CR: COVID-19 --Political Talk

[workswithseed 2036]

12 minutes ago, BrickHorn said:

This thread is more free, in the sense that any opinion may be expressed here. The other thread is a safe space. Any criticism that touches on partisan views is off limits. 

Many of us bailed on the DT thread because the rules prohibited the most efficient, relevant response to much of the nonsense being posted there.  I’m not interested in debating the science of why bleach is toxic.  That’s a waste of bandwidth.  The more relevant point is that a pack of trolls keeps pushing stupid shit and denying science because of their political agenda and cultlike devotion to a demagogue.  

You can’t point that out over there, but you can here.  Any guesses why all those lunatics flocked over there?  It’s not because their views were being censored from this thread, because anything goes over here.  It’s because they prefer a safe space where pertinent criticism of their stupid magical thinking bullshit is off limits. 

All of which is fine.  Let them live in DT fantasy land for all I care.  Just don’t pretend that this thread, where any opinion is allowed, is the echo chamber. If that’s the case, it’s only because the dissenting voices got tired of being made to look stupid.

I don't see too many deny science. Most ask questions and bring up data that aren't just patently false. There's no politics in saying that something is wrong it's how you say it.

I will say this is more of an anything goes area of the site. I also know it's an echo chamber because most left since they either can't take the heat, or just got burnt out by all of it here.

20 minutes ago, TwiceHorn said:

Also probably the most self-aware.

When you've been made fun of for grammar, and mixing up every rectangle can be a square, but not the other way around. Well you sit back and just think "I'm a fucking idiot.", and go on learning.

[seven 1366]

One of the more humorous things about the cr/dt thread talk is that texags has a fairly decent 'rona board that for the most part has good discussion of treatments, science, and other relevant news without being particularly political. If course the political board is pissed that their posters are routinely banned, deleted, or otherwise SILENCED when they go shit it up calling everyone globalist shills or trying to dox doctors who won't prescribe trump's proven miracle drug. 

Edited April 24, 2020 by seven

[Grade of D as in David 13253]

24 minutes ago, honolulu horn said:

"Mr. President, more than 10,000 people have died this week due to COVID-19. Why is sarcasm acceptable during your press conference?"

It's normal locker room talk from a salty sailor. 

[RPM 26228]

13 minutes ago, Player said:

Fat, drunk, and stupid division is about to dominate all the rankings. 

[yoladu 4067]

1 hour ago, henrygandorf said:

 

Nicole Wallace pretty much summed it up succinctly just a second ago:

"What this has revealed is the frailty of his ego and the depth of his ignorance."

yep.

 

[Hefeweizen 5307]

5 hours ago, immamac said:

TBH I don't even read that thread anymore - it's filled with idiots with opinions just as bad as the entire government at this point. Suddenly everyone is a world class epidemiologist and an expert on pharmaceuticals.

It's all fucked up and we as a society are making it worse because everyone thinks they are special little snowflake - COVID19 summary for americans.

Quoted for the motherfucking truth.  It started as a genuinely good discussion and then a few posters went insane, it’s now 98 percent dross.  I blame it on the strokes COVID is giving people.

[SameSame 1692]

25 minutes ago, Bama Chick said:

 

Me caveman 

Edited April 24, 2020 by SameSame

[Grade of D as in David 13253]

22 minutes ago, Horn Under a Bad Sign said:

What could go wrong?


 

https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2020/04/21/southern-governors-create-a-covid-19-coalition-and-experts-fear-a-perfect-storm-1278753

The Rona is going to rip through the south worse than Sherman. 

[SameSame 1692]

22 minutes ago, Bama Chick said:

Don’t be shocked by this -

 

He is so desperate to be perceived as smart or the smartest, that he will continually throw any shit he hears against the wall and hope it sticks.  That is so dangerous and irresponsible.

Make no mistake, him saying that idiotic nonsense had nothing to do with trying to help people.  It was his typical narcissistic shit trying to show he knows something obscure that you don't.  Such bullshit.

It is so transparent and so astronomically irresponsible.  Just keep throwing shit against the wall, if it sticks, go back and brag how smart you are.  

Edited April 24, 2020 by SameSame

[henrygandorf 29177]

1 hour ago, Red Five said:

1) He obviously wasn't being sarcastic, and needs to be called out on it today until he flips his shit.

2) I think it would actually be worse if he was being sarcastic, as opposed to just being stupid. 

what i would prefer, is the next time trump touts any type of treatment, potential cure, whatever - that the first follow-up question from a reporter is, "mr president, just so we're clear, was that real advice, or were you being sarcastic?"

