Corona Thread |OT| Nu variant, who dis?

[Madrun Badrun]

Just realized that the excessive death numbers are going to be the next right-wing fake news talking point.   

[Nintex]

Just realized that the excessive death numbers are going to be the next right-wing fake news talking point.

Nah, they'll just highlight the fact that more people are dying in Democrat run states than Republican states.

[team filler]

https://twitter.com/ChipYost/status/1265355630069465088

 

[CatsCatsCats]

   Error getting today's activity

(Hopefully that means they’re updating shit)

[Rufus]

https://twitter.com/ChipYost/status/1265355630069465088

 

Let them keep the fines, see how quickly the tune changes.

[Cauliflower Of Love]

I'd like to be a mask police.

[CatsCatsCats]

Give police clear protective visors, can’t be hiding them pig faces

[team filler]

give police a ball gag and latex bodysuit 

[Cauliflower Of Love]

I like that the guy in back is wearing a mask

[Tripon]

The Germans news is trustworthy?

[Don Rumata]

"iTs OnLy A fLu"

It's not that big a number.
More people are killed by death, every year, for example.

[Fifstar]

The Germans news is trustworthy?

Deutsche Welle in general is very trustworthy.

[T-Short]

The Germans news is trustworthy?

Deutsche Welle in general is very trustworthy.

I find it really weird that this report (and many others) is still claiming that the Swedish strategy was to aim for herd immunity. It never was, and I think any epidemiologist would tell you that a herd immunity strategy when a vaccine is unavailable is just never applicable. The WHO scientist interviewed in this report also corrects the reporter about this being a strategy for the UK and Sweden. As far as I can tell, the Swedish strategy has always been to try to flatten the curve as much as possible, to protect the healthcare system, using the legislative and behavioural tools available. The high per capita death rate is a failure, and the state epidemiologist admits to that. But I think it's more of a result of an erosion of underlying care systems due to austerity and privatisation measures. For example, the Stockholm region, our most populous region, has a Covid-19 fatality rate of 17.2% as of yesterday's data. But the Västra Götaland region, the second most populous region, has a fatality rate of 9%, obviously with the same strategy and recommendations in place.

As infections began to accelerate in March, Sweden built more intensive care units, temporarily almost doubling the available capacity to 1200 beds. Currently, the number of Covid-19 patients in ICU:s are 335, declining from a peak of 558 in late April:



Daily death rates are also on a steady decline since a peak in early April:

[Fifstar]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

The Germans news is trustworthy?

Deutsche Welle in general is very trustworthy.

I find it really weird that this report (and many others) is still claiming that the Swedish strategy was to aim for herd immunity. It never was, and I think any epidemiologist would tell you that a herd immunity strategy when a vaccine is unavailable is just never applicable. The WHO scientist interviewed in this report also corrects the reporter about this being a strategy for the UK and Sweden. As far as I can tell, the Swedish strategy has always been to try to flatten the curve as much as possible, to protect the healthcare system, using the legislative and behavioural tools available. The high per capita death rate is a failure, and the state epidemiologist admits to that. But I think it's more of a result of an erosion of underlying care systems due to austerity and privatisation measures. For example, the Stockholm region, our most populous region, has a Covid-19 fatality rate of 17.2% as of yesterday's data. But the Västra Götaland region, the second most populous region, has a fatality rate of 9%, obviously with the same strategy and recommendations in place.

As infections began to accelerate in March, Sweden built more intensive care units, temporarily almost doubling the available capacity to 1200 beds. Currently, the number of Covid-19 patients in ICU:s are 335, declining from a peak of 558 in late April:

(Image removed from quote.)

Daily death rates are also on a steady decline since a peak in early April:

(Image removed from quote.)

I guess their strategy could be described as a lockdown that is generally accepted by the population. In it's a lockdown light. In that regard they are successful. It's crazy what is happening in some countries with a lockdown society-wise. Who knows what this will mean if a second wave is coming this winter. Sweden could be prepared better than other countries because their populace might be more willing to follow corona regulations.

But it's hard to shake the feeling that at least partial herd immunity isn't part of the plan, when the responsible persons so regularly talk about the number of people that got infected and also constantly seem to overestimate this number. The prediction for the end of april was way to high and the new prediction for the end of may also aims very high. The decline in deaths and hospitalized people indicates that the real number of infected people is also in decline (good for sure). Seems like wishful thinking that infection numbers go down, but rate of people that overcame infections skyrockets.

