The COVID-2019 Thread

[Latindancer]

[harrybarracuda]

Still creeping up. I know that yesterday, Phuket recorded 65 new cases (plus 4 more in the Sandbox arrivals), pretty soon it will be up to 90/day when the trigger for shutting down the Sandbox was supposed to be 90/week.

They fixed this by adding a few more triggers...

[harrybarracuda]

Sydney suffers worst pandemic day as lockdown nears six weeks

Sydney suffers worst pandemic day as lockdown nears six weeks | Reuters

[harrybarracuda]

Hong Kong (CNN)Countries across Asia are grappling with their worst coronavirus outbreaks of the pandemic, spurred by low vaccine rates and the highly-contagious Delta variant.

While nations such as China, Japan and South Korea are seeing growing outbreaks, the sharp edge of the Delta wave is being keenly felt in Southeast Asia, with countries seeing rapid rises in case numbers and deaths.

Southeast Asian nations that managed to contain outbreaks last year are now struggling with overwhelmed health services, a lack of hospital beds, equipment, and oxygen. They have also reimposed lockdowns, shuttering factories in crucial manufacturing hubs and restricting the movement of citizens already suffering financially.

Frustration among citizens forced to endure yet more curbs on their freedoms and ability to work are reaching boiling point, and protests against their governments' handling of the outbreaks have broken out in Malaysia and Thailand. Meanwhile, Myanmar is on the verge of collapse as a February military coup and ensuing bloody crackdown has shattered the health system and vaccinations have completely stalled.

While wealthier countries, like the United Kingdom and Singapore, are seeing renewed outbreaks, they have fully vaccinated more than half of their populations. Comparatively, Vietnam has fully vaccinated less than 1% of its population, Thailand around 5%, the Philippines 7.2%, and virus epicenter Indonesia 7.6%, according to Our World in Data.

More than a year and a half into the pandemic, the more contagious Delta variant is exposing the weaknesses of nations with low vaccine rates, even if they previously had control of the virus.

Perhaps nowhere in Southeast Asia is that flip more evident than in Vietnam.

Last year, the country was held up as a leading example in containing the virus thanks to an aggressive strategy of early screening of passengers at airports and a strict quarantine and monitoring program. For the past year and a half, residents have been able to live a relatively normal life and the economy actually grew by 2.9% in 2020, according to the World Bank.

But since late April, Vietnam has reported a sharp increase in Covid-19 infections. On Wednesday, Vietnam reported 7,623 new cases, down from 8,620 on Sunday with most new infections in Ho Chi Minh City, the health ministry said. In total, Vietnam has confirmed 177,813 cases, more than 85% of those were reported in the past month alone, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Of Vietnam's 2,327 deaths, about half were reported in the past month.

The government has imposed strict lockdowns in the capital, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City to try and curb further spread and Covid treatment centers have been set up to accommodate more patients.

But the outbreak has put pressure on the government to increase its vaccine supply and ramp up inoculations.

So far, only 0.6% of Vietnam's 96 million population has been fully vaccinated, according to JHU.

Indonesia

The world's fourth most populous nation, Indonesia, recently overtook India as Asia's Covid epicenter, and the outbreak has been devastating with a high of more than 50,000 cases a day.

Of its 354 million reported cases since the pandemic began, 1.2 million were recorded in the past month, according to JHU. On Wednesday, Indonesia surpassed 100,000 coronavirus deaths, becoming only the second country in Asia to do so. On Wednesday, 1,747 fatalities were reported by the health ministry and 35,867 cases.

If the spread continues unabated, experts say it could push Indonesia's health care system to the brink of disaster. Some fear the situation may be worse than the numbers show, because not enough people are getting tested for the virus. One local survey found that nearly half of the 10.6 million residents of the capital, Jakarta, may have contracted Covid-19.

The country is suffering a health crisis, with hospitals stretched to their limits, full cemeteries expanded to hold the Covid dead, and exhausted health care workers.

Experts say Indonesia is now reaping the costs of not implementing strict lockdowns nor investing enough in efficient contact-tracing systems.

On Monday, the government announced an extension of the highest Level 4 restrictions in several cities and areas, including the capital, and the islands of Java and Bali for another week. Meanwhile the country's health minister said the devastating wave had peaked in some areas, and authorities were aiming to start gradually reopening its economy in September, according to Reuters.

Malaysia

Despite a national lockdown, Malaysia has also seen an exponential rise in cases and deaths, with the outbreak forcing a month-long suspension of parliament.

Anger among the people is mounting. Hundreds broke coronavirus restrictions to protest in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, over the weekend against the government's handling of the outbreak and called on Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to resign. Following the suspension of a special sitting of the legislature on Monday due to Covid, opposition lawmakers marched toward the parliament building also demanding Muhyiddin's resignation.

