thegreanvillepostbiasrating--2020-04-03--The Science Says #MaskUp – A Look At Two New Virus Studies

Please make sure these dispatches reach as many readers as possible .
Share with kin , friends and workmates and ask them to do likewise .
DISPATCHES FROM MOON OF ALABAMA , BY “ B ” This article is part of an ongoing series of dispatches from Moon of Alabama There are a few new studies about the novel coronavirus epidemic that are of interest for everyone .
From Science comes a study with new epidemic data that evaluates a smartphone based system that could alarm those who have come near a person which later developed Covid-19 symptoms .
Such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new epidemic data in the study is of interest .
It says that the basic reproduction number R or R naught for the novel coronavirus is 2.0 .
Under normal circumstance a new carrier of the virus is likely to infect two other people .
This is a higher value than for the seasonal flu but a bit lower than previously thought .
But what the makes the novel coronavirus really different is that it starts to spread before the spreading person has developed symptoms .
The virus starts to replicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) on day 2 after the infection .
The virus first replicates in the upper throat and the infected person starts to spread it to others simply by breathing , talking or coughing .
Only on day 5 the infected person starts to develop first symptoms .
The virus migrates into the lower lung and replicates there .
The virus load in the upper throat will then start to decline .
The immune system intervenes and defeats the virus but also causes additional lung damage which can kill people who have already other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to develop cytokine storms during a Covid infection and are thereby less prone to end up in the ICU . )
On day 10 only few viruses will be found in the upper throat and the person will generally no longer be infectious .
The typical hospitalization point in China was only on day 9 to 12 after the onset of symptoms .
At that point a test by swabs is nearly useless as the infected person will normally no longer have significant numbers of the virus in the upper throat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” were likely caused by a lack of knowledge about this phenomenon .
The diagnose in these later cases should be done by a CT scan which will show the lung damage .
We do know since late January that people can transmit the virus even when they have not yet developed symptoms .
An open question was how many of new infections happen during this phase .
The new Science study investigated how many infections were created by each of four infection phases or types : • pre-symptomatic – new infections come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet developed symptoms but will do so later • symptomatic – new infections come from an infected person who has already developed symptoms • environmental – new infections comes from some environmental contact with the virus • asymptomatic – new infections come from a person that will never develop any symptoms .
The study says that R for pre-symptomatic infections is 0.9 or 46 % of all new infections .
Infections from a symptomatic persons happen with an R of 0.8 which is equal to 40 % of all new infections .
Environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 % of all new infections .
Infections from asymptomatic cases have an R of 0.1 or 4 % of all new infections .
More new infections are created during the three pre-symptomatic days the virus carrier runs around then during the symptomatic one .
Washing one ’ s hands helps but environmental infections happen only in 10 % of all new infections .
The pre-symptomatic carriers are , without knowing it , the biggest spreader of the disease .
Millions of the many billions of viruses that get created in their throat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aerosols while a person breathes , speaks or coughs .
Such spreading can be prevented when everyone wears a mask .
A different new study shows that masks are very effective .
Published in Nature the study is titled : Respiratory virus shedding in exhaled breath and efficacy of face masks .
The graphic ( here cut off for only corona viruses ) shows how masks can keep away your droplets from the people you meet and talk to .
If the carrier of a virus wears a mask the spreading of viruses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathing goes basically down to zero .
But a mask does not only protect the carrier of the viruses .
While homemade or even professional surgical mask do not protect the wearer from all particles they do protect one much better from them than when one wears no mask at all .
A person rarely gets infected by just one virus particle .
They come in millions attached to tiny droplets .
We do not know yet how the dose of the novel coronavirus that infects a person affects the intensity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other viruses that the dose matters .
People who catch a higher dose of viruses will usually have a more intense disease .
A mask can lower the virus load the wearer may receive .
One can improvise a mask from simple household objects .
One can sew a mask like a surgeon does in this video .
This is my preferred model which is officially recommended by German fire departments .
( The pdf is in German but the pictures tell the story ) .
This is the mask I made by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a folded sheet cut from a triangular arm-sling out of an old first-aid kit .
A HEPA microfilter ( as used in a vacuum cleaners ) is in between the folded sheet .
A piece cut from a clean bag for vacuum cleaners will do as well .
