Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) resources and discussion thread (Discussion guidelines in OP)

SindbadtheSailor · Mar 18, 2020

That this is now spreading in the middle east is not a good sign for a potential summer hiatus

RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that mosques would no longer be open for the customary five daily prayers or Friday congregations, an exceptional move to limit the spread of the coronavirus which has infected 171 people in the kingdom.

The U.S.-allied Gulf Arab states have registered more than 1,000 infections, many linked to travel to neighboring Iran, which is an epicentre for the outbreak in the Middle East.

Oman, which reported nine new cases for a total of 33, is closing mosques, restaurants, coffee shops, tourist sites and traditional markets and malls, except groceries and pharmacies, starting Wednesday at midday. It will bar foreigners from entering and nationals from leaving, state TV said.

Qatar, with three new cases bringing its total to 442, likewise shuttered mall shops not selling food or pharmaceuticals, and closed part of an industrial zone for at least two weeks, a government spokeswoman said.

Saudi Arabia has taken drastic steps to try and slow down the spread of the virus, including suspending the Umrah pilgrimage, halting international flights, and closing schools and most public establishments.

Saudi Arabia closes mosques, calls G20 leaders to meet over coronavirus

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that mosques would no longer be open for the customary five daily prayers or Friday congregations, an exceptional move to limit the spread of the coronavirus which has infected 171 people in the kingdom.

www.reuters.com

Naru · Mar 18, 2020

40% increase in Israel too...

just a slowpoke · Mar 18, 2020

as time goes on it will be more and more difficult for the average person to discern how long this will last because of the proliferation of so many different models with varying degrees of abstraction and validity

Dinjooh · Mar 18, 2020

Jiminy said:
... Videogames?

I already play vidya for 3-4 hours per day. I'm not gonna start including my full work-day in that.

I've started brushing up on my java skills instead. Been too long.

J-Skee · Mar 18, 2020

Gunpei said:
My test came back positive yesterday. Doing fine; thankfully just a mild flu for me. Been in isolation for days.

Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Gunpei · Mar 18, 2020

J-Skee said:
Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Thanks.
I just wish Nintendo would release Animal Crossing a few days in advance.

UltraMagnus · Mar 18, 2020

Remdesivir seems to have positive effect on COVID19 even in patient's that have had the virus advance to a dangerous point:

https://www.investors.com/news/tech...rus-treatment-reportedly-shows-promise-japan/

According to the Wall Street Journal, 14 Americans aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship who contracted Covid-19 were given remdesivir intravenously once a day for 10 days. As of Friday, all 14 were still alive and more than half had recovered.

Five remain critically ill, Rear Adm. Richard Childs, an assistant surgeon general and lung specialist at the National Institutes of Health, reportedly said. The average age of the 14 patients is 75 and all of them were critically ill. The news sent GILD stock airborne Friday.

So the media age was 75 of those treated and being stuck on the Diamond Princess meant they were not in the early stages, they were all critically ill.

Now this article is from last Friday but I don't think any more deaths that Diamond Princess ship (the one that had to dock outside of Japan) have been reported.

If Avigan kicks COVID19's ass early on, and Remdesivir can beat up on it even in later stages, that could be a nice 1-2 combo.

Naru · Mar 18, 2020

Gunpei said:
My test came back positive yesterday. Doing fine; thankfully just a mild flu for me. Been in isolation for days.

Interesting, may I ask how old you are and if you are healthy otherwise? Mild flu means what exactly? Thank you and speedy recovery!

Gunpei · Mar 18, 2020

Naru said:
Interesting, may I ask how old you are and if you are healthy otherwise? Mild flu means what exactly? Thank you and speedy recovery!

Healthy, 31. See earlier post :-)

Couscous · Mar 18, 2020

Gunpei said:
My test came back positive yesterday. Doing fine; thankfully just a mild flu for me. Been in isolation for days.

I hope you recover very fast!

SindbadtheSailor · Mar 18, 2020

Oh this is not going to end well is it.

