I'm sure that everyone here washes their hands after using the restroom...right?
News Coronavirus Pandemic Information and Support Group
- Thread starter EmoBorg
- Start date
I'm sure that everyone here washes their hands after using the restroom...right?
^According to statistics, only 2/3 of females and 1/3 of males do.
the first 2 dead in Germany. Both very old and weakened by other illnesses. It must be terrible for their greatchildren
As I work in a security level 2 lab and have been working in security level 3 labs (we currently rate Corona a level 2, level 3 would for example be Ebola), I am familiar with the desinfection procedures and security routines. There's a lot of nonsense going round about desinfection, so please don't believe everything you hear or read.
To desinfect skin or other waterproof materials, all you need is 80% alcohol of any sorts. White spirit works just as well as brandy or expensive medical desinfectants. Just mind that the concentration must be at 80% (plus/minus about 3%). Keep it lower and a virus escapes and infects you; higher and you'll breed a strain that is immune to desinfectants. At 80% alcohol you have 100% killing power (this goes for all bacteria and viruses).
It's ok to throw the used towels in a public bin as they are soaked with alcohol and no virus can survive on them. If you use cloth towels, you should boil them thoroughly.
Corona spreads mostly by droplets. If you keep a distance of about 1m when talking with people, you should be safe (unless they scream at you). If they sneeze at you, you can get hit at a distance of up to 5m, hence people should sneeze into their hankies or into their elbow. Same goes for coughing.
IMO the more critical points are door handles and anything else that gets touched by people who sneeze into their hand (coffee makers, photo copiers, telephones, elevator buttons, handholds in trains or buses, stair rails etc.). No issue in Europe but one in the US: air condition. It's the ideal distributor for any kind of germ.
It's not yet known how long this new virus can survive outside of a host. Some viruses - HIV for example - are very sensitive to oxigen and die within minutes. SARS (the new virus' closest relative) survives up to 48 hours in moist surroundings but when exposed to UV radiation dies after 1 hour. We have no official guidelines yet so for myself I decided to assume a family likeness between the new virus and SARS and go by the same security standards. I might quite possibly be wrong but I hope I err on the positive side.
There is imho one silverline we shouldn't overlook in all the panic: the vast majority of patients survive an infection. And they will then have developed antibodies against the virus. That's the first step towards a future vaccination. This virus has only 1 or 2 chances before we get immune. It's making the most of the surprise factor atm, but we're catching up.
the first 2 dead in Germany. Both very old and weakened by other illnesses. It must be terrible for their greatchildren
As I work in a security level 2 lab and have been working in security level 3 labs (we currently rate Corona a level 2, level 3 would for example be Ebola), I am familiar with the desinfection procedures and security routines. There's a lot of nonsense going round about desinfection, so please don't believe everything you hear or read.
To desinfect skin or other waterproof materials, all you need is 80% alcohol of any sorts. White spirit works just as well as brandy or expensive medical desinfectants. Just mind that the concentration must be at 80% (plus/minus about 3%). Keep it lower and a virus escapes and infects you; higher and you'll breed a strain that is immune to desinfectants. At 80% alcohol you have 100% killing power (this goes for all bacteria and viruses).
It's ok to throw the used towels in a public bin as they are soaked with alcohol and no virus can survive on them. If you use cloth towels, you should boil them thoroughly.
Corona spreads mostly by droplets. If you keep a distance of about 1m when talking with people, you should be safe (unless they scream at you). If they sneeze at you, you can get hit at a distance of up to 5m, hence people should sneeze into their hankies or into their elbow. Same goes for coughing.
IMO the more critical points are door handles and anything else that gets touched by people who sneeze into their hand (coffee makers, photo copiers, telephones, elevator buttons, handholds in trains or buses, stair rails etc.). No issue in Europe but one in the US: air condition. It's the ideal distributor for any kind of germ.
It's not yet known how long this new virus can survive outside of a host. Some viruses - HIV for example - are very sensitive to oxigen and die within minutes. SARS (the new virus' closest relative) survives up to 48 hours in moist surroundings but when exposed to UV radiation dies after 1 hour. We have no official guidelines yet so for myself I decided to assume a family likeness between the new virus and SARS and go by the same security standards. I might quite possibly be wrong but I hope I err on the positive side.