Do not use a sheet or insert that is too tight to breathe through .
If one does that the air will come in from the sides of the mask and the total protection effect will be less .
It can be arduous to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have breathing problems leave the insert out .
The sheets alone are already good protection .
There is a piece of wire from a big paper clip fixed inside the middle of the upper seam to fit the mask tightly around the upper nose .
The lower part goes under the chin .
I shaved my beard to make it a tighter fit .
As I had no sewing equipment I used a stapler to fix the seams and the ribbons .
The HEPA filter catches particles down to 0.3 micrometer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they are smaller and could slip through .
But the viruses are attached to some droplet that are bigger .
HEPA filter are essentially labyrinths of small fiber and the viruses would have to bounce multiple times to get through .
Finally the dose also matters .
To clean the mask of potential viruses I put it into the oven for 30 minutes at 70C ( 158F ) .
The science says that masks work .
Everyone should use one .
# MaskUp !
— Here some additional links which might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virus , anyway ?
Part 1 : The bare-bones basics – Stanford Medicine What ’ s a virus , anyway ?
Part 2 : How coronaviruses infect us — and how viruses created us – Stanford Medicine • How hospital staff reacted during the outbreak : Witnessing Wuhan – Project Syndicate • Special report : The simulations driving the world ’ s response to COVID-19 – Nature • Simulation graphics for each U.S. state : COVID-19 projections assuming full social distancing through May 2020 • International and U.S. State breakdown of numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to help when given early : Efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in patients with COVID-19 : results of a randomized clinical trial – MedRxiv That ’ s because the Chinese numbers are as correct as they can get .
— Previous Moon of Alabama posts on the issue : • The Coronavirus – No Need To Panic – Jan 25 2020 • Novel Coronavirus Defies Conspiracy Theories As Data Shows Its Coming Decline – Feb 1 2020 • The Epidemic Recedes – Number Of New Coronavirus Cases In Decline – Feb 8 2020 • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Case Count Continues To Decline – Feb 13 2020 • Coronavirus – The Decline Of New Cases Continues – Economic Ripples Begin To Emerge – Feb 21 2020 • As Virus Spreads Over The Planet Governments Are Slow To React – Feb 27 2020 • Coronavirus – Its Time To Press Your Government To React Faster – Feb 29 2020 • Why Is The Coronavirus More Dangerous Than The Flu ?
– Mar 9 2020 • Coronavirus – The Hidden Cases – Why We Must Shut Everything Down And Do It Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will Cause A Global Depression – We Need Demand Side Measures To Counter It – Mar 16 2020 • Coronavirus – A Lockdown Is Not Enough – Mar 17 2020 • False Claims About The Novel Coronavirus And How To Debunk Them – Mar 19 2020 • Coronavirus – On Western Government Failures And Possible Therapies – Mar 21 2020 • Coronavirus – How To Lift Lockdowns And Why We Should All Wear Masks – Mar 23 2020 • More Bits On The Corona Crisis – Mar 26 2020 • U.S .
Virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Its People Can Build A Movement From This – Mar 31 2020 • China Did Not Deceive Us – Counting Death During An Epidemic Is Really Difficult– Apr 1 2020 • Why The U.S. Will Drown In Covid-19 Cases – Apr 2 2020 Posted by b on April 3 , 2020 at 18:24 UTC | Permalink “ b ” is Moon of Alabama ’ s founding ( and chief ) editor .
This site ’ s purpose is to discuss politics , economics , philosophy and blogger Billmon ’ s Whiskey Bar writings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an independent , open forum for members of the Whiskey Bar community .
Bernhard ) ” b ” ) started and still runs the site .
Once in a while you will also find posts and art from regular commentators .
You can reach the current administrator of this site by emailing Bernhard at MoonofA @ aol.com .
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License .

Please make sure these dispatches reach as many readers as possible. Share with kin, friends and workmates and ask them to do likewise.
DISPATCHES FROM MOON OF ALABAMA, BY "B"
This article is part of an ongoing series of dispatches from Moon of Alabama
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here are a few new studies about the novel coronavirus epidemic that are of interest for everyone.
From Science comes a study with new epidemic data that evaluates a smartphone based system that could alarm those who have come near a person which later developed Covid-19 symptoms. Such a system is used in South Korea.
