Coronavirus in the US

Parent Cafe
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Italy is taking even tougher measures; closing all parks and telling people they can only exercise around their homes, Reuters reports. The country’s health minister has said Italians “must do more” to contain the outbreak.

From Saturday, parks and public gardens will be shut down and people will be allowed to take exercise only around their homes, Reuters reported, citing a government directive it has obtained.

Games and recreational activities in the open air will also be prohibited.
“We must do even more to contain the contagion,” the health minister, Roberto Speranza, said.

Brazil’s universal health system will soon be overloaded by COVID-19 pressure, the country’s health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, has warned.

“Clearly by the end of April our health system will begin to collapse,” he said during a teleconference with members of Brazil’s business elite, wearing a mask and sitting next to President Jair Bolsonaro. “Collapse is when there is money, health plans, but no room in the hospitals,” he added, making comparisons with Italy; which recently overtook China’s Covid-19 deaths.

Brazil so far has so far recorded 612 cases and eight deaths.

According to the minister, the number of cases will begin to climb rapidly in April and continue through May, June and July before levelling out in August and falling in September.

The Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, made a direct emotional appeal to the American people to persuade Donald Trump’s government to lift their sanctions against his country, saying anything that restricts Iran’s own fight against the pandemic will undermine the fight against the virus throughout the world.

Any hostile actor seeking to undermine Iran’s health system and restricting the needed financial resources to tackle the crisis will undermine the fight against the pandemic all over the world.

The time has come for American people to halt this dark chapter in American history.

Rouhani added that Tehran, Paris, London and Washington were not that far apart in terms of the spread of the virus.

His remarks came after the Iranian foreign minister, Javad Zaif, sought to enlist the help of the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, and the `EU foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrel, to use their influence to persuade Washington to relax their sanctions.

In his letter Rouhani warns:

The coronavirus outbreak has endangered the health of – and even presented a considerable threat to – humanity with no distinction as to nationality, or gender or religious backgrounds. This presents an opportune moment to further contemplate our common pains and our human principles.

Today, all of humankind feels apprehensive toward the future; a future threatened in every aspect; be it health, business, and even social relationships and the way of life. The level of unpredictability and uncertainty is simply unprecedented.

In language Tehran has rarely directed towards the US since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Rouhani urged the American people to form an alliance with Iran to fight a common enemy.

It is self-evident that our success in what is likely to be a long fight depends on the spiritual and heartfelt affinity of all human beings. The international defence that we have to mount will not be successful without camaraderie on the part of the whole of humankind.

Today, instead of soldiers belonging to different armies, human soldiers, donning similar colour uniforms belonging to no particular country are selflessly and altruistically at war against the enemy of humans across the globe. In this common fight, we all belong to one front.

The US has so far not shown any willingness to relax sanctions, arguing instead that humanitarian exemptions mean the sanctions have not damaged Iran’s ability to combat the virus. The US has largely accused Iran of failing to take the necessary steps to stem the spread of the virus, saying lack of resources has not been an issue.

Guardian

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Head of the French health authority Jérôme Salomon in his daily update said the situation was worsening rapidly in France. Urged people to follow strictly the advice keep 1m distance and wash hands.

It is “urgent” to do this, he said. There are now 12,612 confirmed cases in France, and 450 deaths. Of the deaths, 87% were aged over 70 years old. There are 5,226 people in hospital, 35% of them over 65 years old: 1,297 of these are in intensive care, 50% under 60 years old. 1,587 have been released from hospital.

“You should not wear a mask if you are not ill. These are resources that should be reserved for health professionals,” Salomon said.

In America, several areas are putting in place new restrictions. The District of Columbia’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, says social distancing directives for schools, local government and mass gatherings will be extended to 27 April.

And New Jersey’s governor, Phil Murphy, says he’s planning to order the shutting down of all non-essential businesses and that he “almost certainly” will tighten rules on gatherings to restrict them to no more than 10 people – or possibly even ban them altogether.

Guardian

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In case you missed it, the ENTIRE STATE of Florida has similar rates of positive tests (of the completed tests almost one third come back positive), so is in the same boat as Westchester. There’s a chance Florida has a higher rate of infection than Westchester but there’s no way to know - because there aren’t enough tests to find out.

This isn’t about blame. It’s about all of us questioning how the scarce resources are used. Who knows - West Virginia could be the biggest hotbed of infection in the US and we’d never know because up until a few days ago there was no testing available at all.

We should all be talking about how we think the US should be handling scarce resources and talking to our politicians about it. And if we are at the point where this is a Thunderdome situation - everybody for himself, grab the chainsaw first and win - we should be honest so people know the situation and act accordingly.

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IL joining the states sheltering in place starting Saturday at 5 pm. Governor is speaking now.

