COVID-19

[LesPlenty]

Mo new cases here for 2 weeks so the Gov has sent teachers back to school...with no social distancing needed with the kids yet the rest of the state is still in lockdown, what a fucking joke!

 

[Disrupt]

Keeping track of fresh outbreaks, wondered why Gallup, NM is at the top of the list.

The Top U.S. Coronavirus Hot Spots Are All Indian Lands

By Nicholas Kristof
Opinion Columnist
May 30, 2020

If Native American tribes were counted as states, the five most infected states in the country would all be native tribes, with New York dropping to No. 6, according to a compilation by the American Indian Studies Center at U.C.L.A...

The virus is believed to have arrived when an infected person attended a Christian revival on the reservation in early March, and it then spread through basketball games, church services and community events. It also preyed upon poverty: Many Navajo live crowded in small homes where social distancing is impossible, and 40 percent of those on the reservation lack running water, according to Kathleen Norton of the Center for American Indian Health at Johns Hopkins University...

Some Navajo worry that the crisis will bolster a narrative of Native Americans as perpetually wretched and helpless. “Don’t portray us as poor, poor Navajos,” said the Navajo president, Jonathan Nez. “We’re resilient. We’re over-comers.”

Shawna Gonzalez lives in a traditional one-room Navajo home, a hogan, with her seven children. Her husband, an undocumented Mexican immigrant who had lived in the United States since he was 3 years old, was deported, so she managed with the help of her mother — until her mother was hospitalized with the coronavirus...

Because there is no running water, Gonzalez must regularly drive to a distant well and fill several containers to take home 15 gallons — and then ration water closely. There is no postal delivery or package delivery here or in much of the Navajo Nation, so she also drives to the post office to pick up mail...

About 800 Navajo served in the Korean War, some as “code talkers” who transmitted messages in the Navajo language as an unbreakable code, and South Korea this month showed its gratitude by shipping 10,000 masks to the Navajo Nation. The Irish, in grateful memory of having received aid from Choctaw Indians in 1847 during the potato famine, have returned the favor by donating generously to a relief fund for the Navajo...

“The criminal negligence shown by the federal government in the lack of access to testing and P.P.E. and other necessary resources has cost us more lives than we could imagine,” said Janene Yazzie, a Navajo community organizer who helps run the Navajo and Hopi Families Covid-19 Relief Fund. “We did not deserve this negligence.”

 

[Marlon Rando]

These jokers can't get it straight can they? They keep flip flopping on when the want us to wear a mask.

 

[Disrupt]

For those interested in expert opinion.

When 511 Epidemiologists Expect to Fly, Hug and Do 18 Other Everyday Activities Again
By Quoctrung Bui, Claire Cain Miller and Margot Sanger-KatzJune 8, 2020

When epidemiologists said they expect to do these activities in their personal lives, assuming the pandemic and response unfold as they expect

Activities they said they might start doing soon

	THIS SUMMER	3 TO 12 MOS.	1 YR.+	NEVER AGAIN
Bring in mail without precautions (n = 379)	64	16	17	3
See a doctor for a nonurgent appointment (507)	60	29	11	<1
Vacation overnight within driving distance (372)	56	26	18	<1
Get a haircut at a salon or barber shop (485)	41	39	19	1

Later in the next year

	THIS SUMMER	3 TO 12 MOS.	1 YR.+	NEVER AGAIN
Attend a small dinner party (n = 509)	32	46	21	<1
Hike or picnic outdoors with friends (506)	31	41	27	<1
Send kids to school, camp or day care (304)	30	55	15	<1
Work in a shared office (434)	27	54	18	1
Send children on play dates (272)	23	47	29	1
Ride a subway or a bus (408)	20	40	39	1
Visit elderly relative or friend in their home (485)	20	41	39	<1
Travel by airplane (512)	20	44	37	<1
Eat at a dine-in restaurant (506)	16	56	28	<1
Exercise at a gym or fitness studio (406)	14	42	40	4

Maybe a year or more

	THIS SUMMER	3 TO 12 MOS.	1 YR.+	NEVER AGAIN
Attend a wedding or a funeral (n = 501)	17	41	42	<1
Hug or shake hands when greeting a friend (503)	14	39	42	6
Go out with someone you don't know well (363)	14	42	42	2
Attend a church or other religious service (220)	13	43	43	2
Stop routinely wearing a face covering (513)	7	40	52	1
Attend a sporting event, concert or play (489)	3	32	64	1

Largest values in each group are highlighted. Figures are rounded.

