***NON-POLITICAL COVID-19 Discussion Thread***

[JakeF]

A couple of reminders...

Originally Posted by Bwana

Once again, don't come in this thread with some kind of political agenda, or you will be shown the door. If you want to go that route, there is a thread about this in DC.

Originally Posted by Dartgod

People, there is a lot of good information in this thread, let's try to keep the petty bickering to a minimum.

We all have varying opinions about the impact of this, the numbers, etc. We will all never agree with each other. But we can all keep it civil.

Thanks!

Click here for the original OP:

Spoiler!

Apparently the CoronaVirus can survive on a inanimate objects, such as door knobs, for 9 days.

California coronavirus case could be first spread within U.S. community, CDC says
By SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA, JACLYN COSGROVE
FEB. 26, 2020 8:04 PM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating what could be the first case of novel coronavirus in the United States involving a patient in California who neither recently traveled out of the country nor was in contact with someone who did.

“At this time, the patient’s exposure is unknown. It’s possible this could be an instance of community spread of COVID-19, which would be the first time this has happened in the United States,” the CDC said in a statement. “Community spread means spread of an illness for which the source of infection is unknown. It’s also possible, however, that the patient may have been exposed to a returned traveler who was infected.”

The individual is a resident of Solano County and is receiving medical care in Sacramento County, according to the state Department of Public Health.

The CDC said the “case was detected through the U.S. public health system — picked up by astute clinicians.”

Officials at UC Davis Medical Center expanded on what the federal agency might have meant by that in an email sent Wednesday, as reported by the Davis Enterprise newspaper.

The patient arrived at UC Davis Medical Center from another hospital Feb. 19 and “had already been intubated, was on a ventilator, and given droplet protection orders because of an undiagnosed and suspected viral condition,” according to an email sent by UC Davis officials that was obtained by the Davis Enterprise.

The staff at UC Davis requested COVID-19 testing by the CDC, but because the patient didn’t fit the CDC’s existing criteria for the virus, a test wasn’t immediately administered, according to the email. The CDC then ordered the test Sunday, and results were announced Wednesday. Hospital administrators reportedly said in the email that despite these issues, there has been minimal exposure at the hospital because of safety protocols they have in place.

A UC Davis Health spokesperson declined Wednesday evening to share the email with The Times.

Since Feb. 2, more than 8,400 returning travelers from China have entered California, according to the state health department. They have been advised to self-quarantine for 14 days and limit interactions with others as much as possible, officials said.

“This is a new virus, and while we are still learning about it, there is a lot we already know,” Dr. Sonia Angell, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement. “We have been anticipating the potential for such a case in the U.S., and given our close familial, social and business relationships with China, it is not unexpected that the first case in the U.S. would be in California.”

It is not clear how the person became infected, but public health workers could not identify any contacts with people who had traveled to China or other areas where the virus is widespread. That raises concern that the virus is spreading in the United States, creating a challenge for public health officials, experts say.

“It’s the first signal that we could be having silent transmission in the community,” said Lawrence Gostin, director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law. “It probably means there are many more cases out there, and it probably means this individual has infected others, and now it’s a race to try to find out who that person has infected.”

On Tuesday, the CDC offered its most serious warning to date that the United States should expect and prepare for the coronavirus to become a more widespread health issue.

“Ultimately, we expect we will see coronavirus spread in this country,” said Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “It’s not so much a question of if, but a question of when.”

According to the CDC’s latest count Wednesday morning, 59 U.S. residents have tested positive for the new strain of coronavirus — 42 of whom are repatriated citizens from a Diamond Princess cruise. That number has grown by two since Messonnier’s last count Tuesday, although the CDC was not immediately available to offer details on the additional cases.

More than 82,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported globally, and more than 2,700 people have died, with the majority in mainland China, the epicenter of the outbreak.

But public health leaders have repeatedly reminded residents that the health risk from the novel coronavirus to the general public remains low.

“While COVID-19 has a high transmission rate, it has a low mortality rate,” the state Department of Public Health said in a statement Wednesday. “From the international data we have, of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, approximately 80% do not exhibit symptoms that would require hospitalization. There have been no confirmed deaths related to COVID-19 in the United States to date.”

CDC officials have also warned that although the virus is likely to spread in U.S. communities, the flu still poses a greater risk.

Gostin said the news of potential silent transmission does not eliminate the possibility of containing the virus in the U.S. and preventing an outbreak.

“There are few enough cases that we should at least try,” he said. “Most of us are not optimistic that that will be successful, but we’re still in the position to try.”

[oliverwilson1987]

Originally Posted by JakeF

A couple of reminders...





Click here for the original OP:

Spoiler!

Apparently the CoronaVirus can survive on a inanimate objects, such as door knobs, for 9 days.

California coronavirus case could be first spread within U.S. community, CDC says
By SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA, JACLYN COSGROVE
FEB. 26, 2020 8:04 PM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating what could be the first case of novel coronavirus in the United States involving a patient in California who neither recently traveled out of the country nor was in contact with someone who did.

