*** OFFICIAL *** COVID-19 CoronaVirus Thread. Fresh epidemic fears as child pneumonia cases surge in Europe after China outbreak. NOW in USA (4 Viewers)

[Capella]

We are testing at almost double what South Korea did per capita, but mostly because they stopped testing as much. All states are testing at that sort of level or higher now: 12k per 1 million pop.

Yes and while that’s good it’s late to the game. SK was way out in front of it and we’re playing catch up. 

 

[Biff84]

I agree with this 100%, there are likely far more cases than officially confirmed cases.

That being said if there are actually more cases than we realize and this virus is as scary as some say it is why are our local hospitals ghosts towns?  

Because elective procedures have been stopped and people are afraid to go to the ER.

 

[VT700GUY]

Because elective procedures have been stopped and people are afraid to go to the ER.

That's part of it.  Where are all the Covid patients?

 

[Brony]

I don't understand the obsession with the masks.  Granted, I'm wearing one right now, and so is the rest of my staff.  It almost feels like an arbitrary measure to make others feel secure or "safe" though.  I'm not sick.  If I'm infected but asymptomatic then I'm also not sneezing or coughing.  Is a mask really stopping me from spreading this virus if I'm asymptomatic?  I'm touching everything in my office.  It seems social distancing and hand hygiene are much more viable weapons against covid. 

I imagine everyone in New York is wearing them, but some rural county with 5 cases and limited population density though?  What's the point?  It's like some kind of holier than thou observation of the mask wearers to point out the people who aren't.  If you're that terrified of the non-mask wearers at the grocery or hardware store you shouldn't be going in there in the first place.  Have your groceries and mulch delivered. 

There are plenty of arguments out there that wearing one could even make things worse due to the amount of times you touch your face throughout the day adjusting the damn thing.

Anyway, carry on demeaning the people who don't care about other's lives.

Because it's 2020 and you're either 100% doing the right thing or 100% doing the wrong thing with zero room for nuance. 

 

[Biff84]

I don't understand the obsession with the masks.  Granted, I'm wearing one right now, and so is the rest of my staff.  It almost feels like an arbitrary measure to make others feel secure or "safe" though.  I'm not sick.  If I'm infected but asymptomatic then I'm also not sneezing or coughing.  Is a mask really stopping me from spreading this virus if I'm asymptomatic?  I'm touching everything in my office.  It seems social distancing and hand hygiene are much more viable weapons against covid. 

I imagine everyone in New York is wearing them, but some rural county with 5 cases and limited population density though?  What's the point?  It's like some kind of holier than thou observation of the mask wearers to point out the people who aren't.  If you're that terrified of the non-mask wearers at the grocery or hardware store you shouldn't be going in there in the first place.  Have your groceries and mulch delivered. 

There are plenty of arguments out there that wearing one could even make things worse due to the amount of times you touch your face throughout the day adjusting the damn thing.

Anyway, carry on demeaning the people who don't care about other's lives.

Masks are going to be a key component to successfully opening back up. Why would a county with 5 cases need to wear masks? To keep it at 5 cases. The thing about rural counties is that it’s much easier to overrun hospitals there if they even have one.

 

[matuski]

I don't understand the obsession with the masks.  Granted, I'm wearing one right now, and so is the rest of my staff.  It almost feels like an arbitrary measure to make others feel secure or "safe" though.  I'm not sick.  If I'm infected but asymptomatic then I'm also not sneezing or coughing.  Is a mask really stopping me from spreading this virus if I'm asymptomatic?  I'm touching everything in my office.  It seems social distancing and hand hygiene are much more viable weapons against covid. 

I imagine everyone in New York is wearing them, but some rural county with 5 cases and limited population density though?  What's the point?  It's like some kind of holier than thou observation of the mask wearers to point out the people who aren't.  If you're that terrified of the non-mask wearers at the grocery or hardware store you shouldn't be going in there in the first place.  Have your groceries and mulch delivered. 

There are plenty of arguments out there that wearing one could even make things worse due to the amount of times you touch your face throughout the day adjusting the damn thing.

Anyway, carry on demeaning the people who don't care about other's lives.

I've been run out of this thread a couple times now arguing this from the get go.  Just a heads up.  Don't forget to duck!

