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

[LawBeefaroni]

What I keep discovering is that two weeks is a magical number in this. Everything will happen in two weeks.

A month ago, my workplace was considering fully re-opening in two weeks. Then I was let go two weeks later. After two more weeks they brought me back. Now we're going to re-open again in two weeks? I'm probably going to be laid off again in two weeks, again.

Next week projections will again say "two more weeks" ... and in two months, they'll still be saying "two more weeks"

I pointed this out to my wife like 2 weeks ago

'Tis but a fortnight.

[Paingod]

What the actual fuck?

Didn’t Trump give a press conference *yesterday* proposing a phased, gradual approach to opening the economy?

There are the things they tell him to say after they sedate him and jam an electrode up his ass to stimulate him, and then there are the things he says while he's back alone in his room without people propping him up. Guess which is the real Trump.

[malchior]

Didn’t Trump give a press conference *yesterday* proposing a phased, gradual approach to opening the economy?

It is almost like he is a unstable, drug addict.

[Isgrimnur]

[Defiant]

Apparently, Florida is going to reopen some of it's beaches starting today.



Edit: Here we go https://www.theledger.com/news/20200417 ... 9-closures

[Unagi]

So I am seeing more news with 'Wuhan Virus"...
So that rebranding worked? I probably shouldn't let it bother me, but it does. It may even be fair.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ch ... spartanntp
Example. this article doesn't say the phrase Wuhan Coronavirus, but the headline that the Guardian gave it was: China denies cover-up as Wuhan coronavirus deaths revised up 50%
And the link that Yahoo News had to the article was: Wuhan Virus Deaths Revised Up 50%

although, maybe I'm being alarmist and missing that they are trying to talk about the deaths in Wuhan, so they must include that in the phrase?? Just doesn't seem like it though, certainly not the Yahoo News link that just say Wuhan Virus.

They are literally referring to deaths in Wuhan from the virus. Its like saying New York coronavirus deaths are being revised. It's the most compact way to say it.

And yet, CNN headlines the same story as:
“Wuhan Revises it’s Coronavirus death toll up by 50%”

So. I think to say there isn’t thought put behind the phrasing, is naive.

And I think it is overly sensitive to suggest the Yahoo title is somehow improper. Unless the article goes on to call it the Wuhan virus, I see nothing wrong with it.

To be fair, I said as much: I’m probably being alarmist.



Second, while the yahoo title may be 100% innocent , I’m not convinced.

Clearly CNN took care to phrase it in a way to eliminate that suggestion.

[Smoove_B]

Didn’t Trump give a press conference *yesterday* proposing a phased, gradual approach to opening the economy?

It is almost like he is a unstable, drug addict.

And yet, he's still managing to stay on brand:

In this chaotic effort to obtain supplies, the Trump administration awarded a $55 million contract to Panthera Worldwide LLC, a company with no expertise in the world of medical equipment, for N95 masks, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

Panthera's parent company filed for bankruptcy protection last fall, and one of its owners last year said it'd had no employees since May 2018, The Post reported, citing sworn testimony. It's no longer listed as an LLC in Virginia, where its main office is, after fees went unpaid, the newspaper said.

Panthera, which describes itself as a tactical training company for the US military and other government agencies, has no record of producing medical supplies or equipment, The Post said.

[malchior]

Apparently, Florida is going to reopen some of it's beaches starting today.



Edit: Here we go https://www.theledger.com/news/20200417 ... 9-closures

Buckle up. The death cult demands sacrifices. He will be responsible for two numbers soon. The number killed in the first wave and the number killed in the second wave he demanded.

[LawBeefaroni]

Didn’t Trump give a press conference *yesterday* proposing a phased, gradual approach to opening the economy?

It is almost like he is a unstable, drug addict.