Frustration over the mounting deaths, vaccine rates and economic pain is exacerbated by Malaysia's current political crisis, in which Muhyiddin's government appears on the verge of collapse after taking control of the ruling coalition following elections last year.

Last week, thousands of overworked Malaysian doctors went on strike over conditions in hospitals, saying they have been pushed to the brink, as beds and ventilators run low.

The protest came as total Covid cases in Malaysia surpassed 1 million with the country reporting its highest number of daily infections. On Wednesday, Malaysia reported a new record number of cases, with 19,819 new infections, according to the health ministry, up from about 7,000 a month ago. Covid deaths are also at record levels, with 257 reported on Wednesday.

The outbreak has spread from Covid clusters in the country's manufacturing and transport industries. And while the outbreak forced the country back under a nationwide lockdown on May 12, large parts of the manufacturing sector were deemed essential, and employees kept working despite the rising danger, Reuters reported.

Malaysia's vaccine rates have improved in the past month, especially compared to its regional neighbors. About 22.5% of people in Malaysia are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to Our World in Data.

Thailand

Although it was the first country to report a Covid-19 case outside of China in January last year, Thailand kept its infection numbers low in 2020 thanks to successful containment measures.

This year, however, it is facing a much bigger challenge. After containing a second wave that started last December, Thailand is struggling to curb a third wave of infections that has pushed daily caseloads and death tolls to unprecedented levels. On Wednesday, Thailand reported a record high in daily confirmed cases, with 20,920 infections -- the second day of reporting over 20,000 cases, according to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Thailand also recorded 160 deaths, bringing the total death toll to 5,663.

Hospitals in the capital, Bangkok, have become overwhelmed by the surge in cases and demand for beds has greatly outstripped capacity. Authorities are racing to lessen the burden on the health care system. Bangkok is dispatching more than 400 doctors and nurses from provincial areas to the city's slums and densely populated areas to test and isolate 250,000 residents, said Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit, president of the Rural Doctor Society.

"We may be unable to reduce the rate of infection just yet, but we hope to ease the bed situation in Bangkok and slow down the death rate," Supat said.

On Tuesday, Thailand extended its national lockdown until the end of the month to slow the rising cases. Now, 29 provinces have been placed under the strictest protocol, meaning 40% of the country's population will be under lockdown, according to CNN's calculation of data from the CCSA.

A cargo warehouse at Bangkok's Don Muang Airport has been turned into a 1,800-bed field hospital for Covid-19 patients with less severe symptoms, and 15 passenger trains are being converted into a community isolation facility for Covid-19 patients waiting for hospital beds.

Prolonged economic pain and fears of rising Covid fatalities are taking a toll on Thai citizens. There was public outcry after several bodies were found dead on the streets of Bangkok and left lying on the road for hours before an ambulance retrieved them.

And thousands of people joined anti-government protests across the country on Sunday, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, whose government has been heavily criticized for its handling of the pandemic.

Thailand is aiming to vaccinate 50 million people by the end of the year. But according to data published by the CCSA, 23% of the country's 70 million people have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine, while 5% are fully vaccinated.

Myanmar

On Thailand's border, Myanmar is collapsing under the double crisis of pandemic and military coup. There is a desperate oxygen shortage in the country, with families of the seriously ill queuing for oxygen or frantically searching online for Covid treatments.

Residents are choosing to self-treat at home, doctors say. If they do go to hospital they are often turned away as the facilities are running out of oxygen, treatments and beds, and there's not enough staff to care for patients, they said. The United Nations estimates only 40% of the country's health care facilities are still able to function.

Reported daily cases in Myanmar have risen from about 100 in early June to about 5,000 a day, with the total confirmed infections at 315,118, according to the World Health Organization. Myanmar has also reported 10,373 deaths.

But doctors and volunteer groups say those numbers are under-reported. Vaccines have stalled under junta rule, and minimal testing, a lack of official data, and widespread public distrust of the military means no one has a clear idea of the extent of the crisis.

Last week, Britain's UN ambassador Barbara Woodward warned that half of Myanmar's 54 million people could be infected with Covid-19 in the next two weeks.

Adding to the trauma, those in the country say the military, which seized power in February, is wielding the Covid crisis against the people and as infections and deaths climb, the junta is escalating its attacks on doctors and health care workers, many of whom went on strike to protest the coup and have been forced into hiding to evade arrest.

The UN has documented at least 260 attacks against medical personnel and facilities. At least 67 health care workers are being held in detention, with more than 600 outstanding arrest warrants for doctors and nurses.

There are now international calls for the UN to push for an emergency "Covid ceasefire" demanding the junta stop targeting health workers.

The military-controlled ministry of health is aiming to get 50% of its population vaccinated this year, and planned to start Covid-19 vaccines in early August in the biggest city Yangon, according to state media. But even if those doses are procured, residents say there is deep distrust in the regime to give them a lifesaving shot, when it continues to kill and detain its citizens.

