Coronavirus: How dangerous a threat?

[Unchained]

There is nothing..absolutely nothing political about being tested for Covid-19!
Start to finish.
if there is in your thinking,that is a problem to stack on the mounting problem pile.

 

[search]

Meanwhile, #new cases not increasing that quickly in Italy anyore. Are they at full testing capacity or is there something another reason for that? Guess it depends a lot on distribution of cases and testing?

I couldn't find anything about Italy's testing capacities, but in Germany it's something between 160000-200000 a week, which apparently is pretty good, compared to most other countries (South Korea's "mass testing" means they do 80000 tests a week or so, for example).

Italy returned ~40000 positive tests over the last week alone, so they must be running close to the limit, I guess.

 

[Unchained]

Not sure what Italy' ratio to cases identified to morality.?

 

[sir fly]

Peter Sedgwick's thoughts on disease and anthropocentrism may come handy to everybody struggling to cope with the pandemic and its effects., if statistical rationalization isn't doing the work.

Italy:
9% deaths of total cases
10,1% excluding recovered

 

[Merckx index]

Does either intense exercise and excessive length of exercise make you more susceptinle to picking the virus up,?

I wondering if it is best to ride fairly easy

Well, intense exercise means you're taking in a larger volume of air, so if you're in an area with a significant concentration of virus in the air...but the whole idea of biking is wherever you ride should be pretty much free of virus. Significant viral concentrations may be found in a closed space with lots of people, but if you're outdoors, and particularly in the country, that shouldn't be a problem at all.

Numerous studies and worldwide evidence have already provided concrete proof that wearing masks protect against airborne particles, even those as small as viral particles. This study shows that a standard surgical mask protects against 89% of viral particles (bacteriophages) that were 0.02 microns in size (5x smaller than the coronavirus that are 0.1 microns).

Studies like these show that the materials stop many small particles coming right at them. The problem with surgical masks is that a) there isn't an airtight seal, so virus can get around the mask; b) people wearing the masks tend to fidget with them a lot, touching them and transferring virus to their face; and c) if you stay a meter or two away from other people, your biggest problem is picking up virus on surfaces that you touch. I personally find it easier to maintain a distance from others than to wear a mask, which I find very uncomfortable.

Time for some politically incorrect dark humor:

"The English are feeling the pinch in relation to the recent virus threat and have therefore raised their threat level from “Miffed” to “Peeved.” Soon, though, the level may be raised yet again to “Irritated” or even “A Bit Cross.”

The English have not been “A Bit Cross” since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out.

The virus has been re-categorized from “Tiresome” to “A Bloody Nuisance.” The last time the British issued a “Bloody Nuisance” warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.

The Scots have raised their threat level from “Pissed Off” to “Let's Get the Bastard.” They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its alert level from “Run” to “Hide.” The only two higher levels in France are “Collaborate” and “Surrender.” The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.

Italy has increased the alert level from “Shout Loudly and Excitedly” to “Elaborate Military Posturing.” Two more levels remain: “Ineffective Combat Operations” and “Change Sides.”

The Germans have increased their alert state from “Disdainful Arrogance” to “Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs.” They also have two higher levels: “Invade a Neighbour” and “Lose.”

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

Australia, meanwhile, has raised its alert level from “No worries” to “She'll be alright, Mate.” Two more escalation levels remain: “Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend!” and “The barbie is cancelled.” So far, no situation has ever warranted use of the final escalation level.

The Russians have said “It’s not us.”

 

[gregrowlerson]

Time for some politically incorrect dark humor:

Generally very funny!

 

[Unchained]

As an American I hope that we fire the promoter of the Fyre Festival that we have put in charge of our pandemic strategy

 

[nevele neves]

If top..the top U.S. Official(s) say that tests are readily available make sure that is factual.
if US official(s) say that there is a malaria drug(s) approved,make sure the statements are factual .
if a person who is scared,a person in a risk group,a person serving food to the elderly wants a test, make sure one is available..on the spot (Singapore,S. Korea style) if not within a couple of days is the only reasonable time frame.

