Coronavirus - WTH is going on?

[ajaxlepinski]

...and another

[mortatone]

COVID-1984

[thisguy]

One more...

Haha that church one is about 30 minutes from here

That reminds me, this one was funny to me because I saw people in other states sharing it on FB and when I saw it I realized it was the church just outside my subdivision.



Backstory: They do/did a food pantry and clothing giveaway on Wednesdays.

[Pepi]

New name COVID-19 is now Influenza E

Batman no fear

[PurpleTrails]

For those of you making the "no worse than flu" claim, here's a quote from a fairly long Arstechnica article that compiled a lot of scientific criticism of the Santa Clara and LA County antibody tests, and the Stanford paper talking about the greatly reduced death rates.

"Though much of the details of the statistics are not yet known, the state health department noted that the antibody test used (which is different from the one used for the California studies) had an estimated specificity of 93 percent to 100 percent. That suggests that estimated prevalence might still be too high. Still, even with the estimate reported by Gov. Cuomo, the figures would put New York City’s IFR around one percent—10-times higher than seasonal flu."

I've seen other estimates of the CFR and IFR being 20-40 and 10-20 times higher than the flu, respectively.

Here's the full article: https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/04/experts-demolish-studies-suggesting-covid-19-is-no-worse-than-flu/

[GuitarBilly]

Yeah it's not like we're replacing the flu with coronavirus. These deaths/illnesses are in addition to the yearly flu season numbers.

[PurpleTrails]

Yeah it's not like we're replacing the flu with coronavirus. These deaths/illnesses are in addition to the yearly flu season numbers.

Sometime in the last week or so I saw that we're running about 2000 deaths (I think per day) above what the average is this time of year. I think that is tripling the usual rate. Given that we're driving way less, which greatly reduces traffic fatalities, which is normally the number 2 or 3 cause of death, that is a huge increase due to this.

[clipless bumper]

I think the truth is starting to come around. Those states that are 'opening early' will tell us the reality.

[GuitarBilly]

I think the truth is starting to come around. Those states that are 'opening early' will tell us the reality.

without a doubt reopening will show where we're at but I don't think that's going the way you seem to think it is. I do think it's early for some areas to reopen.

That said, I would be very happy to be wrong about this. In fact, I want to be wrong about this. I'm sick of this quarantine shit and can't wait to be back to normal life. But idk...

We'll see.

[Marc G]

I think the truth is starting to come around. Those states that are 'opening early' will tell us the reality.

without a doubt reopening will show where we're at but I don't think that's going the way you seem to think it is. I do think it's early for some areas to reopen.

That said, I would be very happy to be wrong about this. In fact, I want to be wrong about this. I'm sick of this quarantine shit and can't wait to be back to normal life. But idk...

We'll see.

God.... I can't wait for shit to get back to normal.... we were SUPPOSE to come out of our lock down this Friday but the Gov't decided to extend it another 2 weeks while they conduct a random testing exercise throughout the island to ensure the 115 known cases we have are all that's out there and also determine if it's local to any regions in the island.... so hopefully that exercise gives good results and at least we can get back to day to day life here.... no doubt our borders will stay closed for the foreseeable future till a vaccine is developed..

[Schweezly]

I think the truth is starting to come around. Those states that are 'opening early' will tell us the reality.

without a doubt reopening will show where we're at but I don't think that's going the way you seem to think it is. I do think it's early for some areas to reopen.

That said, I would be very happy to be wrong about this. In fact, I want to be wrong about this. I'm sick of this quarantine shit and can't wait to be back to normal life. But idk...

We'll see.

God.... I can't wait for shit to get back to normal.... we were SUPPOSE to come out of our lock down this Friday but the Gov't decided to extend it another 2 weeks while they conduct a random testing exercise throughout the island to ensure the 115 known cases we have are all that's out there and also determine if it's local to any regions in the island.... so hopefully that exercise gives good results and at least we can get back to day to day life here.... no doubt our borders will stay closed for the foreseeable future till a vaccine is developed..

2 weeks sounds like a dream. In IL, especially near Chicago, we’re extended to the end of May as of know. Because we have a large city, Chicago, I’m guessing some level of “stay at home” is going to extend through July 4th.

Again, like Billy, I’d love to be wrong. But I don’t see things turning anytime quickly.

Even if the stay at home ends June 1st...I’m not going to be dining out, going to bars, going to movies, etc... anytime soon. And I can’t be the only one

[nightflameauto]

Some people are so anxious to get back to normal, they're just going ahead and doing what they want. Case in point.

WTF?

[K-Bizzle]

How is everyone’s mental health doing?
Mine certainly has taken a hit. The gym, BJJ, and band practice and gigs are usually where I relieve all my stress.
Playing at home solo or doing home workouts just doesn’t have a the same effect.