[Pig Bellmont 8691]

39 minutes ago, Horn Under a Bad Sign said:

What could go wrong?


 

https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2020/04/21/southern-governors-create-a-covid-19-coalition-and-experts-fear-a-perfect-storm-1278753

SEC SEC SEC

[pyrohornIII 4809]

15 minutes ago, SameSame said:

He is so desperate to be perceived as smart or the smartest, that he will continually throw any shit he hears against the wall and hope it sticks.  That is so dangerous and irresponsible.

Make no mistake, him saying that idiotic nonsense had nothing to do with trying to help people.  It was his typical narcissistic shit trying to show he knows something obscure that you don't.  Such bullshit.

It is so transparent and so astronomically irresponsible.  Just keep throwing shit against the wall, if it sticks, go back and brag how smart you are.  

Same thing that the Q-verts do.

[Pig Bellmont 8691]

39 minutes ago, Horn Under a Bad Sign said:

What could go wrong?


 

https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2020/04/21/southern-governors-create-a-covid-19-coalition-and-experts-fear-a-perfect-storm-1278753

SEC SEC SEC

[Message Board User 12389]

 

[DixonHur 11216]

3 minutes ago, Message Board User said:

 

[pyrohornIII 4809]

 

20 hours ago, Mrs Whiggins said:

Let me see if I understand the COVID-19 cure in case Fox News gets it wrong:

I need to mainline Clorox or Lysol and then go stare at the sun? Got it. I'll let you know how that turns out....

To make it effective though, you have to make sure you have your mouth wide agape, to allow the sun into you lungs.

15 hours ago, Ghost of LL said:

Jesus Christ, I just saw the whole disinfectant clip. I mean. Jesus Christ. The man is an absolute moron. How does he even dress himself in the morning?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The man has basically 2 ensembles.  1) Black Ill fitting suit, white shirt, tie, belt, socks, shoes, lifts.     Polo shirt, slacks, socks (presumably), golf shoes (wonder if they have lifts??).   So he's not challenged by creativity.  Even a first grader can dress, if the things are laid out for him/her/them.

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

7 minutes ago, pyrohornIII said:

 

 

  Even a first grader can dress, if the things are laid out for him/her/them.

 

I'm pretty terrible at dressing myself, but I'm only running for Lead Goofball of the MC Fresh Breath household.  The Benevolent Dictator position was already filled. 

[DigDug 1649]

I've posted before about listening to the local right wing radio here in Dallas just to hear their baseline and make sure my brain is functioning well.

I lasted about 15 minutes today.  When they started saying Trump was just being inquisitive yesterday and that's a good thing, had to bail.   That is fucking absolute nuts.   And that is their baseline.   It starts with Trump bears no responsibility for anything, then it grows from there.

[Wanker Bob 379]

37 minutes ago, Grade of D as in David said:

The Rona is going to rip through the south worse than Sherman. 

The bordering states need to set up blockades to not let anyone out if they actually do this. 

[henrygandorf 29177]

2 minutes ago, DigDug said:

I lasted about 15 minutes today.  When they started saying Trump was just being inquisitive yesterday and that's a good thing, had to bail.  

reminder - this is the type of shit he says live on national tv.  can you even imagine the shit he throws against the wall in closed-door meetings?

[mdmost 42865]

And they'll be the first to say "we can't let Joe Biden be President, he's senile". 

[bolverk 29399]

4 minutes ago, Wanker Bob said:

The bordering states need to set up blockades to not let anyone out if they actually do this. 

I don't think Louisiana and Arky have it in them to LARP a southern fried Bridge Over the River Kwai scenario unfortunately, so that fucks up the western border.

[Queen Bitch 1692]

 

[Radical Larry 28528]

 

[Wanker Bob 379]

9 minutes ago, bolverk said:

I don't think Louisiana and Arky have it in them to LARP a southern fried Bridge Over the River Kwai scenario unfortunately, so that fucks up the western border.

Well if I'm Texas and not a trump tiny mushroom flicker like Abbott I'm setting up checkpoints ala border patrol and shutting it down on those borders except for commercial vehicles. Let it become a constitutional crisis to be sorted later. 

[jimmyjazz 45558]

1 hour ago, workswithseed said:

No, but it was toughted as though Trump said to drink fish cleaner. They had a leap of logic that only Aggies can make.

Who said that?  Need a link.

This board is a fucking bastion of truth compared to the DT threads about "current events".  If you're going to bring a big claim, you'd better bring big truth.