“At this time, the patient’s exposure is unknown. It’s possible this could be an instance of community spread of COVID-19, which would be the first time this has happened in the United States,” the CDC said in a statement. “Community spread means spread of an illness for which the source of infection is unknown. It’s also possible, however, that the patient may have been exposed to a returned traveler who was infected.”

The individual is a resident of Solano County and is receiving medical care in Sacramento County, according to the state Department of Public Health.

The CDC said the “case was detected through the U.S. public health system — picked up by astute clinicians.”

Officials at UC Davis Medical Center expanded on what the federal agency might have meant by that in an email sent Wednesday, as reported by the Davis Enterprise newspaper.

The patient arrived at UC Davis Medical Center from another hospital Feb. 19 and “had already been intubated, was on a ventilator, and given droplet protection orders because of an undiagnosed and suspected viral condition,” according to an email sent by UC Davis officials that was obtained by the Davis Enterprise.

The staff at UC Davis requested COVID-19 testing by the CDC, but because the patient didn’t fit the CDC’s existing criteria for the virus, a test wasn’t immediately administered, according to the email. The CDC then ordered the test Sunday, and results were announced Wednesday. Hospital administrators reportedly said in the email that despite these issues, there has been minimal exposure at the hospital because of safety protocols they have in place.

A UC Davis Health spokesperson declined Wednesday evening to share the email with The Times.

Since Feb. 2, more than 8,400 returning travelers from China have entered California, according to the state health department. They have been advised to self-quarantine for 14 days and limit interactions with others as much as possible, officials said.

“This is a new virus, and while we are still learning about it, there is a lot we already know,” Dr. Sonia Angell, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement. “We have been anticipating the potential for such a case in the U.S., and given our close familial, social and business relationships with China, it is not unexpected that the first case in the U.S. would be in California.”

It is not clear how the person became infected, but public health workers could not identify any contacts with people who had traveled to China or other areas where the virus is widespread. That raises concern that the virus is spreading in the United States, creating a challenge for public health officials, experts say.

“It’s the first signal that we could be having silent transmission in the community,” said Lawrence Gostin, director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law. “It probably means there are many more cases out there, and it probably means this individual has infected others, and now it’s a race to try to find out who that person has infected.”

On Tuesday, the CDC offered its most serious warning to date that the United States should expect and prepare for the coronavirus to become a more widespread health issue.

“Ultimately, we expect we will see coronavirus spread in this country,” said Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “It’s not so much a question of if, but a question of when.”

According to the CDC’s latest count Wednesday morning, 59 U.S. residents have tested positive for the new strain of coronavirus — 42 of whom are repatriated citizens from a Diamond Princess cruise. That number has grown by two since Messonnier’s last count Tuesday, although the CDC was not immediately available to offer details on the additional cases.

More than 82,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported globally, and more than 2,700 people have died, with the majority in mainland China, the epicenter of the outbreak.

But public health leaders have repeatedly reminded residents that the health risk from the novel coronavirus to the general public remains low.

“While COVID-19 has a high transmission rate, it has a low mortality rate,” the state Department of Public Health said in a statement Wednesday. “From the international data we have, of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, approximately 80% do not exhibit symptoms that would require hospitalization. There have been no confirmed deaths related to COVID-19 in the United States to date.”

CDC officials have also warned that although the virus is likely to spread in U.S. communities, the flu still poses a greater risk.

Gostin said the news of potential silent transmission does not eliminate the possibility of containing the virus in the U.S. and preventing an outbreak.

“There are few enough cases that we should at least try,” he said. “Most of us are not optimistic that that will be successful, but we’re still in the position to try.”

Please take care of yourself! I wish you all good health!

[loochy]

Originally Posted by oliverwilson1987

Please take care of yourself! I wish you all good health!

[TLO]

Originally Posted by oliverwilson1987

Please take care of yourself! I wish you all good health!

Originally Posted by loochy

About oliverwilson1987
Real First Name
Oliver
Biography
I'm really fond of domestic reptiles! I have python regius. His name is Charlie.
Location
New York, USA
Interests
Golf, basketball, painting
Occupation
Coder
Referral
Internet

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by lewdog

You might want to leave your comfy little county once in a while before citing minority mask wearing.

It's 90%+ masks here everywhere now. As it should be in a state the surged to the top with COVID.

[O.city]

There's a big difference in this vaccine and an influenza vaccine. Influenza has a high mutation rate and they make the vaccine off somewhat of their best guess as to how it will mutate. Even if you have the shot, yes you can still get the flu. Likely, it will be more mild than if you didn't have the vaccine.

Even if thats the case with this one, it's a huge improvement.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by TLO

The heart stuff is somewhat concerning, but it still seems pretty anecdotal at this point. I'm optimistic it won't turn out to be anything that happens with any great regularity.

Its almost like we forget that all kinds of illnesses have some type of secondary impact on a very small % of people who get the illness.

By the same silly standards none of the medication with side effects should ever be taken. Or the vaccine for Corona when it comes out.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by O.city

There's a big difference in this vaccine and an influenza vaccine. Influenza has a high mutation rate and they make the vaccine off somewhat of their best guess as to how it will mutate. Even if you have the shot, yes you can still get the flu. Likely, it will be more mild than if you didn't have the vaccine.