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@milee30 You are perfectly justified in being angry that Floridians aren’t being tested. But your anger is misplaced if you are blaming NY government for testing its residents. If you haven’t already, call your governor, congressperson and senators. The fault lies with Florida officials, or with the federal government for messing up the testing to begin with and not providing enough coordination or guidance now to the states.

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https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/03/19/coronavirus-effect-economy-life-society-analysis-covid-135579

America has long equated patriotism with the armed forces. But you can’t shoot a virus. Those on the frontlines against coronavirus aren’t conscripts, mercenaries or enlisted men; they are our doctors, nurses, pharmacists, teachers, caregivers, store clerks, utility workers, small-business owners and employees. Like Li Wenliang and the doctors of Wuhan, many are suddenly saddled with unfathomable tasks, compounded by an increased risk of contamination and death they never signed up for.

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Your president has basically been telling the 50 governors it is everyone for themselves by telling them to source individually in a time of severe shortages and national crisis instead of having a comprehensive and unified system. Buck stops at the top.

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Illinois governor issues “stay-at-home” order for entire state
From CNN’s Raja Razek

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has issued a “stay-at-home” order Friday for the entire state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Pritzker said the order goes into effect at 5 p.m. CT on Saturday and lasts through April 7.

Here’s what it means:

Residents will still be able to go to grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, hospitals and gas stations.

They can still go running or hiking and walk their dogs.

“Many, many people will still be able to go to work,” Pritzker said

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Once again, no blame, only questions. Questions we should all be asking of ourselves, of our leaders.

  • Are we OK with the idea that the first one to the TP/tests/masks takes all?
  • Should there be federal oversight of scarce healthcare resources?
  • If there's no federal oversight, should states voluntarily cooperate to share scarce resources?
  • Do we care about states with fewer resources or less political clout? And if we're OK with letting them rot, even from a place of self-interest, could we let all of West Virginia die off without impacting the rest of us?

Is this who we are? I don’t think so, but maybe it is. I don’t know. I see kindness at a local level - strangers sharing TP or doing errands for housebound elderly neighbors - but not at a national level. I see people judging others for things but justifying the same actions if they benefit themselves.

This is stuff we should all be talking about, examining, making sure we understand and are aware or are making our thoughts known.

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FDA won’t take action against companies who produce hand sanitizer
From CNN’s Amanda Watts

With the current high demand for hand sanitizer, the US Food and Drug Administration said it will not take action against companies who are not FDA regulated and who produce hand sanitizers.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said, the recent guidance will “provide flexibility to help meet demand during this outbreak. We will continue to work with manufacturers, compounders, state boards of pharmacy and the public to increase the supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizer available to Americans.”

According to the policy, “certain entities that are not currently regulated by FDA as drug manufacturers have requested guidance on the preparation and distribution of hand sanitizer products for the public’s use,” provided they follow several guidelines laid out by the FDA.

Zimbabwe reports first case of coronavirus
CNN

A 38-year-old man has become the first person to test positive for coronavirus in Zimbabwe, the country’s ministry of health reported Friday.

“The patient is a 38-year-old Caucasian male resident of Victoria Falls, who had traveled to Manchester, United Kingdom on the 7th of March 2020 and returned to his home in Victoria Falls on the 15th of March 2020 via South Africa,” the health ministry said.

When he returned from his travels, he put himself in self-quarantine and then developed a persistent cough and sneeze, so he contacted authorities for a test.

He remains in self-isolation and is showing signs of recovery, according to the health ministry.

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Perhaps in your state, but in CA, thousands of grocery workers are union members with medical and sick leave, and I assume a wage that they find acceptable since they did not strike the last time the contract got renewed…

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Liquor stores will remain open under New York mandate, association says

The New York State Liquor Store Association reminded business owners and patrons on Friday that all liquor shops are considered essential and will remain open under the new mandate.

“Liquor stores have been deemed an essential business and may remain open. You do not need to reduce your workforce. This applies to all SLA-licensed entities as per the SLA,” the association said in a statement.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday that all workers in non-essential businesses across the state are required to stay home in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Businesses like liquor and grocery stores are excluded from the order.

According to the state’s website, “grocery stores including all food and beverage stores” are considered essential retail.

The association also posted the news on Facebook, reminding its patrons that “Liquor stores have been deemed an essential business during the outbreak of Covid-19 — we are permitted to stay open to serve you!”

“Please consider utilizing pick up or delivery options when purchasing from your favorite local retailer. Stay safe and healthy!” the association added.

Israel reports first death

An 88-year-old man who was suffering from previous illnesses has died in Israel, the country’s health ministry has said. It said the man had been brought to the hospital about a week ago in serious condition.

Israel has reported 705 cases of coronavirus, the large majority with mild symptoms. About 10 patients are in serious condition and 15 have recovered completely.

