Corona Virus: It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint

[Formix]

So I'm now "voluntarily" quarantining. One of my coworkers got tested on Thursday for Coronavirus. NO ONE IN OUR OFFICE WAS TOLD THIS BUT HER OFFICE MATE. They told her officemate, on Thursday, so he was voluntarily quarantining until he, like an idiot, came into the office on Friday because they told him he could work from the office if he wore a mask. He was wandering through our office, telling the story, looking for a mask. Two of us called him an idiot, asked him why, if he was potentially exposed, he was wandering through the effing office BEFORE getting the mask? I then put two and two together and mentioned to my boss that I had spent considerable time in that office on Tuesday, teaching the aforementioned idiot to be my backup on webex support. Ten minutes later, I'm called into my supervisor's office, being told "you were potentially exposed" but also "she doesn't have it". Oh, the test results came back? No, results from tests we did a week ago are only now coming back from the lab, so it might be next Thursday until we know. Oh, so you don't know, and POTENTIALLY OUR ENTIRE IT OFFICE WAS EXPOSED! Well, the Infection Prevention team thinks it's unlikely. Am I taking crazy pills? We're a medical facility. If there's a suspected positive, we should've all voluntarily worked from home and quarantined for 14 days, we're IT for fuck's sake. We can work from home, and if we go down, the whole org goes down. My supervisor, our IT security specialist, our HIM, Informatics, CIO, and Psych directors all spent time in enclosed spaces with me within the last 24 hours. I was told our director thinks "well, everyone will be exposed eventually anyway, and most won't even know they have it" I want to go cough in his face.

[malchior]

I may have missed it but did the Dems sit down with GOP senators today to work out any kind of compromised deal? Or was this pure politics by the GOP so they could blast the Dems when they inevitably want to modify the proposal?

Not well reported to be honest. McConnell did however craft their entire plan without a single Democrat. After he dragged out the 1st wave relief to go play home politics. So as usual my worst person on earth award (ok ok the country) goes to McConnell with Trump nipping at his heels. Mostly because Trump is broken and McConnell is just fucking evil.

I found some reporting on this. They did not reach a deal last night. They are still negotiating in the Senate at the moment. It sounds like the hang up is unemployment support versus direct checks. One interesting note is that the outline of the means testing for the cash drop is that they are going to use AGI on 2018 tax returns...which fucks the blue states again. Honestly I don't need the money (and it looks like I'll be outside the range) but the blue states are the hardest hit right now. Maybe it's time to think about a #bluexit when this is done.

[Skinypupy]

Opinion on how Trump is handling the crisis, grouped by primary news source.

Fox News is quite literally getting people killed.

[Smoove_B]

I was told our director thinks "well, everyone will be exposed eventually anyway, and most won't even know they have it"

Wow. That's a hot take. Can you print this out and perhaps highlight pages 9-11? There's other more generalized guidance here.

Shrugging your shoulders and saying "everyone is going to get this" is absolutely unacceptable and quite negligent. There should be someone working on a plan that details what the office will be doing and that plan should be communicated to everyone (self monitoring, staying home, working remotely, best practices in the office, etc...)

[LawBeefaroni]

I was told our director thinks "well, everyone will be exposed eventually anyway, and most won't even know they have it"

Wow. That's a hot take. Can you print this out and perhaps highlight pages 9-11? There's other more generalized guidance here.

Shrugging your shoulders and saying "everyone is going to get this" is absolutely unacceptable and quite negligent. There should be someone working on a plan that details what the office will be doing and that plan should be communicated to everyone (self monitoring, staying home, working remotely, best practices in the office, etc...)

Everyone is going to die too. That would be a great work-safety mantra. "We're all gonna die someday, so be safe. Or don't. Whatevs."

[Yojimbo]

I'm very concerned about the government giving me my own money. I feel like this is going to make $1000 the new $0. If I were retired I might feel differently, but I don't need any Robin Hoods to rob my children and then give it back to me.

In terms of crisis, this is interesting to me. Its like a short tunnel that we can see the light and the end of - before we enter.