Indian authorities have said they will not expand coronavirus testing, as most affected nations are doing, despite criticism that limited testing could leave COVID-19 cases undetected in the world's second-most populous country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to test as widely as possible to curb the pandemic, but India has only been testing those who have travelled from affected countries or come in contact with a confirmed case and shown symptoms after two weeks of quarantine.

On Tuesday, it added healthcare workers with symptoms who are treating patients with severe respiratory illnesses.

India is conducting only about 90 tests per day, despite having the capacity for as many as 8,000. So far, 11,500 people have been tested, according to the Associated Press.

As a result of the narrow testing criteria, sick people with potential exposure to the coronavirus are being sent home, and some experts fear that India's caseload could be much higher than government statistics indicate.

Bharghava, the ICMR chief, said virus infections in India can still be traced back to people who travelled into the country from affected locales and that testing protocols would be revised if community transmission is detected.

Coronavirus cases in India rose to 147 on Wednesday, a day after a third person, a 64-year-old man, died in the western state of Maharashtra.

The South Asian nation has closed most schools and entertainment facilities, including cinemas.

India has been reluctant to expand testing, not wanting to trigger panic and overwhelm hospitals, but also because of the cost: While the tests are free for patients, they cost the government about 5,000 rupees ($67) each.

In an already stretched and underfunded public healthcare system, money spent on the coronavirus leaves less for other public health problems. India spends only 3.7 percent of its total budget on health.

The coronavirus may also be spreading in India because health officials have struggled to maintain quarantines, with people fleeing from isolation wards, complaining of filthy conditions.

In Maharashtra, five people, one of whom had tested negative and the rest who were awaiting test results, walked out of an isolation ward last Saturday.

India’s poor testing rate may have masked coronavirus cases

The WHO urges countries to test more people to curb the pandemic, but India has not expanded testing so far.

www.aljazeera.com

DNgamers · Mar 18, 2020

I demand our government to at least speak some sense into people's minds. It's not about spreading panic but it would be nice if everyone took this at least 90% more serious -_-. Man, I'm soooo frustrated. I have two family members that are right in the risk group.

Mekanos · Mar 18, 2020

SindbadtheSailor said:
Oh this is not going to end well is it.

India’s poor testing rate may have masked coronavirus cases

The WHO urges countries to test more people to curb the pandemic, but India has not expanded testing so far.

www.aljazeera.com

Yep, was afraid of this, India is going to get steamrolled by this. They just do not have the infrastructure for it.

Resetti · Mar 18, 2020

Resetti said:
Hong Kong is expecting the highest spike of confirmed cases today as students studying abroad/ travelers return to Hong Kong.
Official number in 1 hour.

Hong Kong: 14 new confirmed cases + 8 tested positive.
Majority of cases have recent travel history.

Kyougar · Mar 18, 2020

signal said:
Germans tell me which super market I should roll the dice with tomorrow.

Go to the overpriced cheap-looking discounters like Edeka or Spar. They always seem to be stocked when other discounters or supermarkets are empty. My local Edeka was the only place that had latex gloves and TP for days when every other discounter was empty.

signal · Mar 18, 2020

Kyougar said:
Go to the overpriced cheap-looking discounters like Edeka or Spar. They always seem to be stocked when other discounters or supermarkets are empty. My local Edeka was the only place that had latex gloves and TP for days when every other discounter was empty.

It's been kind of random to see who has what here. I live near two Rewes, both beside each other and also near a DM, so they've been kind of depleted lol. The smaller bio stores like Alnatura and stuff are pretty sane though.

cyba89 · Mar 18, 2020

https://www.sueddeutsche.de/panorama/coronavirus-news-deutschland-1.4828033

Merkel will address the nation on TV this evening. But it sounds like she won't enforce any more restrictions for now. She will plea to the people to follow the applicable precautionary measures, according to Süddeutsche.

This is the first time she'll address the nation this way in her 14 years in office (outside of the regular new years speeches).