Ensure that politics is as far removed from the pandemic strategy as possible. Never ever should either party announce that they plan to meet amongst themselves by party delineation.. Never ever ever should one party denounce the other as evil or misguided while scrambling to solve a deadly dilemma.
If you think that a virus what color flag you fly,your religion,status or who or how you have sex..that may be part of an explanation for how we got such a late start.
And again, omit anything political,the physical and scientific facts say the US got a (very) late start.
And again,no matter what party,no matter the sex or status of the messenger, if that town crier says we have tests,,he she or it is fabricating the message. You can also interject bliss, that telling people tests exist may have a calming effect on a nervous population. That hypotheses would hold water given the fact that huge chunks of the population is not interested in fact or science.
There was recently,within the last 7 days a call for calm about the lack of testing, and of all places, W. Virginia was used as a(the) example for a waste of time and money. At the time it was said,don't waste resources on W.Virginia,they don't have any positive persons. That illogical message lasted less than 48 hrs.
Motana,Wyoming,the Dakotas..no place is safe,every place needs wide spread testing.period.
Funny that the Invisible Man would get released in theaters..this is not invisible at all..you can't see it w binoculars or reading glasses but it's completely visible..
You need scientists looking for it's existence and other critical factors in its spread in the US population.
1 thing absolutely that nobody needs..college kids dancing to some si la ves song on spring break. College kids should not be asked to use restraint from patronizing bars,restaurants and night clubs.
* And yes we know that the Carolinas and S.Padre island heavily rely on Spring break cash influx..and yes Florida will suffer without kids doing shots and dancing in area bars..duh.
We need tests not T&A to save the economy and American lives

Sadly you are still posting like the political threads are open. spreading fear and panic.

YOU ARE ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE TESTED IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS.

Where were the majority of the "T&A" from in Flo rida? The North East. The exact place where the temps have not even started to become spring like.

 

[djpbaltimore]

So its no good? The frenchmen in question should STFU?
No actual ideas yourself?

Why does the southern hemisphere have lower rate of infections?

I get that a scientist have to have proof and not hope but why poop on hope? Scientist and doctors hope all the time. Or does your approach to this have to do with an underlying dislike for something else?

The study didn't show anything conclusively. But, a lot of time can be wasted running down blind alleys. There are better drug leads for COVID-19 IMO.

Conventional wisdom is that the virus has a lower R naught in the tropics and places where it is summer. Doubtful it will be a magic bullet for the USA, but it will probably help to a degree. There are other factors and that has been discussed upthread.

If you let hope cloud your judgement as a scientist, you should get a new profession. My dad lives in an assisted living facility, so I have a lot of desire to see treatments that work. Please don't rehash old arguments. This is not the time or place.

 

[nevele neves]

There is nothing..absolutely nothing political about being tested for Covid-19!
Start to finish.
if there is in your thinking,that is a problem to stack on the mounting problem pile.

Did not say it was political but your post is hinting at political points.

revisit this in a few months.

 

[nevele neves]

The study didn't show anything conclusively. But, a lot of time can be wasted running down blind alleys. There are better drug leads for COVID-19 IMO.

Conventional wisdom is that the virus has a lower R naught in the tropics and places where it is summer. Doubtful it will be a magic bullet for the USA, but it will probably help to a degree. There are other factors and that has been discussed upthread.

If you let hope cloud your judgement as a scientist, you should get a new profession. My dad lives in an assisted living facility, so I have a lot of desire to see treatments that work. Please don't rehash old arguments. This is not the time or place.

From what the usa media is telling the public that temperature does nothing. Well at least when someone mentioned it they went off on him.

If I had any relative living in a home of any type I would removed them and cared for them at my own home. The places have too much traffic of visitors and become a germ landing spot.

