The COVID-2019 Thread

[HermantheGerman]

Are you trying to get an EU passport?

This kraut brownnosing is almost as bad as HoHo and his undying love for all thinks chinky.

Lots of germans stranded in NZ because the Kiwis are........just plain Kiwis

[armstrong]

Well that should waste some time.

[Bettyboo]

Some UK news from Sky today - The Latest News from the UK and Around the World | Sky News

[Seekingasylum]

...our disinfecting method: we use a Bumrungrad recommended de-ionizing liquid that microbes (and viruses) abhor. We spray shoes, clothes and money when entering the condo... SD thinks a quick gargle might also be effective:

A rather nice little vignette exampling the epigram " a fool and his money are soon parted".

[Seekingasylum]

Lots of germans stranded in NZ because the Kiwis are........just plain Kiwis

Indeed, the dull witted idiots are preventing folk from getting to the airport to board the rescue flights.

As Einstein said, " only the Universe and stupidity are infinite but I'm not sure about the former ".

[jabir]

^^ How did elephants survive before they were captured and made to draw paintings and kick footballs for the tourists?

Maybe release them into their natural habitat and let them get on with it?

Problem is they can destroy large areas of forestry very quickly, which doesn't please the locals unless they work for their keep.

[Klondyke]

Help us like you were helped after war, Italy's virus hit cities tell Germany

ROME (Reuters) - Italian mayors and regional governors on Tuesday bought a page in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper to ask Germany for solidarity amid the coronavirus outbreak, saying that other states agreed to cut its debt after World War Two.

Italy has seen more fatalities from the coronavirus than any other country, with 11,591 deaths as of Monday, about a third of the global total, and more than 100,000 cases.

The initiative underscores Italians’ growing resentment against what is seen as Germany’s indifference towards its plight as Berlin refuses to heed calls from other countries for the issuance of mutual debt to help their battered economies.

“Dear German friends, memory helps make the right decisions,” the letter says, after referring to a 1953 agreement to reduce Germany’s debt to help its post-war recovery.

It was signed by mayors from left and right-wing parties representing the northern Italian cities worst-hit by its coronavirus outbreak, including Bergamo and Milan, as well as the regional president of Emilia-Romagna.

The missive also took aim at the Netherlands, seen in Italy as a sort of corporate tax haven, saying that it had “established a ‘favorable’ tax regime that has been subtracting resources from all big European countries for years.”

Nine European Union countries, including Italy, France and Spain, called last week for joint debt issuance to finance an economic recovery after the virus outbreak that seems certain to push the euro zone into a deep recession.

Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Austria opposed the proposal for so-called euro bonds, maintaining their traditional unwillingness to share the debt of less competitive economies.

Help us like you were helped after war, Italy's virus hit cities tell Germany - Reuters

[Klondyke]

Russian plane takes off for U.S. with coronavirus help onboard: state TV

MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian military transport plane took off from an airfield outside Moscow early on Wednesday and headed for the United States with a load of medical equipment and masks to help Washington fight coronavirus, Russian state TV reported.

President Vladimir Putin offered Russian help in a phone conversation with President Donald Trump on Monday, when the two leaders discussed how best to respond to the virus.

The flight, which was organised by the Russian Defence Ministry, is likely to be unpopular with some critics of Trump who have urged him to keep his distance from Putin and who argue that Moscow uses such aid as a geopolitical and propaganda tool to advance its influence, something the Kremlin denies.

“Trump gratefully accepted this humanitarian aid,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was cited as saying by the Interfax news agency on Tuesday night. Trump himself spoke enthusiastically about the Russian help after his call with Putin.

Russia’s Rossiya 24 channel on Wednesday morning showed the plane taking off from a military air base outside Moscow in darkness. Its cargo hold was filled with cardboard boxes and other packages.

Russian plane takes off for U.S. with coronavirus help onboard: state TV - Reuters

[harrybarracuda]

Another utter fuckwit.

A man who had been exposed to the coronavirus and who was himself feeling sick hid his symptoms from staff at Strong Memorial Hospital so he could join his expectant wife in the maternity center.
He confessed only when his wife began to show symptoms of COVID-19 shortly after giving birth.

Coronavirus: Dad hides symptoms to gain access to NY maternity ward

[misskit]

Wuhan Awaits Lift of Lockdown Amid Concerns Over Asymptomatic Cases

Authorities in the central Chinese city of Wuhan were getting ready to ease restrictions on its 11 million residents this week, with national health adviser Li Lanjuan claiming that the coronavirus has basically been brought under control after two-and-a-half months of lockdown.


But residential communities were still shut down, with officials telling people over 65 not to leave their homes.


All restrictions will be fully lifted on April 8, following a similar easing of restrictions in Hubei province, of which Wuhan is the capital.


Li told state broadcaster CCTV late on Monday that the epidemic is now "basically under control" in Wuhan.


But he said further control efforts are still under way.


"We have to find out in a timely manner whether there are still infected people in the community who haven't been counted yet, and to stop the disease spreading in the residential compounds," he said.


"Generally speaking, Wuhan is doing very well ... but there are a small number of patients who have yet to be fully cured," he said.


Government still cautious


Wuhan residents said they didn't find Li's remarks very reassuring.


"The government is still actually being very cautious," a resident surnamed Peng told RFA on Tuesday. "There are buses and subway trains running, but these services aren't fully open."


"They are telling people over 65 to stay home, and basically not leave their homes at all."


Wuhan resident Sun Zhaoxian said that employers are being required to provide health certificates for anyone returning to work.


"You need a certificate from your employer or your rural or neighborhood committee saying that you have no fever, and you also have to take a nucleic acid test," Sun said.


"Anyone returning home to different cities and provinces after staying with relatives [during the Lunar New Year holiday lockdown] has to take a nucleic acid test, too," Sun said.


"The orders have already come through, and people are rushing around trying to get tested."


People across China are still waiting for the government to publish figures of the number of people who were asymptomatic when they tested positive for coronavirus.


City still locked down


A Hubei resident surnamed Song said Wuhan is still basically under lockdown.


"A friend of mine had to get a nucleic acid test before he was allowed to [leave Wuhan], and they also wanted a certificate from his neighborhood committee," Song said.


Concerns about asymptomatic spreaders of the coronavirus grew on Sunday after authorities in Henan reported a new confirmed coronavirus case in a man who had had contact with an asymptomatic carrier.


Asymptomatic infections from outside China have also been reported in Dezhou city, Shandong, Guiyang, capital of Guizhou, and Mianyang city, Sichuan.


Government regulations require any asymptomatic infections to be reported online within two hours of confirmation, with the patient quarantined for 14 days pending two successive negative nucleic acid tests.


Numbers not public


But the numbers have yet to be made public.


"The government is hesitating to do that because once they make it public, everyone will feel that they are at risk," a resident of Wuhan surnamed Zhang told RFA.


"The epidemic is getting worse, and they are relaxing restrictions in one place while locking down another."


"They need to relax them for people to live their lives, because they can't afford for [everything to shut down for so long]."


"But as soon as they make things public, they will be under huge pressure once more from international public opinion," Zhang said.


College entrance exams, normally a time of huge stress for students and parents alike, will be postponed until early July, with possible further posponements likely in Beijing and Hubei.


Some 10 million candidates were expecting to sit the gaokao examination this year.


Wuhan Awaits Lift of Lockdown Amid Concerns Over Asymptomatic Cases

[misskit]

‘There's a shortage of absolutely everything’

Russian doctors describe the beginning of their coronavirus pandemic from the front lines

https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/03...ely-everything

[OhOh]

Some UK news from Sky

The newly "built" hospitals are exhibition booths erected inside existing Exhibition halls.

Brits are well known for being "economical with the truth".

Beds, equipment, nurse stations are pretty obviously "Stage 2" , when budgets allow.

Where will they find the necessary doctors, nurses, .....? The commonwealth?

[NamPikToot]

[Cujo]

‘There's a shortage of absolutely everything’

Russian doctors describe the beginning of their coronavirus pandemic from the front lines

https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/03...ely-everything

Then this

https://teakdoor.com/redirect-to/?re...-idUSKBN21I37W

Doesn't make much sense.

[OhOh]

Russian doctors describe

"The day after the Health Ministry released its order, we asked medical professionals to contact us and describe what they actually see"

https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/03...ely-everything

Journalism at it's best.

[OhOh]

Doesn't make much sense.

Neither does the article.

[misskit]

Then this

https://teakdoor.com/redirect-to/?re...-idUSKBN21I37W

Doesn't make much sense.

No, it doesn’t. Note a few pages back a link to a US State Department announcement that the US was sending supplies to China back in January to fight COVID19. Now look at the mess the US is in with a shortage of supplies.

I think it’s a matter of politicians trying to look good and being way behind the curve on what is actually happening with the pandemic.

[tomcat]

No, it doesn’t. Note a few pages back a link to a US State Department announcement that the US was sending supplies to China back in January to fight COVID19. Now look at the mess the US is in with a shortage of supplies.

...the mess in the US is a whole lot bigger than the current shortage of supplies...

[misskit]

Russia's Coronavirus Cases Rise By 440, Bringing Total to 2,777

Russia’s officially reported numbers — which are still smaller than those in European countries — have sparked suspicion. Experts warn that Russia's testing capacity is hampered by bureaucracy, while officials warn that the real number of cases is likely much higher.

MORE Russia's Coronavirus Cases Jump to 2,337 in New Record One-Day Rise

[misskit]

U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Doubles to 4,000 in Three Days

[misskit]

Pence task force freezes coronavirus aid amid backlash


Last week, a Trump administration official working to secure much-needed protective gear for doctors and nurses in the United States had a startling encounter with counterparts in Thailand.


The official asked the Thais for help—only to be informed by the puzzled voices on the other side of the line that a U.S. shipment of the same supplies, the second of two so far, was already on its way to Bangkok.


Trump aides were alarmed when they learned of the exchange, and immediately put the shipment on hold while they ordered a review of U.S. aid procedures. Crossed wires would only confuse our allies, they worried, or worse—offend them. And Americans confronting a surging death toll and shortages of medical equipment back home would likely be outraged.

MORE Pence task force freezes coronavirus aid amid backlash - POLITICO

[Cujo]

Has the penny finally dropped??

CNN chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta, known for his rough-and-tumble verbal battles with President Donald Trump, likely raised eyebrows among CNN viewers on Tuesday night when he praised the president’s new tone at the latest White House press briefing, claiming “this was a different Trump.”
Just days after pushing for coronavirus restrictions to be loosened by Easter so as to reopen the economy, the president admitted on Tuesday that at least 100,000 Americans would likely die from COVID-19 and Americans had a “very tough two weeks” ahead of them.
During the briefing, Acosta asked whether projections of up to 200,000 deaths would be lower if Trump had acted sooner, prompting the president to insist that he did act early. Though Acosta would continue to press him on whether he waited too long to take the pandemic seriously, Trump did not spar with his longtime nemesis, even noting at one point that Acosta’s question was “fair.”
Appearing on CNN later in the evening, Acosta told anchor Anderson Cooper that the president and the rest of the White House coronavirus task force delivered a sober message to the public that they’ll need to be prepared for a heavy death toll.
Saying this was the “most stunning briefing” he ever sat through, calling it “downright chilling,” Acosta said he had “never seen President Trump like this” and insisted he believes that the president is “scared right now” and everyone in that room could feel it.

After noting that he tried to ask Trump and the coronavirus task force members if a lack of preparedness resulted in the grim casualty projections, only to get mixed answers, Acosta then credited the president for seemingly understanding how dire the situation now is.

“The stark message we got in the briefing room this evening is unmistakable,” the CNN reporter said. “This country is about to go through a horrendous terrible experience, and I have to tell you, people may not believe the president when he says any of this, and I have been—you and I have been, you know, pretty critical of him from time to time.”
“Yeah,” Cooper replied.
“This was a different Donald Trump tonight,” Acosta concluded. “I think he gets it, Anderson.”
“We'll see,” a skeptical Cooper reacted.
The CNN correspondent wasn’t the only political reporter to come away impressed by the president’s perceived change in tone. “Trump sounding different today,” The New York Times’ Eric Lipton tweeted during the briefing. “Scale of death appears to have changed his tone, at least.”


Acosta saying Trump finally “gets it” comes after fellow White House reporter, ABC News’ Jonathan Karl, blasted Acosta over his pugnacious and combative style, saying that while he’d defend Acosta’s “right to report” he doesn’t think “we should act like we are part of the resistance.”

CNN’s Jim Acosta: ‘This Was a Different Trump’ at Coronavirus Briefing

Preparing for 100-200,000 deaths. Best case scenario.
FAAAAARK.

This is one creepy photo.

[tomcat]

Pence task force freezes coronavirus aid amid backlashAnd Americans confronting a surging death toll and shortages of medical equipment back home would likely be outraged.

...just what we need: more outrage...

[misskit]

^^Donald Trump sobered up, didn’t he?

[bowie]

Latest from US Embassy


Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand (April 1, 2020)

Location: Thailand

Event:  No Transit Through Thailand; Possible Automatic Extension of Thai Visas; Phuket Airport Closure; Mae Hong Son Border Closure; Hotel Closures; Foreign Nationals Must Pay for COVID-19 Treatment

Transit Airline Passengers Now Barred From Entering Thailand

Effective April 1, the Royal Thai Government (RTG) expanded the ban on foreign nationals entering Thailand to include transiting passengers at international airports. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand confirmed the previous exemption for most transit passengers expired on March 31 and would not be extended.  Very limited transit exemptions remain in place for foreign cargo carriers, crew, and pilots, provided they promptly depart Thailand after fulfilling their duties.   

Diplomats and foreigners with work permits are also still allowed to enter Thailand with a "fit-to-fly certificate" issued within 72 hours of travel and, in the case of diplomats, a “certificate of entry” issued by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Possible Automatic Extension of Thai Tourist Visas

To reduce crowding at immigration service centers, the Thai government is considering a temporary, automatic extension of visas for travelers who have been affected by COVID-19 travel obstacles. A Cabinet decision on the issue is expected in the next day or so.

Phuket International Airport Closure Confirmed

The Provincial Government of Phuket confirmed the closure of the Phuket International Airport from April 10-30, 2020. Travelers should expect flights in or out of Phuket to cease beginning at 12:01 a.m. April 10. Please visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website for updated information. Additional information about restrictions across Thailand can be found at the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Disease Control COVID-19 website.

Hotels Suspend Operations

A number of hotels in Thailand have announced that they are suspending operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotels that suspend operations may ask guests to leave immediately. Travelers should be prepared for further hotel closures throughout Thailand, including the resort island of Phuket, with little or no advance notice.

Mae Hong Son Border Closure

Mae Hong Son province announced that effective today (April 1, 2020) all foreigners are barred from entering Mae Hong Son province and there will be a daily curfew prohibiting anyone from leaving their residence from 10 pm to 4 am.  The announcement is available in Thai on the province's website: http://www.maehongson.go.th/th/. Phitsanulok Province also requested that anyone in the province stay at home from 11 pm to 5 am beginning April 1.

Foreign Nationals Must Pay for COVID-19 Treatment

The Ministry of Public Health confirmed that foreign nationals are required to pay for any treatment for the COVID-19 virus received after the March 22 requirement for non-Thai citizens entering Thailand to present virus-free medical certificate and health insurance. Payment is required for treatment at both public and private hospitals.

Transportation In and Out of Thailand

We advise temporary visitors in Thailand to arrange for immediate return to the United States while there is still an opportunity.  All flight routes are subject to cancellation without notice, and many flights are heavily booked.  Hub countries with connections to the United States are also imposing increasingly strict requirements. For verified information about the COVID-19 situation in other countries, please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...formation.html.

There are currently no government restrictions or requirements for U.S. citizens departing Thailand or entering the United States.  However, travelers should be prepared for domestic travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice that may make travel to the airport in Thailand difficult. Options for forms of domestic travel (including airplanes, buses, public vans, and trains) are also decreasing throughout Thailand. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. U.S. citizens should consider booking flights to major points of entry into the United States and then arrange for further domestic travel upon arrival.  

Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability and seats.  If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.  The Airports of Thailand webpage provides updates on scheduled and cancelled flights out of Thailand. 
 
There have been further reductions of commercial flights with connections to the United States. We expect this trend to continue.  Please refer to the above-reference Airports of Thailand (AOT) webpage and/or download the AOT app for iOS and Android for the most up-to-date information.  
 
Today (April 1, 2020) there are six flights from Chiang Mai International Airport to Bangkok, less than half the number of flights operating last week. There are no international flights departing from Chiang Mai International Airport.  

Key Points on COVID-19:

· Widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring globally.
· The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential international travel.
· Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease.
· There may be limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas of Thailand.
· US residents may have difficulty returning to the United States.
· Travelers should avoid contact with sick people and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
· Thai regulations now require the wearing of face masks in public.
· All international travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing.

For more the most up-to-date information visit the CDC page on Novel Coronavirus and the CDC Travelers Health Page for travelers to Thailand. Information is also available through the World Health Organization.

Actions to Take:
· Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
· For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
· Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
· Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
· Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Thailand.
· Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. 
· Visit the Kingdom of Thailand’s Ministry of Public’s Health English-language COVID-19 page for updates on the situation in Thailand.

Assistance:
· U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand
Telephone: +66 2 205 4049
+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)
Email: acsbkk@state.gov
American Citizens Services

· U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai, Thailand (serving U.S. citizens in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaengphet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Petchabun, Phayao, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, and Uttaradit provinces)
Telephone: +66 053 107 700
+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)
Email: acschn@state.gov