COVID the 3rd (1 Viewer)

[OzDigger]

Matt,
I think it all depends literally on where you live and what zip code you are in. To suggest a minority of US Citizens followed guidance is just not true. They did and do daily, that is what I see everyday.

Also, again, the numbers from this mess will not be finalized for years but 1 death is too many from anything, but they happen. I am just a realist in this part of it, that is just my opinion and outlook.

Again, we have a very high mortality rate amongst a specific age group and population - elderly and nursing homes. It is terrible, and I am sure there is going to be years worth of analysis and finger pointing in that regard for many years to come.

The US is a big place with a crap ton of people in it. Some of us on the forum live in more populated areas than others and you will see a large difference of opinions. I happen to live in suburbia, my parents are in Rural Maryland, other family in Rural Pennsylvania. The major death numbers as well as infected numbers are heavier concentrated in more urban areas. It is easy math - more people, more odds of it being there. SO, if in an urban area, you have an exponentially higher chance of coming into contact with the virus. For example, no offense to my NYC friends, but you could not pay me to travel there right now.

Finally - are there a contingent who are bad apples, yes. But I don't think they are the majority as for example, if I go to the post office, grocery store, hardware, etc, I have seen 100% compliance with mask wearing. I have not been all over the Country obviously, but I can't imagine for the majority it is that much different. When I was in Rural PA, I saw the same thing even in a tiny hunting/fishing shop I went in.

Virus is serious and I believe the majority of the US believe it. I think that is why nearly all large gatherings of any kind are not happening, Schools are virtual, Colleges are virtual, workplaces are CLOSED, I work for a very large Company worldwide and our offices are closed til further notice. Do they need to be? I don't know as the setup is over and above any CDC guidance, but the majority of workers are unsure to go in, so for now we are 100% virtual. Will this eventually hurt business, my answer is Yes it will . The 12 month outlook no so good.

Just some thoughts, points, etc.
Tom

Tom

I agree with you regarding my earlier comment about only a Minority co-operating. I actually thought I had edited the Minority portion from my original post as it was clearly an overstatement, obviously I didn't do that successfully.

This virus has no easy fix, our National debt is the worst since the end of WW2. Where do you draw the line between Economic and Human outcomes. I'm only glad that I don't have to make those decisions, and it's possibly unfair to be critical of those that made the wrong decision in hindsight.

 

[OzDigger]

No worries at all, I just wanted to provide my opinion back. As I have said before, what you see on the news and what is really happening on the ground is usually 2 different things. Unfortunately, media typically only highlights the "sensational", "clickbait" type of headline. Heaven forbid we actually would have normal or good news, their ratings would tank!

TD

Thank you for that Tom.

Like most people I sometimes find 'clickbait' hard to resist, but some of it is amusing. For example I'm into cars and have been following Scotty (Rev up your Engines) Kilmer, a mechanic from Houston Texas, for several years. He obviously knows a a lot about cars and is not afraid to tell the truth. However his Youtube headlines are getting progressively 'clicky', says he's going to Jail or Getting Divorced or whatever, but of course when you watch the video, that's far from the fact, but I guess he needs the extra traffic to increase his Youtube income.

 

[Louis Badolato]

I get the distinct feeling that the over the hill gang (40+ year olds) are serious about compliance, but, as with many other subjects, the young folks (teens and 20 somethings) don’t recognize their own mortality and ignore the rules. In a tightly packed urban area like New York, LA, Houston or Miami this can lead to a spike in the virus. I have yet to see anyone my age wandering around without a mask, but I see kids doing it all over. It’s unfortunate, but the young just aren’t wired for social distancing.

 

[Go for Broke]

Turn and face the strain. Ch-ch-ch-ch Changes.

 

[tdubel]

Turn and face the strain. Ch-ch-ch-ch Changes.

Laughing, yup, many musical analogies apply. Ya know, with Charlie Daniels recent passing, I went back and listened to the song "In America". Actually brought a smile to my face, I recommend to all.

TD

 

[Panzer ace]

I experienced the most extreme lockdown measures when I recently traveled to California. The Stare is barely open with most businesses still closed and those that were open being subject to restrictions, mask requirements, etc. I witnessed 100% compliance.

Then I read this on CNBC today:

California has now surpassed New York in total confirmed Covid-19 cases — more than 409,500 cases as of Wednesday — making it the state with the most cases in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University data. However, New York has reported more than four times the number of deaths, according to Johns Hopkins.

I continue to believe that short of everyone staying home this pandemic will continue.

 

[marco55]

I heard that 110,000 business have closed never to return.So sad.
Mark

 

[Desertkiwi]

I heard that 110,000 business have closed never to return.So sad.
Mark

While most media remain fixated on the spread of Covid, they seem less interested in discussing the accompanied world 'Recession' or the likely-hood of an even greater Depression.