 

[Unchained]

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oa4i9Ap6dCg

It is amazing that federal intervention would not be the obvious response to behavior like this when States rights are more important than national health.
Do surrounding communities know what will happen when these people use public bathrooms?
Just guessing that government oversight would be needed to ensure these young adults wash their hands.
If you hear this and trust this sub sect to exercise good judgement..omg

 

[sir fly]

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oa4i9Ap6dCg

It is amazing that federal intervention would not be the obvious response to behavior like this when States rights are more important than national health.
Do surrounding communities know what will happen when these people use public bathrooms?
Just guessing that government oversight would be needed to ensure these young adults wash their hands.
If you hear this and trust this sub sect to exercise good judgement..omg

Already posted several pages ago.
It's the little things that make life big... Like Spring break... Covid-19 is too small, obviously.
They've established their own microcosmos, meaningful through their system of values.
Shouldn't be blamed... Probably no one bothered to teach them about context... absolutes, if there's a consensus about it at all.

 

[Unchained]

I am not sure where or who is passing information about who and who should not be tested. I think everyone should know his or her HIV status..and on topic before frolicking on Spring break. I you should know your immunization status..STD..and STP! status.
The idea that every American not knowing their status as it pertains to Covid-19 is valuable is absurd. In any direction. Knowing your status would change everything..it is life or death..maybe not yours but someone else's!!!
These are just basic life's moral issues that Americans can't appear to interpret.
And the Italian number @6557 cases 793 deaths..as of early this morning Pac Time.
California and the Federal response,including DOD requesting military field hospitals..
So somewhere between the kids w the backwards ball cap and government expert scientists and doctors is probably where the rubber should meet the road.
To see people still in "wait and see" mode makes me think of forced birth control or needed internment camps.
Do dead bodies not count unless you see them?
Are the S.Koreans suddenly non allies? Are there experiences suspect ? Are we doubting what Italian authorities are putting forward?
If the chubby cargo pants bunch should learn if anything,eating pizza doesn't,didn't fend off an\ the epidemic.
Also if you want to waste time and money come up with a slur to call the virus!!
We have folks so under educated they are boycotting a brand of beer out of fear..!!
Somebody help us,we can't do it alone!!

 

[Nirvana]

Yesterday during the Protezione Civile press conference a journalist asked about the very low death count in Germany compared to other countries and they answered that in Germany instead of doing like the other countries that count everyone that die with coronavirus they count only who was healthy before being infected and so dies exclusively because of coronavirus, according to the ISS data only the 1,2% of the deaths in Italy are of people who were healthy before the infection so using that criterion the death count in Italy would be similar if not lower. Personally I was already thinking that Germany death count was very dubious compared to almost every other country but I still found that literally jaw dropping.

 

[Nirvana]

Meanwhile a new special law is probably coming, in the late evening the first minister announced that they'll block also factories and only strictly essential activities will be allowed and in some regions people already can't go further than 200 meters from their home.

Coronavirus: stop attività non essenziali. Conte, è la crisi peggiore dal Dopoguerra - Politica

"Rallentiamo il motore produttivo del paese ma non lo fermiamo. Non è una decisione facile". (ANSA)

www.ansa.it

 

[jmdirt]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Af6b_wyiwI

 

[Koronin]

Meanwhile a new special law is probably coming, in the late evening the first minister announced that they'll block also factories and only strictly essential activities will be allowed and in some regions people already can't go further than 200 meters from their home.

Coronavirus: stop attività non essenziali. Conte, è la crisi peggiore dal Dopoguerra - Politica

"Rallentiamo il motore produttivo del paese ma non lo fermiamo. Non è una decisione facile". (ANSA)

www.ansa.it

How do you get groceries or medical supplies if you don't have factories running? California's Governor tonight said in his press conference that he's in talks with several factories in California about them swapping over to start producing medical supplies.

 

[jmdirt]

I think, generally speaking, you're adviced to sneeze and cough in your elbow.

Ah, so most of the spray goes under your arm and onto the beans, and now you're walking around with C19 snot on you arm. That's not better than containing the spray. The reason that the 'sneeze in your elbow' strategy came about was because people used to sneeze in their hand and touch too many things (including others' hands) before they washed their hand.

