Formerly DT: COVID-19 - Featuring Lots of Politics, now CR because political talk not going away

[1978horn 880]

1 minute ago, InkaUtexas said:

Any idea what the threshold is? 

I believe he said with counties that have 5 or less cases.

[dcar00 14023]

4 minutes ago, Hmmm said:

smh at these posts.  we can have multiple discussions at the same time.  and if my ship hits an iceberg, you damn well better be sure I want to know where that iceberg is so i don't hit it again.

yeah well fuck china with just the tip.

[GRHorn 105]

Thots and pears to all the moms out there who were ready for salons and nail joints to open.

[Lat22 3990]

It's a start I guess.

[WBT 20397]

1 minute ago, 1978horn said:

I believe he said with counties that have 5 or less cases.

correct.

fewer.

[dcar00 14023]

27 minutes ago, Pato del Muerto said:

But they are covered in Chinese workers

OK but who isn't?

[GRHorn 105]

3 minutes ago, LebongJames said:

Also how are restaurants going to feel at 25% capacity? Are you going to be allowed to sit at the bar?

Theyre gonna feel great. I know for a fact that my fam will be on a patio somewhere at about 5:01 Friday afternoon.

[Cheeseweasel 26437]

1 minute ago, dcar00 said:

OK but who isn't?

China? Sounds like they are exporting them all.

[Trey3216 15325]

7 minutes ago, LebongJames said:

I think the Abbott guidelines are the right move. I talked about lower capacities weeks ago. The two week trial is also what should have been done.

I like that the delay is 17 days rather than a flat two weeks.   The few extra day lag time should account for some overlap of case monitoring.  

[Bozo_Casanova 26232]

1 hour ago, Lurch said:

 

 

[bullzak 411]

1 hour ago, Lurch said:

 

Hopeful, but IIRC correctly history is littered with vaccine attempts that didn't translate from primates to people. Ebola was one of them I think. 

That said, it seems probable they are closing in. Just continue to be stunned and amazed at medical science. You have a lot of the brightest people on the planet going balls to the wall to make it happen. Restores your faith in humanity. 

[Brisketexan 104463]

1 hour ago, Anastasis said:

Well that's a positive development.

Heres a nice summary of the different vax initiatives: https://blogs.sciencemag.org/pipeline/archives/2020/04/23/a-close-look-at-the-frontrunning-coronavirus-vaccines-as-of-april-23

 

THANK GOD.  I was terribly worried about the health of my monkey, so this bodes well.

 

 

 

[atomheartbevo 89362]

7 hours ago, South Austin said:

Interesting. Yesterday morning my HEB was all out of HEB/Central Market-brand whole chickens.  They just had a few of the shitty Pilgrim’s chickens. Never seen that before.

Weekends are busy?   We got plenty of chicken at our curbside on Saturday.  Not whole chicken though.   

Edited April 27, 2020 by atomheartbevo

[atomheartbevo 89362]

6 hours ago, XYZ said:

WTF has New Zealand done? They’ve been crushing the ‘rona.

Not being racist, but have you ever seen how a hobbit lives?   Fuckers could all have it and you’d never know it.  

[atomheartbevo 89362]

5 hours ago, Armybrat said:

Apple supposedly is already starting to move some of their operations back to the US, and I suspect a lot of other industries will follow suit.

Doubt they are moving much back here, and if they did, it’d be robots making it anyways.   

5 hours ago, Armybrat said:

Our homegrown manufacturing needs to be reenergized so we don’t reply on those assholes for so much of our critical needs.

Yeah, I’ll pay more for better quality US made shit.

I agree, but you and I are not settled with a shitload of credit card debt and living paycheck-to-paycheck like many are.  

[atomheartbevo 89362]

3 hours ago, BabaYaga said:

Remember when bills were smaller - specific responses to a specific agenda item and side-bar topics had to be addressed as separate items?  Yeah, me too....

3 hours ago, Anastasis said:

When was that exactly?

Ask armybrat.   

[ChiTownDoc 21091]

51 minutes ago, Johnny Sack said:

Can they just not shut them down and walk, Uber, bike to work?  

Yeah, I would think there's lots of better ways to handle these issues.  A lot of riders are homeless/mentally ill and that always complicates shit. 

[atomheartbevo 89362]

6 hours ago, Enchubben said:

Don't forget the oiled up cotton ball in your butt!

That guy appears to be still alive, although Wikipedia was not kind to him.

”He became a butt of jokes in Iran in March 2020, after he suggested applying violet oil to the anus as a cure for COVID-19.”

I was certain he would be dead by now.   Hell, maybe he is.  

Edited April 27, 2020 by atomheartbevo

[Bozo_Casanova 26232]

1 hour ago, Dr. Beeper said:

Preventing people from wet markets changes our entire relationship with the natural world?  

Shrinking from 7B to 5B people would have disastrous consequences. Remember what your grandparents told you about the Great Depression, and then multiply by some unquantified magnitude of at least 2x. 

whoosh

[rage-a-holic 4299]

This is so great! I am always excited about Thurspaulday!

[wild_turkey 3150]

Is there a legal distinction that classifies an establishment as a bar and not as a restaurant? Most bars at least sell chips or nuts. How much snack food has to be on hand for a bar to consider itself a restaurant and be able to open on May 1?

