Wednesday 7/8 Covid News and Chat

[mala]

Jul 8, 2020 12:19:07 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Jul 8, 2020 9:26:45 GMT -5 mala said:

Anyone know how strict people are about social distancing at Rehoboth Beach, DE? My boss is there this week on vacation and I dont have a lot of faith in her and her family being as conscientious as they are here. Im trying to decide how concerened and picky about interactions with her I need to be when she gets back.

My coworker went to Bethany a few weeks ago. She said they tried to go to the beach and boardwalk once, saw the crowds, and went back to their rental.

H’s boss was at Ocean City last weekend, said all the “old folks” restaurants were empty, but the “young kids bars” (Seacrests, I guess) were packed. 

Eda: two articles that won’t make you feel better

www.capegazette.com/article/covid-19-cases-traced-dewey-beach-rehoboth-beach-senior-week/203951

www.capegazette.com/article/additional-10-rehoboth-lifeguards-test-positive-covid-19/204798

I have FB acquaintances who went to Ocean City and posted pictures. I'm judging every last one of them. My boss is taking all this semi-seriously, but she's also convinced if this wasn't an election year and Hogan wasn't trying for a run for president in a few years, none of these restrictions would be in place at all. Thus, no faith in her if she visits somewhere with few restrictions.

[erbear]

Jul 8, 2020 9:26:45 GMT -5 mala said:

Anyone know how strict people are about social distancing at Rehoboth Beach, DE? My boss is there this week on vacation and I dont have a lot of faith in her and her family being as conscientious as they are here. Im trying to decide how concerened and picky about interactions with her I need to be when she gets back.

We were at the Delaware beaches last week (not Rehoboth though. You can judge but we were down there already when the news broke about the outbreak) and while it was certainly possible to social distance (we didn't come within 10 feet of anyone at the beach and we didn't eat out) and people were wearing masks in town, the reports from Dewey and Rehoboth were different and negative. They are more young people and kids vs. where we were and people seemed very much over it. I would assume your boss was exposed.

[aprilsails]

My area has instituted a mandate for mask wearing in any public building. They have left schools out as per school board requirements at this time. We have had very low case counts and hopefully they stay that way. My Mom (virologist) now has her lab up and running for 2,500 tests per day. The province wants them to get to 14,000 put she can’t figure out how since they are trying to hire and cannot find lab technologists with the required degrees to run the equipment. She’s back to working 10 hour shifts again after a month of 8 hour shifts.

My Mom says based on the research to date she is not worried about contracting the virus from surfaces (she thinks parks should be reopened) but she is quite certain now it is almost aerosolized, and is very worried about airflow in buildings and indoors. She is absolutely panicked about the fall and winter here.

Locally we are starting the process of contact tracing and quarantine for positive cases and their contacts. My neighbour has been hired as a quarantine officer. I have a couple of acquaintances that have travelled back from the US and the 14 day quarantine is being verified and enforced, so that’s good for containment purposes.

[basilosaurus]

Jul 8, 2020 12:16:37 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

OMG, I want delivery by dog.

Dog wouldn't be returned.

[VillainV]

FYI, Johns Hopkins is offering their Contract Tracing course on Coursera. It’s a free 6-hr course. Several states are using it to train their heath departments’ contract tracers.

I took the course for work since we do a limited amount of contract tracing if someone tests positive or comes into contact with someone who had tested positive, and so we can send people home (fully paid) and bring them back to work on a recommended schedule. The course was really interesting!

[firedancer10288]

Jul 8, 2020 12:33:44 GMT -5 erbear said:

Jul 8, 2020 9:26:45 GMT -5 mala said:

Anyone know how strict people are about social distancing at Rehoboth Beach, DE? My boss is there this week on vacation and I dont have a lot of faith in her and her family being as conscientious as they are here. Im trying to decide how concerened and picky about interactions with her I need to be when she gets back.

We were at the Delaware beaches last week (not Rehoboth though. You can judge but we were down there already when the news broke about the outbreak) and while it was certainly possible to social distance (we didn't come within 10 feet of anyone at the beach and we didn't eat out) and people were wearing masks in town, the reports from Dewey and Rehoboth were different and negative. They are more young people and kids vs. where we were and people seemed very much over it. I would assume your boss was exposed.

This was my experience as well. We were in Lewes last weekend. The beach was full, but people were very good about spreading out and keeping 6+ feet between groups. I heard several groups speak up when someone came and tried to sit “too close” and everyone was respectful. We didn’t go out to eat and didn’t socialize with anyone outside our household. The wave of positive cases in DE have been linked to young adults that are crowding bars and private parties during senior week. All that to say, I think it depends on what your boss is doing in Rehobeth. Renting a house, walking to the beach, and eating at home? Fine. Going out to dinner every night and hanging out on the boardwalk? Probably not fine.

