COVID news/chat week of June 29th

[CloudBee]

Jul 5, 2020 10:35:05 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

The seemingly random nature of upticks is fascinating. We all expected upticks after Memorial Day weekend, but that happened in some places and not others. Major upticks haven’t been tied to protests, which began that weekend. Meanwhile, even backyard parties, nowhere near the sizes of many protests, have been sources of outbreaks.

My best guess is that masks have been making a significant difference since most protestors were wearing masks and I’m assuming masks aren’t prevalent in outdoor gatherings between people who aren’t strangers. I know the two times we’ve had a small number guests over in the backyard, we didn’t keep our masks on the entire time but we stayed apart, but the larger the gathering the more likely people are inclined to get close to each other I guess?

Random musings on this holiday weekend.

Several of our neighbors on our small cul-de-sac had gatherings and parties yesterday. None of them we wearing masks. Including the elderly. It's like STDs. You don't know who your friends have been around, so you can't rely on them to keep you healthy.If you're going to be in close proximity you really have to protect everyone involved and wear a mask. It takes one contagious person to infect an entire party.

[VillainV]

Jul 5, 2020 10:35:05 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

The seemingly random nature of upticks is fascinating. We all expected upticks after Memorial Day weekend, but that happened in some places and not others. Major upticks haven’t been tied to protests, which began that weekend. Meanwhile, even backyard parties, nowhere near the sizes of many protests, have been sources of outbreaks.

My best guess is that masks have been making a significant difference since most protestors were wearing masks and I’m assuming masks aren’t prevalent in outdoor gatherings between people who aren’t strangers. I know the two times we’ve had a small number guests over in the backyard, we didn’t keep our masks on the entire time but we stayed apart, but the larger the gathering the more likely people are inclined to get close to each other I guess?

Random musings on this holiday weekend.

My hypothesis is that the type of people who don’t wear masks to these larger outdoor parties are probably more likely to take other risks — socializing in their home without masks, going to restaurants and bars, etc. I agree that mask wear is likely a significant factor in whether or not these events turn into super-spreader scenarios.

[wanderingback]

My mom is a very social person, as in before Covid she would have 2-3 social things scheduled daily. She was taking care of my grandmother (she switches off with my aunt every 2 months) whose 102 and didn’t go anywhere except to the grocery store in April and May.

Now that my grandmother is gone she and about 8 friends are hanging out. Her area has only had about 500 cases this whole time anyway, and she says they’re not really going anywhere else but hanging out with each other and the grocery store. I don’t think they always wear masks if they’re eating or drinking but they do social distance like having outdoor happy hours or spending time at someone’s pool.

I think it’s complicated. I don’t blame her one bit for socializing in a group of 8 or so people without a mask occasionally even though she’s higher risk because she’s 65 (no other health problems). They’ve made the decision that the benefits outweigh the risks. There’s a big difference between the occasional small neighborhood gathering and going to crowded bars every day of the week.

[gardengal]

Jul 5, 2020 10:35:05 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

The seemingly random nature of upticks is fascinating. We all expected upticks after Memorial Day weekend, but that happened in some places and not others. Major upticks haven’t been tied to protests, which began that weekend. Meanwhile, even backyard parties, nowhere near the sizes of many protests, have been sources of outbreaks.

My best guess is that masks have been making a significant difference since most protestors were wearing masks and I’m assuming masks aren’t prevalent in outdoor gatherings between people who aren’t strangers. I know the two times we’ve had a small number guests over in the backyard, we didn’t keep our masks on the entire time but we stayed apart, but the larger the gathering the more likely people are inclined to get close to each other I guess?

Random musings on this holiday weekend.

I think masks & distancing when possible make a big difference. And protests had that while home parties amongst friends which result in outbreaks probably don't always and will also have hand shaking & hugging & possibly sharing food.

Maybe this is old news, but I haven't seen it posted here: www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/06/17/masks-salons-missouri/

Remember those 2 MO stylists that tested positive for COVID & had 140 customers between them? I remember that being discussed here & people worried about an outbreak. None of their (masked, distanced when possible) customers ever tested positive. 

[Velar Fricative]

wanderingback, you touched upon what I think is the most important thing re: socialization in a covid world (at least where the virus is not out of control) - choosing to be around people whose behavior is acceptable to you. We miss everyone in our pre-covid circle. But we can’t see everyone we want right now and we are sticking with people who will be honest about their recent behaviors (e.g. not hide that they went to a 100-person wedding a few days ago, tell us if they feel symptoms, etc.).

[SusanBAnthony]

I am following the WDW opening with fascination. People are nuts about Disney, and FL cases are exploding.

With they open? Will they decide on their own not to? Will the state shut them down?

A friend of mine just flew from the Midwest to AZ to travel nurse in an ICU for a month. It's pretty rough there from what she has mentioned (though I don't have details). I'm curious if she'll stay there longer or come home after. She does it for the money and schedule- she's in school to become a NP and takes travel assignments between terms/etc. They were offering housing, car, and a 1000$ bonus for working 4 weeks, plus whatever the salary is.