[ChiTownDoc 21091]

Johns Hopkins Daily Update: 

Spoiler

April 27, 2020   EPI UPDATE The WHO COVID-19 Situation Report for April 26 reports 2.80 million confirmed cases (84,900 new; 260,004 since Friday’s briefing) and 193,722 deaths (6,018 new; 18,028 since Friday’s briefing).   In addition to updating how confirmed COVID-19 cases are reported (i.e., limiting them to positive PCR test results), Spain also updated their dashboard display to reflect that change. Spain continues to report only new PCR positive cases on the dashboard, and it updated the total cases to utilize the same case definition. Spain reported 209,465 cases (1,831 new) on April 26, and its daily incidence appears to be steadily decreasing since early April. Spain stopped publishing specific numbers for positive serological tests in its daily situation reports, but the data for both PCR and serological tests is available via a link on the dashboard page to download the data.   After 6 days of decreased numbers of active daily cases, Italy reported a slight increase on April 26, but the total decreased again on April 27. Italy continues its overall decline in daily incidence, which has persisted for more than 5 weeks. Austria’s reported COVID-19 incidence appears to be remaining at a low level, and Germany continues its trend of declining daily incidence. Russia has reported approximately 6,000 new cases per day over the past several days. As of today, Russia surpassed China in terms of reported COVID-19 cases with 87,147. Belarus continued its elevated daily COVID-19 incidence.    India appears to be holding relatively steady at approximately 1,500-1,700 new cases per day, although there may still be a slight increase over the longer term. Pakistan continued to report elevated daily incidence over the weekend, posting its second and third highest daily totals on April 24 and 25, indicating that Pakistan’s COVID-19 epidemic continues to accelerate.   Singapore reported 799 new COVID-19 cases, including 764 among dormitory residents. Migrant workers living in these dormitory facilities continue to drive Singapore’s accelerating COVID-19 epidemic, representing 84.4% of all COVID-19 cases reported in Singapore (12,183 out of 14,423 total cases), including 95.1% reported in the past week (6,099 out of 6,409 cases). While reported “community cases” remain low, there is potential for transmission to reach beyond the migrant worker community. Indonesia reported 2 days of significantly lower daily incidence (214 on April 27, fewer than half of the daily total on April 25); however, considering these were over the weekend, it is unclear whether this could signal further decreases in the future. Bangladesh reported 497 new cases today—its second highest daily total—continuing its steady acceleration.   After 4 consecutive days of increasing daily incidence, New York state reported a decrease on April 25 (5,902). On April 24, the state reported its fifth highest daily total (10,553 new cases). Additionally, New York City also reported increasing daily incidence through April 24, followed by a decrease on April 25 (3,145 new cases). The daily incidence for both New York City and state continue to largely correspond to trends in the number of tests performed.   Georgia and Texas both appear to be remaining relatively steady in terms of daily incidence. Georgia has reported approximately 600-800 new cases per day over the past several weeks, and Texas has reported approximately 800-1,000 new cases per day over a similar period. Georgia’s Department of Public Health reports significantly fewer daily cases over the past week, but the data is displayed by symptom onset rather than report date, which could explain the disparity with the New York Times data, a popular data resource. Trends in daily incidence will warrant close monitoring over the next several weeks as Georgia, Texas, and other states begin to ease statewide physical distancing measures.   On Friday, April 24, the US CDC reported 37,144 new cases, the country’s highest daily total since the onset of the pandemic. On April 26, the CDC reported 928,619 total cases (32,853 new from the previous day; 2,663 probable) and 50,439 deaths (2,020 new from the previous day; 5,402 probable). In total, 18 states reported more than 10,000 cases (no change), including New York with more than 200,000; New Jersey more than 100,000; and Massachusetts more than 50,000. In total, 35 states (decrease of 2) are reporting widespread community transmission. Based on recent daily incidence trends, the United States could reach 1 million cases in 2-3 days.   The Johns Hopkins CSSE dashboard is reporting 972,969 US cases and 55,118 deaths as of 12:30pm on April 27.   CANADA RESPONSE Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a new rent subsidy program which would provide financial resources to property owners and businesses to cover rent payments. The program would pay 50% of the rent for 3 months to the building owners, but it requires them to reduce the rent cost and refrain from evicting tenants. The businesses themselves would be required to cover the remaining rent. Like some other countries, Canada is facing the challenge of maintaining vaccination coverage for children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Paediatric Society emphasized the importance of maintaining vaccination schedules, particularly as vaccination requirements to enter child care and schools are not being enforced while they are closed. Last week, Canada reportedly received 1 million KN95 respirators from China, but the masks did not comply with government standards for use in healthcare settings. The Canadian government has authorized these types of respirators for use in healthcare settings; however, the items tested did not meet the minimum standards. The Canadian government is determining whether the respirators are suitable for use in other settings.   CALL CENTERS National and local health officials in South Korea published a case study of a COVID-19 outbreak at a call center. The cluster of COVID-19 cases was originally reported in early March, in a “commercial-residential mixed-use building,” and the outbreak resulted in 97 confirmed cases at the time of the investigation. Notably, the building consists of office spaces on floors 1-11 and residential apartments on floors 13-19. Of the 97 cases, 94 were detected among employees of a call center on the 11th floor. The epidemiological investigation determined that there was little mixing between employees on different floors. In total, there were 922 employees and 203 residents in the building (plus an additional 20 visitors during the investigation period), but only 216 employees worked in the 11th floor call center (attack rate of 43.5%), most of which worked in a single room. The investigation did not identify an index case for this outbreak. This outbreak illustrates the potential for SARS-CoV-2 transmission among individuals with prolonged close contact, such as in office settings.   NPR published a detailed overview of the impact of India’s national “lockdown” measures on the country’s call centers, a major commercial sector in the country. India provides much of the world’s customer service and technical support via call centers located nationwide, including for communication and banking companies as well as hospitals, police, and other first responders. More than 4 million individuals across India are employed at these call centers. After India initially announced the national lockdown, these workers were classified as essential, but there have been delays in communicating that to local governments and in transitioning employees to work remotely. Additionally, the shift raises concerns about the security of personal information (e.g., medical records, credit card numbers) for employees working from home using their own personal computers.   COVID-19 DOWNSTREAM IMPACT- WHO GUIDANCE The April 26 WHO COVID-19 Situation Report included links to several documents related to potential downstream health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the WHO emphasized the importance of maintaining malaria prevention and treatment programs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO analysis indicates that a worst-case scenario, involving a total interruption of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and a 75% decrease in available antimalarial drugs, could potentially result in twice the number of malaria deaths compared to 2018, “a return to malaria mortality levels last seen 20 years ago.” The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) also emphasized the importance of malaria prevention and treatment, particularly in protecting progress toward elimination in several countries over the past several years. The WHO and PAHO published guidance regarding malaria control efforts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of particular note is the recognition that there may be shortages of the antimalarial drug chloroquine due to increased demand as a potential treatment option for COVID-19. PAHO also published an article discussing the importance of continued routine vaccination, including for seasonal influenza, and highlighting novel solutions and innovative approaches utilized by several countries to maintain national vaccination programs during the pandemic. Finally, the WHO European Regional Office issued a statement regarding the need to develop “sustainable people-centered long-term care in the wake of COVID-19.” The statement emphasized that recent indications of success (e.g., decreasing daily incidence or active cases) does not signal success against the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the statement calls attention to the elevated risk at long-term care facilities and calls for countries across the continent to revisit the operation of long-term care facilities to reduce the vulnerability of high-risk populations for COVID-19 and future health emergencies.   