OT: Coronavirus

@"purplefaithful" said: Mass testing, empty ICUs: Germany scores early against virus

By FRANK JORDANS Associated PressApril 1, 2020 — 2:19pm

BERLIN — Late last year — long before most people had heard of the new coronavirus now sweeping the globe — scientists in Germany sprang into action to develop a test for the virus that was causing an unusual respiratory disease in central China.
They had one by mid-January — and labs around the country were ready to start using it just weeks later, around the same time that Europe's most populous country registered its first case.
“It was clear that if the epidemic swept over here from China, then we had to start testing," said Hendrik Borucki, a spokesman for Bioscientia Healthcare, which operates 19 labs in Germany.
That quick work stands in stark contrast to delays and missteps in other countries. Coupled with Germany's large number of intensive care beds and its early social distancing measures, it could explain one of the most interesting puzzles of the COVID-19 pandemic: Why are people with the virus in Germany currently dying at much lower rates than in neighboring countries?
The numbers are remarkable: As confirmed cases in Germany passed 71,000, the death toll Wednesday was 775, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. In contrast, Italy has reported almost 106,000 infections and more than 12,400 deaths, while Spain has more than 102,000 cases with over 9,000 deaths.
France has four times as many virus deaths as Germany and Britain has twice as many, even though both countries have fewer reported infections.
There may be many factors at play, but experts said early on that fast and widespread testing gave Germany an edge.
“The reason why we in Germany have so few deaths at the moment compared to the number of infected can be largely explained by the fact that we are doing an extremely large number of lab diagnoses," said virologist Dr. Christian Drosten, whose team developed the first test for the new virus at Berlin's Charité hospital — established over 300 years ago to treat plague victims.
He estimated that Germany is now capable of conducting up to 500,000 tests a week.
Spain, meanwhile, tests between 105,000 and 140,000 people each week, about 20% to 30% what Germany is capable of. Italy did around 200,000 tests over the past week, but that reflects a significant recent ramp-up.
Early access to the test from Drosten's team is only part of the reason for Germany's head start. Before the country even registered its first case, authorities agreed the tests would be covered by its universal insurance system, and be available to everyone with symptoms and either recent travel to virus hotspots or close contact with a confirmed case
https://www.startribune.com/mass-testing-empty-icus-germany-scores-early-against-virus/569278782/

Like I said, I have a daughter in Hannover, my first grand child, Conrad , was born in November(he has a Kepler jersey) so I have been tuned in.  Total different zeitgeist, they got this shit, it's a generational thing, no exceptional entitlement. Pragmatic "we will get through this, just wait for it, and we will be better.  Merkel is bringing unity about the virus, not a binary choice on everything, she's got this.  Get it done, no conservative/ sane is not required shit,  stuff playing week.  Yeah that was a tweek, put on some big boy pants and deal with with it

@"purplefaithful" said: Anyone bother to go back to page 1 on this? Early March???

Seems like 500 days ago now. 

Look what the hell you started MB. 

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"purplefaithful" said: Anyone bother to go back to page 1 on this? Early March???

Seems like 500 days ago now. 

Look what the hell you started MB. 

What's funny is that I knew when I started it it would break a record of some sort. It was actually pretty late in the news cycle. I think people were sort of afraid to talk about it. Been thinking lately it might be a good idea to start another one titled "Coronavirus: Only the Good News." Of course, it would have to be restricted to only science-backed information, recoveries, etc. It's just that this thread (and the news) can result in some pretty crushing anxiety at times. 

#BREAKING @GovKemp issues shelter in place for the entire state of #Georgia until April 13th. @wsbtv #coronavirus #COVID19 #CoronaVirusUpdates pic.twitter.com/QPkouMwY97

— Jorge Estevez (@jesteveztv) April 1, 2020

BREAKING NEWS: Gov. Tom Wolf has now placed all of Pennsylvania under an order to stay at home to help stop the Coronavirus outbreak. https://t.co/WSlLIf6sHn

— KDKA (@KDKA) April 1, 2020

Big time kudos to @dalvincook and @DHunt94_TX for announcing they would be donating their @EAMaddenNFL checks to @northmemorial to aid in the purchase of protective equipment for workers fighting the coronavirus. #Vikings #Skol #NFL https://t.co/z0pc5BqJYY

— The Daily Norseman (@DailyNorseman) April 1, 2020

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"purplefaithful" said: Anyone bother to go back to page 1 on this? Early March???