[lilibet]

Jul 8, 2020 13:01:46 GMT -5 aprilsails said:

Locally we are starting the process of contact tracing and quarantine for positive cases and their contacts. My neighbour has been hired as a quarantine officer. I have a couple of acquaintances that have travelled back from the US and the 14 day quarantine is being verified and enforced, so that’s good for containment purposes.

Oh how I wish we could do this here but people would absolutely have a fit.

[mala]

She's expressed that she thinks that as soon as the election is over, all these restrictions will be lifted. She follows the restrictions laid out by Hogan, but thinks it's gone way to far and it's hurting businesses and it needs to be lifted and the kids need to be back in school. So yeah, nothing she's said and done makes me think she's being cautious while there. I'm considering going to get tested myself at the one week and two week marks after she gets back, just for peace of mind, but I'm worried that's overkill and I"m letting my anxiety take over.

[NewOrleans]

Jul 8, 2020 8:30:10 GMT -5 Mrs.flang said:

A GOP state lawmaker in Ohio ― one of several states currently seeing a spike in new coronavirus infections ― urged constituents to “STOP GETTING TESTED” for COVID-19 in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

www.huffpost.com/entry/ohio-nino-vitale-coronavirus-facebook-rant_n_5f058341c5b63a72c33ade5e

This was the first thing I saw on twitter this morning and now my anxiety is raging.

I literally think some developing nations are a better, less fucked up place to live than Ohio. 

[ksun]

Jul 8, 2020 8:44:01 GMT -5 breezy8407 said:

My in-laws are the Catholics who believe they have to attend all mass and holy days in person no matter what. I was really impressed that they continued to attend online even once the churches opened where they live. But they are back at it, so now I am worried for them again.

I'm so thankful for online mass. My mom is like them, who goes every Sunday (Saturday night) and holy days etc. but is now streaming it online. My dad hasn't graced a church in ages, but enjoys watching online mass from his college church. I am agnostic at best, but I know that it's important to many so I'm glad there's this option. I have plenty of patients, however, who have told me about going back to church and church potlucks this past holiday weekend. WTF.

[ksun]

Jul 8, 2020 8:19:53 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

Churches are now a major source of outbreaks in the US. @/trigger warning - there are details about a kids camp plus also the death of a child.

@@/Trigger warning - the death of the child was completely preventable


www.newsweek.com/florida-teen-dies-after-mother-took-her-church-coronavirus-party-then-treated-her-1515781?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR3fouC67L-LL3ZDnSMmRgtcRPTFL39fWL_ev7VbIyNBy4vr7mm43PKz5ao#Echobox=1594071013

[susquehanna]

So, my husband is a volunteer firefighter in our community.


In a nearby community, a neighboring volunteer fire department had a 4th of July get together that at least 45 people attended. One of the attendees had tested positive for Covid-19 by July 6. So, at least 45 people were exposed at this social function. This community's entire volunteer fire department is currently out of service, and the other neighboring departments have to cover for them for now. Also, at least 4 police officers were exposed because the same person at this party also recently participated in a fire call.

This was all announced in the local news, so I'm not providing any kind of confidential information. 

[af1212]

This is absolutely terrifying. Posted on fb by a cousin (whose aunt is currently hospitalized with COVID!!!). I knew people had all sorts of conspiracy theories and dumb ideas about COVID but this one has me seriously concerned -

ATTENTION FRIENDS & FAMILY - Before you run out and get yourself "TESTED" for COVID-19 consider a few facts. 1) Modern Science can take a swab from the inside of your cheek and do a COMPLETE DNA MAPPING. 2) If this COVID-19 is so CONTAGIOUS that tiny microscopic particles of Saliva in your MOUTH could spread out in excess of 6 feet and you need to wear a mask to stop the Spread. WHY not Swab the inside of your HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS MOUTH ? 3) When you tilt your head back are you sure that is just a Q-Tip going 6 inches up your nose ? - Is it possible that instead of retreiving a SAMPLE, they could actually be IMPLANTING SOMETHING ? ? ? Again DNA can be done at home through the mail with simple MOUTH SWAB but the HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS COVID-19 in your MASK COVERED MOUTHS can't be tested with a Mouth Swab ? ?

[WOT?*]

Jul 8, 2020 12:24:24 GMT -5 mala said:

Jul 8, 2020 12:19:07 GMT -5 rubytue said:

My coworker went to Bethany a few weeks ago. She said they tried to go to the beach and boardwalk once, saw the crowds, and went back to their rental.