These are the personal opinions of a group of 511 epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists who were asked by The New York Times when they expect to resume 20 activities of daily life, assuming that the pandemic and the public health response to it unfold as they expect. Their answers are not guidelines for the public, and incorporate respondents’ individual life circumstances, risk tolerance and expectations about when there will be widespread testing, contact tracing, treatment and vaccination for Covid-19. They said it’s these things that will determine their actions, because the virus sets the timeline. “The answers have nothing to do with calendar time,” said Kristi McClamroch of the University at Albany...

Personally, expect pandemic's spread in the northern hemisphere to level off or gradually decline in the summer months, because there's some informed opinion that the virus doesn't spread as effectively outdoors. This is also true of the coronaviruses that cause the common cold, so it's plausible. However, during this time, many will forget about the risk and resume normal activities. When these activities are brought inside in fall and winter, expect a spike, perhaps much higher and more widespread than we've yet seen. This is what happened with the Spanish Flu in 1918.

 

[Baron23]

For those interested in expert opinion.

When 511 Epidemiologists Expect to Fly, Hug and Do 18 Other Everyday Activities Again
By Quoctrung Bui, Claire Cain Miller and Margot Sanger-KatzJune 8, 2020



Personally, expect pandemic's spread in the northern hemisphere to level off or gradually decline in the summer months, because there's some informed opinion that the virus doesn't spread as effectively outdoors. This is also true of the coronaviruses that cause the common cold, so it's plausible. However, during this time, many will forget about the risk and resume normal activities. When these activities are brought inside in fall and winter, expect a spike, perhaps much higher and more widespread than we've yet seen. This is what happened with the Spanish Flu in 1918.

Well, when seeing that 3% of them won't consider bringing in their mail without precautions....EVER...my first thought is that being an epidemiologist doesn't seem to provide prophylactic protection to being neurotic as fuck.

 

[Disrupt]

Well, when seeing that 3% of them won't consider bringing in their mail without precautions....EVER...my first thought is that being an epidemiologist doesn't seem to provide prophylactic protection to being neurotic as fuck.

Maybe they know something we don't.

The caveat helps: Their answers are not guidelines for the public, and incorporate respondents’ individual life circumstances, risk tolerance and expectations about when there will be widespread testing, contact tracing, treatment and vaccination for Covid-19.

 

[Baron23]

Maybe they know something we don't.

The caveat helps: Their answers are not guidelines for the public, and incorporate respondents’ individual life circumstances, risk tolerance and expectations about when there will be widespread testing, contact tracing, treatment and vaccination for Covid-19.

Yeah, or maybe like all groups of people, they vary significantly and I agree that risk tolerance is a totally individual prerogative up to the point you are impacting others.

So, I still stand by my original observation.

 

[CarolKing]

I’m going to do everything I can do to try to prevent getting this virus. If it means wearing a mask and staying 6 feet or more apart, maybe go to the grocery store when there’s less people I personally am going to do that. I went to the hair dresser Saturday and wore a mask and so did my hairdresser. There was another stylist and customer but they were a few chairs away. They had masks on too. It’s not that difficult. A 111,000 people dead in the U.S OMG! Why so many in the U.S? Most of all there’s no treatment or shot to prevent this.

 

[Stevenski]

Pubs have reopened, football is back & I am still working from home. Rather liking this new normal if I'm honest.

It’s not that difficult. A 111,000 people dead in the U.S OMG! Why so many in the U.S?

Your country failed to shut down early. Combine that with half arsed shutdowns & disinterested leadership. A recipe for catastrophe unfortunately.