Saying that the high death rate is a result of austerity and privatization sounds like a cop out to be honest. Countries that successfully limited the spread of Covid 19 by and large are just as bad (if not worse) in that regard. The reality is probably that it is just not possible to contain the spread of the virus to care homes, when the prevalence in the general population is high. At least not with the typical behaviour in western countries. Not sure how the death rates being different in to swedish areas proves anything.

[T-Short]

Saying that the high death rate is a result of austerity and privatization sounds like a cop out to be honest. Countries that successfully limited the spread of Covid 19 by and large are just as bad (if not worse) in that regard. The reality is probably that it is just not possible to contain the spread of the virus to care homes, when the prevalence in the general population is high. At least not with the typical behaviour in western countries. Not sure how the death rates being different in to swedish areas proves anything.

I'm talking specifically about Sweden, and the large difference in fatality rate between regions.

[Fifstar]

Saying that the high death rate is a result of austerity and privatization sounds like a cop out to be honest. Countries that successfully limited the spread of Covid 19 by and large are just as bad (if not worse) in that regard. The reality is probably that it is just not possible to contain the spread of the virus to care homes, when the prevalence in the general population is high. At least not with the typical behaviour in western countries. Not sure how the death rates being different in to swedish areas proves anything.

I'm talking specifically about Sweden, and the large difference in fatality rate between regions.

I understood that. But what does it mean that the Västra Götaland region has a lower death rate than Stockholm? That the care homes are in better shape? Is Stockholm known for it's bad infrastructure in care homes? Because it could mean a lot of things, for example that the testing in Västra Götaland is more thorough than in Stockholm (more known infections -> smaller death rate). Or that the general covid prevalence is much less in Västra Götaland and therefore less spreading events happenend in care homes.

[T-Short]

Saying that the high death rate is a result of austerity and privatization sounds like a cop out to be honest. Countries that successfully limited the spread of Covid 19 by and large are just as bad (if not worse) in that regard. The reality is probably that it is just not possible to contain the spread of the virus to care homes, when the prevalence in the general population is high. At least not with the typical behaviour in western countries. Not sure how the death rates being different in to swedish areas proves anything.

I'm talking specifically about Sweden, and the large difference in fatality rate between regions.

I understood that. But what does it mean that the Västra Götaland region has a lower death rate than Stockholm? That the care homes are in better shape? Is Stockholm known for it's bad infrastructure in care homes? Because it could mean a lot of things, for example that the testing in Västra Götaland is more thorough than in Stockholm (more known infections -> smaller death rate). Or that the general covid prevalence is much less in Västra Götaland and therefore less spreading events happenend in care homes.

Yeah, this is what I'm alluding to, that the readiness was generally worse in Stockholm. Although there was a pretty big delay nationally to get information out to a municipal level, so there's obviously going to be granularity here. Region Stockholm currently has 11573 reported cases and Region Västra Götaland has 5377 reported cases, with no major differences in testing schemes. Region Stockholm has 2008 reported deaths, and Region VG has 510.

[Flannel Boy]

https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/advance-article/doi/10.1093/gerona/glaa131/5843454#.Xs33bfYFDVk.twitter

The ApoE e4e4 allele increases risks of severe COVID-19 infection, independent of pre-existing dementia, cardiovascular disease, and type-2 diabetes. ApoE e4 not only affects lipoprotein function (and subsequent cardio-metabolic diseases) but also moderates macrophage pro-/anti-inflammatory phenotypes [9]. The novel coronavirus SARSCoV-2 causing COVID-19 uses the ACE2 receptor for cell entry. ACE2 is highly expressed in type II alveolar cells in the lungs, where ApoE is one of the highly co-expressed genes [10]. Further investigation is needed to understand the biological mechanisms linking ApoE genotypes to COVID-19 severity.

Note: The e4e4 genotype is associated with a 14-fold increase in risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to the e3e3 genotype.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

I have the ApoE e3e3 genotype.

[close]

[bork]

We were supposed to have a big home renovation done before COVID hit.  Now the contractor is asking if we want to have the work done- they said half their crew got the virus and has quarantined/recovered already.  The rest all wear masks/gloves.  Am guessing they're hurting for jobs right now.