EASING SOCIAL DISTANCING UNITED STATES As states continue to develop and implement plans to relax physical distancing measures, several modeling efforts indicate that most US states do not have sufficient testing capacity in place to begin moving forward with those plans. In collaboration with STAT News, researchers at Harvard’s Global Health Institute analyzed the number of tests per day that would be required in each state by May 1 in order to effectively inform decisions regarding social distancing. The researchers then compared that volume to testing capacity data published by the COVID Tracking Project to evaluate where individuals states stand. They found that the vast majority of states fell well short of where they would need to be to effectively monitor and track new cases. Another effort by Washington University’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) took a different approach, aiming to estimate the date on which SARS-CoV-2 transmission could fall within states’ existing capacity. The IHME model was based on the assumption that states could likely handle approximately 1 new case per million people, based on existing testing and contact tracing capacity. The researchers then analyzed trends in reported COVID-19 cases to estimate when daily incidence could be expected fall to that level in each state. The IHME modeling effort estimates that only 5 states will reach that point by May 10, and 20 states and Washington, DC, will reach that point on June 1 or later.   EUROPE The WHO European Regional Office (EURO) published guidance for countries regarding the process to ease social distancing measures. The guidance includes 6 principal criteria for countries to consider before relaxing social distancing: (1) evidence that COVID-19 is coming under control, (2) national testing and contact tracing capacity, (3) “minimized” risks to vulnerable populations, (4) workplace physical distancing and hygiene measures, (5) mitigated risk of imported cases, and (6) community engagement before and during the transition. The EURO guidance also emphasizes 4 key components for decision-making: (1) evidence-based process, (2) healthcare capacity for both routine services and COVID-19 response, (3) social and behavioral considerations, and (4) social and economic support for individuals and communities.   JAPAN The Japanese island of Hokkaido may offer some insight into the potential effects of lifting social distancing measures prematurely. TIME published an article discussing the island’s decisions to relax physical distancing measures and the spike in COVID-19 incidence that followed. After several dozen COVID-19 cases were detected following a major festival that took place in late January, the government declared a state of emergency and requested that residents and businesses adhere to “lockdown” recommendations. After several weeks of lockdown—and associated decreases in COVID-19 incidence and severe economic effects—the government lifted the state of emergency to allow residents to resume businesses and other activities, while keeping some government facilities and schools closed. According to the report, normal social activity—including travel from other parts of Japan—resumed almost immediately. Three weeks later, Hokkaido reported its highest daily incidence. Several days later, the island reported an 80% increase in COVID-19 cases compared to the total when the lockdown was lifted, and the local government issued a second emergency declaration. The local outbreak had increased by another 70% over the following week. The rapid return to normal social interaction may have fueled a substantial resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, which potentially prolonged the economic and social impact of the lockdown. Many factors contribute to both the health and economic effects of implementing and lifting physical distancing measures; however, this case study could provide insight into these mechanisms as other locations begin developing and evaluating their own plans.   AFRICA The BBC published an overview of varying social distancing and lockdown approaches implemented by countries in Africa. Despite a recent surge in cases across the continent, some countries in Africa are evaluating if and how to begin easing these restrictions. National measures range from prohibitions on large public gatherings to closing schools to city lockdowns and restrictions on travel within countries. Like other parts of the world, lockdowns and other social distancing measures are having significant economic impact, particularly for lower-income individuals. While some countries are maintaining their restrictions, others are beginning to lift some. For example, Ghana reportedly lifted some restrictions on businesses but kept schools closed and maintained bans on public gatherings. The BBC is also maintaining a tracker for COVID-19 incidence and social distancing programs implemented in Africa, including the degree of lockdown (e.g., national, partial, curfew) and start and end dates for each country.   IMMUNITY CERTIFICATES & PASSPORTS As serological testing capacity increases worldwide, countries and businesses are developing plans to implement broader testing programs and evaluating mechanisms to use the available data. One particular tool that has been mentioned by health and elected officials in multiple countries is “immunity passports/certificates” that could enable those with antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 to resume normal activities; however, this concept presents a myriad of technical, social, ethical, and legal challenges. The WHO published a statement regarding the use of serological tests for this purpose. The WHO notes that there is not currently sufficient evidence to determine whether individuals who have been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 are immune to future infections. Based on a review of a number of studies, most identified antibodies in individuals who recovered from the infection, but none have yet determined that the presence of these antibodies confers protection against future infection or at what level this would occur. Additionally, the available serological tests need to be validated in order to understand their accuracy and limitations. The WHO encourages the continued use of serological tests to evaluate the scope and severity of the pandemic at the population level—including high-risk populations, such as healthcare workers—but it warns against the use of that data to predict individual immunity. It also emphasizes that the use of “immunity passports/certificates” could actually result in increased SARS-CoV-2 transmission resulting from susceptible individuals who believe they are immune and therefore relax precautions.   TOCILIZUMAB- PRELIMINARY DATA Researchers at the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) published preliminary results from a study of tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody utilized for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In a randomized clinical trial, 65 COVID-19 patients were treated using standard care and tocilizumab, and 64 patients were treated using standard care only. The drug was evaluated as a potential treatment to mitigate the “cytokine storm” that is believed to contribute to acute respiratory failure and death in COVID-19 patients. According to a press release published by AP-HP, the patients that received the drug were significantly less likely to die or require mechanical ventilation over a 14-day period. The study has not yet undergone peer review, and no further information regarding the study methodology or data is presented. The press release emphasizes that additional study is required to confirm the results.   UK PRIME MINISTER RETURNS TO WORK UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson returned to work, several weeks after being diagnosed with and hospitalized for COVID-19. He addressed the country from 10 Downing Street, thanking first responders and citizens for their dedication, support, and cooperation. He emphasized that, while the economic and other hardships resulting from social distancing are difficult, the UK must resist the urge to resume normal activities too soon. He noted that the existing social distancing measures have prevented the worst-case outcomes nationwide and that continued adherence will help mitigate the risk of a resurgence in transmission and further associated economic impact.