 

[Biff84]

That's part of it.  Where are all the Covid patients?

I don’t know where you are, what hospitals you’re talking about or their current patient censuses. Could you provide some statistics about the hospitals in your area?

 

[JbizzleMan]

Where’s the cartoon about people pissing on themselves? That might help explain the reasons for wearing a mask?

 

[matuski]

Masks are going to be a key component to successfully opening back up. Why would a county with 5 cases need to wear masks? To keep it at 5 cases. The thing about rural counties is that it’s much easier to overrun hospitals there if they even have one.

9 out of 10 people arent doing the mask thing right.

Touching the mask, removing the mask for breaks, not washing and wearing the mask over again, etc etc... the benefit if anything is marginal.

 

[lakerstan]

I don't understand the obsession with the masks.  Granted, I'm wearing one right now, and so is the rest of my staff.  It almost feels like an arbitrary measure to make others feel secure or "safe" though.  I'm not sick.  If I'm infected but asymptomatic then I'm also not sneezing or coughing.  Is a mask really stopping me from spreading this virus if I'm asymptomatic?  I'm touching everything in my office.  It seems social distancing and hand hygiene are much more viable weapons against covid. 

I imagine everyone in New York is wearing them, but some rural county with 5 cases and limited population density though?  What's the point?  It's like some kind of holier than thou observation of the mask wearers to point out the people who aren't.  If you're that terrified of the non-mask wearers at the grocery or hardware store you shouldn't be going in there in the first place.  Have your groceries and mulch delivered. 

There are plenty of arguments out there that wearing one could even make things worse due to the amount of times you touch your face throughout the day adjusting the damn thing.

Anyway, carry on demeaning the people who don't care about other's lives.

I get your point, but understand I have no problem with someone like you.  You don't have to like wearing a mask.  I don't like wearing a mask.  But you are begrudgingly wearing it either because you have been asked to, or out of respect for others - either way, you are doing right by other people.  The person I was addressing was not.  I hope you can see the difference.

 

[matuski]

Where’s the cartoon about people pissing on themselves? That might help explain the reasons for wearing a mask?

How about if you are coughing, stay home?

You can't piss through doors and walls either.  

eta - if you can that is awesome.

 

[Redwes25]

We are testing at almost double what South Korea did per capita, but mostly because they stopped testing as much. All states are testing at that sort of level or higher now: 12k per 1 million pop.

They have 3 reported cases today so they are clearly not testing at a high level anymore.  They did massive testing and contact tracing when it matter at the initial outbreak.  We tested basically no one with a stated testing policy that basically was designed to hide cases. At this point given our governments failure on testing early on and how many infections are in this country now we need massively more testing but our government still can't step up to the plate.  

 

[Biff84]

9 out of 10 people arent doing the mask thing right.

Touching the mask, removing the mask for breaks, not washing and wearing the mask over again, etc etc... the benefit if anything is marginal.

I agree that most aren’t using them right but completely disagree on the benefits being marginal. If you pair wearing a mask with proper hand health, you can reduce the risk significantly. The key is reduce, not eliminate. Most don’t realize how much they touch their face until they wear a mask and can’t do it. Sure you touch your face to adjust the mask but it reduces the direct touching of nose and mouth.

 

[matuski]

May 8th barbers/cosmetology opening up. HAIRCUT BABY!

May 18th gyms.

Finally. 

 

[Redwes25]

I don't understand the obsession with the masks.  Granted, I'm wearing one right now, and so is the rest of my staff.  It almost feels like an arbitrary measure to make others feel secure or "safe" though.  I'm not sick.  If I'm infected but asymptomatic then I'm also not sneezing or coughing.  Is a mask really stopping me from spreading this virus if I'm asymptomatic?  I'm touching everything in my office.  It seems social distancing and hand hygiene are much more viable weapons against covid. 

I imagine everyone in New York is wearing them, but some rural county with 5 cases and limited population density though?  What's the point?  It's like some kind of holier than thou observation of the mask wearers to point out the people who aren't.  If you're that terrified of the non-mask wearers at the grocery or hardware store you shouldn't be going in there in the first place.  Have your groceries and mulch delivered. 