Even if thats the case with this one, it's a huge improvement.

I don't get the flu, at least not in any way I associate how others get the flu so I am really not too concerned about getting a covid vaccine either.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

Because hardly anyone wears them unless it's somewhere "required". I don't know about other parts of the country but in my local area its probably 75% anti mask.

Do you live in a state which is presently seeing a large spike in cases and positivity?

[O.city]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

I don't get the flu, at least not in any way I associate how others get the flu so I am really not too concerned about getting a covid vaccine either.

You won't get it til you get it my man.

In my profession, I always get it. Damn if i didn't this last year and I had a 2/3 week terrible battle with the flu (i think).

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Donger

Do you live in a state which is presently seeing a large spike in cases and positivity?

I do and it's about 60/40 here masks vs. not.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

I do and it's about 60/40 here masks vs. not.

I wonder if there could possibly be some correlation.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by O.city

You won't get it til you get it my man.

In my profession, I always get it. Damn if i didn't this last year and I had a 2/3 week terrible battle with the flu (i think).

Of course it's coincidence but the last time I got a flu shot, I ended up still getting the flu and it wasn't mild, it was the bed-ridden for a week kind. So I just said **** it and stopped getting them. I haven't had the flu since so I just stopped worrying about it.

Of course COVID is a pretty different deal. The flu vaccine is about protecting one's self more than anything else. The way I understand what you guys have said, COVID doesn't mutate like that, at least not that fast, so a vaccine for COVID, like say the measles vaccine, has a really good chance of protecting other people from getting it from me.

That's the only reason I wear a mask (other than I'm not into provoking people for no reason, we've had fist fights in our area) is because it could potentially protect other people. If that's the case with a vaccine, I'll definitely think about it, although I'm not into injecting stuff that hasn't been completely vetted first.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Donger

I wonder if there could possibly be some correlation.

I don't think so. Even 2 weeks ago, the ratio was a lot more lopsided towards masks and we still started this latest spike. I think a lot of people figure they're going to get it no matter what.

I honestly think 6 ft. spacing is way more important. Earlier this year, we had a spike in my area even though I'd say 90% were wearing masks because even though they were masked, they would huddle like sardines in line at the grocery store and talk to each other because they hadn't had any outside interaction in 2 months.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

I don't think so. Even 2 weeks ago, the ratio was a lot more lopsided towards masks and we still started this latest spike. I think a lot of people figure they're going to get it no matter what.

I honestly think 6 ft. spacing is way more important. Earlier this year, we had a spike in my area even though I'd say 90% were wearing masks because even though they were masked, they would huddle like sardines in line at the grocery store and talk to each other because they hadn't had any outside interaction in 2 months.

60/40 really isn't very good. In Colorado, at least in my county, it's nearly 95% compliance and has been since the mandate. Our new case growth declined and positivity is less than 3%

We know masks help prevent the spread. Like you said, it's about you wanting to help do your part in trying to stop this ****ing bug. I wish more people acted that way. I think we all want this thing to go away as soon as possible.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Donger

60/40 really isn't very good. In Colorado, at least in my county, it's nearly 95% compliance and has been since the mandate. Our new case growth declined and positivity is less than 3%

We know masks help prevent the spread. Like you said, it's about you wanting to help do your part in trying to stop this ****ing bug. I wish more people acted that way. I think we all want this thing to go away as soon as possible.

60/40 is pretty bad. But what I'm saying is that it's steadily declining even as the number of cases here are going up. It was much much higher even a couple of weeks ago and then we started this latest spike anyway.

I think people are just worn out by the whole thing and I know a few people that have said they're going to get it no matter what so why bother - that's why I said I think people are just giving up on wearing masks. They don't have any faith that they actually work.

There's a malaise setting in that's going to end up lasting a lot longer than the virus if we're not careful. I'm not against protective measures at all but as you know, I've been pretty vocal all along about considering the secondary issues that come with this - isolation, suicide, bankruptcy, etc. We've lost 3 local restaurants to this situation now and they're not coming back. The big chain stores are impervious, the small guys are dropping like flies.

We already have a bad rural drug problem with meth and heroin and overdoses have doubled over the last 5 months. Then you add in the people that have killed themselves (one my friends had 2 friends that killed themselves after a week in quarantine, one of them was never actually exposed to a sick person, just someone who had been exposed themselves). The collateral damage of this is pretty high so we have to try to strike some kind of balance.

Another anecdotal story for you just to understand the dilemma:

My daughter's best friend is in Minnesota for college. A student there showed symptoms and was placed in a new dorm room specifically set aside for quarantine. She was tested, and tested negative. The doctor diagnosed her with a sinus infection, said she didn't have COVID and sent her back to school.

They put her BACK in the quarantine room and told her she had to stay there 14 days. She's missed 3 golf meets (they only have like 9), missed a bunch of class that she has to try and make up without the benefit of having been to the lectures, and on top of that, one day they up and forgot to bring her food. She went 30 hours without any food because food service forgot she was there.

If we really want to beat this thing, people have to stop being stupid about it. On both sides.