H’s boss was at Ocean City last weekend, said all the “old folks” restaurants were empty, but the “young kids bars” (Seacrests, I guess) were packed. 

Eda: two articles that won’t make you feel better

www.capegazette.com/article/covid-19-cases-traced-dewey-beach-rehoboth-beach-senior-week/203951

www.capegazette.com/article/additional-10-rehoboth-lifeguards-test-positive-covid-19/204798

I have FB acquaintances who went to Ocean City and posted pictures. I'm judging every last one of them. My boss is taking all this semi-seriously, but she's also convinced if this wasn't an election year and Hogan wasn't trying for a run for president in a few years, none of these restrictions would be in place at all. Thus, no faith in her if she visits somewhere with few restrictions.

I have several friends at Lake Couer d'Alene and posting pictures. I'm side-eyeing and more (for more personal reasons on the 'and more' but it's not a good feeling to see them all smiling and goofing off at the lake right now but at least *most* seem to be social distancing.)

[mala]

Jul 8, 2020 17:22:25 GMT -5 susquehanna said:

So, my husband is a volunteer firefighter in our community.


In a nearby community, a neighboring volunteer fire department had a 4th of July get together that at least 45 people attended. One of the attendees had tested positive for Covid-19 by July 6. So, at least 45 people were exposed at this social function. This community's entire volunteer fire department is currently out of service, and the other neighboring departments have to cover for them for now. Also, at least 4 police officers were exposed because the same person at this party also recently participated in a fire call.

This was all announced in the local news, so I'm not providing any kind of confidential information. 

H is a career paramedic/firefighter. One of his neighboring stations is completely out of commission because of something similar. It's insane. The neighboring stations are covering the infected stations area, but this is not sustainable. Especially as we have more spread and more stations are affected.

[rubytue]

af1212, that is some BSC crap. But yet, there is such a large* cohort of people who think vaccines implant a chip from bill gates. Ugh! Remember** when the us was so string in science we put a man on the moon?

* ok, so maybe it’s not large. But it’s sizable and very vocal

** yeah yeah, I don’t think anyone here is old enough to actually remember. But, we were once so strong in science education

[mbcdefg]

Jul 8, 2020 18:11:56 GMT -5 af1212 said:

This is absolutely terrifying.

“Sir/Ma’am, this is a Wendy’s.”

[mrspez07]

af1212
Ok, I was kind of following along with the reasonable doubts about getting dna makeups, etc. until I hit the part about them implanting something, WTH?!
It was like a bumpy car ride on a narrow road and then a plunge off a cliff.

[bernsteincat]

I’m almost positive KY Gov is instituting mandatory masks in public tomorrow. Our cases have not been spiking near as much as others, but the past couple days are concerning and his remarks have all but guaranteed this will be the announcement. Seeing as how people and businesses are suing over his “overreaching restrictions,” I expect this to go over like a lead balloon and make teachers’ jobs that much more difficult in 6 weeks.

[katfco]

Jul 8, 2020 16:38:44 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Jul 8, 2020 8:30:10 GMT -5 Mrs.flang said:

www.huffpost.com/entry/ohio-nino-vitale-coronavirus-facebook-rant_n_5f058341c5b63a72c33ade5e

This was the first thing I saw on twitter this morning and now my anxiety is raging.

I literally think some developing nations are a better, less fucked up place to live than Ohio. 

I live just outside Columbus and I...can't really argue with you. Our soon-to-be former church hosted a pool party today at one of the elders' houses, because, why not? Needless to say, they've been open for a few weeks already. 

Fortunately, we don't live near Vitale's district, but this is the same dude who said he's "darker than members of the Black Caucus" because of his Italian skin tone. 

[lilac05]

Jul 8, 2020 8:38:12 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

With regard to church, I am not religious but was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school growing up. One of the things that was always made clear was the God is everywhere. There is a Bible passage to the effect of “where one or more are gathered in my name, I am there”. We were always told we didn’t need to be in a church building to worship or talk to God. It was not uncommon for worship or Bible study to happen at the beach or a park.

It’s actually where two or more are gathered...at least in the translations that we use.  But yes, we also teach that God is everywhere and you can pray/worship everywhere.  There is, however, something unique about “corporate worship” (group) that is hard to express on a message board at midnight.  A lot of people view it also as a place for their faith to be fed.  I guess in a way, it’s like the difference between watching a concert/show on TV and going to see it live.  Yes, you can hear the music and do the very same things in both places, but it’s just not the same.  It feels VERY different...and at home, you just don’t put in or get out of it what you do when you’re at a live concert/performance.  Then add the social component, especially for the elderly, and I can see why some people feel a very strong urge to get back to worship.  