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/04/a...hnk/index.html

[harrybarracuda]

200m infections, 181m recovered.

Coronavirus cases worldwide surpassed 200 million on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, as the more-infectious delta variant threatens areas with low vaccination rates and strains healthcare systems.

The global surge in cases is highlighting the widening gap in inoculation rates between wealthy and poor nations. Cases are rising in about one-third of the world's countries, many of which have not even given half their population a first dose.

The World Health Organization(WHO) on Wednesday called for a moratorium on Covid-19 vaccine boosters until at least 10% of the population in every country was vaccinated.

Covid cases surpass 200 million around the globe as delta variant spreads

[PAG]

They fixed this by adding a few more triggers...

Sure, though with the recent imposition of further restrictions, and a distinct lack of noticeable distribution of the supposed 800 million baht Sandbox spend to date, the natives are getting restless. There is the perception, not unwarranted, that these latest restrictions (including virtually cutting off the island) are causing substantially more harm to daily life than the economy boost that was the rationale behind the Sandbox. Very much a case of for the few, not the many.

[OhOh]

One wonders what data Thailand is looking at.

[Shutree]

Thailand worse than the US, worse even than India. Sad.

[misskit]

Almost 100,000 enter home isolation in Bangkok, 20% infection rate in ATK tests

Almost 100,000 people in Bangkok have entered home isolation, while 20% of the COVID-19 tests conducted in Bangkok, using Antigen Test Kits (ATK), have returned positive results, according to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today (Thursday).


Home and community isolation programs are designed for infected people who are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms, as hospitals in Bangkok and many parts of the country are experiencing bed shortages.


In Bangkok, there are currently 232 centres connecting patients in home isolation with medics to watch over them. 64 community isolation facilities have also been established and operated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), with a combined capacity of 6,958 beds. 43% or 3,015 beds are already occupied, according to CCSA Assistant Spokesperson Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan.


She added that in addition to the community isolation facilities, there are over 100 similar facilities operated by civil societies and communities, as she urged their mangers to register with their respective district offices, so officials can manage infected waste and hygiene.


Two more hotels are to be converted in “hospitels” for COVID-19 patients this month, which will increase the number of rooms to 1,000, she said, adding that about 2,500 beds in “hospitels” operated by private hospitals are now 98% occupied.


20% of people taking the ATK tests in Bangkok since July 20th were also found to be infected, said Dr. Apisamai. People who need to be tested include those whose temperatures are 37.3oC and over, patients with respiratory problems, those who have been in close contact with confirmed cases, those who have visited high risk places, such as markets, communities and factories, and those whose occupations require contact with a lot of people.


Eight new clusters have also been found in Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, Samut Sakhon, Ayutthaya and Phuket.


Meanwhile, Inspector-General of public health Dr. Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, said today that 94,664 infected migrant workers, who used to work in Bangkok, have returned to their home provinces for treatment. Some had notified their destination hospitals in advance, so they were admitted on arrival, while others chose to self-isolate in hotels, he said.


Dr. Thongchai pleaded with those wanting to return to their home provinces to notify their destination contacts in advance, so health officials can assess their condition and put them in the right category, so that they can be admitted to the appropriate facilities to help contain the spread of the disease.

Almost 100,000 enter home isolation in Bangkok, 20% infection rate in ATK tests | Thai PBS World : The latest Thai news in English, News Headlines, World News and News Broadcasts in both Thai and English. We bring Thailand to the world

[harrybarracuda]

94,664 infected migrant workers, who used to work in Bangkok, have returned to their home provinces for treatment. Some had notified their destination hospitals in advance, so they were admitted on arrival, while others chose to self-isolate in hotels, he said.

Well that's reassuring isn't it?

[harrybarracuda]

What a brilliant idea:

If you choose not to get vaccinated, your insurance goes up.

Analysis: Don’t Want a Vaccine? Be Prepared to Pay More for Insurance. | Kaiser Health News

[harrybarracuda]

The federal government has banned Australians who normally live in other countries from returning home without needing government permission in a move branded as “barbaric.”

Until now, residents of other countries who are Australian are allowed to leave the country without applying for an exemption, but are regularly questioned at the border and required to prove that they live abroad as part of the international border bans brought in at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But on Thursday the government quietly changed the rule, effective from August 11, claiming it was a loophole.
Now, according to the government’s explanatory statement tabled in Parliament, a person will have to demonstrate to the Australian Border Force Commissioner a “compelling reason for needing to leave Australian territory”.

The amendment, which cannot be disallowed, “will reduce the pressure on Australia’s quarantine capacity, reduce the risks posed to the Australian population from COVID-19, and assist in returning vulnerable Australians back home,” the government said.