One of our nurses at work shared a video with us ~10 years ago with people sneezing into their elbow...the amount of spray was so disgusting that no one in our building did that for years. Google around a bit a see if that video is out there. EDIT: It didn't turn up in my quick search, but you would be shocked how much spray comes out of your nose and mouth when you sneeze, and how much of that doesn't stop in your elbow.

 

[Koronin]

Ah, so most of the spray goes under your arm and onto the beans, and now you're walking around with C19 snot on you arm. That's not better than containing the spray. The reason that the 'sneeze in your elbow' strategy came about was because people used to sneeze in their hand and touch too many things (including others' hands) before they washed their hand.

One of our nurses at work shared a video with us ~10 years ago with people sneezing into their elbow...the amount of spray was so disgusting that no one in our building did that for years. Google around a bit a see if that vid is out there.

Due to the fact this is the time of year for sinuses to act up I always carry tissue with me for sneezing.

 

[jmdirt]

Due to the fact this is the time of year for sinuses to act up I always carry tissue with me for sneezing.

I've never had serious allergies, but there is something in the air this time of year that gets me sneezey, and the sagebrush gets me in the fall. An ear, nose, and throat guy gave me a 'scrip for Azelastine and it works great. I only have to use it a few times a week for a month in the spring, a month in the fall, and random times here or there. Disclaimer: I'm not a medical doc, so talk to your doc (you have to anyway since its a 'scrip)!

 

[Koronin]

I've never had serious allergies, but there is something in the air this time of year that gets me sneezey, and the sagebrush gets me in the fall. An ear, nose, and throat guy gave me a 'scrip for Azelastine and it works great. I only have to use it a few times a week for a month in the spring, a month in the fall, and random times here or there. Disclaimer: I'm not a medical doc, so talk to your doc (you have to anyway since its a 'scrip)!

My husband has bad allergies. For me it's sinuses with the drastic weather changes. I'm dreading this week. 50's yesterday, 80's today, 50's tomorrow 70's Monday.

 

[BlueRoads]

Yesterday during the Protezione Civile press conference a journalist asked about the very low death count in Germany compared to other countries and they answered that in Germany instead of doing like the other countries that count everyone that die with coronavirus they count only who was healthy before being infected and so dies exclusively because of coronavirus, according to the ISS data only the 1,2% of the deaths in Italy are of people who were healthy before the infection so using that criterion the death count in Italy would be similar if not lower. Personally I was already thinking that Germany death count was very dubious compared to almost every other country but I still found that literally jaw dropping.

That's not exactly true, though. I don't know where this rate is coming from to be honest, also I don't know what they mean with "healthy" before that, but by far the most deaths in Germany were people with underlying health conditions.

EDIT: Okay, pure speculation, based on what I know: At least in the beginning there might have been lots of children and young people infected. The first major outbreaks were, I think, not in homes for the elderly or so, but linked to carnival parties of middle aged/ younger people and a kindergarten, a school. In Germany we don't kiss or embrace much for greeting (especially not the older ones). So maybe in the beginning the virus spread mostly among children and younger people. Also they tested very much, and caught most of the cases, did a lot of tracking work. Now not so much anymore. I expect the case fatality in Germany to move up (a lot). But in the end it will probably not be the almost 10 percent rate, in no western country at least. I feel so sorry for people in countries without any real access to a health system, for refugees in camps, so on.

 

[gregrowlerson]

Dramatic changes in Australia just in the last few hours. All interstate travel to be cancelled. All schools shutdown from Tuesday. All non-essential services (so cinemas, restaurants, salons etc) closed from Monday or Tuesday. Basically only access to doctors/chemists, supermarkets and petrol stations will be available. Though I am not sure about fast food; that's an interesting one as they have drive through's (but eating Macca's is not essential ).

Professional sport postponed also.

 

[Nomad]

What changed all of a sudden in the land down under? I was just watching one of their AFL games live here in the States on FOX1 in front of an empty stadium.

We've become a World consumed in fear...