I think once we get better antibody testing, immunity passports are a good idea.  Even if it's just a practice run this time, we will need the system for the future.  

[stone oak 639]

6 minutes ago, atomheartbevo said:

That guy appears to be still alive, although Wikipedia was not kind to him.

”He became a butt of jokes in Iran in March 2020, after he suggested applying violet oil to the anus as a cure for COVID-19.”

I was certain he would be dead by now.   Hell, maybe he is.  

He posts here as Junior Miller.

[atomheartbevo 89362]

APH hoping to do 2,000 tests a week

https://www.kxan.com/news/coronavirus/aph-hoping-to-test-2000-people-per-week-for-covid-19-with-public-form-rollout/

 

[Macanudo 12922]

I'm not saying the feedlots are going to cause mad cow.  I'm saying that those animals end up in trucks going allover the place driven by drivers who might/could be exposed to COVID and end up in Kalamazoo, Peoria and Springfield.  All the Springfields.  And then were in a bad place.

[atomheartbevo 89362]

1 minute ago, stone oak said:

He posts here as Junior Miller.

NowThis.

[Sbbruin 21697]

1 minute ago, stone oak said:

He posts here as Junior Miller Now This.

Fify

[Bozo_Casanova 26232]

2 minutes ago, ChiTownDoc said:

Johns Hopkins Daily Update: 

