***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.”

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by Titty Meat

That's odd both KC and Jackson county were on an unreleased list as potential hot spots. It's almost like you have no idea what you're talking about.

Now if the president or whatever right meme talk show host you follow said MO was a hotspot by god you would be on here saying MO is a hotspot

If we could go back to at least pretending this isn't DC, that would be cool, thx.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Yup CNN just got busted yesterday for manipulating information from a poll on Covid stating that 68% of Americans wouldn't go back to normal activity until there was vaccine but that's not motley what the poll data said. The data said 68% of Americans thought a vaccine was important.

So assuming this is accurate one has to ask “why?” But this is one example of why people are all over the place in their responses to this whole thing. People feel manipulated and rightfully so. The goal of this would be to what? Keep people who might consider going back to normal refraining from doing so if they are led to believe they are in the minority in doing so. It’s all about controlling people to their desires and how can you not see this and think this network wants to prolong shutdowns and a failing economy?

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

Gov Cuomo is saying on CNN that now 13 states and 5 other countries are seeing cases with kids with the inflammatory disease related to Covid. Lucky we got a couple of months before school opens so we can see if they can figure something out.

Here's a good breakdown on the disease and Kawasaki Syndrome
https://www.medpagetoday.com/infecti.../covid19/86393

[displacedinMN]

Minnesota loosening up a little

Spoiler!

Gov. Tim Walz said he will relax social distancing restrictions put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus.

His new measure, dubbed “stay safe Minnesota,” will mean some businesses can reopen their doors and there will be fewer restrictions on Minnesotans' movements during the public health crisis.

But it’s not a full reopening of the state.

What does Walz’s new order say?

The governor’s safer at home measure means he will let his stay-at-home order -- first issued on March 28 -- expire on May 18. That original order directed Minnesotans to stay inside their homes except for essential needs and services or if they worked in critical sectors.

So does that mean things will go back to the way they were before the pandemic?


No. Walz wants vulnerable Minneotans to continue to stay at home and social distance to protect themselves from the virus. That includes those at-risk for severe illness, such as the elderly or individuals with underlying health conditions. And large gatherings of more than 10 people are still not permitted.

What businesses are going to reopen as a result of the new order?


Many small businesses and retailers that were shuttered under the stay-at-home order will be allowed to open but there will be restrictions on operations, such as 50 percent of store capacity, and they’ll need to have measures in place for social distancing for employees and customers. This includes shopping malls, with some restrictions on common spaces. Walz still wants anyone who can work from home to do so.

What about restrictions for bars and restaurants?

The new order doesn’t change the situation for bars and restaurants in Minnesota, which are closed under a separate executive order. Those will remain closed to dine-in customers while state agencies develop a plan to reopen with social distancing measures in place as soon as June 1. Bars and restaurants can still serve delivery and take out food orders, and the Legislature and governor have relaxed rules that allow them to serve some beer and wine with food orders.

Can I go to the hair salon or the movies yet?


Not yet. In person-services at businesses such as hair salons, barber shops and tattoo parlors are still restricted under the same order closing bars and restaurants. The same goes for movie theaters, stadiums and similar public spaces.

Any update on school closures?


Public K-12 schools across the state are closed under a separate executive order for the remainder of the academic year, and that hasn’t changed. He hasn’t made a decision yet on what will happen with fall classes.

Are churches and other houses of worship open to the public yet?

Not yet, but Walz did say that small gatherings in houses of worship are OK if they are 10 people or fewer.

What if employees returning to work don’t feel safe?


Walz is issuing a new executive order for employees returning to work that will protect them from discrimination or retaliation if they raise concerns about workplace safety.

Is everyone in absolute agreement with this order?

Reactions to the new order were mixed. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, said the order is “moving in the right direction. “This is really good news. I’m glad that he listened to us and I feel like we lead the way. Now it’s up to us, you and me, that we practice safe distancing. I have every confidence we’re going to be able to do it. Minnesota is back on track.”

But in a statement, the Minnesota Nurses Association expressed reservations about lifting some social distancing restrictions “at a time when hospitals continue to dangerously ration PPE, new supply lines have not appeared in state warehouses.”

What does Walz say?


The governor has stressed repeatedly that social distancing measures were put in place to give the state enough time to build hospital capacity and stock up on ventilators and other supplies to protect healthcare workers. He said the state has “used this time wisely.”

“Minnesota is staying steady in hospitalizations. With the capacity we’ve built while you’ve stayed home, we can chart a new path forward,” he said. “We believe we will be able to handle an increase in cases as more people move out and about.”

Could restrictions come back at any point?


Yes, Walz noted that there are still unknowns about the virus and Minnesotans “must be prepared to dial back if needed.”

Briana Bierschbach is a politics and government reporter for the Star Tribune.

briana.bierschbach@startribune.com bbierschbach

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by mr. tegu

So assuming this is accurate one has to ask “why?” But this is one example of why people are all over the place in their responses to this whole thing. People feel manipulated and rightfully so. The goal of this would be to what? Keep people who might consider going back to normal refraining from doing so if they are led to believe they are in the minority in doing so. It’s all about controlling people to their desires and how can you not see this and think this network wants to prolong shutdowns and a failing economy?

I don't know if it so much that as it is just ratings. The scarier things are the more people watch the news. The media has always thrived on tragedy the most and they will overhype it until the cow is milked dry.