Seems like 500 days ago now. 

Look what the hell you started MB. 

What's funny is that I knew when I started it it would break a record of some sort. It was actually pretty late in the news cycle. I think people were sort of afraid to talk about it. Been thinking lately it might be a good idea to start another one titled "Coronavirus: Only the Good News." Of course, it would have to be restricted to only science-backed information, recoveries, etc. It's just that this thread (and the news) can result in some pretty crushing anxiety at times. 

My wife and I have a rule...No ending the night with Covid news on. Something else, anything else...

The U.S. Coast Guard has directed all cruise ships to remain at sea where they may be sequestered "indefinitely". https://t.co/6IePiVWS6E

— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) April 1, 2020

@"Zanary" said: Well, I've been symptom-free for 3 days and apparently have ridden this virus out.  Looking forward to rejoining my life, though it's going to be in the dystopian wilderness of 2020....

Hobby Lobby will close its stores in Ohio Wednesday night after a cease-and-desist letter from Ohio Attorney General David Yost. https://t.co/YlMkCCkbt3

— fox8news (@fox8news) April 2, 2020

I have a feeling this guy needed help before the pandemic

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/04/01/doj-engineer-derailed-train-usns-mercy-los-angeles-government-takeover/5110021002/

@"mjollnir_k" said: I have a feeling this guy needed help before the pandemic

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/04/01/doj-engineer-derailed-train-usns-mercy-los-angeles-government-takeover/5110021002/

Speaking of lunaticsAnthony Fauci’s security is stepped up as doctor and face of U.S. coronavirus response receives threats

The other side of this thing seems like an unseen distant shore.

Society today: don't like the message? It inconveniences you? Disparage the source. Spread the fake news. The sheep are always willing.

@"BarrNone55" said: The other side of this thing seems like an unseen distant shore.

It's a lot to absorb & process especially in such a short period of time. 

I can't always stay in a state of grateful for what we have - much as I try. 

They're already priming us about cancelling any big events this spring/summer here in Mpls. No 4th of July fireworks etc. I dont think thats happened here since 1946. 

Concern about a Covid-19 come-back this fall when it gets colder again? Thats out there too. 

Personally I don't see the new normal beginning until there is a vaccine and the economy can start recovering.

We're really early into this unfortunately. I have a much greater appreciation now for the "YEARS" not mos that hero generation went through in 1941-1945. 

@"BarrNone55" said: The other side of this thing seems like an unseen distant shore.

look for little victories to give yourself a sense of accomplishment and something to build hope off from.

2 weeks ago I bet everybody in here thought they would die if their lives were disrupted like they have been,  but here we are 2 weeks later and still the same bickering bunch of bitches that we've always been.   different topic,  but still bitches none the less.  little victories.

@"purplefaithful" said: Mass testing, empty ICUs: Germany scores early against virus