[henrygandorf 29177]

not sure if posted earlier...

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/24/corrected-white-house-transcript-birx-said-light-not-virus-treatment/3018422001/

looks like they tried to slip this out and got caught.

[4th&Five 41461]

 

[Al Bundy's Napoleon Hand 13546]

It's like discussing football without discussing football players or coaches.

[Horn Under a Bad Sign 20344]

1 hour ago, yoladu said:

Interesting. None of his loyal defenders offered the "sarcasm" defense in the last 18 hours.

 

 

Edited April 24, 2020 by Horn Under a Bad Sign

[Tuco 5076]

So Pete Ricketts just announced they are reopening restaurants in Nebraska at 50% capacity on May 4.  Nebraska's numbers are still accelerating and our tests/capita are one of the lowest (40th/50 states) in the country.  I'm not thrilled. 

Edited April 24, 2020 by Tuco

[Horn Under a Bad Sign 20344]

Just now, Tuco said:

So Pete Ricketts just announced they are reopening restaurants in Nebraska at 50% capacity on May 4.  Nebraska's numbers are still accelerating and our tests/capita are one of the lowest (40th/50 states) in the country.  I'm not thrilled. 

I would think that just living in Nebraska would mean that you are not thrilled.

[Mo Horn 8807]

I'm to the point where I want some local leader just say, ok were going to let Darwinism rule. I recommend they everyone shelter in place for another month. For those who don't want to here is a 10 mile radius where anybody who doesn't want to can go. We will die your hand red so everyone knows who is going there so they can avoid you.  Red hands are allowed in this area or your home.  Live it up. If you get sick don't go to the hospital cause you won't be treated. Your choice so endure the consequences.

It'll never happen, but it I can dream. 

[Horn Under a Bad Sign 20344]

Just now, Tuco said:

So Pete Ricketts just announced they are reopening restaurants in Nebraska at 50% capacity on May 4.  Nebraska's numbers are still accelerating and our tests/capita are one of the lowest (40th/50 states) in the country.  I'm not thrilled. 

I would think that just living in Nebraska would mean that you are not thrilled.

[Serak The Preparer 3424]

17 minutes ago, Radical Larry said:

 

But that's impossible. The WI GOP asked them to pretty please leave the robes and guns at home!

[Biff Tannen 45494]

4 minutes ago, Serak The Preparer said:

But that's impossible. The WI GOP asked them to pretty please leave the robes and guns at home!

Doh!

[Royalfan5 2348]

9 minutes ago, Tuco said:

So Pete Ricketts just announced they are reopening restaurants in Nebraska at 50% capacity on May 4.  Nebraska's numbers are still accelerating and our tests/capita are one of the lowest (40th/50 states) in the country.  I'm not thrilled. 

Also churches with no offering or communion and family groups 6 feet apart, and hair places with masks + elective surgeries 

[RomaVicta 29786]

1 hour ago, TwiceHorn said:

Lysol actually.  Pine Sol is a little caustic even considering.

It goes double for Lysol.

[Biff Tannen 45494]

So we've got the SEC, the PAC-10, and the New England conference so far.  When does the fantasy Corona league start up?

[gmr548 16513]

It's like discussing football without discussing football players or coaches.

To be fair, surly football groupthink is also often not rooted in reality

[henrygandorf 29177]

4 minutes ago, Mo Horn said:

I'm to the point where I want some local leader just say, ok were going to let Darwinism rule. I recommend they everyone shelter in place for another month. For those who don't want to here is a 10 mile radius where anybody who doesn't want to can go. We will die your hand red so everyone knows who is going there so they can avoid you.  Red hands are allowed in this area or your home.  Live it up. If you get sick don't go to the hospital cause you won't be treated. Your choice so endure the consequences.

It'll never happen, but it I can dream. 

[Horn Under a Bad Sign 20344]

It does my heart good to know that at least the already-wealthy are being taken care of.
 

https://twitter.com/dpccolorado/status/1253683042809286656

 

 

Edited April 24, 2020 by Horn Under a Bad Sign

[BrickHorn 18194]

1 hour ago, Radical Larry said:

 

God dammit.  The pessimist in me worries this fringe movement is picking up steam among the Trump Cult and it will result in violence and dangerous stupidity on a massive scale.  

The optimist in me doesn’t necessarily disagree with any of that, but notes that it’s Friday, which means happy hour starts shortly and I’m virtually guaranteed to get laid one of the next two nights.  

