COVID-19 a.k.a. coronavirus, let's talk about it.

[CrowStorm]

Wow @Touchfuzzy! Damn, dude. You guys feel better! Take care of yourselves! Don't die!

 

[Parallax Panda]

@Touchfuzzy
Man, take care of yourself and stay safe. I’d send “thoughts and prayers”, but goto phrases like that seems hollow to me. While I’ve no idea of your age or general health, I do hope you both pull through.

Otherwise, not much news from Japan. They talk about the virus on TV all the time but not much new information. Which is not a big surprise since no testing is being done no one really knows how bad it is.
Some government buildings such as community centers and schools are still closed (there’s a spring break now anyway mind you). For me, this means that my annual “refresh training” seminar for work might be canceled if they can’t find a new space, which you know, whatever. Nothing really major.

Hand sanitizers, masks and toilet paper is still not on sale. Although, We still have like ~9 rolls so I think we’re good... for a while @CrowStorm

On a personal note, my wife came down with a fever yesterday so I’m a little worried. Although she seems to be somewhat okay for now though. Let’s hope it passes quickly.

 

[Philosophus Vagus]

Addendum to my previous criticisms of them funneling kids from schools to daycares: Government just announced that all the daycares have to close to, so I guess my brother and all those other working parents I was concerned about are all defacto-off work too now.

I understand the whole flatten the curve thing (thank you @bgillisp for linking that info earlier) and all but if this keeps up for 45 days like they're saying, or more...I mean a lot of businesses are probably gonna straight up go bankrupt, we could seriously be looking at a multiple years economic recovery even in a best case, probably not how it will happen scenario where this thing fizzles out completely in the summertime.

I guess that's why there's so much support for instigating multiple blanket payments to people, kind of offset the economic woes. Even so, only so much good pumping money can do for an economy that's effectively on pause. Good people won't have to worry about being evicted and all, I'm just concerned about the long-term ramifications if all of these shutdowns keep expanding, I figured my job would be secure throughout since it supports basic infrastructure but most of my coworkers have kids, now I'm worried I'll soon face the choice of being worked crazily until I drop or calling it quits and hunkering down myself. There's just no escaping it in any industry it seems.

 

[rue669]

I'mm from Toronto and things have been pretty tense here. I work for the City of Toronto and we were told today to go home. Luckily I can work from home, but it is limiting. I'm one of the lucky ones to be honest.

There are so many people who do not have the luxury of working for the government or a good company that will pay salaries and allow work from home. All levels of governments are discussing and have hinted at rolling out measures to help those people who need the money (vulnerable populations and small businesses).

In terms of groceries and daily essentials, we seem to be fine. Those grocery clerks are unsung heroes in all this and I really hope they are being paid double.

The most concerning thing though is that many people in Toronto are not taking this seriously enough and are still continuing their day-to-day lives as normal, not taking the necessary precautions. That's the scary part. I wish people realized that self-isolating and social distancing is necessary in order to keep our hospitals working effectively and to keep people alive.

For those interested, this article is quiet good and full of great facts that at times can be very scary:
Stay safe out there everyone. This is going to suck, but just self isolating and social distancing for two weeks can have a massive impact to saving lives and making sure our health professionals and equipment are keeping up!

 

[Summer夏]

I come from China.
It has to be said that China made a very wrong demonstration of curbing the disease in the early stage, and it also laid a hidden danger for the future global outbreak. I still can't know how many people are sick here. Covering up the data may reduce panic, but there is no doubt that it will exacerbate the spread of the virus.
I have read too many reports. Because the treatment was not timely, the whole family died of the virus. After the death of his father, his son had a spare bed. For some people (both young and old), the lethality of this virus to them is 60%, 70% or even higher. Do not try to treat it as influenza, because the mortality rate of severe patients is unimaginable. The scary part is that some people do not have any symptoms, but they can spread the virus at will.
Please be vigilant and don't be fearless. Aliens are watching us. XD

 

[Kupotepo]

@CrowStorm, I live in the eastern state of the USA. I get what your ideology now and I respect your values and expression.

Spoiler

I prefer the middle of the ideology solutions. So I tried to understand a different point of view

@Touchfuzzy, I hope you get well soon. I hope it is not serious. It is a funny thing today. I woke up my eye is red and irritating. I get medications and I am ok. That's why it is funny. Anyhow, please keep us update.