[pugz]

most of our neighbors went to the lake this weekend but I have seen quite a few friends that got together with family and friends this weekend to celebrate.

[msmerymac]

Jul 5, 2020 12:31:28 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

I am following the WDW opening with fascination. People are nuts about Disney, and FL cases are exploding.

With they open? Will they decide on their own not to? Will the state shut them down?

A friend of mine just flew from the Midwest to AZ to travel nurse in an ICU for a month. It's pretty rough there from what she has mentioned (though I don't have details). I'm curious if she'll stay there longer or come home after. She does it for the money and schedule- she's in school to become a NP and takes travel assignments between terms/etc. They were offering housing, car, and a 1000$ bonus for working 4 weeks, plus whatever the salary is.

I don't see how Disney can open next weekend. FL is up to about 10,000 new cases PER DAY right now. Many states are mandating 14 quarantine if you're returning from FL. 

[Mushe]

wanderingback or anyone else - I have a few very conservative FB friends who’ve been sharing a screenshot from the CDC website from a section about a positive test. It’s CLEARLY talking about a positive antibody test, rather than a positive COVID test. It mentions that a positive could be from a different type of coronavirus, such as the common cold. They’re now insisting that positive antibody tests are being added to the daily COVID positives.

From what I’ve read, they are studying positive antibody tests to try to get a better sense of the true infection rate and where we are at with herd immunity, and just how the body reacts. So many interesting things they’re learning from these tests.

Has anyone seen this BS and how can I combat it when I see it? I even broke my personal rule and responded to a comment on our state public health department’s FB page, I just couldn’t stand it anymore.

[VillainV]

Jul 5, 2020 16:00:36 GMT -5 Mushe said:

wanderingback or anyone else - I have a few very conservative FB friends who’ve been sharing a screenshot from the CDC website from a section about a positive test. It’s CLEARLY talking about a positive antibody test, rather than a positive COVID test. It mentions that a positive could be from a different type of coronavirus, such as the common cold. They’re now insisting that positive antibody tests are being added to the daily COVID positives.

From what I’ve read, they are studying positive antibody tests to try to get a better sense of the true infection rate and where we are at with herd immunity, and just how the body reacts. So many interesting things they’re learning from these tests.

Has anyone seen this BS and how can I combat it when I see it? I even broke my personal rule and responded to a comment on our state public health department’s FB page, I just couldn’t stand it anymore.

I’ve seen it. These people don’t care about actual science or facts.

[gretchenindisguise]

Jul 5, 2020 16:00:36 GMT -5 Mushe said:

wanderingback or anyone else - I have a few very conservative FB friends who’ve been sharing a screenshot from the CDC website from a section about a positive test. It’s CLEARLY talking about a positive antibody test, rather than a positive COVID test. It mentions that a positive could be from a different type of coronavirus, such as the common cold. They’re now insisting that positive antibody tests are being added to the daily COVID positives.

From what I’ve read, they are studying positive antibody tests to try to get a better sense of the true infection rate and where we are at with herd immunity, and just how the body reacts. So many interesting things they’re learning from these tests.

Has anyone seen this BS and how can I combat it when I see it? I even broke my personal rule and responded to a comment on our state public health department’s FB page, I just couldn’t stand it anymore.

There definitely was some conflation of them. Here's an Atlantic article about it: www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/05/cdc-and-states-are-misreporting-covid-19-test-data-pennsylvania-georgia-texas/611935/

I had an acquaintance post on a mutual acquaintances post on Facebook a very similar sentiment re: increasing numbers in Texas. At that time I looked it up and found this article that TX figured it out in May and fixed their error. www.texastribune.org/2020/05/21/texas-coronavirus-testing-antibodies/

I added a sentence after that along the lines of "I wish there was a national standard on testing and reporting, it would really decrease all of this confusion." The acquaintance doesn't get into fb dialogues, so just posted "I'm glad they figured it out."

My guess, given the similarity of her argument and your friends argument, is that this is being peddled by the Fox news crew.

[susquehanna]

So, my aunt was telling me about her religious institution's eventual plans to re-open their place of worship  for in-building worship. It hasn't happened yet. Our particular local authorities DO allow in-person worship right now with restrictions; however, this particular religious institution hasn't yet restarted their own in-building services. Right now they are holding all services outside. These are included in the guidelines that the higher-up management of the religious hierarchy forwarded to the members of the religious instituion:

WHEN the building is re-opened to worship, anybody with any health concern and anybody with neurological issues will NOT be permitted in the building.

My aunt told me about this because she is disappointed because she has an adult special needs son with neurological issues. Prior to Covid-19, my aunt arranged to have regular special religious services designed specifically for special needs worshippers at her place of worship,  and the institution reached out to the community and community members who didn't already belong to this religious institution were invited to attend these special services.


