ever fly again, but that is a far as I will go. (the last story is about a paper card)

Wisconsin workers embedded with microchips
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech...onsin-employees-got-embedded-chips/529198001/

Who needs an implanted microchip when there's an app for that?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2019/10/15/implanted-microchips-work-id-versus-app/3977729002/

Vaccination cards will be issued to everyone getting Covid-19 vaccine, health officials say
https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/02/health/covid-19-vaccination-kit-record-card/index.html

 

[Mister Funsky]

Current Covid19 death numbers as of 8:00 am EST are below, primarily from the source in the original post (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus). If your country of interest is not listed below, simply go to the link above to do a search for relevant information.

Total: 2,280,883
United States: 461,930
Brazil: 227,592
South Africa: 45,344
United Kingdom: 109,335
Canada: 20,355
Mexico: 161,240
Poland: 38,344
Russia: 75,205
India: 154,742
Bolivia: 10,571
Japan : 5,912
Indonesia: 31,001
Italy: 89,820
Spain: 60,370
Belgium: 21,216
France: 77,595
Netherlands: 14,169
Chile: 18,576
Philippines: 10,997

 

[oldtimer]

We might need to make some long term plans to deal with Covid as it seems that it's going to become a permanent part of our lives like the flu and other similar viruses that we have gotten used to living with.

For now the best that we can do is to minimize the hospitalizations and fatalities through vaccination and by abiding by the hygiene and safety guidelines and protocols that are currently being recommended by the top experts.

I am hoping that in a not too distant future we can develop new ways and methods of fighting disease that go beyond just pharmaceutical advances that we have been able to achieve so far such as microscopic robots that can hunt viruses and repair and replace damaged parts and organs from the inside of our body, or new ways of radiation that are only tuned to the resonance frequencies of harmful microorganisms and cancer cells and that can destroy them without causing any damage to the healthy cells.

But until then the best that we can do is to listen to the advice and guidance that are being provided by the top experts in these fields.

IMO

 

[J Sokol]

Coronavirus variant on track to become dominant in Florida and California hot spots, testing company says

(CNN)A more contagious coronavirus variant is on the rise in the United States and could become dominant in hot spots like Florida and Southern California "within a few weeks," according to a testing company that has helped identify the largest share of variant cases in the US.

The company, Helix, has been tracking evidence suggesting cases of B.1.1.7 -- a strain first found in the UK -- are on the rise, and not just a product of increased genetic sequencing across the country, Helix President Dr. James Lu told CNN late Wednesday.

"The rate of growth here in Florida and Southern California looks a lot like the type of growth that we have seen previously in the UK and Denmark ... where B.1.1.7 became the predominant variant strain pretty quickly," Lu said.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/04/health/us-coronavirus-thursday/index.html

 

[Mister Funsky]

Current Covid19 death numbers as of 8:00 am EST are below, primarily from the source in the original post (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus). If your country of interest is not listed below, simply go to the link above to do a search for relevant information.

Total: 2,296,684
United States: 466,988
Brazil: 228,883
South Africa: 45,605
United Kingdom: 110,250
Canada: 20,513
Mexico: 162,922
Poland: 38,712
Russia: 75,732
India: 154,862
Bolivia: 10,633
Japan : 6,020
Indonesia: 31,202
Italy: 90,241
Spain: 60,802
Belgium: 21,260
France: 77,952
Netherlands: 14,234
Chile: 18,731
Philippines: 11,058

 

[Mister Funsky]

Oxford says COVID-19 vaccine with AstraZeneca works against UK variant

LONDON (Reuters) - AstraZeneca and Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine has similar efficacy against the British coronavirus variant as it does to the previously circulating variants, the university said on Friday.

The variant, first identified in Kent, southern England, is more easily transmissible, prompting many countries to restrict travel to Britain. It also led to a spike in infections that forced a new national lockdown in England last month.

https://www.msn.com/en-au/lifestyle...razeneca-works-against-uk-variant/ar-BB1dqgzU

 

[Mister Funsky]

Current Covid19 death numbers as of 8:00 am EST are below, primarily from the source in the original post (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus). If your country of interest is not listed below, simply go to the link above to do a search for relevant information.

Total: 2,311,001
United States: 470,705
Brazil: 230,127
South Africa: 45,902
United Kingdom: 111,264
Canada: 20,609
Mexico: 164,290
Poland: 38,994
Russia: 76,229
India: 154,956
Bolivia: 10,687
Japan : 6,135
Indonesia: 31,393
Italy: 90,618
Spain: 61,386
Belgium: 21,295
France: 78,603
Netherlands: 14,294
Chile: 18,808
Philippines: 11,110

 

[Cal2]

Now that the more infectious covid variants are here, any thoughts on coating masks with salt, maybe sea salt?