Wondering if we should do it- we would just move out for a week or so and let them do their thing, give it a few days, then come back, so it seems like there wouldn't be a risk here, but when I see things like this:

https://www.webmd.com/lung/how-long-covid-19-lives-on-surfaces#:~:text=You%20can%20also%20catch%20the,like%20countertops%20and%20doorknobs.

The coronavirus can live for hours to days on surfaces like countertops and doorknobs.

Yeah, dunno.  Seems like it would be a real pain in the ass to go scrub down everything since we'd have no idea what they touched or used.

[CatsCatsCats]

Bet you could negotiate a discount

If you can actually leave and come back, you should be fine

[bork]

Bet you could negotiate a discount

If you can actually leave and come back, you should be fine

We can go to my folks' house and would then just stay on the second floor while they stay on the first floor for the most part.  Gonna have to do this regardless since the workers make a lot of noise (used them once before for a new water heater install).  It's just going to suck since we'll have to move so much shit to the 'rents so we can work and whatnot.

[Tripon]

If the price is reasonable, I'd say do it. If you're worried about possible exposure, stay with your parents for a month instead of a week.

[CatsCatsCats]

Yeah, renovation is at its core a giant hassle :/ but if you throw plastic or sheets over stuff, the disinfecting shouldn’t be too rough, really

[Madrun Badrun]

Throw sheets over your contractors, say ghosts built your house. 

[bork]

If the price is reasonable, I'd say do it. If you're worried about possible exposure, stay with your parents for a month instead of a week.

 

That seems like overkill...I hope!   

Yeah, renovation is at its core a giant hassle :/ but if you throw plastic or sheets over stuff, the disinfecting shouldn’t be too rough, really

Good point.  Need to find out how they would do things.  I assume they'd do that anyway.

[CatsCatsCats]

If not, you can order some drop cloths for pretty cheap

[tiesto]

https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/advance-article/doi/10.1093/gerona/glaa131/5843454#.Xs33bfYFDVk.twitter

The ApoE e4e4 allele increases risks of severe COVID-19 infection, independent of pre-existing dementia, cardiovascular disease, and type-2 diabetes. ApoE e4 not only affects lipoprotein function (and subsequent cardio-metabolic diseases) but also moderates macrophage pro-/anti-inflammatory phenotypes [9]. The novel coronavirus SARSCoV-2 causing COVID-19 uses the ACE2 receptor for cell entry. ACE2 is highly expressed in type II alveolar cells in the lungs, where ApoE is one of the highly co-expressed genes [10]. Further investigation is needed to understand the biological mechanisms linking ApoE genotypes to COVID-19 severity.

Note: The e4e4 genotype is associated with a 14-fold increase in risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to the e3e3 genotype.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

I have the ApoE e3e3 genotype.

[close]

Looks like I have one copy of the e4 genotype (e4f1)... yay me 

[CatsCatsCats]

Oh thank god it processed, neet bucks til I die

[Madrun Badrun]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid19-ontario-gta-coronavirus-new-infections-1.5584693

More than three-quarters of the active cases of COVID-19 currently listed in the province's database are found in the five public health units of Toronto, Peel, York, Durham and Halton regions, an area that accounts for less than half of the province's population.

[Akala]

I saw something yesterday that was saying after everything those under 45 account for 3% of US fatality rate? I think the data is getting shittier as certain locations that have opened are obviously trying to obfuscate and minimize the numbers, but the massive spike in Georgia/ATL hasn't seemed to materialize.

We'll see what comes of the nonsense from beaches/pools/etc. from MDW over the next few weeks I guess, but have a feeling it's going to be less than expected yet the numbers will have bolded asterisks.

[Cauliflower Of Love]

what

the


fuck

[ToxicAdam]

Disney World to reopen in July with ‘high-energy squads’ roaming park to make sure people wear masks

How will I eat my giant turkey legs?!


Also, what a genius merchandising opportunity for them to sell 30 dollar masks at the gift stores.