  Reveal hidden contents

April 27, 2020   EPI UPDATE The WHO COVID-19 Situation Report for April 26 reports 2.80 million confirmed cases (84,900 new; 260,004 since Friday’s briefing) and 193,722 deaths (6,018 new; 18,028 since Friday’s briefing).   In addition to updating how confirmed COVID-19 cases are reported (i.e., limiting them to positive PCR test results), Spain also updated their dashboard display to reflect that change. Spain continues to report only new PCR positive cases on the dashboard, and it updated the total cases to utilize the same case definition. Spain reported 209,465 cases (1,831 new) on April 26, and its daily incidence appears to be steadily decreasing since early April. Spain stopped publishing specific numbers for positive serological tests in its daily situation reports, but the data for both PCR and serological tests is available via a link on the dashboard page to download the data.   After 6 days of decreased numbers of active daily cases, Italy reported a slight increase on April 26, but the total decreased again on April 27. Italy continues its overall decline in daily incidence, which has persisted for more than 5 weeks. Austria’s reported COVID-19 incidence appears to be remaining at a low level, and Germany continues its trend of declining daily incidence. Russia has reported approximately 6,000 new cases per day over the past several days. As of today, Russia surpassed China in terms of reported COVID-19 cases with 87,147. Belarus continued its elevated daily COVID-19 incidence.    India appears to be holding relatively steady at approximately 1,500-1,700 new cases per day, although there may still be a slight increase over the longer term. Pakistan continued to report elevated daily incidence over the weekend, posting its second and third highest daily totals on April 24 and 25, indicating that Pakistan’s COVID-19 epidemic continues to accelerate.   Singapore reported 799 new COVID-19 cases, including 764 among dormitory residents. Migrant workers living in these dormitory facilities continue to drive Singapore’s accelerating COVID-19 epidemic, representing 84.4% of all COVID-19 cases reported in Singapore (12,183 out of 14,423 total cases), including 95.1% reported in the past week (6,099 out of 6,409 cases). While reported “community cases” remain low, there is potential for transmission to reach beyond the migrant worker community. Indonesia reported 2 days of significantly lower daily incidence (214 on April 27, fewer than half of the daily total on April 25); however, considering these were over the weekend, it is unclear whether this could signal further decreases in the future. Bangladesh reported 497 new cases today—its second highest daily total—continuing its steady acceleration.   After 4 consecutive days of increasing daily incidence, New York state reported a decrease on April 25 (5,902). On April 24, the state reported its fifth highest daily total (10,553 new cases). Additionally, New York City also reported increasing daily incidence through April 24, followed by a decrease on April 25 (3,145 new cases). The daily incidence for both New York City and state continue to largely correspond to trends in the number of tests performed.   Georgia and Texas both appear to be remaining relatively steady in terms of daily incidence. Georgia has reported approximately 600-800 new cases per day over the past several weeks, and Texas has reported approximately 800-1,000 new cases per day over a similar period. Georgia’s Department of Public Health reports significantly fewer daily cases over the past week, but the data is displayed by symptom onset rather than report date, which could explain the disparity with the New York Times data, a popular data resource. Trends in daily incidence will warrant close monitoring over the next several weeks as Georgia, Texas, and other states begin to ease statewide physical distancing measures.   On Friday, April 24, the US CDC reported 37,144 new cases, the country’s highest daily total since the onset of the pandemic. On April 26, the CDC reported 928,619 total cases (32,853 new from the previous day; 2,663 probable) and 50,439 deaths (2,020 new from the previous day; 5,402 probable). In total, 18 states reported more than 10,000 cases (no change), including New York with more than 200,000; New Jersey more than 100,000; and Massachusetts more than 50,000. In total, 35 states (decrease of 2) are reporting widespread community transmission. Based on recent daily incidence trends, the United States could reach 1 million cases in 2-3 days.   The Johns Hopkins CSSE dashboard is reporting 972,969 US cases and 55,118 deaths as of 12:30pm on April 27.   CANADA RESPONSE Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a new rent subsidy program which would provide financial resources to property owners and businesses to cover rent payments. The program would pay 50% of the rent for 3 months to the building owners, but it requires them to reduce the rent cost and refrain from evicting tenants. The businesses themselves would be required to cover the remaining rent. Like some other countries, Canada is facing the challenge of maintaining vaccination coverage for children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Paediatric Society emphasized the importance of maintaining vaccination schedules, particularly as vaccination requirements to enter child care and schools are not being enforced while they are closed. Last week, Canada reportedly received 1 million KN95 respirators from China, but the masks did not comply with government standards for use in healthcare settings. The Canadian government has authorized these types of respirators for use in healthcare settings; however, the items tested did not meet the minimum standards. The Canadian government is determining whether the respirators are suitable for use in other settings.   CALL CENTERS National and local health officials in South Korea published a case study of a COVID-19 outbreak at a call center. The cluster of COVID-19 cases was originally reported in early March, in a “commercial-residential mixed-use building,” and the outbreak resulted in 97 confirmed cases at the time of the investigation. Notably, the building consists of office spaces on floors 1-11 and residential apartments on floors 13-19. Of the 97 cases, 94 were detected among employees of a call center on the 11th floor. The epidemiological investigation determined that there was little mixing between employees on different floors. In total, there were 922 employees and 203 residents in the building (plus an additional 20 visitors during the investigation period), but only 216 employees worked in the 11th floor call center (attack rate of 43.5%), most of which worked in a single room. The investigation did not identify an index case for this outbreak. This outbreak illustrates the potential for SARS-CoV-2 transmission among individuals with prolonged close contact, such as in office settings.   NPR published a detailed overview of the impact of India’s national “lockdown” measures on the country’s call centers, a major commercial sector in the country. India provides much of the world’s customer service and technical support via call centers located nationwide, including for communication and banking companies as well as hospitals, police, and other first responders. More than 4 million individuals across India are employed at these call centers. After India initially announced the national lockdown, these workers were classified as essential, but there have been delays in communicating that to local governments and in transitioning employees to work remotely. Additionally, the shift raises concerns about the security of personal information (e.g., medical records, credit card numbers) for employees working from home using their own personal computers.   COVID-19 DOWNSTREAM IMPACT- WHO GUIDANCE The April 26 WHO COVID-19 Situation Report included links to several documents related to potential downstream health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the WHO emphasized the importance of maintaining malaria prevention and treatment programs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO analysis indicates that a worst-case scenario, involving a total interruption of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and a 75% decrease in available antimalarial drugs, could potentially result in twice the number of malaria deaths compared to 2018, “a return to malaria mortality levels last seen 20 years ago.” The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) also emphasized the importance of malaria prevention and treatment, particularly in protecting progress toward elimination in several countries over the past several years. The WHO and PAHO published guidance regarding malaria control efforts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of particular note is the recognition that there may be shortages of the antimalarial drug chloroquine due to increased demand as a potential treatment option for COVID-19. PAHO also published an article discussing the importance of continued routine vaccination, including for seasonal influenza, and highlighting novel solutions and innovative approaches utilized by several countries to maintain national vaccination programs during the pandemic. Finally, the WHO European Regional Office issued a statement regarding the need to develop “sustainable people-centered long-term care in the wake of COVID-19.” The statement emphasized that recent indications of success (e.g., decreasing daily incidence or active cases) does not signal success against the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the statement calls attention to the elevated risk at long-term care facilities and calls for countries across the continent to revisit the operation of long-term care facilities to reduce the vulnerability of high-risk populations for COVID-19 and future health emergencies.   