The number of confirmed cases in Costa Rica reached 113 on Friday; an increase of 26, the government has said. It is the country’s largest single day rise so far.

Two people have died so far in the Central American country and the health minister, Daniel Salas, has said the next 15 days will determine how badly the global pandemic will affect Costa Rica.

Beaches have been closed across the country in an effort to stop the advance of the virus, with citizens asked to stay home throughout the crisis if possible.

Zimbabwe confirms first death.

In Zimbabwe, the health minister Obadiah Moyo said a man who lives in Victoria Falls, a popular tourist destination, has died after becoming infected.

Moyo said the 38-year-old had travelled to Britain on 7 March, returning home via neighbouring South Africa on 15 March. He put himself in self-quarantine upon arrival and later called his doctor after realising he was not feeling too well,” the Associated Press quoted the minister as saying.

Zimbabwe declared a national disaster days ago and some citizens have openly dreaded the pandemic’s arrival. Already public hospitals lack basic items such as gloves. Relatives of patients are expected in some cases to even provide buckets of water.

But Zimbabwe’s government has insisted it is well prepared to deal with the outbreak.

New Jersey’s governor, Phil Murphy, says he’s planning to order the shutting down of all non-essential businesses and that he “almost certainly” will tighten rules on gatherings to restrict them to no more than 10 people – or possibly even ban them altogether.

Guardian

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I agree. Are you on the phone to your governor? Have you written to your representatives? Are you demanding testing, financial support, infrastructural changes? THIS IS WHAT IT WILL TAKE. Masses of us demanding it, and not just now during the pandemic but in November, in January, and in the years ahead.

These issues are generations in the making.

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In China they found they had to test people 3 times to know when they were safe to leave quarantine after a number of people had two negative tests and went out and infected others.

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India’s Tamil Nadu shuts borders over virus fear
The Indian state of Tamil Nadu took the rare step of closing its borders with several neighbouring states because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Tamil Nadu government shut the borders with Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states, which have reported a growing number of coronavirus cases.

A government statement said the measure would last until at least March 31 and that only “essential goods” and government buses would be allowed across the border.

Poland shuts schools until Easter
Poland’s government has declared a state of epidemic threat and will cancel school classes until Easter, Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said.

“We are today introducing a state of epidemic…which gives us new prerogatives but also gives us new responsibilities. We have decided to cancel lessons until Easter. It is a difficult but important decision.”

Poland had cancelled classes for students earlier this month and shut its borders to foreigners in an effort to curtail the spread of the virus. Poland currently has 411 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and five deaths.

Coronavirus travel bans hit South Asia migrant workers
Remittances are a crucial lifeline for families in Nepal and other countries in the region, including Bangladesh and India, which currently has more than 30 million people in jobs overseas, according to the International Labour Organization.

But travel restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus…threaten to leave millions of South Asian migrant labourers without work.

Ukraine declares state of emergency in capital Kiev
Ukraine’s government declared a state of emergency in Kiev and two more out of 25 regions due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ukraine, which reported 26 coronavirus cases and three deaths, had previously declared a state of emergency in two other regions with coronavirus patients.

Al Jazeera

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Exactly. If our national and state leaders are telling us to grab what you can, it’s every man for itself, how can we judge individuals who are doing just that?

I am the last person to defend the spring break party group, but is it so hard to understand why they’re doing exactly what the federal government is telling us to do and what state leaders are doing? Think about yourself - why lose that prepaid vacation if you’re not in a risk group - because that’s what “we” (I may still be in denial but I still don’t believe this is who Americans are) do now.

We should all be thinking, questioning, acting both on an individual level but also a collective level. It’s not going to work to cure this thing in a single state if other states continue to have out of control infections. Unless we’re talking about closing state borders, we’re all in this together and need to figure out how to solve it across the country, not just for the wealthier, better connected, more powerful, quicker acting people or states.

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Virtual basic training would be nice, follow along at home.

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Imho all these border closings are too little, too late. That horse is already out of the barn and off down the road.

I could understand if borders were closed *before * there were any known cases, but they are always ordered after.

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It will be interesting to see if we come out of this changed at all, or if it’s like 9/11 where it seems different for a while but then reverts to it’s former trajectory.

If nothing else I hope we can put a fork in “trickle down” once and for all.

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Bulgaria military allowed to use force amid curbs
Bulgaria’s parliament has voted after a heated debate to allow the military to help curb the movement of people amid the coronavirus outbreak, with a mandate to use force if necessary.

The armed forces will be mobilised to assist civilian authorities, with the authorisation to stop vehicles and people until the police arrive. (Al Jazeera)

Plus they have been quarantining them in separate recovery facilities for an additional 2 weeks after “recovered”.