By FRANK JORDANS Associated PressApril 1, 2020 — 2:19pm

BERLIN — Late last year — long before most people had heard of the new coronavirus now sweeping the globe — scientists in Germany sprang into action to develop a test for the virus that was causing an unusual respiratory disease in central China.
They had one by mid-January — and labs around the country were ready to start using it just weeks later, around the same time that Europe's most populous country registered its first case.
“It was clear that if the epidemic swept over here from China, then we had to start testing," said Hendrik Borucki, a spokesman for Bioscientia Healthcare, which operates 19 labs in Germany.
That quick work stands in stark contrast to delays and missteps in other countries. Coupled with Germany's large number of intensive care beds and its early social distancing measures, it could explain one of the most interesting puzzles of the COVID-19 pandemic: Why are people with the virus in Germany currently dying at much lower rates than in neighboring countries?
The numbers are remarkable: As confirmed cases in Germany passed 71,000, the death toll Wednesday was 775, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. In contrast, Italy has reported almost 106,000 infections and more than 12,400 deaths, while Spain has more than 102,000 cases with over 9,000 deaths.
France has four times as many virus deaths as Germany and Britain has twice as many, even though both countries have fewer reported infections.
There may be many factors at play, but experts said early on that fast and widespread testing gave Germany an edge.
“The reason why we in Germany have so few deaths at the moment compared to the number of infected can be largely explained by the fact that we are doing an extremely large number of lab diagnoses," said virologist Dr. Christian Drosten, whose team developed the first test for the new virus at Berlin's Charité hospital — established over 300 years ago to treat plague victims.
He estimated that Germany is now capable of conducting up to 500,000 tests a week.
Spain, meanwhile, tests between 105,000 and 140,000 people each week, about 20% to 30% what Germany is capable of. Italy did around 200,000 tests over the past week, but that reflects a significant recent ramp-up.
Early access to the test from Drosten's team is only part of the reason for Germany's head start. Before the country even registered its first case, authorities agreed the tests would be covered by its universal insurance system, and be available to everyone with symptoms and either recent travel to virus hotspots or close contact with a confirmed case
https://www.startribune.com/mass-testing-empty-icus-germany-scores-early-against-virus/569278782/

I have spent a fair amount of time in Germany and it has brought an immeasurable respect for their culture. Simply put, they don’t mess around. Whether it’s this or security, as a group, they work in concert with one another for the good of the country. 
With that said, Covid-19 is a completely different animal. What is being accomplished by Germany with mass testing is to slow it down. It’s still chugging along and will wreak havoc over time. It’s simply too contagious to stop. It’s one of many reasons why China’s claims about their fatalities is simply absurd. What we are seeing with some of these countries is a product of discipline and a little bit of luck. 
South Korea is an example of luck (among many beneficial attributes) playing a significant role in how it’s gone thus far. From the beginning, South Korea has seen a younger cohort infected. Unlike other countries, the virus began in a younger population and has predominantly stayed there as the populace has done an exceptional job at protecting the vulnerable. There are very specific attributes about South Korea and a couple of small states in the region that probably puts them in the best position of all the countries to handle this and many Americans don’t understand why. Over the past 30 years, our country has off shored much of our vital medical manufacturing infrastructure to countries like South Korea. Medications, chemicals necessary for testing, you name it. Our politicians have allowed this to happen despite massive national security implications. Allowing a significant portion of uranium to be brought under the control of a geo-political foe was hardly the first exceptionally stupid (and very likely highly profitable) decision by our politicians. 
30 years of lunacy and exceptional corruption. For what? Contributions to “foundations” and surreptitious cash infusions to campaigns. This is what we have to show for it. Early testing was literally impossible. We lacked the basic chemicals to process tests and didn’t have the infrastructure to immediately institute mass testing. This is not a product of the past few years. It has been a systemic deterioration of our capabilities by our leaders for personal gain. 
Germany’s death toll will rise unfortunately. At the end of the day, few countries have the specific attributes necessary to have success. What is probably far more important is to develop and launch testing to identify those with antibodies. This will allow the economy to start back as those having had the virus can get back to work. It may also allow for better treatments of our critically ill by use of the antibodies of those who’ve already had the virus.

I could go on for some time about the reasons we are where we are. It has been so frustrating to be subjected to the political lunacy endemic to our media and politicians. The blame game gets exceptionally stupid when the actions of both sides significantly damaged our capability to respond quickly to this nightmare. 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"BarrNone55" said: The other side of this thing seems like an unseen distant shore.

I have my own up/down moments. Ones of sadness and disbelief, to much suffering..

It's a lot to absorb & process especially in such a short period of time. 

I can't always stay in a state of grateful for what we have - much as I try. 

They're already priming us about cancelling any big events this spring/summer here in Mpls. No 4th of July fireworks etc. I dont think thats happened here since 1946. 

Concern about a Covid-19 come-back this fall when it gets colder again? Thats out there too. 

Personally I don't see the new normal beginning until there is a vaccine and the economy can start recovering.

We're really early into this unfortunately. I have a much greater appreciation now for the "YEARS" not mos that hero generation went through in 1941-1945.