EASING SOCIAL DISTANCING UNITED STATES As states continue to develop and implement plans to relax physical distancing measures, several modeling efforts indicate that most US states do not have sufficient testing capacity in place to begin moving forward with those plans. In collaboration with STAT News, researchers at Harvard’s Global Health Institute analyzed the number of tests per day that would be required in each state by May 1 in order to effectively inform decisions regarding social distancing. The researchers then compared that volume to testing capacity data published by the COVID Tracking Project to evaluate where individuals states stand. They found that the vast majority of states fell well short of where they would need to be to effectively monitor and track new cases. Another effort by Washington University’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) took a different approach, aiming to estimate the date on which SARS-CoV-2 transmission could fall within states’ existing capacity. The IHME model was based on the assumption that states could likely handle approximately 1 new case per million people, based on existing testing and contact tracing capacity. The researchers then analyzed trends in reported COVID-19 cases to estimate when daily incidence could be expected fall to that level in each state. The IHME modeling effort estimates that only 5 states will reach that point by May 10, and 20 states and Washington, DC, will reach that point on June 1 or later.   EUROPE The WHO European Regional Office (EURO) published guidance for countries regarding the process to ease social distancing measures. The guidance includes 6 principal criteria for countries to consider before relaxing social distancing: (1) evidence that COVID-19 is coming under control, (2) national testing and contact tracing capacity, (3) “minimized” risks to vulnerable populations, (4) workplace physical distancing and hygiene measures, (5) mitigated risk of imported cases, and (6) community engagement before and during the transition. The EURO guidance also emphasizes 4 key components for decision-making: (1) evidence-based process, (2) healthcare capacity for both routine services and COVID-19 response, (3) social and behavioral considerations, and (4) social and economic support for individuals and communities.   JAPAN The Japanese island of Hokkaido may offer some insight into the potential effects of lifting social distancing measures prematurely. TIME published an article discussing the island’s decisions to relax physical distancing measures and the spike in COVID-19 incidence that followed. After several dozen COVID-19 cases were detected following a major festival that took place in late January, the government declared a state of emergency and requested that residents and businesses adhere to “lockdown” recommendations. After several weeks of lockdown—and associated decreases in COVID-19 incidence and severe economic effects—the government lifted the state of emergency to allow residents to resume businesses and other activities, while keeping some government facilities and schools closed. According to the report, normal social activity—including travel from other parts of Japan—resumed almost immediately. Three weeks later, Hokkaido reported its highest daily incidence. Several days later, the island reported an 80% increase in COVID-19 cases compared to the total when the lockdown was lifted, and the local government issued a second emergency declaration. The local outbreak had increased by another 70% over the following week. The rapid return to normal social interaction may have fueled a substantial resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, which potentially prolonged the economic and social impact of the lockdown. Many factors contribute to both the health and economic effects of implementing and lifting physical distancing measures; however, this case study could provide insight into these mechanisms as other locations begin developing and evaluating their own plans.   AFRICA The BBC published an overview of varying social distancing and lockdown approaches implemented by countries in Africa. Despite a recent surge in cases across the continent, some countries in Africa are evaluating if and how to begin easing these restrictions. National measures range from prohibitions on large public gatherings to closing schools to city lockdowns and restrictions on travel within countries. Like other parts of the world, lockdowns and other social distancing measures are having significant economic impact, particularly for lower-income individuals. While some countries are maintaining their restrictions, others are beginning to lift some. For example, Ghana reportedly lifted some restrictions on businesses but kept schools closed and maintained bans on public gatherings. The BBC is also maintaining a tracker for COVID-19 incidence and social distancing programs implemented in Africa, including the degree of lockdown (e.g., national, partial, curfew) and start and end dates for each country.   IMMUNITY CERTIFICATES & PASSPORTS As serological testing capacity increases worldwide, countries and businesses are developing plans to implement broader testing programs and evaluating mechanisms to use the available data. One particular tool that has been mentioned by health and elected officials in multiple countries is “immunity passports/certificates” that could enable those with antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 to resume normal activities; however, this concept presents a myriad of technical, social, ethical, and legal challenges. The WHO published a statement regarding the use of serological tests for this purpose. The WHO notes that there is not currently sufficient evidence to determine whether individuals who have been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 are immune to future infections. Based on a review of a number of studies, most identified antibodies in individuals who recovered from the infection, but none have yet determined that the presence of these antibodies confers protection against future infection or at what level this would occur. Additionally, the available serological tests need to be validated in order to understand their accuracy and limitations. The WHO encourages the continued use of serological tests to evaluate the scope and severity of the pandemic at the population level—including high-risk populations, such as healthcare workers—but it warns against the use of that data to predict individual immunity. It also emphasizes that the use of “immunity passports/certificates” could actually result in increased SARS-CoV-2 transmission resulting from susceptible individuals who believe they are immune and therefore relax precautions.   TOCILIZUMAB- PRELIMINARY DATA Researchers at the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) published preliminary results from a study of tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody utilized for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In a randomized clinical trial, 65 COVID-19 patients were treated using standard care and tocilizumab, and 64 patients were treated using standard care only. The drug was evaluated as a potential treatment to mitigate the “cytokine storm” that is believed to contribute to acute respiratory failure and death in COVID-19 patients. According to a press release published by AP-HP, the patients that received the drug were significantly less likely to die or require mechanical ventilation over a 14-day period. The study has not yet undergone peer review, and no further information regarding the study methodology or data is presented. The press release emphasizes that additional study is required to confirm the results.   UK PRIME MINISTER RETURNS TO WORK UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson returned to work, several weeks after being diagnosed with and hospitalized for COVID-19. He addressed the country from 10 Downing Street, thanking first responders and citizens for their dedication, support, and cooperation. He emphasized that, while the economic and other hardships resulting from social distancing are difficult, the UK must resist the urge to resume normal activities too soon. He noted that the existing social distancing measures have prevented the worst-case outcomes nationwide and that continued adherence will help mitigate the risk of a resurgence in transmission and further associated economic impact.