 

[Disrupt]

Yeah, or maybe like all groups of people, they vary significantly and I agree that risk tolerance is a totally individual prerogative up to the point you are impacting others.

So, I still stand by my original observation.

A few of the respondents could certainly be neurotic. They could also be elderly, have diabetes, type A blood or other traits that put them at higher risk. They might think a vaccine is unlikely or will take several years to be widely available. A small percentage of outliers doesn't invalidate the survey, which is just meant to give readers some insight into how they might weigh the risks and benefits of particular activities in their own circumstances.

I’m going to do everything I can do to try to prevent getting this virus. If it means wearing a mask and staying 6 feet or more apart, maybe go to the grocery store when there’s less people I personally am going to do that... A 111,000 people dead in the U.S OMG! Why so many in the U.S? Most of all there’s no treatment or shot to prevent this.

It's very likely that 60% - 80% of the global population will be infected before a safe and effective vaccine can be widely distributed. That's a long way from where we are now. If precautions aren't a hardship, it's perfectly reasonable to want to be in the other 20% - 40%.

The point in posting the survey was that in the US, many seem to think the danger has passed, or is at least diminishing. In fact, for most of us, the risk of infection is much greater now than it was in March. Our perception is overly influenced by the early, gigantic spike in New York City. Given our infantile attention spans, it would probably take multiple events of similar magnitude happening simultaneously to make a lasting impression, and that may be where we're headed.

Your country failed to shut down early. Combine that with half arsed shutdowns & disinterested leadership. A recipe for catastrophe unfortunately.

Australia's done an exemplary job, despite its ideological differences, by recognizing early that the pandemic called for setting aside divisions, taking apolitical medical advice seriously, and acting in the common interest.

Curious about the southern hemisphere entering winter now. Do people spend more time indoors or are most population centers warm year-round?

 

[CarolKing]

I agree several countries shut down early so many of their citizens didn’t get the virus. Germany and New New did a wonderful job I’ve seen from the numbers. Some of the scientist have said 60,000 less people would have died here in the U.S if our person in charge would have been smart and cared. Too bad they were too worried about the stock market tanking.

 

[Stevenski]

Australia's done an exemplary job, despite its ideological differences, by recognizing early that the pandemic called for setting aside divisions, taking apolitical medical advice seriously, and acting in the common interest.

Curious about the southern hemisphere entering winter now. Do people spend more time indoors or are most population centers warm year-round?

Well most of us did not question the experts advice. After all they are experts on the subject opposed to the glut of "researchers" on social media. The key for us & New Zealand was to get in early & do it properly. Short term pain for long term gain really but it is baby steps still.

It gets cold here but it is relative. It is early winter here & 55 degrees at 10pm so fairly mild compared to winter in the northern hemisphere. Winter proper drops it to freezing ish but it does ot snow here.

I agree several countries shut down early so many of their citizens didn’t get the virus. Germany and New New did a wonderful job I’ve seen from the numbers. Some of the scientist have said 60,000 less people would have died here in the U.S if our person in charge would have been smart and cared. Too bad they were too worried about the stock market tanking.

There have been a lot of avoidable casualties in the USA but it could be worse. You could be like Western Europe that has double the deaths per million than the USA.

These large scale protests will only exacerbate things i suspect. Things will hopefully keep trending down but there will likley be a large second wave. How prepared countries are will be the difference for your coming winter. The last thing anyone needs is further shutdowns.

 

[Madri-Gal]

I’m going to do everything I can do to try to prevent getting this virus. If it means wearing a mask and staying 6 feet or more apart, maybe go to the grocery store when there’s less people I personally am going to do that. I went to the hair dresser Saturday and wore a mask and so did my hairdresser. There was another stylist and customer but they were a few chairs away. They had masks on too. It’s not that difficult. A 111,000 people dead in the U.S OMG! Why so many in the U.S? Most of all there’s no treatment or shot to prevent this.

When you get back home, you might want to gargle with salt water. It would kill virus' in the throat. Nielmeds makes a nasal rinse that can rinse sinus area. The virus will enter through mouth, nose or eyes. The severity of illness seems to be related to initial viral load amounts, and gargle and rinse can help. Obviously, distance, mask, wash hands, etc. Be safe, my friend.