There is imho one silverline we shouldn't overlook in all the panic: the vast majority of patients survive an infection. And they will then have developed antibodies against the virus. That's the first step towards a future vaccination. This virus has only 1 or 2 chances before we get immune. It's making the most of the surprise factor atm, but we're catching up.
I'm just worried about my father who is almost 91. He lives on his own in an apartment building.^According to statistics, only 2/3 of females and 1/3 of males do.
the first 2 dead in Germany. Both very old and weakened by other illnesses. It must be terrible for their greatchildren
As I work in a security level 2 lab and have been working in security level 3 labs (we currently rate Corona a level 2, level 3 would for example be Ebola), I am familiar with the desinfection procedures and security routines. There's a lot of nonsense going round about desinfection, so please don't believe everything you hear or read.
To desinfect skin or other waterproof materials, all you need is 80% alcohol of any sorts. White spirit works just as well as brandy or expensive medical desinfectants. Just mind that the concentration must be at 80% (plus/minus about 3%). Keep it lower and a virus escapes and infects you; higher and you'll breed a strain that is immune to desinfectants. At 80% alcohol you have 100% killing power (this goes for all bacteria and viruses).
It's ok to throw the used towels in a public bin as they are soaked with alcohol and no virus can survive on them. If you use cloth towels, you should boil them thoroughly.
Corona spreads mostly by droplets. If you keep a distance of about 1m when talking with people, you should be safe (unless they scream at you). If they sneeze at you, you can get hit at a distance of up to 5m, hence people should sneeze into their hankies or into their elbow. Same goes for coughing.
IMO the more critical points are door handles and anything else that gets touched by people who sneeze into their hand (coffee makers, photo copiers, telephones, elevator buttons, handholds in trains or buses, stair rails etc.). No issue in Europe but one in the US: air condition. It's the ideal distributor for any kind of germ.
It's not yet known how long this new virus can survive outside of a host. Some viruses - HIV for example - are very sensitive to oxigen and die within minutes. SARS (the new virus' closest relative) survives up to 48 hours in moist surroundings but when exposed to UV radiation dies after 1 hour. We have no official guidelines yet so for myself I decided to assume a family likeness between the new virus and SARS and go by the same security standards. I might quite possibly be wrong but I hope I err on the positive side.
There is imho one silverline we shouldn't overlook in all the panic: the vast majority of patients survive an infection. And they will then have developed antibodies against the virus. That's the first step towards a future vaccination. This virus has only 1 or 2 chances before we get immune. It's making the most of the surprise factor atm, but we're catching up.
A variety of people, ya know....And I'm still mad about the fact that competitors at fencing competitions is lacking.
Oh, that and I needed toilet paper, for real, I was almost out, and the shelves are all but bereft.
I had to buy an "off", " no-name brand"But
I'm okay with schooching across the lawn like my dogs do sometimes.
I live in an area where they just banned public events consisting of 1000 or more people for 3 weeks. I'm surprised they haven't closed down schools yet. I'm trying not to panic, but everything I've heard and read about this thing does make me concerned.
By the way, I was looking for a thread about this for the last few days and I'm glad I found this one. I wonder if this should be stickied with new information as we get it. It doesn't need to be political, even though that usually ends up being the case based on other threads I've seen about it.
By the way, I was looking for a thread about this for the last few days and I'm glad I found this one. I wonder if this should be stickied with new information as we get it. It doesn't need to be political, even though that usually ends up being the case based on other threads I've seen about it.
I think only people in very poor health, the very elderly or very young need worry.
Just like the regular influenza that goes around and likes huge numbers of people every year.
( I think the numbers are something like 20,000- 70,000 in the USA each year. )
I think everyone is acting ridiculous about this.
One of the surprising things about COVID-19 vs. seasonal influenza seems to be that young children are actually one of the lowest risk groups.
And although, yes, older people are more at risk, people in their 30s have still died.
I've seen a few people online make a comparison like this. The mortality rate for the seasonal flu is around 0.1%. The mortality rate for COVID-19 was originally estimated around 1 - 2%, and I think the most recent estimate I saw was 3.4%. If this estimate is correct, then COVID-19 is 34 times deadlier than the flu. Even if we say that the number is overestimated due to a large number of minor cases that never get tested or reported, and the actual number is more around the conservative 1% estimate, that still makes COVID-19 ten times more deadly than the flu.
The only reason that the total number of deaths is so much higher for the flu right now, is because it is so prevalent in our society, so many more people get infected, whereas COVID-19 is just starting out, and the infected population is that much smaller.