Quantifying SARS-CoV-2 transmission suggests epidemic control with digital contact tracing
The new epidemic data in the study is of interest.
It says that the basic reproduction number R 0 or R naught for the novel coronavirus is 2.0. Under normal circumstance a new carrier of the virus is likely to infect two other people. This is a higher value than for the seasonal flu but a bit lower than previously thought.
But what the makes the novel coronavirus really different is that it starts to spread before the spreading person has developed symptoms.
The virus starts to replicate in significant numbers (billions per mililiter) on day 2 after the infection. The virus first replicates in the upper throat and the infected person starts to spread it to others simply by breathing, talking or coughing. Only on day 5 the infected person starts to develop first symptoms. The virus migrates into the lower lung and replicates there. The virus load in the upper throat will then start to decline. The immune system intervenes and defeats the virus but also causes additional lung damage which can kill people who have already other preexisting conditions. (Interestingly smokers seem not to develop cytokine storms during a Covid infection and are thereby less prone to end up in the ICU.) On day 10 only few viruses will be found in the upper throat and the person will generally no longer be infectious.
The typical hospitalization point in China was only on day 9 to 12 after the onset of symptoms. At that point a test by swabs is nearly useless as the infected person will normally no longer have significant numbers of the virus in the upper throat. Reports of "defective tests from China" were likely caused by a lack of knowledge about this phenomenon. The diagnose in these later cases should be done by a CT scan which will show the lung damage.
We do know since late January that people can transmit the virus even when they have not yet developed symptoms. An open question was how many of new infections happen during this phase.
The new Science study investigated how many infections were created by each of four infection phases or types:
pre-symptomatic - new infections come from an infected person who has not yet developed symptoms but will do so later
symptomatic - new infections come from an infected person who has already developed symptoms
environmental - new infections comes from some environmental contact with the virus
asymptomatic - new infections come from a person that will never develop any symptoms.
The study says that R 0 for pre-symptomatic infections is 0.9 or 46% of all new infections. Infections from a symptomatic persons happen with an R 0 of 0.8 which is equal to 40% of all new infections. Environmental infections have an R 0 of 0.2 or 10% of all new infections. Infections from asymptomatic cases have an R 0 of 0.1 or 4% of all new infections.
More new infections are created during the three pre-symptomatic days the virus carrier runs around then during the symptomatic one.
Washing one's hands helps but environmental infections happen only in 10% of all new infections. The pre-symptomatic carriers are, without knowing it, the biggest spreader of the disease. Millions of the many billions of viruses that get created in their throat can attach to tiny water droplets or aerosols while a person breathes, speaks or coughs.
Such spreading can be prevented when everyone wears a mask. A different new study shows that masks are very effective. Published in Nature the study is titled:
Respiratory virus shedding in exhaled breath and efficacy of face masks.
The graphic (here cut off for only corona viruses) shows how masks can keep away your droplets from the people you meet and talk to.
If the carrier of a virus wears a mask the spreading of viruses due to speaking, coughing or even breathing goes basically down to zero.
But a mask does not only protect the carrier of the viruses. While homemade or even professional surgical mask do not protect the wearer from all particles they do protect one much better from them than when one wears no mask at all.
A person rarely gets infected by just one virus particle. They come in millions attached to tiny droplets. We do not know yet how the dose of the novel coronavirus that infects a person affects the intensity of the disease. But we do know from other viruses that the dose matters. People who catch a higher dose of viruses will usually have a more intense disease. A mask can lower the virus load the wearer may receive.
One can improvise a mask from simple household objects. One can sew a mask like a surgeon does in this video. This is my preferred model which is officially recommended by German fire departments. (The pdf is in German but the pictures tell the story). This is the mask I made by following those instructions.
It is made of a folded sheet cut from a triangular arm-sling out of an old first-aid kit. A HEPA microfilter (as used in a vacuum cleaners) is in between the folded sheet. A piece cut from a clean bag for vacuum cleaners will do as well. Do not use a sheet or insert that is too tight to breathe through. If one does that the air will come in from the sides of the mask and the total protection effect will be less. It can be arduous to breathe through such a mask. If you have breathing problems leave the insert out. The sheets alone are already good protection. There is a piece of wire from a big paper clip fixed inside the middle of the upper seam to fit the mask tightly around the upper nose. The lower part goes under the chin. I shaved my beard to make it a tighter fit. As I had no sewing equipment I used a stapler to fix the seams and the ribbons.