I think most places (actually all that I’m aware of) are continuing to provide virtual worship in addition to live, so those who wish to continue to stay home can do so.  Many are still doing virtual only despite governors saying they can do whatever they want.  The church we’ve been attending online is still doing full virtual services, but also has drive-in live worship in their parking lots.  We haven’t been because we’re not local, but from what we’ve seen, we would feel comfortable.  Cars are at least a full space apart, people wear masks, and it doesn’t appear that anyone is wandering around and mingling.

PDQ:  I did “have” to go to church a few weeks ago because I quit my job and was being recognized.  I went alone, arrived late, left early, wore a mask, etc.  The church is doing all the right things, aside from forcing the mask issue (spacing, in one door out the other, no passing anything, no attendance, alternating rows at different services, so you weren’t sitting where someone sat an hour earlier, etc).  Masks are strongly recommended, but no one wore them in the service (except one other person and me), even though most wore them coming & going.  I was so uncomfortable and have no plans to return.  We will continue to worship online where we have been & likely will not return to the church where we were again, even “post”-COVID.  We will be finding another church where people care about one another to be slightly uncomfortable for one hour in order to protect those around them...and generally show love to their community by doing whatever they can to promote the health and safety of everyone in it.  I’ll save that soapbox for another day, but it’s VERY safe to say that I believe that Jesus would be wearing a mask!

af1212, that conspiracy stuff is crazy!  I cannot fathom living my life with such fear and distrust of...everything.

[basilosaurus]

Jul 8, 2020 16:38:44 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Jul 8, 2020 8:30:10 GMT -5 Mrs.flang said:

www.huffpost.com/entry/ohio-nino-vitale-coronavirus-facebook-rant_n_5f058341c5b63a72c33ade5e

This was the first thing I saw on twitter this morning and now my anxiety is raging.

I literally think some developing nations are a better, less fucked up place to live than Ohio. 

I'm keeping my ass in Malaysia as long as they'll let me (mid Sept right now). Sure I could go to jail for the crime of atheism, but in the meantime I have a great view with good people and food .

[basilosaurus]

Am I supposed to feel more sorry for churches than any other business? Why are they treated differently than a restaurant or bar? Everyone is laying off workers. Everyone is selling businesses. Even though I pay rent every month, my owner decided to sell despite my lease (different country, different laws) when I cannot even go back to pack.

I'm not saying it's a bad thing lilac is all "but our janitor and offerings." It's good to keep people employed. It's a failure of our government. I just sint think religious business should be treated differently than secular business.

And don't bullshit me about fellowship as domain if religion. I saw the same person at the same restaurant/bar for a year before he died. I was there weekly, he was there daily, nursing his pint. The entire community came out in force for his memorial.

[lilac05]

Jul 9, 2020 2:39:14 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

I'm not saying it's a bad thing lilac is all "but our janitor and offerings." It's good to keep people employed. It's a failure of our government. I just sint think religious business should be treated differently than secular business.

And don't bullshit me about fellowship as domain if religion. I saw the same person at the same restaurant/bar for a year before he died. I was there weekly, he was there daily, nursing his pint. The entire community came out in force for his memorial.

No one at our church is meeting for people to keep jobs or for offerings.  We have been doing online giving for awhile and all members who want receive envelopes that they can use for offerings, so they can just add a stamp and send it in.  Our giving has gone down some, but so have many expenses, so from what I understand, so far, it is balancing out.

I think it gets sticky when religion is involved because people argue about what constitutes freedom to practice their religion.  Again, we’re staying home and I don’t think churches should be open, but I understand why they are.  And absolutely, those relationships can be formed outside of religion.  Church obviously isn’t the only place where friendships grow and develop, but it is a major tenant of actively participating in practicing religion. 

I’m not saying that I think they should be treated differently, but I understand why some do.  Our governor feels it’s constitutional that she cannot mandate how/when/if services can be held.  I’m not well-versed enough to know the detailed ins and outs of that one.  I worry about myself, and we don’t go.  I argued for not going back to in-person worship when I had a vote, but lost.  Churches should be doing more.  We owe it to our communities to be doing what we can to protect everyone...that is a foundational Christian belief.  Our last church (and many others) is not doing that, but there are MANY who are...you just don’t hear about them in the news.  And most churches who are meeting have a LOT fewer people in attendance.  (Our church usually had around 400 on a weekend, and now it’s about 50 in each of the two services.)