Exemptions can be granted for business travel, but the government has previously said it intends to clamp down on the number of them being granted.

The government did not issue a press release to alert the public to the change nor did Health Minister Greg Hunt, who tabled the amendment, raise it in any of his media interviews on Thursday.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the change was introduced out of consistency.

“This does not stop Australians ordinarily resident outside Australia from departing. However, these people will now need to apply for an exemption,” she said.

“The exemption’s regime is based on health advice and enables people to travel if essential, but is ultimately about keeping Australians safe from overseas COVID transmission.”

Australia COVID: returning citizens who permanently live abroad will be locked in under amended rules

[panama hat]

What a brilliant idea:

If you choose not to get vaccinated, your insurance goes up.

Analysis: Don’t Want a Vaccine? Be Prepared to Pay More for Insurance. | Kaiser Health News

Excellent . . . and makes sense

[PAG]

[Slick]

30k cases per day isnt far off now. Dumb motherfuckers running the show really dropped the ball by not buying vaccinations when they had all the time in the world.

[Shutree]

30k cases per day isnt far off now. Dumb motherfuckers running the show really made sure they looked after themselves first.

FTFY

Not so dumb, in an undearing way.

[Fondles]

30k cases per day isnt far off now. Dumb motherfuckers running the show really dropped the ball by not buying vaccinations when they had all the time in the world.

Its well surpassed 30k.. they just need to test more.

wonder how many of the numbers are generated from the DIY antiegen now available ?

we test at work with these anitgen test, had 12 test positive this morning, they went to hospital.... and tested negative there with a proper test.

[misskit]

United Airlines will require its 67,000 U.S. employees to get vaccinated, a first for domestic carriers

United to require Covid vaccinations for its 67,000 U.S. employees


Polls Show 20% of Americans Have Ended Friendships Over Covid Spats — And 29% Have Lost Someone to Covid Death

20% Have Ended Friendships Over Covid — 29% Lost Someone to Death

[Norton]

US news network CNN has sacked three employees for going into an office without having been vaccinated against Covid

It is one of the first examples of a US firm firing staff for breaching a company vaccination mandate.

It is legal in the US for firms to require employees to be vaccinated.

Many large firms - including Facebook and Google - say they will require employees to be vaccinated when offices fully re-open in the months ahead.

CNN chief Jeff Zucker mentioned the dismissal in a company memo sent on Thursday and seen by several US media outlets.

Vaccination is mandatory for anyone reporting in the field, working with any other employees or going into an office, he is quoted as saying in the memo.

"Let me be clear - we have a zero-tolerance policy on this," Mr Zucker, chairman of news and sports for WarnerMedia, is quoted as saying.

In May the US government said it was legal for employers to require staff attending the workplace in person to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

CNN fires unvaccinated employees for going to office - BBC News

[harrybarracuda]

Good way of getting rid of your dumber staff.

[misskit]

^ The federal government has mandated federal employees get the jab. A friend of mine said there would be many people quitting or taking early retirement rather than a vaccine. Had to laugh at that statement. Anyone who would quit cushy and well paying government employment over a jab is certainly the dumber staff they are looking to get rid of anyway!

[harrybarracuda]

^ The federal government has mandated federal employees get the jab. A friend of mine said there would be many people quitting or taking early retirement rather than a vaccine. Had to laugh at that statement. Anyone who would quit cushy and well paying government employment over a jab is certainly the dumber staff they are looking to get rid of anyway!

Excellent news for young job hunters too.

And from the UK:

Overall, the effectiveness of widespread vaccination is evident in the UK's shrinking ratio of deaths to cases over time. In early February, just 1% of the UK population was fully vaccinated, and about 25% of the population had received one dose. During that time, the UK counted an average of five deaths for every 100 new cases.

Now that the UK is 71.8% vaccinated against COVID-19 — and 88.4% of people have received at least one dose — the death-to-cases ratio is nearly zero.

UK COVID-19 Cases Have Spiked, but Deaths Have Not

[PAG]

[cyrille]

Vaccination rates are now worse in the UK than in 6 EU states.
Namely Malta, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Ireland.

Six EU states overtake UK Covid vaccination rates as Britain’s rollout slows | Coronavirus | The Guardian

[PAG]

Vaccination rates are now worse in the UK than in 6 EU states.
Namely Malta, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Ireland.

Six EU states overtake UK Covid vaccination rates as Britain’s rollout slows | Coronavirus | The Guardian

Large disparity amongst population numbers of course, so percentages are of less importance, you have to look at the total doses given. The critical factor previously has been the availability of vaccines, and in that regard the UK has no problem. The anti vaxx element and some of the young are holding out getting vaccinated which is making the daily number of doses less. However, wait until more and more constraints on social access and travelling are introduced to those unvaccinated. Not just the UK of course, this will be a global requirement.