Salt-Coated Filter Materials
Quan et al.6 studied the use of salt-coated filter material for surgical masks and tested them against influenza viruses. The results of the study suggested that the salt-coated filters were able to deactivate aerosolized influenza virus.6 A team from the University of Alberta is hoping to use this type of salt-coated material to develop face masks that can effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2, which has a similar morphology to other tested viruses,5 and is waiting on a grant to fund its continuing research (Dr. Hyo-Jick Choi, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta: personal communication, May 2020

Jeong et al.7 evaluated the antimicrobial performance of air filters coated by natural sea salt particles against two types of bacterial bioaerosols. The study results indicated that bacterial growth was inhibited by the salt-coated air filters (maximum reduction rate: 98%).7 The authors found that the filters’ ability to kill the bacteria increased with the amount of natural sea salt particles deposited on the filter.7

https://cadth.ca/salt-based-technologies-help-stop-spread-coronavirus

 

[Cal2]

Simple hacks to make your face mask more effective (msn.com)

"Canadian respirologist Dr. Samir Gupta explains the latest COVID-19 mask recommendations and demonstrates simple hacks to make yours more effective."

 

[Compassion]

Who needs an implanted microchip when there's an app for that?

 

[J Sokol]

How Dubai is paying the price for letting in tourists

(CNN) — Take a passing glance at Dubai, and you may think life is back to normal. In recent weeks, the bustling city has been a sparkling attraction for tourists, especially from Europe, trying to escape the brutal winter and strict coronavirus lockdowns.

But as tens of thousands of visitors flocked there during its peak year-end season, the virus inevitably caught up with the city despite precautions aimed at limiting its spread. Cases began to rise, nearly quadrupling since November.

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/dubai-tourism-crackdown-covid-19/index.html

 

[Mister Funsky]

Current Covid19 death numbers as of 8:00 am EST are below, primarily from the source in the original post (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus). If your country of interest is not listed below, simply go to the link above to do a search for relevant information.

Total: 2,322,026
United States: 473,528
Brazil: 231,069
South Africa: 46,180
United Kingdom: 112,092
Canada: 20,702
Mexico: 165,786
Poland: 39,087
Russia: 76,661
India: 155,032
Bolivia: 10,753
Japan : 6,243
Indonesia: 31,556
Italy: 91,003
Spain: 61,386
Belgium: 21,352
France: 78,794
Netherlands: 14,355
Chile: 18,895
Philippines: 11,179

 

[J Sokol]

The Covid-19 news is bad, but there's room for optimism

(CNN)Poll of the week: A new Axios/Ipsos poll finds that 63% of adults say they have had or are likely to get the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as it's made available to them. That's the highest ever recorded by Ipsos.

When given the option of getting the vaccine immediately or at a later date, 50% of Americans say they'll get it as soon as it's available compared to at a later date. That too is the highest percentage ever recorded by Ipsos.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/07/politics/covid-analysis/index.html

 

[Cal2]

Now that the more infectious covid variants are here, any thoughts on coating masks with salt, maybe sea salt?

Salt-Coated Filter Materials
Quan et al.6 studied the use of salt-coated filter material for surgical masks and tested them against influenza viruses. The results of the study suggested that the salt-coated filters were able to deactivate aerosolized influenza virus.6 A team from the University of Alberta is hoping to use this type of salt-coated material to develop face masks that can effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2, which has a similar morphology to other tested viruses,5 and is waiting on a grant to fund its continuing research (Dr. Hyo-Jick Choi, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta: personal communication, May 2020

Jeong et al.7 evaluated the antimicrobial performance of air filters coated by natural sea salt particles against two types of bacterial bioaerosols. The study results indicated that bacterial growth was inhibited by the salt-coated air filters (maximum reduction rate: 98%).7 The authors found that the filters’ ability to kill the bacteria increased with the amount of natural sea salt particles deposited on the filter.7

https://cadth.ca/salt-based-technologies-help-stop-spread-coronavirus

Right now I'm thinking that maybe having a diy sea salt solution in a spray bottle and spritzing the outer layer of masks, &/or the replacement filters in masks, might be feasible? For masks with replaceable filters: Could do the outer mask layer as well as the filter insert, if want 2 layer salt protection? I'm thinking doing the outer mask layer could also minimize possible problems from transferring covid from hands to mask.

Spritz them, but don't soak them, so as not to overly risk damage to material integrity(?) Could spritz more than once before wearing, if want to have more salt coating? Let things dry between spritzes.

Or could try sugar, if don't want salt(?) Although as was pointed out somewhere, sugar doesn't crystalize quite as readily as salt does when continuously exposed to moisture - which exhaled breath would cause to happen.

 

[J Sokol]

2020 Was Especially Deadly. Covid Wasn’t the Only Culprit.

The year 2020 has been abnormal for mortalities. At least 356,000 more people in the United States have died than usual since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the country in the spring. But not all of these deaths have been directly linked to Covid-19.

