***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.”

[lewdog]

If I was working today, I wouldn’t be in here arguing with Pete.

Damn day off.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by DaFace

Since you seem to be here for actual discussion, can you help me understand why masks have become a left/right issue? I honestly don't understand it. Is it just a feeling like people shouldn't have to follow government regulations broadly? Lack of trust in science? Or is there something more to it that I'm missing?

Those two are absolutely part of it. I don't think one can dismiss being a contrarian and selfish, as well. Bravery plays into it.

There's another reason which can't be discussed here, too.

[OnTheWarpath15]

I blame you, DaFace.

Originally Posted by DaFace

If I had an easy way to do it, I'd start a thread with a different approach:

Anyone who has >100 posts in DC in the past 12 months 100% isn't allowed. No exceptions.

I have less of an issue with "politics" than I do with "people who like talking about politics." The ceaseless bickering is just exhausting for me to read.

What could have been...

[Pants]

Is pete Costco Kevin?

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Originally Posted by jd1020

I have this side effect where the second I put on a mask my glasses instantly fog up and I cant see shit with them on and I cant see shit with them off so I choose not to wear one. I also realize that its an issue to a lot of people so I do all of my store shopping just before closing when there's maybe like 5 people in the store and the only checkout isles open are the self checkout and I have yet to get stopped for not wearing one.

Tighten up the fit of the top of the mask and wash your lenses with warm, soapy water.

[O.city]

You guys that are having fogging problems, you have to really pinch the mask around the bridge of your nose, then learn to breath slow and shallow. It takes some getting used to.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Do you understand what asymptomatic means?

I just feel we need to start somewhere with you.

You didn't answer my question. Perhaps you should start there with yourself before you start with other people?

[limested]

Originally Posted by Pants

Is pete Costco Kevin?

Costco Kevin has more manners than pete.

[Pants]

pete, all jokes aside. Do you think there's a CHANCE masks may offer SOME sort of protection to the public? Or do you FIRMLY believe wearing a mask is literally the same as not wearing one when it comes to SARS 2?

[petegz28]

I've noticed not a single one of you has answered my question.

How long do you intend to wear masks? It's a simple question.

[PAChiefsGuy]

Originally Posted by petegz28

I've noticed not a single one of you has answered my question.

How long do you intend to wear masks? It's a simple question.

I am going to keep wearing it until I die.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by petegz28

I've noticed not a single one of you has answered my question.

How long do you intend to wear masks? It's a simple question.

DaFace answered your question...

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by petegz28

I've noticed not a single one of you has answered my question.

How long do you intend to wear masks? It's a simple question.

Originally Posted by DaFace

I have no symptoms and wear it everywhere (inside) now. I'll do so until public health experts deem that it's no longer necessary.

[Pants]

Originally Posted by petegz28

I've noticed not a single one of you has answered my question.

How long do you intend to wear masks? It's a simple question.

DaFace answered it.

I agree with him 100%.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by PAChiefsGuy

I am going to keep wearing it until I die.

It will protect you from lots of things sir, like regular colds and that homeless guy that won't stop jerking off on the train.