There are plenty of arguments out there that wearing one could even make things worse due to the amount of times you touch your face throughout the day adjusting the damn thing.

Anyway, carry on demeaning the people who don't care about other's lives.

Virus spreads out of your mouth and nose and other areas covered by mask.  That helps limit its spread.  Mask is most beneficial for preventing infected from spreading the disease and since asymptomatic spreading occurs the mask helps reduce it.  

I also agree that I think hand washing and social distancing are better weapons against Covid but masks are also part of the puzzle.  

Yes, mask are inconvenient but I don't get the push back.  We have seen how bad this disease can get in places so not sure what objection really is to masks.  Also, Grahamburn this last comment not really focussed at you since you are wearing a mask but others that refuse to.  

 

[jplvr]

Yes and while that’s good it’s late to the game. SK was way out in front of it and we’re playing catch up. 

I wouldn’t argue with that. They also locked down quickly. 
 

In the end, Asian countries were setup well to deal with this because they’ve had to deal with and fear these viruses more recently. Swine flu is really the only scare we had, and we dropped the ball after that. 

 

[worrierking]

In my Parish here in Louisiana we rolled out testing for the general public today.  It's limited to 130 tests per day, but this is the first time it's been for people without symptoms.  I am guessing we'll be doing 200+ daily in a couple of weeks, which should be enough to catch any outbreaks in their early stages.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

I think even if the masks don’t do a whole lot they still have value as a constant reminder of what’s going on.  If everything seems normal people will act normal.

 

[Statorama]

I don't understand the obsession with the masks.  Granted, I'm wearing one right now, and so is the rest of my staff.  It almost feels like an arbitrary measure to make others feel secure or "safe" though.  I'm not sick.  If I'm infected but asymptomatic then I'm also not sneezing or coughing.  Is a mask really stopping me from spreading this virus if I'm asymptomatic?  I'm touching everything in my office.  It seems social distancing and hand hygiene are much more viable weapons against covid. 

I imagine everyone in New York is wearing them, but some rural county with 5 cases and limited population density though?  What's the point?  It's like some kind of holier than thou observation of the mask wearers to point out the people who aren't.  If you're that terrified of the non-mask wearers at the grocery or hardware store you shouldn't be going in there in the first place.  Have your groceries and mulch delivered. 

There are plenty of arguments out there that wearing one could even make things worse due to the amount of times you touch your face throughout the day adjusting the damn thing.

Anyway, carry on demeaning the people who don't care about other's lives.

Bunch of chicken littles in this thread, that's all

 

[JAA]

I agree with this 100%, there are likely far more cases than officially confirmed cases.

That being said if there are actually more cases than we realize why are our local hospitals ghosts towns?  

I’d love to confirm this.  I believe there are a bunch of asymptomatic cases. If we throw in reliable antibody testing and we are good to go. 

 

[JAA]

Because elective procedures have been stopped and people are afraid to go to the ER.

Who is afraid to go to the ER?  I’ve not heard or read one specific instance of this. 

 

[ffjunk]

Who is afraid to go to the ER?  I’ve not heard or read one specific instance of this. 

It is true. People go to the ER for everything under the sun. However, in this pandemic, we are getting less calls for the "non-emergencies" because people do not want to be there. Also, Doctors have been saying if you are not sick, then do not go. There is a higher chance getting it at a hospital because the sick are there.

 

[Biff84]

Who is afraid to go to the ER?  I’ve not heard or read one specific instance of this. 

I’ve only had a few people tell me they chose not to go to the hospital or rejected my suggestion that they should get something ‘checked out’. But I’ve had dozens of people express that they won’t go to the ER right now with one person going as far as saying that the only way he’s going is if he’s unconscious in an ambulance. Probably a lot of talk and about 70% of my patients fall into high risk categories but I imagine there’s some truth to the fear.

 

[Sand]

I’d love to confirm this.  I believe there are a bunch of asymptomatic cases. If we throw in reliable antibody testing and we are good to go. 

Illinois prisons 96% asymptomatic, Ohio prisons 98% asymptomatic, Missouri meat packing plant 100% asymptomatic. 

Obviously this is a snapshot in time and there needs to be that dimension explored, but there have got to be a ton of people who have had it and don't know it.

