"Running to the pharmacy or the grocery store under Ohio’s stay-at-home order is possible, but should only be done if absolutely necessary to prevent the spread of the coronavirus… Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton announced an order to close 'non-essential' businesses, including many types that were previously ordered closed, from 11:59 p.m. Monday until 11:59 p.m. on April 6. Many of those non-essential businesses are specialty stores." Well thank the gods that gun stores are still open and considered "essential."
But of course… "The Ohio Attorney General's office ordered abortion clinics in the state to stop performing 'nonessential' abortions and surgeries amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to letters the AG's office sent."
"The hunt for masks, ventilators and other medical supplies consumed the U.S. and Europe, as more than 1.5 billion people — one-fifth of the world’s population — were asked or ordered to stay home on Monday to try to blunt the spread of the coronavirus."
Meanwhile, in Iceland… "'Early results from deCode Genetics indicate that a low proportion of the general population has contracted the virus and that about half of those who tested positive are non-symptomatic,' said Guðnason. 'The other half displays very moderate cold-like symptoms.'" With some information on Italy and South Korea (and the difference with the UK). When your country has a developed healthcare system, a willing medical research company, and a progressive political environment I guess you can find out a lot of things. (Grokked from Chuck Wendig)
"China had 39 new confirmed cases on Sunday, the National Health Commission said, down from 46 a day earlier. All of them involved travellers arriving from abroad, many of whom are Chinese students returning home."
"Crowds descended on California beaches, hiking trails and parks over the weekend in open defiance of a state order to shelter in place and avoid close contact with others." Okay, I've seen crowded beaches, with that photo that's not really crowded. But stay the fuck home.
So, what can happen once the "self-isolation" ends? "Now, however, Hong Kong is providing a very different object lesson -- what happens when you let your guard down too soon. The number of confirmed cases has almost doubled in the past week, with many imported from overseas, as Hong Kong residents who had left -- either to work or study abroad, or to seek safety when the city seemed destined for a major outbreak earlier this year -- return, bringing the virus back with them."
"As Senate Republicans try to push through a $1.8 trillion coronavirus relief bill this week, they are doing so without a handful of votes in the closely divided chamber… That's after Kentucky's Sen. Paul, 57, revealed on Sunday that he had tested positive for the virus and Sens. Mitt Romney and Mike Lee, both of Utah, said they had recent contact with Paul, but showed no symptoms. All three are now in self-quarantine." Note, according to the policy at the hospital I work at, Sen. Paul would not qualify for testing. Also, couldn't have happened to a better person. I wonder if he'll rethink his politics in light of this (probably not as he's asymptomatic and so won't need much hospital care, most likely, and he's an asshole).
"Senators are continuing to negotiate on a massive economic stimulus package, hoping a deal will soon come together after efforts to reach consensus were dealt a major blow over the weekend, even as coronavirus struck one of their own." The procedural vote tied at 47.
"Amid dire predictions for jobs and the economy, the White House is beginning to send signals to business that there's light at the end of the tunnel — that the squeeze from nationwide social distancing won't be endless." Can't stop making money, that would be tragic. (Grokked from Elizabeth Bear)
"US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of National Guard troops in the three states hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak… Troops will be used in New York, California and Washington to deliver medical aid and set up medical stations after the number of deaths nationwide rose to 471 and infections to 35,244." Waits for the Jade Helm whackaloons to come back out of the woodwork.
Words have impact. "Health officials in Nigeria have issued a warning over chloroquine after they said three people in the country overdosed on the drug, in the wake of President Trump's comments about using it to treat coronavirus… A Lagos state official told CNN that three people were hospitalized in the city after taking the drug. Officials later issued a statement cautioning against using chloroquine for Covid-19 treatment."
"As COVID-19 spreads rapidly through the United States, many American doctors could soon be making the decisions that overwhelmed health care workers in Italy are already facing: Which patients get lifesaving treatment, and which ones do not?" Here we go.
"Look down into the waters of the Venice canals today and there is a surprising sight – not just a clear view of the sandy bed, but shoals of tiny fish, scuttling crabs and multicoloured plant-life."
"The Tokyo Olympics are probably going to happen, but almost surely in 2021 rather than in four months as planned."
"Dr. Anthony Fauci says he can’t jump in front of the microphone to stop President Donald Trump from speaking at daily White House briefings on the coronavirus outbreak… The nation’s top infectious disease expert tells Science magazine in an interview that Trump listens 'even though we disagree on some things.'"
"Research published today in Nature Scientific Reports presents a material that emits light when heated that appears to exceed the limits set by that natural law."
"As officials scramble to contend with a critical ventilator shortage amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Trump administration is resorting to 'wartime' measures and leaning on the private sector to help meet demand for these potentially life-saving devices 'FAST!', the president tweeted Sunday. And while this is indeed promising news, President Donald Trump—per his usual M.O.—oversold things significantly." Tooling itself would take a few weeks. In case you've never had the opportunity to work with someone whose only qualifications are an MBA, this is so characteristic of a D student.
"The Federal Reserve said Monday it will launch a barrage of programs aimed at helping markets function more efficiently in the wake of the coronavirus crisis… Among the initiatives is a commitment to continue its asset purchasing program 'in the amounts needed to support smooth market functioning and effective transmission of monetary policy to broader financial conditions and the economy.'… That represents a potentially new chapter in the Fed’s 'money printing' as it commits to keep expanding its balance sheet as necessary, rather than a commitment to a set amount." Wonder where all those voices shouting about "banana republics" and "runaway inflation" when Obama asked for a $1.5T stimulus plan have gone to. Maybe they're all on ventilators and can't speak.
"A Raleigh police officer shot a man during a foot chase, spurring demonstrators to flock to the shooting scene, downtown government buildings and even the governor's and police chief's homes." Social distancing.
"The Supreme Court ruled Monday that states can prevent criminal defendants from pleading insanity without violating their constitutional rights. The decision could prompt states across the country to toughen standards for defendants who wish to plead not guilty by reason of insanity."
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