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

[JakeF]

A couple of reminders...

Originally Posted by Bwana

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

Originally Posted by Dartgod

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

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

Thanks!

Click here for the original OP:

Spoiler!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by DaFace

That seems a bit shitty to me. My sister-in-law works for a vet in Colorado, and they're still open. They've changed how they operate a bit (owners stay outside for example), but vets are pretty critical services IMO.

Yeah, you won't get an argument from me there.

[FloridaMan88]

Originally Posted by PAChiefsGuy

I'm not giving advice to restaurant owners. Don't take that post the wrong way. I was merely pointing out that until a vaccine comes out there's not much that can be done for restaurants but once it does come out they should be able to bounce back based on everything I have read from economic experts.

Obviously there's a ton of variables here but I'm sure Trump and his economic team are thinking about how to help small business owners in all industries right now. It's an unfortunate situation of course but what can you do... Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches

I think that a month from now, most states are going to find a way to re-open restaurants and other "non-essential" businesses.

At first it will no doubt be a clunky experience for both customers/business owners/staff... i.e. restaurants will have to space tables out more, staff/customers wearing masks, paper menus, maximum allowable group sizes at tables, etc., but people will adjust and a return to more normal operating procedures will be gradually phased in over the summer.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by Bwana

I had one of my dogs come up lame right after their run on Saturday and assumed he twisted something. After looking closer, he had either gotten a object stuck in there at some point, or somehow got a cut, but it was infected and very swollen. I called the vet and was told "we are not seeing pets until further notice, not until the Rona subsides."

I told her I had been draining it and cleaning it, (all kinds of nasty came out of there) but wanted an antibiotic as a preventive measure. Her reply "We have to see the dog in order to do that." I was like WTF? She has seen the dog over a dozen times and just told me they were not seeing animals.

At one point, I did all my own medical stuff for my dogs and horses as far as wounds and shots, so that's what I'm doing. It's not my first rodeo with something like this. It turns out dogs are also prescribed azithromycin, so I just had to adjust the dose for his weight.

If I didn't have that on hand, I would have just headed down to the local ag store, Western Ranch Supply in this case and picked up a bottle of penicillin and some syringes. The wound is starting to look a lot better, I just have to continue to clean it on a regular basis and keep a close eye on it.

The only other option I had was to take him in to another vet that is taking emergency calls only. I did that once and the bill was $1700 for some basic stuff, no thanks. Nothing like using a sledge hammer to kill an ant.

I feel sorry for people who find themselves in the same situation, without any background in animal care, they are going to be in for major jolt to the wallet.

That is crazy. Out local vet is staying open for even routine stuff, you just have to meet them in the parking lot and they take your animal in the clinic and bring them back out to you. Curb side service basically.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by O.city

If you're waiting for a vaccine, there won't be any restaurant or small business owners left.

There won’t be anything left of anything. Eventually taxes will dry up to the point of basic needs and structure struggling to be met, much less all the social services and tax funded benefits people rely on.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by KCChiefsFan88

I think that a month from now, most states are going to find a way to re-open restaurants and other "non-essential" businesses.

At first it will no doubt be a clunky experience for both customers/business owners/staff... i.e. restaurants will have to space tables out more, staff/customers wearing masks, paper menus, maximum allowable group sizes at tables, etc., but people will adjust and a return to more normal operating procedures will be gradually phased in over the summer.

Restaurants can actually do quite a bit to help customers feel better. Disposable covers on tables, disposable silverware, napkins, and cups, no menus and instead you use your phone, pay online for your food on your phone, and probably some other things I’m not thinking of.

[Donger]

U.S. crude prices plunged to their lowest level in more than 30 years on Monday as traders continue to fret over a slump in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. The price of the nearest oil futures contract, which expires Tuesday, was the hardest hit, detaching from later month futures contracts with a drop of more than 30%. This suggests that some believe there could be a recovery later in the year.

West Texas Intermediate crude for May delivery tanked 42.2%, or $7.75, to $10.52 per barrel.

[O.city]

The problem with all that is just the cost. Restaurants have to pay for and keep all that one hand.

Where does everyone think that money is gonna come from or get passed on to?

[PAChiefsGuy]

Originally Posted by KCChiefsFan88

I think that a month from now, most states are going to find a way to re-open restaurants and other "non-essential" businesses.