The problem of "when will it end" that my ancestors faced in disasters is not a factor here. The health crisis will end in 2 months (if China is to be believed). We will lose treasured loved ones. We will be worse off for that no doubt. A crisis like this (one with an end date) can serve like a boggle shake-up of the economy. Some folks will get into a loop shaking their fist at the sky in anguish - this is their right. Some will jump in and take over markets and niches that were "owned" by people and companies who went out of business. Capitalism has some issues but I think it is uniquely qualified to recover from troubled times. I think young people should be ready to spring back into action and start new ventures.

If Uncle Sam sends me a thousand dollars today I would buy silver right away. Sub $12 silver is a anomaly that cannot last. We had a 120:1 to silver to gold ratio this week. This is a 5,000 year freak occurrence in human history. Even more crazy when you consider that its almost impossible to spend gold in a bad disaster without using silver for change. Oh, and silver is anti-microbial like copper. Oh, and don't wait until the first silver mine in S. America gets hit by the virus...

Trump should stop saying whatever occurs to him at the moment. These tours of how his mind works are distracting at best. Fauci is golden, he comes across as a man without guile or agenda. More of him, less of President Trump winging it.

[Blackhawk]

Though to be fair, all I know is you shouldn't leave them sit for an extended period of time without driving them. No clue what is OK vs too long.

A quick read tells me that once or twice a month for 10 minutes is enough, and that in a pinch you can just let them idle for 15 minutes instead.

[Zarathud]

If this is our Snap, then Trump is Mysterio seeking to create and fight illusions to be hailed as a hero.

[Daehawk]

I always thought Trump was Booster Gold but without actually trying to do anything useful.

[Zaxxon]

I just saw that official recommendation is now to avoid kids even seeing each other on the playground, cementing the suck that will be my daughters' Spring.

[malchior]

Yeah - they are shutting all the playgrounds here. A big contrast to my colleagues in Texas and oddly the Netherlands where they essentially are letting the kids run wild.

[Zenn7]

Though to be fair, all I know is you shouldn't leave them sit for an extended period of time without driving them. No clue what is OK vs too long.

A quick read tells me that once or twice a month for 10 minutes is enough, and that in a pinch you can just let them idle for 15 minutes instead.

I would have googled that eventually...

Thanks BH, I'll drive them a little ways up the road. Give us something to do to get out. Head away from civilization. Drive someplace we haven't gone (or not much) and see what's there. Rotate vehicles, one each weekend if I don't get it out and about for something else.

[malchior]

NY and LA throw in the towel on the failing testing regime. This is ridiculous. The wealthiest country in the world somehow can't figure out how to test people for this safely. South Korea is doing it in 7 minutes.

Health officials in New York City and Los Angeles County are signaling a change in local strategy when it comes to coronavirus testing, recommending that doctors avoid testing patients except in cases where a test result would significantly change the course of treatment.

A news release from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health this week advised doctors not to test those experiencing only mild respiratory symptoms unless “a diagnostic result will change clinical management or inform public health response.”

The recommendation reflects a "shifting from a strategy of case containment to slowing disease transmission and averting excess morbidity and mortality," according to the statement.

[$iljanus]

NY and LA throw in the towel on the failing testing regime. This is ridiculous. The wealthiest country in the world somehow can't figure out how to test people for this safely. South Korea is doing it in 7 minutes.

Health officials in New York City and Los Angeles County are signaling a change in local strategy when it comes to coronavirus testing, recommending that doctors avoid testing patients except in cases where a test result would significantly change the course of treatment.

A news release from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health this week advised doctors not to test those experiencing only mild respiratory symptoms unless “a diagnostic result will change clinical management or inform public health response.”

The recommendation reflects a "shifting from a strategy of case containment to slowing disease transmission and averting excess morbidity and mortality," according to the statement.

To me this is where a Federal response would come into play but as the buck passer in chief says, it’s up to the governors.

Funny how in other countries the central government doesn’t leave their provinces to hang.

I’m sure that sports teams the obscenely rich and entertainers will find a way to get tested.

[LawBeefaroni]

I just saw that official recommendation is now to avoid kids even seeing each other on the playground, cementing the suck that will be my daughters' Spring.

