So, what shall we talk about today?
"In response, on March 4 the CDC changed its recommendations to allow anyone with COVID-19-like symptoms to be tested as long as a doctor-approved the request. Since the number of available tests is limited, the CDC is encouraging physicians to minimize unnecessary testing and consider a patient’s exposure risks before ordering tests." The effect of that is to not actually change the recommendations. While I can't give you the details, I can confirm that just having the symptoms and even some individually (patient stated) reported connections, it's still possible you will not be tested.
"How long can the new coronavirus live on a surface, like say, a door handle, after someone infected touches it with dirty fingers? A study out this week finds that the virus can survive on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours." Fuuuuuck. Also it's not actually surprising that the virus does not survive as long on copper as it's well know that copper and silver have natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Also, "Good old-fashioned soap and water does the trick" of killing the virus (which is misleading terminology as viruses are not technically "alive"). And finally, before you use alcohol on your phone, please check manufacturers' recommendations for cleaning your phone (alcohol can denature some coatings).
"However, while speaking to Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace, Fauci also listed three reasons why COVID-19 is different from the flu or another virus when asked by Wallace to explain it to those who might not understand… 'One thing, it's brand new, so we don't have any prior experience about what it's gonna do, what its dynamics are gonna be,' Fauci said. 'Number two, it spreads very easily, there's no doubt about that. It isn't like some of the outbreaks that we had that just didn't adapt itself to spread among humans. And number three, it's very serious in the sense of morbidity/mortality, particularly among, and very heavily weighted towards, individuals who are more susceptible — the elderly and those with underlying conditions.'" Saying SARS-CoV2 is like the flu is like saying a mountain lion is like a domestic cat. Technically true but it doesn't leave you prepared for encountering the mountain lion in a non-zoo situation.
"If last week was one of realization, this one looks set to be one of reality biting. Millions of Americans' daily lives have already been disrupted, and millions more are about to be altered by the fast-evolving coronavirus response from local, state and federal authorities. Several of the biggest cities in the U.S. have decided to close schools, theaters, bars and restaurants except for take-out service, and the list is growing… More than 3,700 people have tested positive for the new COVID-19 disease in the U.S. and at least 69 have died." Just a little quick math, that's 1.8% (as compared to the flu which is a 0.13% death rate).
"The U.S. and countries around the world continued to adapt to the spreading coronavirus pandemic by imposing new restrictions Saturday, as the virus upended travel plans, pushed back elections and forced major companies to adapt… In Washington, the Trump administration said Saturday that the U.S. would extend the current ban on travel from Europe to include the U.K. and Ireland, effective midnight Monday." Totally under control.
"Welcome to politics’ darkest hour… If the coronavirus outbreak has taught us anything beyond the necessity of careful hygiene, it’s that the first victim of a pandemic is leadership."
"A Fox Business presenter who suggested the coronavirus crisis was part of a conspiracy to impeach Donald Trump again has been moved from her prime-time slot."
"A resident in Geauga County has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to a report." Rhut rho.
"Cinemas are entirely or partially dark in nearly 50 foreign markets as the U.S. begins following suit, including in New York City and Los Angeles."
"The Trump administration and grocery industry leaders say the U.S. food supply chain is holding up despite heavy strain amid worries over the coronavirus outbreak, which has cleared out shelves of nonperishable foods, household cleaners and essentials."
"The Peace Corps is suspending its global operations and evacuating all volunteers as concerns mount about the coronavirus pandemic, the organization said Sunday." Well that's only (looks at watch) 3 months too late.
"The US is on course to be severely ravaged by the coronavirus outbreak due to a delayed and dysfunctional testing regime and misleading messaging from the Trump administration, public health experts have warned." Yes, but how are the stock markets doing?
"Stocks tanked on Monday, triggering a key market-wide 'circuit breaker' designed to prevent the market from falling through the floor." Itchy, owie.
"SpaceX aborted the launch of 60 new Starlink satellites at the last second today (March 15) due to an engine power issue with the mission's Falcon 9 rocket."
"In a setback for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's president said Sunday he will give centrist retired army general Benny Gantz the first chance to try to form a new government following this month's inconclusive elections." Buh bye, Benny. And then the justice minister has cancel court for all "unnecessary" trials. You know, like Netanyahu's corruption trial. Also noted for the rampant fear mongering and racism inherent in Netanyahu's attempt to retain power.
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