Sadly, the chances of survival are very dependent on the country in which the patient is treated, it seems.
Someone who I work with was in contact with a confirmed case. We all get to work from home until further notice.
I was just reading an article that said that annual cold and flu season could become "cold, flu and COVID-19 season." The higher mortality rate, the compounding on top of the normal seasonal illnesses, and all the unknowns that still remain, are definitely cause for heightened awareness.
It's funny how the Target store near me is completely sold out of name-brand toilet paper, but still has a decent supply of their store brand which is just as good, as well as a whole bunch of the granola eco-friendly recycled brand which is thin and flimsy. Even in panicky times, people are picky.
Kor
It's funny how the Target store near me is completely sold out of name-brand toilet paper, but still has a decent supply of their store brand which is just as good, as well as a whole bunch of the granola eco-friendly recycled brand which is thin and flimsy. Even in panicky times, people are picky.
Kor
What the hell does toilet paper have to do with this thing? Does COVID give people the shits? 
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51839944
The coronavirus outbreak has been labelled a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the number of cases outside China had increased 13-fold over the past two weeks.
He said he was "deeply concerned" by "alarming levels of inaction" over the virus.
A pandemic is a disease that is spreading in multiple countries around the world at the same time.
However, Dr Tedros said that calling the outbreak a pandemic did not mean the WHO was changing its advice about what countries should do.
- Read the latest on the coronavirus here
- What is a pandemic and why use the term now?
- Stock markets plunge as WHO confirms pandemic
"Several countries have demonstrated that this virus can be suppressed and controlled," he said.
"The challenge for many countries who are now dealing with large clusters or community transmission is not whether they can do the same - it's whether they will."
WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 11 March 2020
11 March 2020
Good afternoon.
In the past two weeks, the number of cases of COVID-19 outside China has increased 13-fold, and the number of affected countries has tripled.
There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives.
Thousands more are fighting for their lives in hospitals.
In the days and weeks ahead, we expect to see the number of cases, the number of deaths, and the number of affected countries climb even higher.
WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction.
We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.
Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.
Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this virus. It doesn’t change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do.
We have never before seen a pandemic sparked by a coronavirus. This is the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus.
And we have never before seen a pandemic that can be controlled, at the same time.
WHO has been in full response mode since we were notified of the first cases.
And we have called every day for countries to take urgent and aggressive action.
We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear.
===
As I said on Monday, just looking at the number of cases and the number of countries affected does not tell the full story.
Of the 118,000 cases reported globally in 114 countries, more than 90 percent of cases are in just four countries, and two of those – China and the Republic of Korea - have significantly declining epidemics.
81 countries have not reported any cases, and 57 countries have reported 10 cases or less.
We cannot say this loudly enough, or clearly enough, or often enough: all countries can still change the course of this pandemic.
If countries detect, test, treat, isolate, trace, and mobilize their people in the response, those with a handful of cases can prevent those cases becoming clusters, and those clusters becoming community transmission.
Even those countries with community transmission or large clusters can turn the tide on this virus.
Several countries have demonstrated that this virus can be suppressed and controlled.
The challenge for many countries who are now dealing with large clusters or community transmission is not whether they can do the same – it’s whether they will.
Some countries are struggling with a lack of capacity.
Some countries are struggling with a lack of resources.
Some countries are struggling with a lack of resolve.
We are grateful for the measures being taken in Iran, Italy and the Republic of Korea to slow the virus and control their epidemics.
We know that these measures are taking a heavy toll on societies and economies, just as they did in China.
All countries must strike a fine balance between protecting health, minimizing economic and social disruption, and respecting human rights.
WHO’s mandate is public health. But we’re working with many partners across all sectors to mitigate the social and economic consequences of this pandemic.
This is not just a public health crisis, it is a crisis that will touch every sector – so every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight.
I have said from the beginning that countries must take a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach, built around a comprehensive strategy to prevent infections, save lives and minimize impact.
Let me summarize it in four key areas.
First, prepare and be ready.
Second, detect, protect and treat.
Third, reduce transmission.
Fourth, innovate and learn.
I remind all countries that we are calling on you to activate and scale up your emergency response mechanisms;
Communicate with your people about the risks and how they can protect themselves – this is everybody’s business;
Find, isolate, test and treat every case and trace every contact;
Ready your hospitals;
Protect and train your health workers.