[Rufus]

“Pneumonia kills about 50,000 people each year in the U.S., according to the CDC.
This year, at least 89,555 deaths have been attributed nationwide to pneumonia between February and mid-May.
It tends to follow a typical flu season, coming on in December and peaking in January and February before declining in March to April.
But preliminary CDC data from this year show pneumonia deaths steadily climbed in March to peak in April, mirroring the trend line for deaths linked to the coronavirus outbreak.
Surrounding states are also seeing death counts several times greater than normal:
Indiana: 1,832 COVID-19 deaths; 2,149 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 384)
Illinois: 4,856 COVID-19 deaths; 3,986 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 782)
Tennessee: 336 COVID-19 deaths; 1,704 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 611)
Ohio: 1,969 COVID-19 deaths; 2,327 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 820)
Virginia: 1,208 COVID-19 deaths; 1,394 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 451)
West Virginia: 72 COVID-19 deaths; 438 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 117)”

https://www.reddit.com/r/Coronavirus/comments/gqypwx/kentucky_has_had_913_more_pneumonia_deaths_than/

[Flannel Boy]

“Pneumonia kills about 50,000 people each year in the U.S., according to the CDC.
This year, at least 89,555 deaths have been attributed nationwide to pneumonia between February and mid-May.
It tends to follow a typical flu season, coming on in December and peaking in January and February before declining in March to April.
But preliminary CDC data from this year show pneumonia deaths steadily climbed in March to peak in April, mirroring the trend line for deaths linked to the coronavirus outbreak.
Surrounding states are also seeing death counts several times greater than normal:
Indiana: 1,832 COVID-19 deaths; 2,149 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 384)
Illinois: 4,856 COVID-19 deaths; 3,986 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 782)
Tennessee: 336 COVID-19 deaths; 1,704 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 611)
Ohio: 1,969 COVID-19 deaths; 2,327 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 820)
Virginia: 1,208 COVID-19 deaths; 1,394 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 451)
West Virginia: 72 COVID-19 deaths; 438 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 117)”

https://www.reddit.com/r/Coronavirus/comments/gqypwx/kentucky_has_had_913_more_pneumonia_deaths_than/

There's evidence that a number of states are under-counting.

https://twitter.com/39Magilla/status/1265262055340326916

[Flannel Boy]

Illinois is the sixth state to top 5,000 official deaths (5,083).

[Himu]

My unemployment went through!

[Flannel Boy]

https://twitter.com/GraphicMatt/status/1265732978803707904
https://twitter.com/GraphicMatt/status/1265734937640153088

[Flannel Boy]

“Pneumonia kills about 50,000 people each year in the U.S., according to the CDC.
This year, at least 89,555 deaths have been attributed nationwide to pneumonia between February and mid-May.
It tends to follow a typical flu season, coming on in December and peaking in January and February before declining in March to April.
But preliminary CDC data from this year show pneumonia deaths steadily climbed in March to peak in April, mirroring the trend line for deaths linked to the coronavirus outbreak.
Surrounding states are also seeing death counts several times greater than normal:
Indiana: 1,832 COVID-19 deaths; 2,149 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 384)
Illinois: 4,856 COVID-19 deaths; 3,986 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 782)
Tennessee: 336 COVID-19 deaths; 1,704 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 611)
Ohio: 1,969 COVID-19 deaths; 2,327 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 820)
Virginia: 1,208 COVID-19 deaths; 1,394 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 451)
West Virginia: 72 COVID-19 deaths; 438 pneumonia deaths (five-year average: 117)”

https://www.reddit.com/r/Coronavirus/comments/gqypwx/kentucky_has_had_913_more_pneumonia_deaths_than/

Apples to apples comparison stolen from resetera:
2018 Feb-May Flu/Pneumonia deaths: 22,908
2020 Feb-May Flu/Pneumonia deaths: 97,676

Keep in mind the flu season was over early this year (for obvious reasons).
https://twitter.com/Magda_Skipper/status/1263742127550484480

[Flannel Boy]

so what you're saying is that excess deaths is actually an underestimate

I did say that yesterday. Because of the lockdown, there have been 15,000-20,000 fewer deaths "Not By Natural Causes" than usual. This, of course, assumes the lockdown hasn't caused additional non-COVID-19 deaths.

[Tripon]

TRIPON, IT WORKED

Now make the jump from Best Western to Wyndham, then Wyndham to Caesars. Once you have diamond status at both Wyndham and Caesars, you'll just have to make sure you keep status at one place so you can give it to the other. Wyndham resets at beginning of January. Caesars resets at beginning of February. Although both won't reset until 2022 right now.