@Summer夏, what kind of Aliens are watching us? The grey aliens. I am joking. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_alleged_extraterrestrial_beings


Wow, In China, there is really serious on disinfection.

 

[Larry Jones]

For some people (both young and old), the lethality of this virus to them is 60%, 70% or even higher. Do not try to treat it as influenza, because the mortality rate of severe patients is unimaginable. The scary part is that some people do not have any symptoms, but they can spread the virus at will.

This is the case fatality rates by age group in China, data through 11 Feb.

Yes some people are going to fall into the bracket where unfortunately it will be fatal for them, but the overall statistics are still like the above graph.

 

[Summer夏]

This is the case fatality rates by age group in China, data through 11 Feb.

Yes some people are going to fall into the bracket where unfortunately it will be fatal for them, but the overall statistics are still like the above graph.

Yes, young people can resist the virus more obviously. What I want to express is not to despise the virus because of their youth. According to personal constitution, it is still possible to be fatal. Moreover, I have not seen the cure rate of severe patients so far, but there are some unreliable news that once the ventilator is used, it is almost difficult to save lives.

@CrowStorm, I live in the eastern state of the USA. I get what your ideology now and I respect your values and expression.

Spoiler

I prefer the middle of the ideology solutions. So I tried to understand a different point of view

@Touchfuzzy, I hope you get well soon. I hope it is not serious. It is a funny thing today. I woke up my eye is red and irritating. I get medications and I am ok. That's why it is funny. Anyhow, please keep us update.

@Summer夏, what kind of Aliens are watching us?https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_alleged_extraterrestrial_beings

I don't know how to describe them... Trinity people (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
It seems that we should discuss the history of alien civilization?

 

[The Stranger]

The NHS are now advising everyone to only go out if absolutely necessary. Don't use public transport, don't meet up, and don't leave your home unless you have no other choice. If you think you're infected, then you need to isolate yourself completely for 7 days, and only call NHS 111 if things have gotten worse during that time, or things haven't improved after 7 days.

 

[Parallax Panda]

@Larry Jones
In regards to China, again. Official statistics has to be taken with a grain (or a the whole jar) of salt. Just like we don't know how many is really infected in China, I'd argue we don't know how many have died either. I mean, they did quickly cremate a whole bunch of people at one point without testing and/or allow families to see the diseased. Even if it's hard to think of since it would be somewhat difficult in a western society, in China manipulation the statistics, even of how many have died, would be quite easy I imagine.

That doesn't really mean the virus is more dangerous than we think it is though. As long as you have access to good healthcare your chances of survival will optimistic for most in this day and age, including the elderly and weak.
But, when the system breaks down and there's no doctors, no nurses, no medicine, no respirators and all you get is a bed in a room filled with other sick people.
Well, then we're back to the standard of the 1800's and you can throw that "0.2-2%" mortality rate out the window. In dire circumstances, weak people will die. It's what is happening in Italy right now.

And to some degree, this happened at the start of the outbreak in China too. They were so over capacity that people with compromised health were stored away. Not to be treated, but to prevent spread of the disease. And China being well... China, can be quite draconian in carrying out their directives so it's not hard to imagine many who *maybe* could have been saved were left to die because of panic and fear.

So while that char you showed says ~14.8% for people over 80 years old, that might not be the reality for someone left for dead in some unmanned storage facility.

Not trying to fear monger here. I just get this itch to speak up whenever anyone takes official numbers from China and uses them in an argument. Because it's not trustworthy.

@Summer夏
If you're still in China, stay safe.

Actually, scratch that. Stay safe wherever you are since it's worldwide now.

 

[justlexi]

Every day, I wake up knowing that the number of cases gets higher.
I feel like this is God's way of cleansing the world but I am praying hard that one day I will wake up hearing the news that the pandemic is over. Right now, I just stay at home and will just go out if I need to buy food and essential supplies. Stay safe everyone.

 

[gstv87]

you know, a half decent statistician would look at that chart, and I bet the first thing they'll ask would be "ok, so, what happens between 50 and 60 years of age, that spikes the trend so abruptly?"
and if you replace statistician with *research scientist with a bit of knowledge of statistics*, I bet they'll have a vaccine in no time.
obviously some physical phenomenon occurring after 50 years of age, that the virus latches on to, is causing that curve.
and with that, it wouldn't take them long to focus their research on that particular phenomenon.
you have to be pretty blind and ignorant of both your trade and the laws of physics to not see that.