And let’s all look out for each other, because we need each other.
===
There’s been so much attention on one word.
Let me give you some other words that matter much more, and that are much more actionable.
Prevention.
Preparedness.
Public health.
Political leadership.
And most of all, people.
We’re in this together, to do the right things with calm and protect the citizens of the world. It’s doable.
I thank you.
11 March 2020
Good afternoon.
In the past two weeks, the number of cases of COVID-19 outside China has increased 13-fold, and the number of affected countries has tripled.
There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives.
Thousands more are fighting for their lives in hospitals.
In the days and weeks ahead, we expect to see the number of cases, the number of deaths, and the number of affected countries climb even higher.
WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction.
We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.
Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.
Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this virus. It doesn’t change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do.
We have never before seen a pandemic sparked by a coronavirus. This is the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus.
And we have never before seen a pandemic that can be controlled, at the same time.
WHO has been in full response mode since we were notified of the first cases.
And we have called every day for countries to take urgent and aggressive action.
We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear.
===
As I said on Monday, just looking at the number of cases and the number of countries affected does not tell the full story.
Of the 118,000 cases reported globally in 114 countries, more than 90 percent of cases are in just four countries, and two of those – China and the Republic of Korea - have significantly declining epidemics.
81 countries have not reported any cases, and 57 countries have reported 10 cases or less.
We cannot say this loudly enough, or clearly enough, or often enough: all countries can still change the course of this pandemic.
If countries detect, test, treat, isolate, trace, and mobilize their people in the response, those with a handful of cases can prevent those cases becoming clusters, and those clusters becoming community transmission.
Even those countries with community transmission or large clusters can turn the tide on this virus.
Several countries have demonstrated that this virus can be suppressed and controlled.
The challenge for many countries who are now dealing with large clusters or community transmission is not whether they can do the same – it’s whether they will.
Some countries are struggling with a lack of capacity.
Some countries are struggling with a lack of resources.
Some countries are struggling with a lack of resolve.
We are grateful for the measures being taken in Iran, Italy and the Republic of Korea to slow the virus and control their epidemics.
We know that these measures are taking a heavy toll on societies and economies, just as they did in China.
All countries must strike a fine balance between protecting health, minimizing economic and social disruption, and respecting human rights.
WHO’s mandate is public health. But we’re working with many partners across all sectors to mitigate the social and economic consequences of this pandemic.
This is not just a public health crisis, it is a crisis that will touch every sector – so every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight.
I have said from the beginning that countries must take a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach, built around a comprehensive strategy to prevent infections, save lives and minimize impact.
Let me summarize it in four key areas.
First, prepare and be ready.
Second, detect, protect and treat.
Third, reduce transmission.
Fourth, innovate and learn.
I remind all countries that we are calling on you to activate and scale up your emergency response mechanisms;
Communicate with your people about the risks and how they can protect themselves – this is everybody’s business;
Find, isolate, test and treat every case and trace every contact;
Ready your hospitals;
Protect and train your health workers.
And let’s all look out for each other, because we need each other.
===
There’s been so much attention on one word.
Let me give you some other words that matter much more, and that are much more actionable.
Prevention.
Preparedness.
Public health.
Political leadership.
And most of all, people.
We’re in this together, to do the right things with calm and protect the citizens of the world. It’s doable.
I thank you.
If you didn't believe the hype before, I think tonight shit just got real. An NBA player tested positive for COVID-19 and the NBA suspended the season. Also, Tom Hanks has his wife tested positive in Australia.
So is it worse than the flu?(influenza)
If so how?
If so how?
Yes, about 10-15 times worse
This is the guy. Here's what we should be hearing. Take the 90 minutes or so, & digest this. I want to live in this guy's house
Yes, it's worse. Some of the reasons why are explained herein:
https://www.nationalreview.com/the-morning-jolt/yes-coronavirus-is-worse-than-the-flu/
it's more infectuous than the flu and contrary to the flu there is no vaccination. In practical terms it means: you can treat only the symptoms but not the cause. That makes the new virus dangerous for old people or people with an immune deficiency.
In immunological terms it's like riding a car with no breaks (vaccination). If you aren't too fast and if you are driving in a flat area you can break by switching to lower gears (treating the symptoms), but if you are heading down a steep hill (being old, feeble or have a weak immune system) you have hardly a chance.