[Chooky 13302]

The labradoodle breeding industry has put out a statement that under no conditions should people consume or inject labradoodles.

[RomaVicta 29786]

We need cameras set up in hospital ERs and ICUs now. These idiots don't get what they're talking about. 

The policy works! Abandon it because the numbers are lower than expected! There's not much chance you'll die, so it's okay.

What a bunch of morons.

[ChiTownDoc 21101]

Johns Hopkins Daily Update for the Science Thread...

Spoiler

April 24, 2020   EPI UPDATE The WHO COVID-19 Situation Report for April 23 reports 2.54 million confirmed cases (73,657 new) and 175,694 deaths (6,689 new). Additionally, the WHO Situation Report comments that “all available evidence for COVID-19 suggests that SARS-CoV-2 has a zoonotic source” and that genomic analysis “does not support that SARS-CoV-2 is a laboratory construct.” Additional details are provided in a “Subject in Focus” on the origins of SARS-CoV-2.   Spain appears to be updating its COVID-19 reporting methods. On its COVID-19 dashboard, the cases reported in the past 24 hours now refer only to those confirmed with a PCR test, which appears to be a change. Previously, Spain did not specify how many cases fell under this category, and after a review of other daily reports, it seems as though Spain has been including individuals with positive serological tests since approximately April 15. We have noted in previous COVID-19 briefings that Spain’s reported daily incidence has not been decreasing like we have observed in some other European countries. If these recent reports included positive serological tests (whereas previously reported data did not), it could potentially explain why the daily incidence was not decreasing as expected. Spain’s April 24 daily report shows 202,990 confirmed cases (PCR test), including 2,796 new cases. This is considerably fewer new cases than have been reported over the past several weeks. Additionally, the daily report shows 219,764 total cases—including both PCR and serological tests—which matches the total cases reported on the dashboard. The change in total cases reported on the dashboard from the previous day is 6,740 new cases, but it seems that this would include new positive serological tests as well. As of today, the dashboard appears to include a mix of data for both types of test in the total reported cases and just the PCR test for new cases, and it is unclear how Spain will proceed with its COVID-19 reporting in the future.   Italy continues its overall decline in daily incidence as well as decrease in active cases—851 fewer active cases than the previous day. Austria’s reported COVID-19 incidence appears to be remaining at a low level, and Germany continues its trend of declining daily incidence. After several days of relatively consistent daily incidence, Russia reported 5,849 new cases today. It appears that this would be Russia’s second highest daily total since the onset of the pandemic; however, the daily growth rate for Russia’s epidemic is less than 10%, compared to 16-18% in previous weeks. Belarus continued its elevated daily COVID-19 incidence, reporting 751 new cases, which appears to be elevated compared to daily incidence reported over the previous week.    India reported 1,752 new cases, approximately equal to yesterday's daily total but still higher than previous days, despite ongoing national “lockdown” measures. Yesterday, we mistakenly reported the partial daily incidence for Pakistan, which explains why it was so much lower than other recent reports. Pakistan reported 742 new cases on April 22 and 642 new cases on April 23. Pakistan has reported its 3 highest daily totals (and 4 of the top 5) over the past 4 days. While its daily growth remains below 10%, Pakistan’s COVID-19 epidemic continues to accelerate.   Singapore reported 897 new COVID-19 cases, including 853 among migrant worker dormitory residents. Migrant workers living in these dormitory facilities continue to drive Singapore’s accelerating COVID-19 epidemic, representing 82% of all COVID-19 cases reported in Singapore (9,929 out of 12,075 total cases), including 95% reported in the past week (6,660 out of 7,025 cases). While reported “community cases” remain low, there is potential for transmission to reach beyond the migrant worker community into the broader public, especially considering the current high rate of transmission. Indonesia reported its highest daily incidence (436 new cases), but daily fluctuations make it difficult to anticipate the longer-term trajectory. Bangladesh also reported its highest daily incidence (503 new cases), continuing its acceleration. After updating its reporting criteria for COVID-19 deaths to include probable/suspected deaths, Japan reported 19 new deaths today. With the exception of the 91 new deaths reported on the first day Japan made that change, the recent daily number of new deaths have been closer to 10.   New York state reported increased daily incidence for the second consecutive day, following nearly a week of decline. Additionally, New York City reported its third consecutive increase. Notably, both the city and state reported significant increases in testing as well.   The US CDC reported 828,441 total cases (25,858 new; 4,211 probable) and 46,379 deaths (1,804 new; 5,922 probable*) on April 23. After 2 consecutive days of elevated daily death totals, yesterday’s update was approximately 1,000 fewer than each of the previous 2 days. In total, 18 states reported more than 10,000 cases (1 new), and 37 states (10 new) are reporting widespread community transmission. Based on recent trends, the United States could reach 1 million cases by the end of April, and it could exceed 50,000 deaths later today. *Based on the provided guidance regarding the reporting of probable COVID-19 cases, it is unclear how there could be more probable deaths than there are probable cases.   