I’m finding myself drinking too much, smoking weed more often, and eating trash more often than not. All of which make me feel better at the time but worse overall.
I’ve been trying to cut myself some slack but honestly the existential dread of thinking about the future of the economy is weighing on me heavily and I’m not sure what to do with it.

That said I find myself grateful for my position in life. We’re both employed bills are paid, fridge is stocked, and we’ve got some savings to fall back on if needed.
I often find myself thinking of people not so fortunate during this time.

[JiveTurkey]

My 73 year old father decided to go out for a drive and come surprise visit us yesterday. It was really all I could do to not completely freak out on him.

[Marc G]

I think the truth is starting to come around. Those states that are 'opening early' will tell us the reality.

without a doubt reopening will show where we're at but I don't think that's going the way you seem to think it is. I do think it's early for some areas to reopen.

That said, I would be very happy to be wrong about this. In fact, I want to be wrong about this. I'm sick of this quarantine shit and can't wait to be back to normal life. But idk...

We'll see.

God.... I can't wait for shit to get back to normal.... we were SUPPOSE to come out of our lock down this Friday but the Gov't decided to extend it another 2 weeks while they conduct a random testing exercise throughout the island to ensure the 115 known cases we have are all that's out there and also determine if it's local to any regions in the island.... so hopefully that exercise gives good results and at least we can get back to day to day life here.... no doubt our borders will stay closed for the foreseeable future till a vaccine is developed..

2 weeks sounds like a dream. In IL, especially near Chicago, we’re extended to the end of May as of know. Because we have a large city, Chicago, I’m guessing some level of “stay at home” is going to extend through July 4th.

Again, like Billy, I’d love to be wrong. But I don’t see things turning anytime quickly.

Even if the stay at home ends June 1st...I’m not going to be dining out, going to bars, going to movies, etc... anytime soon. And I can’t be the only one

well it's two MORE weeks... We're been in a lock down for just over a month now.... but yeah.... another month of this and I think I'll go insane lol at least there's internet and video games....

[K-Bizzle]

Some people are so anxious to get back to normal, they're just going ahead and doing what they want. Case in point.

WTF?

Yeah I saw this. Not surprised in the least.
I drive through parts of the west side regularly for work and I don’t see these neighborhoods taking this very seriously.
No one wearing masks, people clustered together a bus stops, and the groups of guys standing around drinking are still there which was the biggest shocker. It is so weird to see a group of 15+ standing around on the sidewalk drinking in the afternoon when I compare it other parts of the city where people are standing in queues 6 ft apart and literally crossing the street not to pass others on the side walk (not to mention mask normalization).

The data shows COVID affecting POCs in Chicago and a short drive through multiple neighborhoods (or that video) will show you why that is.

[primeholy]

Some people are so anxious to get back to normal, they're just going ahead and doing what they want. Case in point.

WTF?

Yeah I saw this. Not surprised in the least.
I drive through parts of the west side regularly for work and I don’t see these neighborhoods taking this very seriously.
No one wearing masks, people clustered together a bus stops, and the groups of guys standing around drinking are still there which was the biggest shocker. It is so weird to see a group of 15+ standing around on the sidewalk drinking in the afternoon when I compare it other parts of the city where people are standing in queues 6 ft apart and literally crossing the street not to pass others on the side walk (not to mention mask normalization).

The data shows COVID affecting POCs in Chicago and a short drive through multiple neighborhoods (or that video) will show you why that is.

This is totally off topic from your post, but you said Chicago, sooo. My cousin is an RN in a small town in middle Tennessee. He just got flown out to help at one of their bigger hospitals in Chicago to help out.

[_ej_]

How is everyone’s mental health doing?
Mine certainly has taken a hit. The gym, BJJ, and band practice and gigs are usually where I relieve all my stress.
Playing at home solo or doing home workouts just doesn’t have a the same effect.

I’m finding myself drinking too much, smoking weed more often, and eating trash more often than not. All of which make me feel better at the time but worse overall.
I’ve been trying to cut myself some slack but honestly the existential dread of thinking about the future of the economy is weighing on me heavily and I’m not sure what to do with it.

That said I find myself grateful for my position in life. We’re both employed bills are paid, fridge is stocked, and we’ve got some savings to fall back on if needed.
I often find myself thinking of people not so fortunate during this time.

Going a little crazy here too. This quarantine has made me realize how much going to the gym was my main hobby. I was spending 1-2 hours at the gym 5 days a week. I've dove head first into a cut and doing the Insanity workout routine. I'm down around 10 pounds but I have to force myself to do the workouts each day.

Also drinking more.

Also doing tons of projects which I do dig.

[nightflameauto]

Mentally I think I'm doing better than some. I'm forcing myself out with the dogs a couple times a day, which is improving my overall health 'cause each time it's around two miles round trip with them. And when the stir-crazy moments hit me I just shut work down and hop on the motorcycle or the bicycle for a half hour to an hour and come back feeling a little more sane.