And yet, he's still managing to stay on brand:

In this chaotic effort to obtain supplies, the Trump administration awarded a $55 million contract to Panthera Worldwide LLC, a company with no expertise in the world of medical equipment, for N95 masks, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

Panthera's parent company filed for bankruptcy protection last fall, and one of its owners last year said it'd had no employees since May 2018, The Post reported, citing sworn testimony. It's no longer listed as an LLC in Virginia, where its main office is, after fees went unpaid, the newspaper said.

Panthera, which describes itself as a tactical training company for the US military and other government agencies, has no record of producing medical supplies or equipment, The Post said.

The Post reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency was paying Panthera about $5.50 per mask, decidedly more than what the government pays companies with an established background in producing medical supplies such as 3M, which charges about $0.63 per mask.

You know all those PPE supplies that were seized by unknown US agencies en route? Any bets that Panthera is the laundering conduit?

[Paingod]

Apparently, Florida is going to reopen some of it's beaches starting today.



Edit: Here we go https://www.theledger.com/news/20200417 ... 9-closures

For some reason, Cabin Fever came to mind. It's a shame the beach-goers can't show off their infectious lesions with bathing suits. This will end well.

[Isgrimnur]

[malchior]

Didn’t Trump give a press conference *yesterday* proposing a phased, gradual approach to opening the economy?

It is almost like he is a unstable, drug addict.

And yet, he's still managing to stay on brand:

In this chaotic effort to obtain supplies, the Trump administration awarded a $55 million contract to Panthera Worldwide LLC, a company with no expertise in the world of medical equipment, for N95 masks, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

Panthera's parent company filed for bankruptcy protection last fall, and one of its owners last year said it'd had no employees since May 2018, The Post reported, citing sworn testimony. It's no longer listed as an LLC in Virginia, where its main office is, after fees went unpaid, the newspaper said.

Panthera, which describes itself as a tactical training company for the US military and other government agencies, has no record of producing medical supplies or equipment, The Post said.

The Post reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency was paying Panthera about $5.50 per mask, decidedly more than what the government pays companies with an established background in producing medical supplies such as 3M, which charges about $0.63 per mask.

You know all those PPE supplies that were seized by unknown US agencies en route? Any bets that Panthera is the laundering conduit?

Could be. Let's see if they fulfill the contract first.

[Isgrimnur]

You know all those PPE supplies that were seized by unknown US agencies en route? Any bets that Panthera is the laundering conduit?

[Octavious]

Geez Trump must be having a rough day.

[Enough]

[Enough]

The lag we are hitting in ramping up testing is completely unacceptable and hindering any real efforts to reopen the economy. Here in CO our daily tests have actually been going down this week! Remember when we were promised on March 10th by Pence we would have over 4 million tests by the end of that week? A month later we still have not hit 4 million tests completed!

[Smoove_B]

Apparently, Florida is going to reopen some of it's beaches starting today.

Maybe the beach opening announcement was an attempt at distraction:

Twenty-seven people living and working in a Pinellas County nursing facility have tested positive for the coronavirus, and more have been hospitalized, but it took days for that information to be made public.

...

But despite precautions, the number of COVID-19 diagnoses within long-term care facilities continues to grow. So far, there are 1,394 cases in Florida long-term care facilities, according to the latest state data released Thursday. Employees say they have struggled to fulfill requirements to wear masks and other protective gear because of a worldwide shortage.

Priya Chidambaram, a policy analyst at the Kaiser foundation, said seniors in centers like these in Florida are at a higher risk of contracting infections. Florida’s occupancy density in elder-care facilities is 87 percent, which is higher than the national average of 80 percent.

[Smoove_B]

Also, this seems like a great time to open up for business:

The first large-scale community test of 3,300 people in Santa Clara County found that 2.5 to 4.2% of those tested were positive for antibodies -- a number suggesting a far higher past infection rate than the official count.

Based on the initial data, researchers estimate that the range of people who may have had the virus to be between 48,000 and 81,000 in the county of 2 million -- as opposed to the approximately 1,000 in the county's official tally at the time the samples were taken.