The Johns Hopkins CSSE dashboard** is reporting 890,112 US cases and 50,114 deaths as of 1:00pm on April 24. **The Johns Hopkins CSSE also publishes US-specific data, at the county level, on a dedicated dashboard.     NEW YORK SEROLOGICAL STUDY New York Governor Andrew Cuomo reported preliminary results from a serological study conducted in New York state. The study tested 3,000 individuals across 19 counties statewide. A fact sheet about the test linked in the press briefing describes it as having a specificity of 93-100%; however, additional details about the test are not provided. The preliminary study results found that nearly 14% of New York residents may have been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. These results are weighted heavily by the New York City area, with much lower estimates for the rest of the state. Like many other serological studies currently being implemented, additional information on the test is necessary to fully analyze the serological test data and characterize the scope of transmission in a given community.   STAT News provides a good overview of the limitations, expectations, and other considerations that to keep in mind when evaluating serological survey results. We will continue to see serological tests conducted in the United States and other countries, using a variety of tests. Serological data will be critical to understanding both the scale and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic—which will inform decisions regarding response operations and policies, including social distancing—so it is important to account for the limitations of tests used in these studies.   COVID-19 TREATMENTS Evidence from a clinical trial for remdesivir, an antiviral drug, conducted by Gilead Sciences in China reportedly did not demonstrate sufficient efficacy as a COVID-19 treatment. Data from the study was inadvertently published on the WHO website and obtained by STAT News before it was removed. A WHO spokesperson indicated that the study is currently undergoing peer review. A press release from Gilead Sciences stated that the results were published prematurely by accident and that the associated post on the WHO site contained “inappropriate characterizations” regarding the results. The statement noted that the study “terminated early due to low enrollment and, as a result, it was underpowered to enable statistically meaningful conclusions.” The study was initially meant to enroll 453 patients in a double-blind randomized clinical trial, but the initial report reflected findings from only 158 patients who received remdesivir and 79 patients who received a placebo. While the published results did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect, the statement by Gilead Sciences indicates that “trends in the data suggest a potential benefit for remdesivir, particularly among patients treated early in disease.” Additional study will be required to further characterize any benefits associated with the use of remdesivir in COVID-19 patients.   A recent correspondence published in Nature reported that researchers were able to successfully isolate human monoclonal antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that could block the binding of the protein to the ACE-2 receptor, providing a potential mechanism to develop a COVID-19 therapeutic. The researchers identified spike protein IgG antibodies, specifically antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain, in the blood serum from most of the 26 COVID-19 patients involved in the study. The investigators then assessed whether these antibodies could block the binding of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain to the ACE2 receptor using an ELISA-based inhibition assay. While a large proportion of the patients mounted antibody responses, results indicated that only 3 of the 26 patients had antibodies that could effectively block the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain to ACE2. The researchers were able to clone 2 sets of functional antibodies from these patients. This study provides preliminary indication that this process could yield monoclonal antibodies that could be leveraged for future prophylaxis or therapies in other patients.    GLOBAL SOCIAL DISTANCING Yesterday marked the first day of Ramandan, a holy month for Muslims during which many people visit holy sites, including the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina (Saudi Arabia). Unfortunately, COVID-19 physical distancing measures have forced these holy sites to close. Religious leaders have adopted new procedures, including a live-streaming religious ceremonies, to provide key religious services during this time. The WHO published guidance for individuals celebrating Ramadan to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk. The guidance emphasizes the importance of hygiene, physical distancing, and cleaning/sanitizing places of worship. Additionally, the WHO notes that no studies have been conducted regarding COVID-19 risks associated with fasting; however, COVID-19 patients should discuss decisions about fasting with their doctor.   The New York Times published a report that looks at the practice of home isolation of COVID-19 patients in Italy and the associated challenges and transmission risk. Italian public health officials have identified person-to-person transmission among individuals living in the same home as one of the drivers of their country’s COVID-19 epidemic. The decision to isolate a sick family member at home could have cascading effects beyond the public health benefit, potentially including elevated risk of transmission for members of the same household. The article outlines the challenges that Italy has faced isolating members of “tight-knit” families, raising concerns about the expectations for public adoption of certain public health behaviors, given the wide range of cultural norms in a global response. Communities in other countries, including the United States, face similar challenges. Public health interventions, including social distancing measures and home isolation must be considered in the context of social and cultural norms and other factors in order to identify and implement effective responses to health emergencies.   