I'm also using the opportunity of not having a commute on either end of the day to accomplish several things that have laid around waiting for me to do them for years, so I get at least a little sense of fulfillment there.

My wife has always been the type to want to live like a shut-in, so she's pretty much in heaven right now. Before this hit, she used to tell me I need to force her to get out of the house a couple times a week or she'd just turn into a complete hermit and never do anything. Now that we can't do anything, I don't know that even after this is over she'll ever leave again outside of buying supplies for the pets when needed. That's gonna be a struggle.

[GuitarBilly]

How is everyone’s mental health doing?
Mine certainly has taken a hit. The gym, BJJ, and band practice and gigs are usually where I relieve all my stress.
Playing at home solo or doing home workouts just doesn’t have a the same effect.

I’m finding myself drinking too much, smoking weed more often, and eating trash more often than not. All of which make me feel better at the time but worse overall.
I’ve been trying to cut myself some slack but honestly the existential dread of thinking about the future of the economy is weighing on me heavily and I’m not sure what to do with it.

That said I find myself grateful for my position in life. We’re both employed bills are paid, fridge is stocked, and we’ve got some savings to fall back on if needed.
I often find myself thinking of people not so fortunate during this time.

I am doing well, but I did feel a slight decrease in my mental state recently. Nothing serious, just feeling bored and uneasy more often. I had a big head start on this rona shit because I've been working from home for a long time so the changes in my life were not so drastic. But I do like to get out of the house after work or sometimes even during my lunch break and go to a store or something and I haven't been doing that. It was a nice break on the day. I also miss playing gigs and going to NJ or DC to see our families. But overall I am doing okay.
Kimmi got a big of an initial shock for having to teach from home exclusively and she was depressed for a bit but she bounced back and she's fine now.

We're doing well on the financial end of things so that helps too. I am not spending like I used to, no more stupid gear purchases etc... but we have enough saved to get us through it and not having a mortgage on this house or any serious debt also helps a lot. Our monthly bills are very very low.

[clipless bumper]

Good to hear the everyone in general is doing good. I have never been a work from home person, but am enjoying it now. I am on half time-half pay for the month of April (at minimum) - but we are doing ok financially. Still working at Pep Boys weekends, so at least getting out a bit. Wearing a mask all day is no fun.

[JiveTurkey]

Got outside yesterday, did some dog walking and biking and some yard work. We've been doing some game nights with the boys to try and keep in person socialization alive as well. It's tough but we're doing pretty good, all things considered.

I am finding working from home is actually really nicer than expected. My jam room is my "office" so that works out good. Did some re-arraging yesterday to make it more open. Instead of the guitar synth clusterfuck it usually is. Considering how socially active our one son is; I a most proud of him for staying smart and distancing himself. It's really a struggle when you are an age where you should be going out and having fun. Hopefully in time this will subside enough to be able to get back out a little more.

[MikeO]

I think the truth is starting to come around. Those states that are 'opening early' will tell us the reality.

Are you inferring that someone is lying? Who? And what exactly are they lying about?

[MikeO]

For those of you making the "no worse than flu" claim, here's a quote from a fairly long Arstechnica article that compiled a lot of scientific criticism of the Santa Clara and LA County antibody tests, and the Stanford paper talking about the greatly reduced death rates.

"Though much of the details of the statistics are not yet known, the state health department noted that the antibody test used (which is different from the one used for the California studies) had an estimated specificity of 93 percent to 100 percent. That suggests that estimated prevalence might still be too high. Still, even with the estimate reported by Gov. Cuomo, the figures would put New York City’s IFR around one percent—10-times higher than seasonal flu."

I've seen other estimates of the CFR and IFR being 20-40 and 10-20 times higher than the flu, respectively.

Here's the full article: https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/04/experts-demolish-studies-suggesting-covid-19-is-no-worse-than-flu/

Presenting factual information and data to that crowd, and expecting them to understand it, is like expecting my dog to help my daughter with her homework.

[Zozobra]

My mental health is taking a kicking. I've been battling chronic insomnia for decades and I had finally started to beat it using a very aggressive CBT programme. That has gone to shit and relapsing into not sleeping is seriously fucking my mood and outlook. I'm working from home so I still have some structure but a few weeks ago I had 6 days off over Easter weekend as it was a double bank holiday and work gave us an extra day each side of that too. I think those structureless 6 days are what fucked me. My gf lives with me and has been off work since before we went in to lockdown. The toll that's having on her is proving stressful on our relationship and between my low mood and her agitation things suck quite hard right now. I would definitely have have reacted worse to so little structure than she has to be fair to her so I know where she is coming from. It's hard to be reassuring when you have nothing in the tank. You can't pour from an empty cup. I wish I had the resilience and emotional labor in me but right now I don't. All in all it's a total clusterfuck.