My daughter is in a Duo call with 6 of her friends. Most of them don't know each other (2 from school, one from theater camp, one in San Francisco, one from the neighborhood, one cousin). Apparently it's going very well, much needed social interaction.

And she's learning the skills for a lifetime of working from home!

[Unagi]

NY and LA throw in the towel on the failing testing regime. This is ridiculous. The wealthiest country in the world somehow can't figure out how to test people for this safely. South Korea is doing it in 7 minutes.

Health officials in New York City and Los Angeles County are signaling a change in local strategy when it comes to coronavirus testing, recommending that doctors avoid testing patients except in cases where a test result would significantly change the course of treatment.

A news release from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health this week advised doctors not to test those experiencing only mild respiratory symptoms unless “a diagnostic result will change clinical management or inform public health response.”

The recommendation reflects a "shifting from a strategy of case containment to slowing disease transmission and averting excess morbidity and mortality," according to the statement.

Well. All testing informs the public health response, that’s the main point.

So.

[LawBeefaroni]

NY and LA throw in the towel on the failing testing regime. This is ridiculous. The wealthiest country in the world somehow can't figure out how to test people for this safely. South Korea is doing it in 7 minutes.

Health officials in New York City and Los Angeles County are signaling a change in local strategy when it comes to coronavirus testing, recommending that doctors avoid testing patients except in cases where a test result would significantly change the course of treatment.

A news release from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health this week advised doctors not to test those experiencing only mild respiratory symptoms unless “a diagnostic result will change clinical management or inform public health response.”

The recommendation reflects a "shifting from a strategy of case containment to slowing disease transmission and averting excess morbidity and mortality," according to the statement.

To me this is where a Federal response would come into play but as the buck passer in chief says, it’s up to the governors.

Funny how in other countries the central government doesn’t leave their provinces to hang.

I’m sure that sports teams the obscenely rich and entertainers will find a way to get tested.

If a positive test isn't going to change the clinical strategy for a particular case (14-day self quarantine either way), there isn't much point to a test, considering the limited supply. Yes, reporting is important but there are not enough tests right now so reporting is a luxury. Not when the tests need to be used for more severe cases. And actors and athletes and politicians..

[Zaxxon]

NY and LA throw in the towel on the failing testing regime. This is ridiculous. The wealthiest country in the world somehow can't figure out how to test people for this safely. South Korea is doing it in 7 minutes.

Health officials in New York City and Los Angeles County are signaling a change in local strategy when it comes to coronavirus testing, recommending that doctors avoid testing patients except in cases where a test result would significantly change the course of treatment.

A news release from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health this week advised doctors not to test those experiencing only mild respiratory symptoms unless “a diagnostic result will change clinical management or inform public health response.”

The recommendation reflects a "shifting from a strategy of case containment to slowing disease transmission and averting excess morbidity and mortality," according to the statement.

To me this is where a Federal response would come into play but as the buck passer in chief says, it’s up to the governors.

Funny how in other countries the central government doesn’t leave their provinces to hang.

I’m sure that sports teams the obscenely rich and entertainers will find a way to get tested.

If a positive test isn't going to change the clinical strategy for a particular case (14-day self quarantine either way), there isn't much point to a test, considering the limited supply. Yes, reporting is important but there are not enough tests right now so reporting is a luxury. Not when the tests need to be used for more severe cases. And actors and athletes.

[$iljanus]

NY and LA throw in the towel on the failing testing regime. This is ridiculous. The wealthiest country in the world somehow can't figure out how to test people for this safely. South Korea is doing it in 7 minutes.

Health officials in New York City and Los Angeles County are signaling a change in local strategy when it comes to coronavirus testing, recommending that doctors avoid testing patients except in cases where a test result would significantly change the course of treatment.

A news release from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health this week advised doctors not to test those experiencing only mild respiratory symptoms unless “a diagnostic result will change clinical management or inform public health response.”

The recommendation reflects a "shifting from a strategy of case containment to slowing disease transmission and averting excess morbidity and mortality," according to the statement.

To me this is where a Federal response would come into play but as the buck passer in chief says, it’s up to the governors.

Funny how in other countries the central government doesn’t leave their provinces to hang.

I’m sure that sports teams the obscenely rich and entertainers will find a way to get tested.