 

[Nathan R. Jessep]

In my Parish here in Louisiana we rolled out testing for the general public today.  It's limited to 130 tests per day, but this is the first time it's been for people without symptoms.  I am guessing we'll be doing 200+ daily in a couple of weeks, which should be enough to catch any outbreaks in their early stages.

you mean a nasal swab or antibody test?

 

[shader]

A bit annoyed.  TN reported 119 new cases today.  We were so freaking close....

 

[jamny]

A bit annoyed.  TN reported 119 new cases today.  We were so freaking close....

May 2nd: 770

May 3rd: 516

May 4th: 394

May 5th: 119

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Bunch of chicken littles in this thread, that's all

Knock it off. All measures of prevention should be observed. Mask included. 

 

[bcat01]

New mutant virus.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2020/05/05/the-coronavirus-mutated-and-appears-to-be-more-contagious-now-new-study-finds.html

 

[shader]

May 2nd: 770

May 3rd: 516

May 4th: 394

May 5th: 119

Exactly. Things were going so well.  We reopened 9 days ago so you can bet those numbers will start going up again soon. 

 

[Possum]

Because it's 2020 and you're either 100% doing the right thing or 100% doing the wrong thing with zero room for nuance. 

absolutely  

seems like the entire Western world has turned into crusaders who can't wait to start moralizing from their ivory towers on every issue.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I get your point, but understand I have no problem with someone like you.  You don't have to like wearing a mask.  I don't like wearing a mask.  But you are begrudgingly wearing it either because you have been asked to, or out of respect for others - either way, you are doing right by other people.  The person I was addressing was not.  I hope you can see the difference.

I’m only wearing one so I don’t have to deal with the hassle of not wearing one

 

[Statorama]

Knock it off. All measures of prevention should be observed. Mask included. 

At the end of the day, anyone that feels like a mask makes them safer should wear one.  Gloves too.  And dang yes, stay in your bunker except to peek out and get some groceries once a week.  We're not stopping you from being extra safe.  But please allow the rest of us get out there and do something.  If you're right and we're wrong, we'll be the only ones suffering and you all will be cozy and safe.  The science is becoming clearer everyday that this is way overblown and comes nowhere near worth shutting the planet down for.

The virus is real.  It's a MFer too.  But those of us who don't have underlying conditions and aren't geezers should be able to get out and freaking live life.  

 

[Doug B]

How about if you are coughing, stay home?

You can't piss through doors and walls either.  

eta - if you can that is awesome.

[eddiemurphyraw]

   "So you're noticing a burning sensation ... ?"

   "No, doctor,  ... fire shootin' out of my ####"

[/eddiemurphyraw]

 

[Mr Anonymous]

May 2nd: 770

May 3rd: 516

May 4th: 394

May 5th: 119

And as far as I recall, we weren't told the goal was to get to zero before reopening. It's like hospital load and flattening the curve doesn't even get talked about anymore.

 

[matuski]

I think even if the masks don’t do a whole lot they still have value as a constant reminder of what’s going on.  If everything seems normal people will act normal.

Fair, there is value in this.

 

[RCon]

What are Dr. Fauci's numbers?  What countries have been successful and what made them successful?

I believe he says we need to be at least at 3 million per week, plus improved tracing.

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/494693-fauci-says-us-needs-to-double-testing-capacity-to-safely-reopen

 

[ffjunk]

At the end of the day, anyone that feels like a mask makes them safer should wear one.  Gloves too.  And dang yes, stay in your bunker except to peek out and get some groceries once a week.  We're not stopping you from being extra safe.  But please allow the rest of us get out there and do something.  If you're right and we're wrong, we'll be the only ones suffering and you all will be cozy and safe.  The science is becoming clearer everyday that this is way overblown and comes nowhere near worth shutting the planet down for.

The virus is real.  It's a MFer too.  But those of us who don't have underlying conditions and aren't geezers should be able to get out and freaking live life.  

And here lies the problem. Yes the young and healthy will be fine. But when you get it and are asymptomatic but are contagious, that's the most dangerous time as you will undoubtedly infect someone who isn't as healthy and will possibly be fighting for their life. But hey, you are ok so eff them. Survival of the fittest. :slamsfist: :wavesflag:  merica.