The HEPA filter catches particles down to 0.3 micrometer. Viruses are some 125 nanometer in diameter so they are smaller and could slip through. But the viruses are attached to some droplet that are bigger. HEPA filter are essentially labyrinths of small fiber and the viruses would have to bounce multiple times to get through. Finally the dose also matters.
To clean the mask of potential viruses I put it into the oven for 30 minutes at 70C (158F).
The science says that masks work. Everyone should use one. #MaskUp!
---
Here some additional links which might be of interest.
So far, to the frustration of both the White House and the intelligence community, the agencies have been unable to glean more accurate numbers through their collection efforts.
That's because the Chinese numbers are as correct as they can get.
---
Previous Moon of Alabama posts on the issue:
Posted by b on April 3, 2020 at 18:24 UTC | Permalink
Comments Sampler
NOTE ^1000Careerist lackeys serving the elites control the American press. Ever pushing for war and inequality, covering up the oligarchy's crimes... They are in reality shameless disinformers. No wonder the world is in such terrible disarray.
About the author(s) "b" is Moon of Alabama's founding (and chief) editor. This site's purpose is to discuss politics, economics, philosophy and blogger Billmon's Whiskey Bar writings. Moon Of Alabama was opened as an independent, open forum for members of the Whiskey Bar community. Bernhard )"b") started and still runs the site. Once in a while you will also find posts and art from regular commentators. You can reach the current administrator of this site by emailing Bernhard at MoonofA@aol.com.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
ALL CAPTIONS AND PULL QUOTES BY THE EDITORS NOT THE AUTHORS
Comment here or on our Facebook Group page.


thegreanvillepostbiasrating--2020-04-03--In search of a coronavirus killer: Can existing drugs really turn the tide in the Covid-19 pandemic?

ith confirmed cases approaching one million and no vaccine yet available , the Covid-19 virus has sparked worldwide panic — yet with the fear has come hope that existing drugs might hold a cure .
Is it all just wishful thinking ?
Four months after it originated in China ’ s Hubei province , the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 180 countries and claimed more than 38,000 lives .
With no proven treatment in sight , drastic measures have been taken by governments to contain its spread — but the world can ’ t rely on ‘ social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Amid the anxiety , there has been no shortage of drugs touted by the media and medical professionals as potential ‘ game changer ’ antidotes to the viral infection .
RT took a look at some of the most widely-proffered options .
ALSO ON RT.COMScientists must look dispassionately at Covid-19 so they can see what it is , not what they fear : Rushed science can be bad science Drugs usually used to treat malaria have been suggested as a potential “ game changer ” against the coronavirus infection by everyone from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health to Russian medical specialists .
The high-profile promotions and panic-buying of the drugs by governments has already led to shortages for those who use them to treat other conditions , including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis .
The drugs , which suppress the immune system , are seen as potentially helpful against Covid-19 because the virus over-stimulates immune response which can cause organ failure .
Yet , drugs like hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to save the world from this rapidly-spreading viral infection since they appear to be ineffective against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies promoting anti-malarial drugs as an effective treatment against coronavirus was led by French physician and microbiologist , Didier Raoult — but it has since been repeatedly criticized by other experts for “ methodological flaws ” and skewed data .
While Raoult cited instances of the drugs being effective against Covid-19 in China , they were apparently not particularly useful when used to treat patients in Italian hospitals , according to Dr. Giorgio Palu , one of the leading European experts in virology and former president of the European Society of Virology .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some viruses like SARS , yet they were not proved clinically , ” he told RT .
Professor Sergey Netesov , who heads the Bio Nanotechnologies Laboratory at Russia ’ s Novosibirsk State University , also questioned the idea of using these medicines against coronavirus .
“ These drugs are not antiviral ones .
Neither are they antibiotics , ” he explained , adding that the one-celled organism that causes malaria is actually a parasite , so these drugs are anti-parasite medicines and should not normally be effective against viruses .
ALSO ON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got virus ’ : US & Russian top specialists explain odds of catching Covid-19 & surviving A combination of two drugs , lopinavir and ritonavir , that are used to treat HIV and sold under the brand name Kaletra , has also been widely considered as a viable option in the fight against coronavirus .