[Skinypupy]

94 men tested positive at a SLC homeless shelter...out of 204 that were tested.

[$iljanus]

Wow, this really borders on being treasonous. From an update on the NYT:

Trump tweets to ‘LIBERATE’ states where people are protesting virus restrictions.

President Trump on Friday began openly fomenting right-wing protests of social distancing restrictions in states where groups of his conservative supporters have been violating stay-at-home orders, less than a day after announcing guidelines for how governors could decide on an orderly reopening of their communities.

In a series of all-caps tweets, Mr. Trump declared “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” and “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” — two states whose Democratic governors have imposed social distancing restrictions that have shut down businesses and schools and forced people to remain at home. He also tweeted “LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege!”

Mr. Trump’s tweets were a remarkable example of a president egging on demonstrators. Earlier this week, more than 1,000 protesters organized by conservative groups created a traffic jam on the streets around the State Capitol in Lansing, to complain that the restrictions were bad for small businesses. Other protesters, not in vehicles, waved banners in support of Mr. Trump and protested Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has been a target of Mr. Trump’s ire, by chanting, “Lock her up.”

In St. Paul, Minnesota, a group calling itself “Liberate Minnesota” has scheduled a protest in violation of stay-at-home orders in front of the home of Gov. Tim Walz and claims that 500 people are likely to show up. The group’s Facebook page says that “now is the time to demand Governor Walz and our state legislators end this lock down!”

It’s not a matter of how low he will go but what new form will his malevolence take by the hour.

[Enough]

Wow, this really borders on being treasonous. From an update on the NYT:

Trump tweets to ‘LIBERATE’ states where people are protesting virus restrictions.

President Trump on Friday began openly fomenting right-wing protests of social distancing restrictions in states where groups of his conservative supporters have been violating stay-at-home orders, less than a day after announcing guidelines for how governors could decide on an orderly reopening of their communities.

In a series of all-caps tweets, Mr. Trump declared “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” and “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” — two states whose Democratic governors have imposed social distancing restrictions that have shut down businesses and schools and forced people to remain at home. He also tweeted “LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege!”

Mr. Trump’s tweets were a remarkable example of a president egging on demonstrators. Earlier this week, more than 1,000 protesters organized by conservative groups created a traffic jam on the streets around the State Capitol in Lansing, to complain that the restrictions were bad for small businesses. Other protesters, not in vehicles, waved banners in support of Mr. Trump and protested Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has been a target of Mr. Trump’s ire, by chanting, “Lock her up.”

In St. Paul, Minnesota, a group calling itself “Liberate Minnesota” has scheduled a protest in violation of stay-at-home orders in front of the home of Gov. Tim Walz and claims that 500 people are likely to show up. The group’s Facebook page says that “now is the time to demand Governor Walz and our state legislators end this lock down!”

It’s not a matter of how low he will go but what new form will his malevolence take by the hour.

Podunk Colorado is getting in on the fun too. Our Jewish governor was asked about comparing current restrictions to the Nazis (he handled the question very nicely) and folks on the Western Slope are organizing similar protests. I get it though, all these men have so much more to lose... I mean heck they are losing a dollar for every 79 cents women are losing during the pandemic!

[$iljanus]

Wow, this really borders on being treasonous. From an update on the NYT:

Trump tweets to ‘LIBERATE’ states where people are protesting virus restrictions.

President Trump on Friday began openly fomenting right-wing protests of social distancing restrictions in states where groups of his conservative supporters have been violating stay-at-home orders, less than a day after announcing guidelines for how governors could decide on an orderly reopening of their communities.

In a series of all-caps tweets, Mr. Trump declared “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” and “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” — two states whose Democratic governors have imposed social distancing restrictions that have shut down businesses and schools and forced people to remain at home. He also tweeted “LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege!”