I am personally wondering if this religious institution established these particular guidelines (prohibiting those with neurological issues from being present at in-building worship) in an attempt to prevent themselves from getting sued by people who allegedly caught Covid-19 in the  building.


But I wonder the following: is the restriction against individuals with neurological due to a thought that such people would have compromised immune systems?  Or is this restriction due to a thought that individuals with neurological issues would have trouble social distancing and practicing Covid-19 preventive measures?

[rubytue]

susquehanna,, as I was reading your post, I had the same questions you do... why single out neurological issues? That isn’t a known risk factor I don’t think?

Last night, H came over and we walked down to the dock to water fireworks (because neighbors on the creek spend far too much money, practically competing with each other for the best display). I made us flag masks, and of course, we were the only masked ones. Some really large groups on the shore. No masks in sight. We were on the trunk of the T dock, so a couple groups walked by us, chatting. I think lots of folks take the “better outdoors” to mean no masks needed outdoors.

My friend lives in SWVA and came up to visit her father in law in southern MD this weekend. She commented that she was really worried about traveling, but after being here, she is more worried about going back home after seeing how prevalent masking is in stores around here.

[Pom]

Anyone get a text with a link to census bureau asking about impacts of covid? I’m scared to click the link.

[wanderingback]

Jul 5, 2020 17:39:21 GMT -5 susquehanna said:

So, my aunt was telling me about her religious institution's eventual plans to re-open their place of worship  for in-building worship. It hasn't happened yet. Our particular local authorities DO allow in-person worship right now with restrictions; however, this particular religious institution hasn't yet restarted their own in-building services. Right now they are holding all services outside. These are included in the guidelines that the higher-up management of the religious hierarchy forwarded to the members of the religious instituion:

WHEN the building is re-opened to worship, anybody with any health concern and anybody with neurological issues will NOT be permitted in the building.

My aunt told me about this because she is disappointed because she has an adult special needs son with neurological issues. Prior to Covid-19, my aunt arranged to have regular special religious services designed specifically for special needs worshippers at her place of worship,  and the institution reached out to the community and community members who didn't already belong to this religious institution were invited to attend these special services.


I am personally wondering if this religious institution established these particular guidelines (prohibiting those with neurological issues from being present at in-building worship) in an attempt to prevent themselves from getting sued by people who allegedly caught Covid-19 in the  building.


But I wonder the following: is the restriction against individuals with neurological due to a thought that such people would have compromised immune systems?  Or is this restriction due to a thought that individuals with neurological issues would have trouble social distancing and practicing Covid-19 preventive measures?

Doesn’t the American with Disabilities Act say that a private business can’t refuse service to someone based on a disability?

[bugandbibs]

Jul 5, 2020 17:59:46 GMT -5 Pom said:

Anyone get a text with a link to census bureau asking about impacts of covid? I’m scared to click the link.

I get them. They are legit.

www.census.gov/programs-surveys/household-pulse-survey.html

[susquehanna]

Jul 5, 2020 18:03:56 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Jul 5, 2020 17:39:21 GMT -5 susquehanna said:

So, my aunt was telling me about her religious institution's eventual plans to re-open their place of worship  for in-building worship. It hasn't happened yet. Our particular local authorities DO allow in-person worship right now with restrictions; however, this particular religious institution hasn't yet restarted their own in-building services. Right now they are holding all services outside. These are included in the guidelines that the higher-up management of the religious hierarchy forwarded to the members of the religious instituion:

WHEN the building is re-opened to worship, anybody with any health concern and anybody with neurological issues will NOT be permitted in the building.

My aunt told me about this because she is disappointed because she has an adult special needs son with neurological issues. Prior to Covid-19, my aunt arranged to have regular special religious services designed specifically for special needs worshippers at her place of worship,  and the institution reached out to the community and community members who didn't already belong to this religious institution were invited to attend these special services.


I am personally wondering if this religious institution established these particular guidelines (prohibiting those with neurological issues from being present at in-building worship) in an attempt to prevent themselves from getting sued by people who allegedly caught Covid-19 in the  building.


But I wonder the following: is the restriction against individuals with neurological due to a thought that such people would have compromised immune systems?  Or is this restriction due to a thought that individuals with neurological issues would have trouble social distancing and practicing Covid-19 preventive measures?

Doesn’t the American with Disabilities Act say that a private business can’t refuse service to someone based on a disability?

Yeah, that's another question that I have about this.         

Now, in all fairness, I am hearing all of this secondhand from my aunt. So, maybe I misunderstood or she misunderstood. But my aunt is a highly educated woman and she has been an educator for several decades, so I would be very surprised if my aunt misrepresented the message that was originally communicated to her on this.

Edited to add: It's very possible that I misunderstood. Maybe this was just a proposal for a re-opening plan that a committee put together. But I still have the question: why did this list of guidelines single out "neurological issues," of all things?