If a positive test isn't going to change the clinical strategy for a particular case (14-day self quarantine either way), there isn't much point to a test, considering the limited supply. Yes, reporting is important but there are not enough tests right now so reporting is a luxury. Not when the tests need to be used for more severe cases. And actors and athletes and politicians..

Agreed but we've come to making this decision due to missteps early in this outbreak.

Epidemiology data is pretty valuable for focusing our response and figuring out where we are on the infection curve. But something has to go when you don't have enough tests to go around of course.

[Defiant]

NY and LA throw in the towel on the failing testing regime. This is ridiculous. The wealthiest country in the world somehow can't figure out how to test people for this safely. South Korea is doing it in 7 minutes.

Health officials in New York City and Los Angeles County are signaling a change in local strategy when it comes to coronavirus testing, recommending that doctors avoid testing patients except in cases where a test result would significantly change the course of treatment.

A news release from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health this week advised doctors not to test those experiencing only mild respiratory symptoms unless “a diagnostic result will change clinical management or inform public health response.”

The recommendation reflects a "shifting from a strategy of case containment to slowing disease transmission and averting excess morbidity and mortality," according to the statement.

To me this is where a Federal response would come into play but as the buck passer in chief says, it’s up to the governors.

Funny how in other countries the central government doesn’t leave their provinces to hang.

I’m sure that sports teams the obscenely rich and entertainers will find a way to get tested.

If a positive test isn't going to change the clinical strategy for a particular case (14-day self quarantine either way), there isn't much point to a test, considering the limited supply. Yes, reporting is important but there are not enough tests right now so reporting is a luxury. Not when the tests need to be used for more severe cases. And actors and athletes and politicians..

Given the limited supply, I agree, though if we had sufficient supply, it would be very helpful to do a lot more testing.


But it's absurd that we don't have sufficient supply.

[Isgrimnur]

Tapatalk emojis don't work for any other method.

[Zaxxon]

Tapatalk emojis don't work for any other method.

Bummer.

[malchior]

Given the limited response, I agree, though if we had sufficient testing, it would be very helpful to do a lot more testing.

But it's absurd that we don't have sufficient testing.

I can't understand it now. When they were making the million tests claim it was obviously stupid but they've had *weeks* to figure something out. The Koreans put together a comprehensive program in that time. They've gone beyond that to automating it and doing it safely. Meanwhile we have doctors blasting social media looking for 3d printers to print face masks. We're a complete mess.

[Zaxxon]

Tapatalk emojis don't work for any other method.

Bummer.

Also interesting, as it's not a 'Tapatalk emoji' but just a phpBB markup that we apparently don't have here.

[Unagi]

I’d think it would be a no brainer that priority for testing is ‘the front lines’

And only if you have that covered do you move to the luxury of testing patients

[malchior]

I’d think it would be a no brainer that priority for testing is ‘the front lines’

And only if you have that covered do you move to the luxury of testing patients

Sure. The trouble with this is that the President is lying to them about the ability to get tested. These organizations are dealing with this constantly. They can't focus 100% on the sick because the worried well or mildy infected are stealing bandwidth clamoring for tests. Think of all the phone calls, drop-ins, etc. that are happening.

[raydude]

what is up with the lack of testing kits versus what the Administration is saying with "millions of test kits" becoming available? Does anyone in the medical sector know how those tests are supposed to get to the hospitals that need them? Is it that these test kits are hand-made? Why can't they be automated or made faster?

[Skinypupy]

This was posted on the FB page of one of my most conservative acquaintances this morning. He’s a former neighbor that I haven’t seen in probably 15 years. I only keep connected with him to get a glimpse into the mindset of MAGA-land.

I find most of the stuff he posts just amuses me (typically endless online petitions to boycott some company or another over gay characters in movies or commercials), but this one made me stop and think “Wow, this is where some people actually are”.

It’s not a FW:FW:FW, btw...he actually wrote this. It’s his own family he’s talking about.