I think once we get better antibody testing, immunity passports are a good idea.  Even if it's just a practice run this time, we will need the system for the future.  

And that has economic value, and is sometimes called "immunocapital". I keep posting this and eventually somebody is going to read it. Could be you. 

Immunity, Capital, and Power

[Js1 85056]

6 minutes ago, atomheartbevo said:

NowThis.

I don’t think just a cotton ball would satisfy him 

[ChiTownDoc 21091]

3 minutes ago, Bozo_Casanova said:

And that has economic value, and is sometimes called "immunocapital". I keep posting this and eventually somebody is going to read it. Could be you. 

Immunity, Capital, and Power

I'm a fan...this was an interesting passage...later on they talk about how people actively tried to get sick so they'd get that immunocapital...

 

Through an invisible yet powerful system of “immunocapital,” surviving yellow fever stamped a newcomer as legitimate and provided him or her with a credential that granted access to previously inaccessible realms of social, political, and economic power. According to the tenets of white supremacy, all whites were placed above all blacks. But this structural racism commingled with the hierarchy of “immunocapital,” whereby “acclimated citizens”—yellow fever survivors—occupied all positions of power, and “unacclimated strangers”—poor white recent immigrants from the North or Europe—languished in social and professional purgatory, ostracized on the basis of epidemiology.

[JOSEYWALES66 1790]

10 minutes ago, wild_turkey said:

Is there a legal distinction that classifies an establishment as a bar and not as a restaurant? Most bars at least sell chips or nuts. How much snack food has to be on hand for a bar to consider itself a restaurant and be able to open on May 1?

I don’t remember the percentage but a restaurant vs bar is based off of percentage of sales of food. 

[Chet Steadman 940]

12 minutes ago, wild_turkey said:

Is there a legal distinction that classifies an establishment as a bar and not as a restaurant? Most bars at least sell chips or nuts. How much snack food has to be on hand for a bar to consider itself a restaurant and be able to open on May 1?

If sales of alcohol exceed 49% of your business you’re a bar.  

[Dennis Taylor 18679]

1 hour ago, LebongJames said:

I think the Abbott guidelines are the right move. I talked about lower capacities weeks ago. The two week trial is also what should have been done.

did you not hear Gov Abbott say he had heard the prescient recommendations of the esteemed Lebong James from SurlyBevo,Horns and decided to go with them?   

Edited April 27, 2020 by Dennis Taylor

[Bozo_Casanova 26232]

12 minutes ago, wild_turkey said:

Is there a legal distinction that classifies an establishment as a bar and not as a restaurant? Most bars at least sell chips or nuts. How much snack food has to be on hand for a bar to consider itself a restaurant and be able to open on May 1?

At least 51% of gross income must be from prepared food, I think. 

[Trey3216 15325]

2 minutes ago, Chet Steadman said:

If sales of alcohol exceed 49% of your business you’re a bar.  

I imagine that even bars will be able to open if they have an established food service menu.    That’s the weird area.  The last round allowed those establishments to serve takeout and delivery, so I’d imagine they’ll be able to open Friday as well 

[Dbeasy 14953]

I am extremely jazzed to learn today that we will NEVER have stupid people in leadership positions in this country!  What a lucky break!

[Bozo_Casanova 26232]

5 minutes ago, ChiTownDoc said:

I'm a fan...this was an interesting passage...later on they talk about how people actively tried to get sick so they'd get that immunocapital...