More than a quarter of deaths above normal have been from other causes, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure and pneumonia, according to a New York Times analysis of estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

40,000 extra deaths from diabetes, Alzheimer’s, high blood pressure and pneumonia

Research has shown that people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and death if they contract Covid-19.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/12/13/us/deaths-covid-other-causes.html

 

[J Sokol]

More contagious coronavirus variant identified in UK is spreading rapidly throughout the US, study says

(CNN)A new study finds that cases of a more contagious coronavirus variant are rapidly increasing in the United States, and significant community transmission may already be occurring.

Although the B.1.1.7 variant first identified in the UK is currently at a relatively low frequency in the United States, the paper says it's doubling every week and a half, similar to what was observed in other countries. The report estimates this variant is 35-45% more transmissible than strains that appeared earlier in the United States, and it's doubling about every 10 days in the country.

Last month, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention modeling predicted the B.1.1.7 variant could become the predominant strain in the United States by March. It estimates the virus is about 50% more transmissible.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/07/health/uk-coronavirus-variant-spreading-rapidly-study/index.html

 

[J Sokol]

South Africa pauses AstraZeneca vaccine rollout after study shows it offers less protection against variant

(CNN)South African health officials said Sunday they're pausing the country's rollout of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine after a study showed it offered reduced protection from the Covid-19 variant first identified there.

During a briefing on Sunday, South Africa Minister of Health Dr. Zweli Mkhize said the hold would be temporary while scientists figure out how to most effectively deploy the AstraZeneca vaccine. Mkhize said South Africa will move forward with the deployment of vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/07/health/south-africa-astrazeneca-vaccine-study/index.html

 

[koolishman]

Pfizer expects to cut COVID-19 vaccine production time by close to 50% as production ramps up, efficiencies increase

Pfizer expects to nearly cut in half the amount of time it takes to produce a batch of COVID-19 vaccine from 110 days to an average of 60 as it makes the process more efficient and production is built out, the company told USA TODAY.

As the nation revs up its vaccination programs, the increase could help relieve bottlenecks caused by vaccine shortages.

"We call this 'Project Light Speed,' and it's called that for a reason," said Chaz Calitri, Pfizer's vice president for operations for sterile injectables, who runs the company's plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. "Just in the last month we've doubled output."

 

[Mister Funsky]

Current Covid19 death numbers as of 8:00 am EST are below, primarily from the source in the original post (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus). If your country of interest is not listed below, simply go to the link above to do a search for relevant information.

Total: 2,328,807
United States: 474,933
Brazil: 231,561
South Africa: 46,290
United Kingdom: 112,465
Canada: 20,767
Mexico: 166,200
Poland: 39,132
Russia: 77,068
India: 155,114
Bolivia: 10,796
Japan : 6,338
Indonesia: 31,763
Italy: 91,273
Spain: 61,386
Belgium: 21,389
France: 78,965
Netherlands: 14,403
Chile: 18,974
Philippines: 11,231

 

[J Sokol]

Why The Pandemic Is 10 Times Worse Than You Think

Ever since the coronavirus reached the U.S., officials and citizens alike have gauged the severity of the spread by tracking one measure in particular: How many new cases are confirmed through testing each day. However, it has been clear all along that this number is an understatement because of testing shortfalls.

Now a research team at Columbia University has built a mathematical model that gives a much more complete — and scary — picture of how much virus is circulating in our communities.

The model's conclusion: On any given day, the actual number of active cases — people who are newly infected or still infectious — is likely 10 times that day's official number of reported cases.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health...the-pandemic-is-10-times-worse-than-you-think

 

[koolishman]

Study finds wearable devices can detect COVID-19 symptoms and predict diagnosis

Wearable devices can identify COVID-19 cases earlier than traditional diagnostic methods and can help track and improve management of the disease, Mount Sinai researchers report in one of the first studies on the topic. The findings were published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research on January 29.

The Warrior Watch Study found that subtle changes in a participant's heart rate variability (HRV) measured by an Apple Watch were able to signal the onset of COVID-19 up to seven days before the individual was diagnosed with the infection via nasal swab, and also to identify those who have symptoms.

The researchers enrolled several hundred health care workers throughout the Mount Sinai Health System in an ongoing digital study between April and September 2020. The participants wore Apple Watches and answered daily questions through a customized app. Changes in their HRV—a measure of nervous system function detected by the wearable device—were used to identify and predict whether the workers were infected with COVID-19 or had symptoms. Other daily symptoms that were collected included fever or chills, tiredness or weakness, body aches, dry cough, sneezing, runny nose, diarrhea, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, and itchy eyes.

Additionally, the researchers found that 7 to 14 days after diagnosis with COVID-19, the HRV pattern began to normalize and was no longer statistically different from the patterns of those who were not infected.