Untzillatx · Mar 18, 2020

Well, after 12 positive cases and a complete lack of the necessary infrastructure to deal with a full spread of the virus, the Bolivian government has decreed a nation-wide quarentine:

Basically:

* You cannot leave your home between 17:00 and 5:00, people caught outside will be arrested and sent home or even to prison until the curfew breaks (up to 8h), the exceptions are people with ongoing medical issues, pregnant women, parents of young children. Cargo is not affected.

* All businesses and establishments of any kind - both public and private - can only operate from 8:00 to 15:00. Exceptions are pharmacies, supermarkets, healthcare establishments. Any business caught open will be forcefully closed and fined.

* Public transport will only operate from 5:00 to 18:00.

* All meetings are suspended.

That was decreed yesterday, during the first night apparently +100 people were arrested.

Deleted member 31873 · Mar 18, 2020

So relieved to finally get my trip to the UK next week postponed until November. No possibility to cancel unfortunately, so it's the best I could do. Alton Towers can wait.

Disappointing that I won't get to see my parents and friends, but it's not worth the risk.

Xando · Mar 18, 2020

German CDC says there could be up to 10 million infected within 3 months in germany if the measures introduced don't work

bye · Mar 18, 2020

SindbadtheSailor said:
That this is now spreading in the middle east is not a good sign for a potential summer hiatus

Saudi Arabia closes mosques, calls G20 leaders to meet over coronavirus

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that mosques would no longer be open for the customary five daily prayers or Friday congregations, an exceptional move to limit the spread of the coronavirus which has infected 171 people in the kingdom.

www.reuters.com

Its still mild in Saudi Arabia. Highs ranged from the mid 70s to mid 80s the past couple weeks. That's not summer.

Their May is like 95-105, and June 105-112

darkwing · Mar 18, 2020

we have now 1 positive case in a neighboring city, at this point, social distancing and going out only when needed

Deleted member 41520 · Mar 18, 2020

Dinjooh said:
I already play vidya for 3-4 hours per day. I'm not gonna start including my full work-day in that.

I've started brushing up on my java skills instead. Been too long.

Right on. I imagine we'd all be surprised by how many people on the Off-Topic side (... or even On-Topic) barely play games at all so I assumed you'd be one of them.

Joni · Mar 18, 2020

Seems like some Dutch hospitals are experimenting with giving their staff 'TBC' vaccines to help ward off corona infection. Half of them will get it, the other half the placebo.

DNgamers · Mar 18, 2020

cyba89 said:
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/panorama/coronavirus-news-deutschland-1.4828033

Merkel will address the nation on TV this evening. But it sounds like she won't enforce any more restrictions for now. She will plea to the people to follow the applicable precautionary measures, according to Süddeutsche.

This is the first time she'll address the nation this way in her 14 years in office (outside of the regular new years speeches).

That's SOMETHING. Finally!

Rowsdower · Mar 18, 2020

Don't know if posted already.

US and Canada suspend non-essential travel between the two countries

The United States and Canada will suspend non-essential travel between the two countries due to the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump said Wednesday morning.

www.cnn.com

Orion117 · Mar 18, 2020

SindbadtheSailor said:
Oh this is not going to end well is it.

India’s poor testing rate may have masked coronavirus cases

The WHO urges countries to test more people to curb the pandemic, but India has not expanded testing so far.

www.aljazeera.com

I was afraid of this. They are going ahead with a religious festival as well which will probably see hundreds of thousands gather in one place.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.co...-mela-despite-coronavirus/article31089663.ece

darkwing · Mar 18, 2020

at this point, governments should plan what to do for 18 months until a vaccine is developed

no need to panic if there is an 18 month plan

Xita · Mar 18, 2020

Xando said:
German CDC says there could be up to 10 million infected within 3 months in germany if the measures introduced don't work

Might be too early to tell, but I don't think they're working with tons of people still gathering regardless. Need to be stricter, or I could absolutely see 10 million happening. As is we're about to hit 10k cases in a few hours.

elenarie · Mar 18, 2020

residentgrigo said:
Gun sales are on the rise in the US. The only constant every time basically any social "shakeup" happens there:

US sales of guns and ammunition soar amid coronavirus panic buying

Long lines and ‘massive rush’ reported at gun stores across America: ‘People feel the need to protect themselves and their families’

www.theguardian.com

Need to prepare for the state of decay of real life. :D

On actual news, back in Macedonia an airplane was held back from being able to disboard, because 2 people were in bad conditions on it. Now everyone on it is suspected of being sick from the virus.