Dear Mr. President,

This is a crucial moment in the history of America that you lead. I have been an advocate and supporter of your candidacy from day one. Many Americans doubted you but have now become your supporters seeing that you have kept your word with the things you said you would do. I think I can speak for many Americans that we appreciate your loyalty and integrity to stay strong with your principles from the start no matter the verbal threats and hate you receive from the “Left”. It has been inspiring and amazing! We thank you. I know that God has placed you in as President and will continue to protect you if you continue to follow the same principles of loyalty, protecting our rights in the Bill of Rights, protecting the Constitution, our freedoms of free speech, press and the right to worship as well as protecting the unborn.

I am so grateful for your valiancy…it is inspiring. I have supported your campaign when able as well as other good organizations like the AFA, Liberty Counsel, TPTUSA, etc. But I am a small owner of a first aid and safety company with 5 employees and a family of 7. We provide essential and unique first aid and safety items for businesses and homes including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, etc. which are CRUCIAL at this time. A shutdown would destroy my business that I have worked so hard for and to support my family as well as hurt our customers. We lost everything starting this business. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I had faith in God that we would pull through. These shutdowns that have happened and companies mandating that employees work from home has caused our business to suffer already. Our reps cannot service our customers when they have no employees at work or closed their doors which now causes my reps who live off their sales to suffer and live in fear. I am doing everything I can to lift them up and live in faith and NOT fear. We are scrambling to find other sources for hand sanitizer, masks, gowns, etc. for our customers who rely on our services. I know that people are already receiving letters saying they have the right to work which is what happened in Nazi Germany. This is ludicrous! What have we become?! If that’s how its going to be then I am requesting the same letter for me and my employees.

I am VERY concerned about what is happening in our country right now. I would plead with all the energy of my heart, mind and body to NOT mandate a country wide shut down. This is what the “Left” wants but it is NOT the right answer. They make it sound so good that “they really care about us” and “want us to be protected” these are lies and is just another way for them to take away our rights like 9-11. 9-11 was just an excuse to take away our rights and control us further. It always sounds so good but that is how the devil works. He slowly takes away our rights “little by little” using lies until we are left with none. This is communism. This is what Nazi Germany did and this is what China has done.

Please be strong as you have been which has received you more supporters over the last few years as we have watched you serve us. You are a good man and we support you but please do not fall to the pressure of the “left” and maybe even within your own cabinet. God is on your side as long as you remain faithful to Him and what is right. “Doing what is right” usually means that you will probably not be popular with many but you’ve shown that already and it really is what the majority of Americans want. We want to feed our families. We still want our freedoms! Security is a myth and even you cannot protect us. That is God’s will. Please don’t react to fear, continue to move forward in faith and courage as you’ve previously shown. Please do not take away our rights to live our lives by mandating a complete shutdown b/c there will be immense repercussions that even you can NOT control nor fix and we will never get it back. Please do NOT take away our agency that God gave to us on this earth. You nor anyone else has a right to take that away from us NO MATTER WHAT. We should still have our agency to go as we please including eating out and not be told how and where to go.

Joseph Smith prophesied that the Constitution “will be hanging by a thread” and that is exactly what we are seeing. The founding fathers who established through God this wonderful country would NOT agree to do this. It is wrong. The “Left” want this and if you do, then we will never get back to where we came from. It will never be the same and we will have lost more of our rights like 9-11 that we have never been given back. We pray for you and will continue to do so. God is on your side and is aware of you and will continue to guide and protect you as long as you follow Him and do what is right no matter what! Benjamin Franklin said “those who give up essential liberty for a little temporary security deserves neither” and that’s what is happening. I will not stand to the side and continue to watch our freedoms and rights taken from us. Edmund Burke said “the only thing for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” and I will not “do nothing”. I am speaking up. God bless you and He will, if you remain true to Him and the people, our rights and freedoms!

[Kraken]

To me this is where a Federal response would come into play but as the buck passer in chief says, it’s up to the governors.

...whose performance is spotty, at best. My BIL and his wife moved to FL a few months ago. Yesterday she posted that she can't believe they're closing the restaurants, theaters, and beaches. The beaches! She doesn't realize that it should've been done before the spring break bacchanalia because the state government is soft-pedaling the situation. They're doing very little testing so their numbers are low. What's the big deal? (They haven't bought the Republican storyline, but because they're surrounded by MAGAs that's all they hear now.)