 

[Baron23]

In fact, for most of us, the risk of infection is much greater now than it was in March.

Source please?

 

[Baron23]

Some of the scientist have said 60,000 less people would have died here in the U.S if our person in charge would have been smart and cared. Too bad they were too worried about the stock market tanking.

Alright, I have to throw the BS flag on this.

I do absolutely remember the howling...absolute HOWLING...in the media alleging racism when on Jan 31st the Fed government closed borders to China.

I could probably find images of the headline stories with a little effort.

Oh, and are you still working or retired? I'm retired....and where do you think almost all individual retirement accounts as well as pension accounts are invest...hmmm?

Hint, its not bonds and hasn't been for quite some time as interest rates are in the basement.

Yes, I too care about the stock market.

 

[Bcbud]

We all have our own comfort levels. My wife has respiratory issues and I am taking every precaution to keep this virus out of our home. In British Columbia our health officials have done a stellar job of keeping us safe and informed.

 

[CarolKing]

@Baron23 Hi there. I think you need to weigh the good with the bad and listen to those folks that know science and the economy. It’s a joint effort a combination of those that are in the know. It seems like our captain of our ship is willing to sink it, as the threat seems to grow.
Science and economics, if I’m dead I’m not going to be using my retirement funds. I still work and have been teaching from home. I am close to retirement age but still am few years away. None of us have gone through anything like this before. We really don’t know what will happen and I’m not much of a gambler either.

Restaurants and theaters will open but how many will go?
What works for one to protect themselves may not be as important or work for someone else. We have to think about our own health and safety. I’m thinking about the safety of others as well. This is a heavy subject, I respect everyone’s thoughts.

 

[Disrupt]

Source please?

That the potential for exposure is greater now than it was in March is not controversial. Because so few people were infected in March, there was little chance you'd be exposed to someone who was infectious. Because many people have been infected since, and some of them are still infectious, there's a greater chance you'll be exposed now.

Of course, effective precautions have been taken to reduce this increased exposure - social distancing, etc. But if we abandon these precautions, we'll find ourselves in a much more risky environment. That risk will increase to some maximum and then begin to decrease - when most people have already been infected (or vaccinated) and are no longer infectious. In a few years, the risk will likely be no higher than it is for the cold or flu. Herd immunity will have been achieved.

People seem to have been more fearful in March than they are now, which is understandable. The pandemic was a new experience. Maybe they feared death was imminent for themselves or their loved ones. Fear exists to help us avoid these outcomes. But when the worst didn't materialize, their fears began to recede. Unfortunately, all that says is that our psychology is poorly suited to deal with this type of threat. It makes better sense to have been less fearful then and more fearful now.

 

[Baron23]

That the potential for exposure is greater now than it was in March is not controversial. Because so few people were infected in March, there was little chance you'd be exposed to someone who was infectious. Because many people have been infected since, and some of them are still infectious, there's a greater chance you'll be exposed now.

Of course, effective precautions have been taken to reduce this increased exposure - social distancing, etc. But if we abandon these precautions, we'll find ourselves in a much more risky environment. That risk will increase to some maximum and then begin to decrease - when most people have already been infected (or vaccinated) and are no longer infectious. In a few years, the risk will likely be no higher than it is for the cold or flu. Herd immunity will have been achieved.

People seem to have been more fearful in March than they are now, which is understandable. The pandemic was a new experience. Maybe they feared death was imminent for themselves or their loved ones. Fear exists to help us avoid these outcomes. But when the worst didn't materialize, their fears began to recede. Unfortunately, all that says is that our psychology is poorly suited to deal with this type of threat. It makes better sense to have been less fearful then and more fearful now.

Ok, no source citation.

 

[Disrupt]

Ok, no source citation.

That's right - don't recall reading this anywhere, perhaps because it's too obvious. With which part do you disagree? Might be able to dig up a supporting reference or two, if that's what you need to take a reasonable argument seriously.