 

[nysoldiers]

Had lunch yesterday with my best friend's son who is an infectious disease doctor at Yale University hospital (New Haven, Conn.). He was
on Long Island for a meeting at Northwell hospital and took time out to see his dad and I.

Of course we discussed the Virus and here is what he said in a nutshell.
The darkest days are yet to come. Consensus among the network of infectious disease doctors he is in contact with see the spread worsening
and the winner will be the peak. He strongly advises that seniors (60 up) and those with medical issues get their flu shots as early as possible.
Extreme caution will be necessary and stay at home whenever possible.
They believe that masks in public should be mandatory and if we could get everyone wearing masks and social distancing we could reduce the
infection rate by up to 80%.
Many doctors and health officials feel that a nationwide shut down for several weeks will be necessary. A national policy is needed because as
one community may be spared it is only temporary unless travel in and out is suspended.

On school openings they do feel it should happen but it is risky. Unless we have the capability to test everyone almost every day with immediate
results for social tracing the virus will impact teachers and families.
They are in agreement that state by state or community by community policies just don't work in a mobile society like ours.
Schools desperately need more funds to prepare properly and guidelines should be national not local. Split sessions, spread out seating, mask
wearing and washing several times a day.

Much more funding should have gone into developing better testing with results in hours not days.

As far as the vaccines, they are still a year off before available to everyone. If they are to be effective at least 75 to 80% of people must take them
and they believe it should be mandatory for children to go back to school.

As a footnote cases are popping up again on Long Island where we had very low hospital admissions for a while now.

 

[nysoldiers]

While most media remain fixated on the spread of Covid, they seem less interested in discussing the accompanied world 'Recession' or the likely-hood of an even greater Depression.

No doubt there will be long term economic consequences. Until an effective and widely available vaccine we cannot open up all our businesses and make consumers confident.

 

[nysoldiers]

I experienced the most extreme lockdown measures when I recently traveled to California. The Stare is barely open with most businesses still closed and those that were open being subject to restrictions, mask requirements, etc. I witnessed 100% compliance.

Then I read this on CNBC today:

California has now surpassed New York in total confirmed Covid-19 cases — more than 409,500 cases as of Wednesday — making it the state with the most cases in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University data. However, New York has reported more than four times the number of deaths, according to Johns Hopkins.

I continue to believe that short of everyone staying home this pandemic will continue.

You are probably right and we may be forced to have another "national" lock down. In the mean time everyone should wear a mask in public and social distance. Get the ******* teenagers and college kids off the streets and beaches where they congregate with no masks or social distancing.
Every retail business needs to enforce the wear a mask condition for entering its premises.
Most important is we need better TESTING and the Federal Government in partnership with the private sector needs to go all out on this endeavor. All children need to be tested before going back to school and at regular intervals. Testing results need to be within 24 hours max. not the ridiculous wait times we see now.

 

[bradleyl30]

While most media remain fixated on the spread of Covid, they seem less interested in discussing the accompanied world 'Recession' or the likely-hood of an even greater Depression.

Really, these were the first stories I saw this morning on what people refer to as mainstream media. Seems like a big topic on high quality outlets.

 

[Warrior]

"

The darkest days are yet to come. Consensus among the network of infectious disease doctors he is in contact with see the spread worsening
and the winter will be the peak.
Many doctors and health officials feel that a nationwide shut down for several weeks will be necessary. A national policy is needed because as
one community may be spared it is only temporary unless travel in and out is suspended."

Well that's a nice ray of sunshine.

The darkest days are yet to come? Really? FOUR million infected nationwide and it's still not at it's peak/darker days are still ahead?

How on earth can it get any worse?

A nationwide shut down for "several weeks" is out and out impossible, not going to happen, our economy has suffered enough, another shutdown of ANY length and we are totally and utterly screwed.

Why don't they just come out and say "In our opinion, every American is going to get this virus, so you can all collectively kiss your ***** goodbye."

April was brutal around here, businesses tanked left and right, another shut down and that will be that.

I'm done with this thread, reading about doom and gloom on a daily basis is bad for my mental health.

Best of luck everyone with this thread.
​

 

[Combat]

"

The darkest days are yet to come. Consensus among the network of infectious disease doctors he is in contact with see the spread worsening
and the winter will be the peak.
Many doctors and health officials feel that a nationwide shut down for several weeks will be necessary. A national policy is needed because as
one community may be spared it is only temporary unless travel in and out is suspended."

Well that's a nice ray of sunshine.

The darkest days are yet to come? Really? FOUR million infected nationwide and it's still not at it's peak/darker days are still ahead?

How on earth can it get any worse?

A nationwide shut down for "several weeks" is out and out impossible, not going to happen, our economy has suffered enough, another shutdown of ANY length and we are totally and utterly screwed.