Mr. Trump’s tweets were a remarkable example of a president egging on demonstrators. Earlier this week, more than 1,000 protesters organized by conservative groups created a traffic jam on the streets around the State Capitol in Lansing, to complain that the restrictions were bad for small businesses. Other protesters, not in vehicles, waved banners in support of Mr. Trump and protested Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has been a target of Mr. Trump’s ire, by chanting, “Lock her up.”

In St. Paul, Minnesota, a group calling itself “Liberate Minnesota” has scheduled a protest in violation of stay-at-home orders in front of the home of Gov. Tim Walz and claims that 500 people are likely to show up. The group’s Facebook page says that “now is the time to demand Governor Walz and our state legislators end this lock down!”

It’s not a matter of how low he will go but what new form will his malevolence take by the hour.

Podunk Colorado is getting in on the fun too. Our Jewish governor was asked about comparing current restrictions to the Nazis (he handled the question very nicely) and folks on the Western Slope are organizing similar protests. I get it though, all these men have so much more to lose... I mean heck they are losing a dollar for every 79 cents women are losing during the pandemic!

While they’re at it with the ridiculous comparisons they might as well wear striped silk pajamas with a yellow dollar sign patch.

[Enough]

Crisis equals opportunity....

https://twitter.com/byKateSmith/status/ ... 3283041280

Abortion WILL NOT resume in Texas, says Gov. Abbott.

Per Governor's guidance:
The restrictions on elective surgeries will be lifted, but this WILL NOT include abortion.

Governor did not elaborate.

https://twitter.com/byKateSmith/status/ ... 3283041280

[LawBeefaroni]

That's about as blatant as it gets.

[Isgrimnur]

Man, will this stimulus for the lawyers ever end?

[Smoove_B]

As I said earlier, COVID-19 is too dangerous for abortion, but not quite dangerous enough for voting in person.

[LawBeefaroni]

Crisis equals opportunity....

https://twitter.com/byKateSmith/status/ ... 3283041280

Abortion WILL NOT resume in Texas, says Gov. Abbott.

Per Governor's guidance:
The restrictions on elective surgeries will be lifted, but this WILL NOT include abortion.

Governor did not elaborate.

https://twitter.com/byKateSmith/status/ ... 3283041280

From the thread:

Third executive order deals with retailers. Gov. Abbott wants all stores in Texas to operate retail-to-go to reduce exposure to #COVID19.

Isn't all retail "to go"? Struggling to think of a retailer that sells and then you use on site.

Also love that the reopening team is called a "strike force". This is war, people! WAR!!!

[malchior]

Also, this seems like a great time to open up for business:

The first large-scale community test of 3,300 people in Santa Clara County found that 2.5 to 4.2% of those tested were positive for antibodies -- a number suggesting a far higher past infection rate than the official count.

Based on the initial data, researchers estimate that the range of people who may have had the virus to be between 48,000 and 81,000 in the county of 2 million -- as opposed to the approximately 1,000 in the county's official tally at the time the samples were taken.

That's why this is like the flu! It is 48-80 times less deadly there than we thought!

[Smoove_B]

That's why this is like the flu! It is 48-80 times less deadly there than we thought!

Yeah, and not at all currently ripping through rural America:

The bump in coronavirus cases is most pronounced in states without stay at home orders. Oklahoma saw a 53% increase in cases over the past week, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Over same time, cases jumped 60% in Arkansas, 74% in Nebraska, and 82% in Iowa. South Dakota saw a whopping 205% spike.

[Ralph-Wiggum]

Apparently, Florida is going to reopen some of it's beaches starting today.



Edit: Here we go https://www.theledger.com/news/20200417 ... 9-closures

From the article:

Mayor Lenny Curry said Duval County’s beaches were reopening Friday afternoon with restricted hours, and they can only be used for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing.

So, uh, the beaches are open for pretty much every possible activity?

[Ralph-Wiggum]

The scary part is this is going to work on some people.