 

[parasaurolophus]

Excellent article from BBC on why public should wear masks. Best reason is it’s worked to reduce infections in places they’ve been used.

Why we should all be wearing masks

“A key point is that the countries that flattened the curve used masks in public,” 

It’s not so much to protect you from breathing in the virus, it’s to prevent droplets from those infected, which may live as long as 16 hours on surfaces after spreading through aerosols, even by talking.

BBC article. From a few days ago that leads right in with the WHO guidance to not wear them. 

This messaging has been awful. 

 

[matuski]

Because elective procedures have been stopped and people are afraid to go to the ER.

I was in 2 elective cases today, the OR board is more packed than I have ever seen it.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

At the end of the day, anyone that feels like a mask makes them safer should wear one.  Gloves too.  And dang yes, stay in your bunker except to peek out and get some groceries once a week.  We're not stopping you from being extra safe.  But please allow the rest of us get out there and do something.  If you're right and we're wrong, we'll be the only ones suffering and you all will be cozy and safe.  The science is becoming clearer everyday that this is way overblown and comes nowhere near worth shutting the planet down for.

The virus is real.  It's a MFer too.  But those of us who don't have underlying conditions and aren't geezers should be able to get out and freaking live life.  

I get out. I also go into Manhattan a few times a week to work.  And I wear a mask because it’s not all about me and the science that you say is clear is clear. It says wear a mask. Look out for those who are more vulnerable than you. Good grief man. 

 

[matuski]

I get out. I also go into Manhattan a few times a week to work.  And I wear a mask because it’s not all about me and the science that you say is clear is clear. It says wear a mask. Look out for those who are more vulnerable than you. Good grief man. 

Can you link the "clear" science that says the untrained public is better off with masks?  All PPE science that I am aware of relies on said PPE being used properly.  The reason I have to retrain on it every year.

 

[jobarules]

Who is afraid to go to the ER?  I’ve not heard or read one specific instance of this. 

You serious?

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Can you link the "clear" science that says the untrained public is better off with masks?  All PPE science that I am aware of relies on said PPE being used properly.  The reason I have to retrain on it every year.

I’m sure you will dub this as insufficient.  But the links in that article show evidence that suggests at the very least it can help slow the spread. 

There is a reason America has the most deaths from this thing. This thread shines a spotlight on why. 
 

 

[matuski]

I’m sure you will dub this as insufficient.  But the links in that article show evidence that suggests at the very least it can help slow the spread. 

There is a reason America has the most deaths from this thing. This thread shines a spotlight on why. 
 

So not science, anecdotes.  

It CAN help. There is an argument for masks if you use them properly.  

Understandably, in practice - so very few of you do.  You are wearing the same mask all day, often multiple days.  You only have one and aren't washing it.  You don't put it on right.  You touch it constantly.  You don't take it off right.  You left it in the seat of your car.  On and on.

It isn't rocket science, but not doing it right simply creates another surface to be contaminated.  **A surface you are strapping to your face.**

 

[Nick Vermeil]

So not science, anecdotes.  

It CAN help. There is an argument for masks if you use them properly.  

Understandably, in practice - so very few of you do.  You are wearing the same mask all day, often multiple days.  You only have one and aren't washing it.  You don't put it on right.  You touch it constantly.  You don't take it off right.  You left it in the seat of your car.  On and on.

It isn't rocket science, but not doing it right simply creates another surface to be contaminated.  A surface you are strapping to your face.

I don’t  disagree with this, proper use is required. But how is it an argument for not wearing a mask?

 

[matuski]

I don’t  disagree with this, proper use is required. But how is it an argument for not wearing a mask?

Please read the last sentences again.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Please read the last sentences again.

So wearing a mask makes you more likely to be contaminated?  Is that your position?

 

[Redwes25]

Who is afraid to go to the ER?  I’ve not heard or read one specific instance of this. 

I was sure as hell scared to go to ER. Though I live in Brooklyn. Luckily no need for anyone in my family to go. 

 

[matuski]

So wearing a mask makes you more likely to be contaminated?  Is that your position?

Now you are being obtuse.

Very clear in my post.