 

Through an invisible yet powerful system of “immunocapital,” surviving yellow fever stamped a newcomer as legitimate and provided him or her with a credential that granted access to previously inaccessible realms of social, political, and economic power. According to the tenets of white supremacy, all whites were placed above all blacks. But this structural racism commingled with the hierarchy of “immunocapital,” whereby “acclimated citizens”—yellow fever survivors—occupied all positions of power, and “unacclimated strangers”—poor white recent immigrants from the North or Europe—languished in social and professional purgatory, ostracized on the basis of epidemiology.

Yep, immunocapital is extremely problematic. In some cases a doctors certificate of having recovered from an infection was required to obtain lines of credit from banks, and as a result people would inadvertently kickstart outbreaks by deliberately exposing themselves to disease and then subsequently infect others. 

[GreenspointTexas 9556]

If you are applauding being the first state to re-open when almost every public health official is warning against it... well.... 

 

hope u like football/sports starting in january

[LebongJames 1781]

7 minutes ago, GreenspointTexas said:

If you are applauding being the first state to re-open when almost every public health official is warning against it... well.... 

 

hope u like football/sports starting in january

Not the first state to open but nice try with the sky is falling shit still. Also not every public health official is saying that. Not even close. 

 

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/states-reopen-map-coronavirus.html

 

Edited April 27, 2020 by LebongJames

[SwanderedTalent 5761]

maybe we could get branded with our immunity status?

[Hefeweizen 5307]

I think wearing a star on your clothes would work.

[wild_turkey 3150]

2 minutes ago, GreenspointTexas said:

If you are applauding being the first state to re-open when almost every public health official is warning against it... well.... 

The goal of stay-at-home orders was to flatten the curve and prevent the hospitals from being overrun, which we have definitely achieved in Texas. It makes sense to slowly reopen businesses and keep a close watch on testing numbers and hospital capacity. If it goes well, then roll out phase 2. If it doesn't go well, then we pull back again.

The people arguing against this now seem to have shifted the goal of stay-at-home orders to something other than protecting the healthcare system. I'm not sure what they think a rational endpoint is. Eradication of COVID-19 or vaccine availability? Neither is likely to occur within a year.

No one is forcing a business to reopen or for people to go out to restaurants. People still have the option to stay home and lots of people will.

[Enchubben 5509]

9 minutes ago, GreenspointTexas said:

If you are applauding being the first state to re-open when almost every public health official is warning against it... well.... 

 

hope u like football/sports starting in january

which public health officials have warned against it? According to the press conference Dr. Birx has seen the plan and called it "great". 

[stone oak 639]

13 minutes ago, GreenspointTexas said:

hope u like football/sports starting in january

Ballgame

[Skipper 6088]

14 minutes ago, GreenspointTexas said:

hope u like football/sports starting in january

So no ballgame?

[BabaYaga 15202]

1 minute ago, wild_turkey said:

The goal of stay-at-home orders was to flatten the curve and prevent the hospitals from being overrun, which we have definitely achieved in Texas. It makes sense to slowly reopen businesses and keep a close watch on testing numbers and hospital capacity. If it goes well, then roll out phase 2. If it doesn't go well, then we pull back again.

The people arguing against this now seem to have shifted the goal of stay-at-home orders to something other than protecting the healthcare system. I'm not sure what they think a rational endpoint is. Eradication of COVID-19 or vaccine availability? Neither is likely to occur within a year.

No one is forcing a business to reopen or for people to go out to restaurants. People still have the option to stay home and lots of people will.

100% this.  The point was never catch it or keep others from catching, but to protect the HC system.  Staying home with layers and layers of more draconian measures to keep people from "escaping" is lunacy of the highest order, especially with the data we have now.  As stated earlier, Sweden is getting close to herd immunity status having done none of the heavy-handed measures that destroyed so many businesses and wealth across the world.  

[ChiTownDoc 21091]

4 minutes ago, wild_turkey said:

The goal of stay-at-home orders was to flatten the curve and prevent the hospitals from being overrun, which we have definitely achieved in Texas. It makes sense to slowly reopen businesses and keep a close watch on testing numbers and hospital capacity. If it goes well, then roll out phase 2. If it doesn't go well, then we pull back again.

The people arguing against this now seem to have shifted the goal of stay-at-home orders to something other than protecting the healthcare system. I'm not sure what they think a rational endpoint is. Eradication of COVID-19 or vaccine availability? Neither is likely to occur within a year.

No one is forcing a business to reopen or for people to go out to restaurants. People still have the option to stay home and lots of people will.

Yep, slowly opening while continuing to ramp up testing is fine.  And yes, the main purpose of stay at home was to maintain hospital capacity.  Not to wait for the virus to actually go away...everyone knew it would still be there when we slowly open back up.  Well, everyone with a brain. 

[Armybrat 40678]

46 minutes ago, atomheartbevo said:

Doubt they are moving much back here, and if they did, it’d be robots making it anyways.   

I agree, but you and I are not settled with a shitload of credit card debt and living paycheck-to-paycheck like many are.  

Meh, they can just fire up their printer like the Fed does. 

[BabaYaga 15202]

46 minutes ago, atomheartbevo said:

Ask armybrat.   

[Trey3216 15325]

Yep, the fear and possibility of overwhelming our hospitals has the potential to put hospitals on the verge of bankruptcy, along with much of the rest of American business.  I think reducing our hospital capacity by half due to bankruptcy is an even shittier plan than turning this fucker to 11 right now, which we clearly are not doing.