Trump today said he will speak to all 50 governors and "authorize" each individual governor to "implement a reopening plan of their state at a time and in a manner as is most appropriate."

I'm worried about this here in SC since I work for the state. If the governor orders that non-essential employees can get back to work, I'm not sure how that will play out here. My supervisors have done all the right things (e.g. starting WFH weeks well before the governor ordered it, talking about remaining socially distant in the future), but I haven't been here long enough to know how they'll respond if higher ups order employees back to work...

And... I was just asked by my supervisor about the possibility of coming back into the office. I replied that I am ok with coming in on days that I will be doing solo field work (which we had already been talking about), but I would rather WFH on days I'm just working on the computer. Fortunately, my supervisor said that should be fine. Whew.

[ImLawBoy]

Man, will this stimulus for the lawyers ever end?

Not that anyone should shed any tears for them, but FWIW I've heard quite a few reports of medium to large sized law firms cutting salaries and partner takes in the wake of the virus.

You'll all be relieved to know that I have not had my salary touched yet (but then again, I'm in-house and not at a firm).

[Isgrimnur]

Tongue firmly in cheek. I expect private and corporate law services to take a hit as much as the industries they service, but the stupidity that funds the lawsuits about governments to do stupid things seems to be truly bottomless.

[Freyland]

But if he put it on right, the little nose clasps wouldn't make it look like he's smiling!

[coopasonic]

Apparently, Florida is going to reopen some of it's beaches starting today.



Edit: Here we go https://www.theledger.com/news/20200417 ... 9-closures

From the article:

Mayor Lenny Curry said Duval County’s beaches were reopening Friday afternoon with restricted hours, and they can only be used for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing.

So, uh, the beaches are open for pretty much every possible activity?

No mention of lounging, so my wife is out.

[stessier]

The scary part is this is going to work on some people.

Trump today said he will speak to all 50 governors and "authorize" each individual governor to "implement a reopening plan of their state at a time and in a manner as is most appropriate."

I'm worried about this here in SC since I work for the state. If the governor orders that non-essential employees can get back to work, I'm not sure how that will play out here. My supervisors have done all the right things (e.g. starting WFH weeks well before the governor ordered it, talking about remaining socially distant in the future), but I haven't been here long enough to know how they'll respond if higher ups order employees back to work...

And... I was just asked by my supervisor about the possibility of coming back into the office. I replied that I am ok with coming in on days that I will be doing solo field work (which we had already been talking about), but I would rather WFH on days I'm just working on the computer. Fortunately, my supervisor said that should be fine. Whew.

Glad that is going to work out for you.

[Isgrimnur]

But if he put it on right, the little nose clasps wouldn't make it look like he's smiling!

Those are his fangs.

[malchior]

Apparently, Florida is going to reopen some of it's beaches starting today.



Edit: Here we go https://www.theledger.com/news/20200417 ... 9-closures

From the article:

Mayor Lenny Curry said Duval County’s beaches were reopening Friday afternoon with restricted hours, and they can only be used for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing.

So, uh, the beaches are open for pretty much every possible activity?

The restricted hours help. Coronavirus hates sunshine!

[Isgrimnur]

Is it algal bloom season yet?

[LawBeefaroni]

Man, will this stimulus for the lawyers ever end?

Not that anyone should shed any tears for them, but FWIW I've heard quite a few reports of medium to large sized law firms cutting salaries and partner takes in the wake of the virus.

You'll all be relieved to know that I have not had my salary touched yet (but then again, I'm in-house and not at a firm).

On a recent zoom meeting, of the 4 lawyers on our board:
One looked beat up and exhausted (w/ kids, working from home)
One grew out a 70's motorcycle cop moustache to piss of his wife, drinking scotch (w/ kids from home)
One bailed out to in-laws in Wisconsin, pounding wine (w/ kids working from in-laws' home)
One looked normal (no kids, working from home)