FL's going to be in a world of hurt a week from now because they dragged their feet until the spring break crowds were gone.

[LawBeefaroni]

I just saw that official recommendation is now to avoid kids even seeing each other on the playground, cementing the suck that will be my daughters' Spring.

My daughter is in a Duo call with 6 of her friends. Most of them don't know each other (2 from school, one from theater camp, one in San Francisco, one from the neighborhood, one cousin). Apparently it's going very well, much needed social interaction.

And she's learning the skills for a lifetime of working from home!

It's turned into a jam session. They all play instruments and it's adorable.

[Daehawk]

On Skinny's neighbor post..... I could only stand to read lines of that. Stupid brain dead moron asshole. Well thats my opinion. Doesn't count for anything.

[Kraken]

This was posted on the FB page of one of my most conservative acquaintances this morning. He’s a former neighbor that I haven’t seen in probably 15 years. I only keep connected with him to get a glimpse into the mindset of MAGA-land.

(snip)

Crazy is scariest when it's lucid.

[gilraen]

But I am a small owner of a first aid and safety company with 5 employees and a family of 7. We provide essential and unique first aid and safety items for businesses and homes including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, etc. which are CRUCIAL at this time. A shutdown would destroy my business that I have worked so hard for and to support my family as well as hurt our customers. We lost everything starting this business. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I had faith in God that we would pull through. These shutdowns that have happened and companies mandating that employees work from home has caused our business to suffer already. Our reps cannot service our customers when they have no employees at work or closed their doors which now causes my reps who live off their sales to suffer and live in fear.

Considering the Mormon church has suspended all worship services and is taking this situation pretty seriously, this guy clearly didn't get the memo.

Also, ff he can't find buyers for hand sanitizer, gloves and masks in the current situation, then he's very bad at his job.

[Zarathud]

Notice that the Trump briefings have ZERO details about any response or affirmative actions. It's 100% bullshit repetition about how wonderful they've been, how many talks they're having, and that they're strong and effective.

Compare New York Governor Cuomo who projects competence while talking about the details, and asks his staff to confirm that he's right in explaining their progress.

[Z-Corn]

This was posted on the FB page of one of my most conservative acquaintances this morning. He’s a former neighbor that I haven’t seen in probably 15 years. I only keep connected with him to get a glimpse into the mindset of MAGA-land.

(snip)

Crazy is scariest when it's lucid.

You think you could break out your editor's pen and make that dribbling wall of text readable?

[LawBeefaroni]

Also, ff he can't find buyers for hand sanitizer, gloves and masks in the current situation, then he's very bad at his job.

He could be a reseller. They "provide" stuff. Doesn't explicitly stated that they produce it. So if they're unavailable, his revenue stream is unavailable.

[malchior]

Notice that the Trump briefings have ZERO details about any response or affirmative actions. It's 100% bullshit repetition about how wonderful they've been, how many talks they're having, and that they're strong and effective.

Compare New York Governor Cuomo who projects competence while talking about the details, and asks his staff to confirm that he's right in explaining their progress.

It isn't just *ZERO* details. He says things that set us back every time. Re-using masks? Not. A. Thing. (At least for N95 masks). Also just propaganda. Today he said there were no empty shelves. Thanks for overriding my lying eyes.

[Defiant]

Thursday night’s Lake Worth Beach city commission meeting turned into a screaming, name-calling, finger-pointing affair between Commissioner Omari Hardy on one side and Mayor Pam Triolo and City Manager Michael Bornstein on the other.

[Alefroth]

I dont get why Amtrak doesn't make money. Its the same with the USPS. They charge. they have tons of customers. So wheres the money going? Pockets Im assuming.

Without the USPS, how much do you think it would cost you to get a letter from TN to CA?

[Daehawk]

I dont get why Amtrak doesn't make money. Its the same with the USPS. They charge. they have tons of customers. So wheres the money going? Pockets Im assuming.

Without the USPS, how much do you think it would cost you to get a letter from TN to CA?

Free included with my monthly internet. Im saying they charge a fee that they themselves set and have customers yet they dont make anything? That has to be either an outright lie or they are totally incompetent.

Also I dont get that video. Who is in the wrong there?