Lugia · Mar 18, 2020

Ah this thread is giving me major anxiety and stress. I'm going to take a break from it, and focus on distracting myself with other stuff at home.

Stay safe everyone.

Naru · Mar 18, 2020

Listened to a conversation in my local train station newspaper shop here in Germany. The owner was basically saying the social distancing is ridiculous he won't to anything and he also will not close when it comes to it. Over my dead body was what he said. His dumb asses customers standing inside drinking beer and eating sausages at 10 in the morning all agreed with him.

Psychotext · Mar 18, 2020

I'm hoping the UK train companies do the right thing soon and let people cancel their train tickets for journeys they no longer need. I've had a number of events cancelled and been left with a bundle of quite expensive train tickets that I have no real use for.

I guess my fault for trying to reduce my environmental footprint. Should have just driven.

Xita · Mar 18, 2020

Lugia said:
Ah this thread is giving me major anxiety and stress. I'm going to take a break from it, and focus on distracting myself with other stuff at home.

Stay safe everyone.

Absolutely, you too. I've managed to keep it under control now but last weekend I had some pretty bad anxiety due to this stuff. Uncertain times for all.

Hiphopopotamus · Mar 18, 2020

Update from the Florida swamp: Governor orders all bars and nightclubs closed, restaurants at 50% capacity with 6ft of distance between patrons for 30 days.

Reality: The state can't provide data on which places that serve both alcohol and food are considered to be a restaurant vs. bar/ club, so our only recourse is to ask them to attest to whether their alcohol sales constitute less than, or more than 50% of their gross receipts.

What business owner in their right mind isn't going to lie to our faces and claim they sell more food than booze so as to not have to shut down for at least a month?

It's all theater down here folks

Rassilon · Mar 18, 2020

bye said:
Its still mild in Saudi Arabia. Highs ranged from the mid 70s to mid 80s the past couple weeks. That's not summer.

Their May is like 95-105, and June 105-112

i think the point is that those sort of temperatures would be considered summer in much of northern Europe, which worrying as many were holding on to the notion that the warmth of spring and summer would help stem the spread of the pandemic

plow · Mar 18, 2020

Naru said:
Listened to a conversation in my local train station newspaper shop here in Germany. The owner was basically saying the social distancing is ridiculous he won't to anything and he also will not close when it comes to it. Over my dead body was what he said. His dumb asses customers standing inside drinking beer and eating sausages at 10 in the morning all agreed with him.

Let's see when his ass will be dragged into Jail by authorities. Those people like to talk but shut the fuck up when the police gets there.

DeepChord · Mar 18, 2020

DNgamers said:
That's SOMETHING. Finally!

Feels more like fucking nothing. People already fed up with Merkel aren't going to listen. We need enforcement now.

signal · Mar 18, 2020

DeepChord said:
Feels more like fucking nothing. People already fed up with Merkel aren't going to listen. We need enforcement now.

Twitter clamoring for that #Ausgangssperren

Leo · Mar 18, 2020

SindbadtheSailor said:
That this is now spreading in the middle east is not a good sign for a potential summer hiatus

Saudi Arabia closes mosques, calls G20 leaders to meet over coronavirus

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that mosques would no longer be open for the customary five daily prayers or Friday congregations, an exceptional move to limit the spread of the coronavirus which has infected 171 people in the kingdom.

www.reuters.com

Forget about it, it's spreading normally in Brazil.

Vuze · Mar 18, 2020

DeepChord said:
Feels more like fucking nothing. People already fed up with Merkel aren't going to listen. We need enforcement now.