 

[Tea's Jams]

I can't help but wonder if that "thing" is years smoking cigarettes. This virus attacks the lungs, and after years of smoking, your lungs are not in the best shape. (I smoked for ten years, quit 14 years ago)

 

[CrowStorm]

This is the case fatality rates by age group in China, data through 11 Feb.

Yes some people are going to fall into the bracket where unfortunately it will be fatal for them, but the overall statistics are still like the above graph.

Why does this chart not include children younger than age 10?

At age 80+ just about anything can and will kill you. That 80-year-olds ostensibly have even an 85% chance of surviving Corona is kind of amazing to me.

 

[Enbara]

No (documented) case of anyone under 10 dying of corona.

 

[_Shadow_]

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Personally? I am just so, so sick of getting these e-mails from EVERY SINGLE BUSINESS I HAVE EVER BOUGHT ANYTHING FROM and EVERY SINGLE ORGANIZATION I HAVE EVER INTERACTED WITH filling my inbox with their spam talking about how SERIOUSLY they're taking Corona and what MEASURES they're taking. It's like seriously, Comcast, like, unless it's possible to catch COVID-19 over the internet now, STFU and leave me alone. I think I've heard from at least 24 different companies or NGOs in the last 72 hours, from a dispensary I once bought pot at, once, telling me they're staying open to serve their customer base to the rescue org where I adopted my cat from. It's preposterous.​

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Indeed it is annoying. I set all this garbage email of companies on spam. That way I get no distractions and if I wanna have a good laugh one day, I open my junk folder. Marketing departments most of the time think that spam is good for sales. Too bad that this works in a negative way most of the time.​

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How is everyone situated for toilet paper? I have four rolls so I am really hoping that will last until the worst of the blind idiot panic has calmed down.​

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Well we got enough toilet paper. But there was a panic about toilet paper in Greece too. I was just watching people hoarding toilet paper just to make sure they won't miss it. A comix author made a sketch that a guy at the supermarket says to a guy that bought a huge amount of toilet paper. "Gee we are all afraid, but it seems that YOU have sh1t yourselves already!" He just makes fun of all this panic. And it is a panic that has no apparent reason in my opinion. It is not gastroenteritis or cause any diarrhea, I mean ffs, why toilet paper? For real!​

How about baby tissues? I like them better than TP and there are plenty of them. I won't go and buy a quantity for a year though just cause there is panic. As for calling people idiots, well try not to. People react on situations according on what their past experiences are. Thus since we don't know what everyone has passed, we should be more careful with our words. Is that panic a stupid thing? Hell yeah! See? I insult nobody, still I call the panic stupid, not the people. Let's keep this conversation calm shall we? ​

 

[slimmmeiske2]

Belgium's been in semi-lockdown since Friday, and we're expecting to go in full lockdown mode starting this afternoon.

 

[Larry Jones]

@Larry Jones
In regards to China, again. Official statistics has to be taken with a grain (or a the whole jar) of salt. Just like we don't know how many is really infected in China, I'd argue we don't know how many have died either.

You would know if it was much worse. These are the stats in other countries too. The mortality rate is very very low.

 

[Parallax Panda]

In regards to Japan, or well, where I live...
I went into the super market today and there was toilet paper on the shelf's again! ...and people wasn't even fighting over it! So maybe, just maybe, that ridiculous part of the crisis is soon over here.

@Larry Jones
Would you really? China is very large and the communist party have absolute control over the media and other aspects of society, including the internet. Making it easy to control the information. The country also has a population of 1.4 billion people and if a few of them disappears you wouldn't be any wiser. I'm quite sure that they can, and do, sweep a lot under the rug. But this is besides the point.

I think it's wrong to assume an average mortality rate and then apply that to all countries like we're all in the same situations. You have to take the demographic, genera wealth, healthcare and other social aspects of said country into the calculation when assuming the risk of death.

We're all the same people, but we're in vastly different situations.

You just have to look at Italy for this to be proven. They have a much higher death rate than Japan or the USA right now. And as I understand it, it's because of demographic and healthcare issues (overcrowding basically).

 

[Larry Jones]

You just have to look at Italy for this to be proven. They have a much higher death rate than Japan or the USA right now. And as I understand it, it's because of demographic and healthcare issues (overcrowding basically).

Yes, their population has more older people (the graph I shared a breakdown based on age).