Why don't they just come out and say "In our opinion, every American is going to get this virus, so you can all collectively kiss your ***** goodbye."

April was brutal around here, businesses tanked left and right, another shut down and that will be that.

I'm done with this thread, reading about doom and gloom on a daily basis is bad for my mental health.

Best of luck everyone with this thread.
​

If you watch cable news, then you would think it is the end of the world. If you go outside into the real world, you wouldn't know much was going on in most places other than seeing folks wearing masks. The virus is a terrible thing but it has mostly affected the elderly and infirmed. A terrible tragedy but in terms of its impact on society there really hasn't been much other than from our response. You only have a societal impact when a pandemic begins affecting the healthy. Then no more truck drivers, police, or doctors. That's when things would start to fall apart. And the more people who get this while young and healthy might actually be a longer term positive as they could develop immunity. Regardless, a vaccine is coming and this shall pass into the history books. There have been some positives like more working from home, less traffic, more efficient services, better hygiene and protection not only from this virus but other illnesses. I take my daughter to a cancer clinic about every other month. Only after the virus did they insist on masks and protocols for entry even though many children there are very ill and might die from the flu or a common cold. So some changes are for the better.

 

[mikemiller1955]

Regardless, a vaccine is coming and this shall pass into the history books.

I believe this is true...some of the vaccines are in the late stages of approval...with great results...hopefully another 4-5 months and they will be available...

 

[jazzeum]

You are probably right and we may be forced to have another "national" lock down. In the mean time everyone should wear a mask in public and social distance. Get the ******* teenagers and college kids off the streets and beaches where they congregate with no masks or social distancing

That’s what’s fueled outbreaks in Spain as well, whose experience somewhat mirrors our own.

On testing, we’ve had an experience this week. My wife wasn’t feeling great and she had a slight temperature but not real high. Anyway she called the Dr., who ordered a test. The Hospital was supposed to call but never did. She called the Dr. back who called the Hospital, who finally called back and told her testing was being done by a testing center outside the Hospital and would call her. She waited two hours; they never called. Not being a patient person I had her call an urgent care center and she managed to get an appointment. We went over and they told her she wasn’t sure she could get a test because they were low on swabs but because she’d recently had heart surgery they tested her. They told her it would take 10-14 days to get results.

Fortunately, it doesn’t look like she has it as her temp has been normal the last couple of days and she’s feeling better.

However, there you have a small snapshot on testing.

 

[bradleyl30]

That’s what’s fueled outbreaks in Spain as well, whose experience somewhat mirrors our own.

On testing, we’ve had an experience this week. My wife wasn’t feeling great and she had a slight temperature but not real high. Anyway she called the Dr., who ordered a test. The Hospital was supposed to call but never did. She called the Dr. back who called the Hospital, who finally called back and told her testing was being done by a testing center outside the Hospital and would call her. She waited two hours; they never called. Not being a patient person I had her call an urgent care center and she managed to get an appointment. We went over and they told her she wasn’t sure she could get a test because they were low on swabs but because she’d recently had heart surgery they tested her. They told her it would take 10-14 days to get results.

Fortunately, it doesn’t look like she has it as her temp has been normal the last couple of days and she’s feeling better.

However, there you have a small snapshot on testing.

Glad she is doing well

 

[bradleyl30]

Right now we are on an upswing with 918 deaths a day (7 day avg) up from 516 a day on July 5th.

 

[nysoldiers]

I believe this is true...some of the vaccines are in the late stages of approval...with great results...hopefully another 4-5 months and they will be available...

Hoping for effective vaccines as well but remember you must get at least 75 to 80% of the population to take it.
Right now polls show that 50% of our population either won't take it or are very skeptical.
The government can make it mandatory according to legal experts I have listened to but enforcing that can be problematic and start a revolt.
Certainly schools can deny attendance to those who don't take the vaccine unless they have medical conditions that have contraindications.

People just don't trust any institution right now whether it is government, the media or science.

 

[nysoldiers]

That’s what’s fueled outbreaks in Spain as well, whose experience somewhat mirrors our own.

On testing, we’ve had an experience this week. My wife wasn’t feeling great and she had a slight temperature but not real high. Anyway she called the Dr., who ordered a test. The Hospital was supposed to call but never did. She called the Dr. back who called the Hospital, who finally called back and told her testing was being done by a testing center outside the Hospital and would call her. She waited two hours; they never called. Not being a patient person I had her call an urgent care center and she managed to get an appointment. We went over and they told her she wasn’t sure she could get a test because they were low on swabs but because she’d recently had heart surgery they tested her. They told her it would take 10-14 days to get results.

Fortunately, it doesn’t look like she has it as her temp has been normal the last couple of days and she’s feeling better.

However, there you have a small snapshot on testing.

Glad she is ok but the testing is still insufficient and ineffective in many cases.
Needs massive government funding and partnering with private industry.

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst!