***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.”

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

Yes, this was the concern I saw being voiced in comments.

Certainly a dicey situation if the truck drivers get sick.

I wonder what the capacity is for the nat'l guard is to pick up some slack. I know they'll be needed for other things so...

Supplies will be shorter - no doubt. Things won't stop they'll just be fewer.

I'm sure trains will increase if possible and priority will be given to what's shipped that way.

The last thing I remember reading driverless transport was realistically still 2 years away...

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by SuperBowl4

They are? I thought they were all autonomous!

Saw on 60 minutes last night that they are testing driverless semis

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by suzzer99

Obviously it’s not going to stop everything from getting out - but if it catches the droplets that could make a big difference.

There aren't enough.

It's a great idea. If everyone that had it didn't spread it that is that.

The reason everyone is being told to stay home is there aren't enough masks. If everyone covers their face that will help a lot. It won't protect you but it will protect others more from you...

[rabblerouser]

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

Forget the corona virus, when is OP getting AIDS?

He's getting CoronAIDS.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Saw on 60 minutes last night that they are testing driverless semis

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by Bwana

Yeah things are spiraling out of control quickly. I wonder how many people are going to lose their jobs over this? I got a call this morning and was told that my job had been eliminated due to their perceived notion that there would be lack of business, due to the Corona scare. They basically cut me loose and my entire sales team. At least I have a cash reserve to hold me over, but a lot of my sales team doesn't.

It either happens now planned, or later unplanned. I think you would want to take the measured approach and the planned route either way people are going to lose their jobs, and have to be at home.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

Yes, this was the concern I saw being voiced in comments.

Certainly a dicey situation if the truck drivers get sick.

thats why the national guard should already be involved. They have truck drivers, nurses, logistic trained citizens to help out beyond sitting up the field hospitals. If this was a response to a hurricane, earthquake etc. they’d already be involved.

[Rukdafaidas]

Originally Posted by Rausch

My wife works at a Dollar General supply center. They pack and ship everything that goes to the stores.

She got a text yesterday stating they were working 11 hours a day, 7 days a week until further notice (and likely at least the next month.)

I know they will be shipping out what they have as fast as possible...

Yeah, my wife works at a Sam's Club and they have been extremely busy for a few weeks now. To top it off, they're catching a lot of hell from the customers for being out of things. Like it's their fault.

[sedated]

Regarding food, one of the good things is that we are not hearing about food shortages in the countries that have been hit hard. I'm sure those people have been doing just as much stockpiling as we have.

It is actually fortunate to be behind other countries in terms of the outbreak, its given us a preview as to what to expect and how we can adjust.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by BWillie

It either happens now planned, or later unplanned. I think you would want to take the measured approach and the planned route either way people are going to lose their jobs, and have to be at home.

I think there will be a dramatic restructure to our and the world economy if this lasts a while.

Even if it doesn't the economic hit will be huge.

One one hand many people will lose jobs and businesses. On the other whatever is left will need bodies badly...

[Mennonite]

Northern Italy currently a ghost town pic.twitter.com/jnZLN0PWPr

— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) March 16, 2020

[FAX]

I smell a diseased rat.

Due to my personal lack of current, detailed information (as opposed to rumor and speculation) on the subject, I spent some time yesterday taking a look at CDC and WHO data regarding COVID-19 and the various known strains of seasonal flu. I also took the time to listen to several researchers and virologists voicing their views on COVID-19 (these were scientists ... NOT American media talking-head types). Based on both the global and US numbers, I'm concerned that we may be in the midst of one of the greatest deceptions in American history (medical or otherwise). Obviously, as a mere layperson, I have no way of knowing with certainty, but I do possess common sense and things simply aren't adding up.

I encourage everyone on this site to dig into the numbers and seek in-depth, professional opinions on the science. Something isn't "right".

If we're going to re-calibrate society, our economy, and our personal behavior, I'd like to think we're doing it based on reality. As of this moment, I have my doubts.

FAX

[Jerm]

I woke up this morning feeling achy and just lethargic, coughing some, head hurts...don't have a fever yet.

Was out at the same hospital in this town where the positive came from...was there twice.

I'm starting to wonder...

[F150]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

thats why the national guard should already be involved. They have truck drivers, nurses, logistic trained citizens to help out beyond sitting up the field hospitals. If this was a response to a hurricane, earthquake etc. they’d already be involved.

Seems like an over reaction at this point. Not sure what the guard would accomplish. If anything maybe in NY.Wash....plus that not a federal call, thats up to the governors.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by sedated

Regarding food, one of the good things is that we are not hearing about food shortages in the countries that have been hit hard. I'm sure those people have been doing just as much stockpiling as we have.

It is actually fortunate to be behind other countries in terms of the outbreak, its given us a preview as to what to expect and how we can adjust.

I'd be willing to bet most of those countries are more self-reliant than we (the US) are. Very few Americans grow much of their own diet. Certainly no one in large population centers...