EUROPE COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY Leaders of the European Union (EU) have yet to come to an agreement on a recovery program to help member states rebuild their economies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU member countries convened virtually yesterday to review a number of proposals, including increases to the EU budget and bond sales to increase available funds, that aim to stabilize Europe's bloc economy while also providing support for domestic economies in countries that the pandemic has hit the hardest. While the group did not reach an agreement during this call, several political leaders said that the coalition made significant progress toward an agreement.     WHO ANNOUNCES GLOBAL COVID-19 DRUG COLLABORATION Today, the WHO announced the initiation of a global collaboration to promote the rapid development of vaccines and therapeutics for COVID-19 as well as a commitment to ensure equitable access for all. The effort, labeled the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, aims to speed global research and production efforts for critical COVID-19 “drugs, tests, and vaccines.” Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to the pharmaceutical products around the world, not just for countries and individuals who can afford them. Funding is needed to implement the effort, and the program hopes to secure an initial sum of US$8.1 billion; however, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that this is only a first step. A representative from the US Mission is Geneva, Switzerland, reportedly stated that the United States will not be a formal member of the partnership, but it will support international efforts to develop and produce a vaccine. French President Emmanuel Macron commented that he hoped to bring the United States and China onboard to support the effort.   MISINFORMATION & FRAUD Misinformation, including the misinterpretation and misrepresentation of information—about COVID-19 and associated personal protective equipment, test kits, and vaccines or treatments continue to persist as the pandemic grows. The US Department of Justice announced earlier this week that it has disrupted hundreds of COVID-19 scams, including fraudulent websites seeking donations to the American Red Cross or soliciting personal information as well as websites for legitimate companies that were used to distribute malware. Earlier this month, the US FDA also published a warning regarding the sale and use of chlorine dioxide products—which when mixed with other chemicals can become bleach—as a prevention or treatment for COVID-19.   ESTIMATING COVID-19 INCIDENCE IN CHINA A study published by the Lancet evaluated the effect of evolving COVID-19 case definitions in China on the number of detected and reported cases. The researchers identified 7 different versions of COVID-19 case definitions published by China’s National Health Commission. Based on analysis of updated case definitions, as well as changes in COVID-19 reporting associated with the changes to the case definition and control measures such as the “lockdown” of affected areas, the researchers developed a model to estimate the total COVID-19 incidence that could have been detected if the most inclusive version—final version—of the case definition been used from the onset of the epidemic. The authors found that using the final case definition from the outset would have resulted in 253,000 cases detected by February 20, compared to 55,508 cases reported at that time. While this study focuses on case definition and reporting in China, other countries faced similar challenges. As we have covered in recent briefings, the identification of several COVID-19 deaths from early February in California indicates that the narrow case definition in place in the United States at that time likely resulted in the inability to detect ongoing community transmission for weeks before it was first reported. Case definitions for novel diseases and emerging outbreaks often evolve as additional information becomes available.   DOCTOR SPOT Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts (US), is using a robot dog to help clinicians screen patients. The robot, designed and built by Boston Dynamics, is similar to their Spot robots (and their cousin the Cheetah) made famous via online videos, but it can do far more than run, jump, and dance. The robot is now being used to help emergency department physicians handle potential COVID-19 patients remotely. Doctors can move the robot and communicate via video chat on a tablet in order to evaluate incoming patients without risking potential exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The robot’s ability to operate on a variety of surfaces enables it to function effectively wherever hospitals establish triage areas, including parking lots or grassy lawns. The robot allows clinicians to interact with prospective patients, including delivering supplies and potentially advanced remote diagnostic equipment, without the need for doctors and nurses to don PPE, providing the capability to safely interview, evaluate, and triage patients without using limited PPE or risking unnecessary exposure.

 

[HenryJames 65890]

 

[Horn Under a Bad Sign 20344]

[henrygandorf 29177]

3 minutes ago, HenryJames said:

 

if i were cnn, i would absolutely wait until cameras were rolling, and then tell the staff to alert the secret service and have them physically enforce the swap.

then i would air that footage on a loop instead of the press briefing. 

[Queen Bitch 1692]