Please note: New status matches are not being offered at this time. Check back soon to see when status match will become available again.

NOOOOOO, FUCK, NOOOO!!!!!!

RIP, sorry.

[Positive Touch]

.

[Tripon]

https://twitter.com/jc_bradbury/status/1265792406609367041

[Tripon]

https://twitter.com/derekjGZ/status/1265767628016103425

[bluemax]

I saw something about how Mongolia also did amazing against the Rona.

Also, I'm really surprised at how much more LA is opening up. I guess the economy won.

[ToxicAdam]

Mongolia has the lowest population density in the world.

[Akala]

Mongolia has the lowest population density in the world.

which helps.

also studies are showing it's pretty beneficial to be an island.

[team filler]

[brawndolicious]

Bumper sticker on the rear window? You know that guy doesn't wear his mask right.

[Great Rumbler]

Bumper sticker on the rear window? You know that guy doesn't wear his mask right.

Don't worry, it's just a photoshop. Nobody would actually put that bumpersticker on their car.

[Flannel Boy]

https://twitter.com/ChrisGiles_/status/1265885480144470023

I'm not sure why there US figure is so low.

[Ghoul]

It's got so bad in the UK, main adviser got caught breaking lockdown rules.. hasn't quit or been fired and now the GOVT are paying papers to create fluff pieces for them.

Absolutely crazy times. Oh and to top it off the contact tracing workers couldn't even sign in today to work due to technical problems lol so that's also ridiculous.

I think a lot of people here are fed up of the lockdown, especially when it seems any of the political elite can do whatever the fuck they want.

RE: Cummings, he used rules made for people in domestic abuse situations to break the rules, which is pretty sick tbh.

Ahh well, still working, still healthy so that's something I guess.   

[Flannel Boy]

I don't know whether he's Cummings or Going.

[Flannel Boy]

Circles of Shame
https://twitter.com/blogTO/status/1265986506721841152

[Ghoul]

Welcome to hell

[BisMarckie]

SmokyDave looking rough these days

[Mr Gilhaney]

Out of 524 deaths in Denmark, only 24 did not have one or several chronic illnesses already (at least none that were known), and of those 24, there was only 7 under the age of 70.

[kingv]

I feel like the comorbidity thing is sort of a form of misinformation.

It’s technically true, but some of the preexisting conditions are so common that it’s really misleading in terms of how it makes one evaluate the risk. Once you start including “obesity” and “high blood pressure” in your preexisting conditions you are going to skew the numbers significantly. 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, and 160 million are obese. Between those two alone it’s easily over half of American adults that have a comorbidity.

[Yeti]

Went shopping and it seemed like only half the people were bothering to wear face masks. And of those, only half were wearing them correctly. Like, what’s the point of wearing it if you don’t cover your nose?

Got home and my mom sent me a text that my niece got some sort of award at church along with a picture of her going to accept the award from the priest. I responded back “What are you doing in church? Did you forget there is a pandemic?!” And she responded back that there weren’t many people there and they were wearing masks (except in the photo my niece didn’t have any facial covering!) so I texted back that I wished they would take this more seriously and I guess we are in a fight now. 

[Flannel Boy]

Out of 524 deaths in Denmark, only 24 did not have one or several chronic illnesses already (at least none that were known), and of those 24, there was only 7 under the age of 70.

What counts as a chronic illness? Is obesity enough?

That's 1.3% under 70. In contrast, it's over 30% for a state like Illinois (their site has good stats). What can explain that difference?

[Mr Gilhaney]

I feel like the comorbidity thing is sort of a form of misinformation.

It’s technically true, but some of the preexisting conditions are so common that it’s really misleading in terms of how it makes one evaluate the risk. Once you start including “obesity” and “high blood pressure” in your preexisting conditions you are going to skew the numbers significantly. 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, and 160 million are obese. Between those two alone it’s easily over half of American adults that have a comorbidity.

What counts as a chronic illness? Is obesity enough?

People who had been admitted to the hospital due to a chronic illness. So unless you are such a fat fuck, that you have been admitted to a hospital for it, it wouldnt have counted. Not a single one under 60 who died, have not been admitted to the hospital before due to a chronic illness.

Edit: actually just googled it, and seems like obesity is not counted as an chronic illness here.