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Yeah this is the one that is kind of strange. It doesn't appear to be effecting a ton of kids but the ones it is hitting it is really doing a number. And wtf did thi just come from? I know they say it's related to Covid but are they really sure about that or is it just a guess at this point?

Originally Posted by petegz28

Here's a good breakdown on the disease and Kawasaki Syndrome
https://www.medpagetoday.com/infecti.../covid19/86393

Thanks. This is scary since it seems to take awhile to show up or it presents itself in alot of different ways.

Honestly we probably know less than 1% of what this virus does and we don't have any kind of handle on it.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

Gov Cuomo is saying on CNN that now 13 states and 5 other countries are seeing cases with kids with the inflammatory disease related to Covid. Lucky we got a couple of months before school opens so we can see if they can figure something out.

Interesting comment from the article I linked....

My 17 year old son was diagnosed and treated for Kawasaki April 3rd. EXTREMELY RARE for a 17 year old to have Kawasaki. As I am reading and seeing these cases popping up I hear very little if anything about the Imumuneglobulin IV IG treatment. In short, his pediatrician had identified the symptoms early on. After all blood work had come back negative to everything including COVID19, everyone was in agreement to start him on the IV IG treatment. Given his age, he was given 3 doses over 3 nights. He immediately recovered. It is my understanding that Kawasaki lays dormant and very rare to rear its ugly head. It is supposedly triggered by infection. It seems logical that due to COVID being so highly transmissible, and children being asymptomatic or minimal symptoms this could be triggering Kawasaki.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

Thanks. This is scary since it seems to take awhile to show up or it presents itself in alot of different ways.

Honestly we probably know less than 1% of what this virus does and we don't have any kind of handle on it.

Actually while this is scary I think we know more about it than we think. Read the comment I just posted for you about the lady who had a 17 yr old that had this. The disease is not new though rare.

[Monticore]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Actually while this is scary I think we know more about it than we think. Read the comment I just posted for you about the lady who had a 17 yr old that had this. The disease is not new though rare.

There is also that multi system inflammatory syndrome popping up in some kids.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Monticore

There is also that multi system inflammatory syndrome popping up in some kids.

Important note...

Despite being rare, there are reports of some children getting sick – whether from COVID-19 or from other causes, including PIMS. Some of these children reported to have this condition have tested positive for COVID-19, while others have not. ​

https://www.healthychildren.org/Engl...condition.aspx



I think we need to be careful saying this is Covid related. It just seems we are getting rather liberal in the way we are blaming Covid for everything. The nurse this weekend told my Wife they were "not allowed to test for the flu anymore".

As the linked article states, some of the kids with the inflammatory disease have Covid and some do not. So yes, we need to be concerned but we also need to be accurate.

[Monticore]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Important note...



https://www.healthychildren.org/Engl...condition.aspx



I think we need to be careful saying this is Covid related. It just seems we are getting rather liberal in the way we are blaming Covid for everything. The nurse this weekend told my Wife they were "not allowed to test for the flu anymore".

As the linked article states, some of the kids with the inflammatory disease have Covid and some do not. So yes, we need to be concerned but we also need to be accurate.

We are also using false negatives to argue some points and not for others , but i am aware it might not related, but when we get a new jump in certain conditions and the only new factor in the equation is a pandemic it is hard to brush it off as just bad luck

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Monticore

We are also using false negatives to argue some points and not for others , but i am aware it might not related, but when we get a new jump in certain conditions and the only new factor in the equation is a pandemic it is hard to brush it off as just bad luck

the article I linked does state there are under-reported cases so...I just know they said some of kids with this have Covid and some don't. We can't just start saying those that don't really do. We are already doing that with all the other Covid cases to the point that I even joked about it earlier that if you test negative then it has to be a false negative.

[phisherman]

Originally Posted by Titty Meat

That's odd both KC and Jackson county were on an unreleased list as potential hot spots. It's almost like you have no idea what you're talking about.

Now if the president or whatever right meme talk show host you follow said MO was a hotspot by god you would be on here saying MO is a hotspot

I would assume that KC/Jackson County are on said list because a large number of folks that tested positive at the Triumph meat packing plant reside in KC or Jackson County. That's quite a big jump in local numbers solely from that plant.

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Actually while this is scary I think we know more about it than we think. Read the comment I just posted for you about the lady who had a 17 yr old that had this. The disease is not new though rare.

I read it and thank you. It seems just like adults, covid is messing with our bodies in so many different ways that we just don't know yet. Dr. Gupta was talking tonight that he has been communicating with his sources in Asia and they aren't seeing this. So this is just appearing in Europe and the US so why? Genetics, different strain...? We just don't know. He was talking about interviewing a family tonight that their 12 year old daughter had 2 massive heart attacks related to this.

So far the numbers are low and listen I am not try to fear monger or scare anybody but I am concerned that if schools reopen what will happen to our children if they get covid because most of them have been quarantined with their parents.

Also in thinking about it this inflammatory response may not be to far different than what we have seen in adults. We know adults that have gotten covid have had heart attacks, strokes and blood clots that killed them.

[dirk digler]

#COVID19 United States reports ~22K new cases and ~1700 new deaths today

Encouraging sign with wk/wk decline in new cases/deaths while positivity rate down to 6.4%

Most hard-hit states appear to be declining or flattening though outlook complicated by re-opening

h/t @CohoKelly pic.twitter.com/62VDKJk2hy

— Andy Biotech (@AndyBiotech) May 14, 2020