At first it will no doubt be a clunky experience for both customers/business owners/staff... i.e. restaurants will have to space tables out more, staff/customers wearing masks, paper menus, maximum allowable group sizes at tables, etc., but people will adjust and a return to more normal operating procedures will be gradually phased in over the summer.

Yeah you are probably right. Governor of California mentioned this. Hopefully they can think of something so restaurants get business and everyone is safe at the same time.

[Monticore]

Originally Posted by Donger

U.S. crude prices plunged to their lowest level in more than 30 years on Monday as traders continue to fret over a slump in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. The price of the nearest oil futures contract, which expires Tuesday, was the hardest hit, detaching from later month futures contracts with a drop of more than 30%. This suggests that some believe there could be a recovery later in the year.

West Texas Intermediate crude for May delivery tanked 42.2%, or $7.75, to $10.52 per barrel.

I assume Russia and Middle east oil producers can deal with this situation longer/better than the US industry but this not my forte.

[FloridaMan88]

What an interesting way for Novak Djokovic to effectively announce his retirement from international tennis competition...

https://www.si.com/tennis/2020/04/20...-tennis-travel

Novak Djokovic said he's opposed to the idea of a mandatory coronavirus vaccine to resume international travel if the vaccine or requirement becomes an option.

"Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn't want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel," Djokovic said in a live Facebook chat Sunday, according to Reuters.

"But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision. I have my own thoughts about the matter and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don’t know.

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

That is crazy. Out local vet is staying open for even routine stuff, you just have to meet them in the parking lot and they take your animal in the clinic and bring them back out to you. Curb side service basically.

Yeah it made no sense to me at all.

Cleaning his wound is always a bit of an adventure. He doesn't like to be on his side and the wounds is impossible to access with him laying on his stomach with weight on his paws. I have to bulldog him and lay across him to get him to stay on his side. He settles down after about 10 seconds and I can do my thing, but it's never dull. He's a Doberman, loves everyone, listens well, but laying on his side is his kryptonite.

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by Donger

U.S. crude prices plunged to their lowest level in more than 30 years on Monday as traders continue to fret over a slump in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. The price of the nearest oil futures contract, which expires Tuesday, was the hardest hit, detaching from later month futures contracts with a drop of more than 30%. This suggests that some believe there could be a recovery later in the year.

West Texas Intermediate crude for May delivery tanked 42.2%, or $7.75, to $10.52 per barrel.

The refineries are already running on Skelton crews around here. Between P-66 and Exxon Mobil, they laid off over 1500 people and that was clear back in mid March.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Bwana

Yeah, you won't get an argument from me there.

It's not a government order that's shut them down, right? Are there other vets (non-emergency) in your area that are open?

[Dartgod]

Originally Posted by Bwana

I had one of my dogs come up lame right after their run on Saturday and assumed he twisted something. After looking closer, he had either gotten a object stuck in there at some point, or somehow got a cut, but it was infected and very swollen. I called the vet and was told "we are not seeing pets until further notice, not until the Rona subsides."

I told her I had been draining it and cleaning it, (all kinds of nasty came out of there) but wanted an antibiotic as a preventive measure. Her reply "We have to see the dog in order to do that." I was like WTF? She has seen the dog over a dozen times and just told me they were not seeing animals.

At one point, I did all my own medical stuff for my dogs and horses as far as wounds and shots, so that's what I'm doing. It's not my first rodeo with something like this. It turns out dogs are also prescribed azithromycin, so I just had to adjust the dose for his weight.

If I didn't have that on hand, I would have just headed down to the local ag store, Western Ranch Supply in this case and picked up a bottle of penicillin and some syringes. The wound is starting to look a lot better, I just have to continue to clean it on a regular basis and keep a close eye on it.

The only other option I had was to take him in to another vet that is taking emergency calls only. I did that once and the bill was $1700 for some basic stuff, no thanks. Nothing like using a sledge hammer to kill an ant.

I feel sorry for people who find themselves in the same situation, without any background in animal care, they are going to be in for major jolt to the wallet.

Our vet is still open. We just call when we pull into the lot and they come out and get the dog. They bring her back out when she is done with the bill.

Easy peasy.

[PAChiefsGuy]

Originally Posted by O.city

If you're waiting for a vaccine, there won't be any restaurant or small business owners left.

Right... They are going to have to get creative to keep businesses afloat but I mean the economy isn't going to come back in full force until a vaccine comes out