It's indeed fucking nothing.

Steffen Seibert on Twitter

“Es geht in der Ansprache von Kanzlerin #Merkel nicht um neue Maßnahmen. Es geht um das, was in Deutschland jetzt zu tun ist, um die Ausbreitung des #Coronavirus zu verlangsamen und wie jeder sich daran beteiligen soll. #Covid19de”

twitter.com

"Es geht in der Ansprache von Kanzlerin #Merkel nicht um neue Maßnahmen. Es geht um das, was in Deutschland jetzt zu tun ist, um die Ausbreitung des #Coronavirus zu verlangsamen und wie jeder sich daran beteiligen soll."

🙄

Lock the goddamn idiots up now.

Kay · Mar 18, 2020

darkwing said:
at this point, governments should plan what to do for 18 months until a vaccine is developed

no need to panic if there is an 18 month plan

A bunch of countries probably do have 18 month plans. They're not telling us specifically so we don't panic. These 2 week quartinenes are designed to ease us into a new way of living.

Dphex · Mar 18, 2020

cyba89 said:
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/panorama/coronavirus-news-deutschland-1.4828033

Merkel will address the nation on TV this evening. But it sounds like she won't enforce any more restrictions for now. She will plea to the people to follow the applicable precautionary measures, according to Süddeutsche.

This is the first time she'll address the nation this way in her 14 years in office (outside of the regular new years speeches).

"it sounds like she won´t enforce restrictions"
translation: she will enforce restrictions tomorrow. like the famous "ich spreche mein vollstes Vertrauen aus" just to fire a minister.

it needs to happen, there was a special on TV yesterday evening, people sitting in the sun, drinking coffee and buying flowers...

darkwing · Mar 18, 2020

Kay said:
A bunch of countries probably do have 18 month plans. They're not telling us specifically so we don't panic. These 2 week quartinenes are designed to ease us into a new way of living.

yes, these 15 days and 30 days are all dry runs for the long term, if we can adjust to those , then 18 months should be ok or until vaccines are developed

Retsudo · Mar 18, 2020

Gunpei said:
Thanks.
I just wish Nintendo would release Animal Crossing a few days in advance.

Good luck friend! Hope everything goes well.

Ryu · Mar 18, 2020

Germany needs to wake up. Hope for drastic measures tonight.

Sin Jawnz · Mar 18, 2020

Coming from experience with a city wide shut down in January that lasted only 10 days and was a result of a terrible snow storm; which made general travel difficult and dangerous. People were ignoring the SoE within 2-3 days. If not from day one. I don't have a great deal of faith in people to abide by stricter restrictions. Perhaps if our city was strongly enforcing it; it may of helped but they did not. Rumors of $500-1000 fines for being on the road, did nothing to stop people from "going out to have a look."

spam musubi · Mar 18, 2020

Sianos said:
as time goes on it will be more and more difficult for the average person to discern how long this will last because of the proliferation of so many different models with varying degrees of abstraction and validity

It's not like the general public has any idea without the models being published anyway. Even the experts just don't know how long it will take right now and the public doesn't have more information than them. The general public will have to learn to listen to scientific authorities more.

Kyougar · Mar 18, 2020

Germany will go over 10.000 cases in the next hour. currently at 9900.

Lkr · Mar 18, 2020

Hiphopopotamus said:
Update from the Florida swamp: Governor orders all bars and nightclubs closed, restaurants at 50% capacity with 6ft of distance between patrons for 30 days.

Reality: The state can't provide data on which places that serve both alcohol and food are considered to be a restaurant vs. bar/ club, so our only recourse is to ask them to attest to whether their alcohol sales constitute less than, or more than 50% of their gross receipts.

What business owner in their right mind isn't going to lie to our faces and claim they sell more food than booze so as to not have to shut down for at least a month?

It's all theater down here folks

Isn't it theater across the country at this point? Honestly surprised the primary wasn't delayed
It'll go away in the heat, never mind it's already summer temps here 😂

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