It was listed as a potential treatment by reputable Dutch publishing and analytics company Elsevier , though its effectiveness was still described as “ unclear.
” The theory was that this combination of drugs prevented the coronavirus from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s body by affecting a certain enzyme within the virus itself , in the same way it does with HIV .
Yet , what appeared to be sound in theory turned out to be ineffective in practice .
A Chinese study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that “ no benefit was observed with lopinavir–ritonavir treatment beyond standard care.
” Its results were also supported by Palu , who said that Italian medics are abandoning this option of treatment for coronavirus patients .
Netesov , meanwhile , said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a success , since HIV is caused by retroviruses which are quite different to coronaviruses .
Professor George Lomonossoff , a microbiologist at the British John Innes Center , shared that view .
“ The [ enzymes ] are not identical between the two viruses so the efficacy is uncertain , ” he told RT .
A drug called remdesivir , originally developed to treat the Ebola virus , has been another widely discussed treatment option .
Designated an ‘ orphan drug ’ ( one which treats extremely rare conditions and is therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remsedivir emerged as one of the “ most promising ” treatments in numerous Western media reports .
In the US , the Pentagon even rushed to secure doses of the experimental drug for US troops who have contracted the virus .
The idea is that remdesivir gets into the viral RNA ( ribonucleic acid ) and halts viral replication , making it an ideal treatment — but that ’ s just the theory .
Its practical efficiency is much less certain , experts say .
“ We still do not have clear positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said while Lomonosoff said it “ needs to be tested ” first .
ALSO ON RT.COMCovid-19 vaccine : Difficult , uncertain and far-off , microbiologist says It seems counterintuitive at first to suggest drugs that suppress the immune response can help fight an infection , but like the immune-suppressing anti-malarial drugs discussed above , a rheumatoid arthritis drug called tocilizumab has found its way onto the list of potential Covid-19 game changers .
This drug was first approved for use against coronavirus by China .
Then Italian doctors reported that it helps patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Tocilizumab prevents the severe lung inflammation that has been seen in coronavirus sufferers and Palu believes it could be particularly effective in the “ pre-severe ” phase of the illness .
Lomonosoff explained that the drug doesn ’ t exactly inhibit the virus itself , but relieves the inflammation caused by the infection .
In other words , Tocilizumab can ’ t help halt the global pandemic , but it could help at least a portion of the patients infected with Covid-19 .
Another option involves exactly the opposite approach to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This method involves stimulating immune response with interferon-based drugs , which are used for treating a variety of diseases from multiple sclerosis to cancer .
With the coronavirus , the hope was that interferon-based drugs could block protein synthesis in human cells and stop the virus from replication – just as happens normally as part of an initial immune response .
Yet , as Netesov warns , such an approach could bring more harm than good .
Interferons “ inhibit protein synthesis regardless of whether it involves proteins of a virus or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that such drugs could not be used for a long time as they cause severe adverse effects .
Such effects could involve disruption of blood cell replication or even suicidal ideation .
Besides , the drugs appear to be only effective in the first five days after a person becomes infected , since a virus usually develops a natural resistance to interferons beyond that point , the Russian specialist said .
Since the first symptoms of Covid-19 tend to appear no sooner than 12 days after one contracts the virus , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Medical experts have been “ working on the hypothesis that combinations of drugs , working in ways that are different from their clinically prescribed roles ” may be effective against Covid-19 or help to manage its symptoms , according to Ken Mills , professor of experimental haematology at Queen ’ s University Belfast , which was recently awarded a grant to fund Covid-19 treatment research .
The hope is that experts might identify treatments that can either prevent the virus infection or “ reduce or alleviate ” its symptoms , meaning fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment , Mills told RT .
Mills and his colleagues have been focusing on anti-viral and anti-inflammatory combinations but are keeping an “ open mind ” about which treatments could prove most useful when “ repurposed ” against the novel coronavirus .
Still , while multiple potential treatment options have been rapidly circulating in the media , none of them yet appears to be the cure that the world is searching for .
It seems that for now , the preventive measures of social distancing and self-quarantine are the most reliable methods to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development of a vaccine specifically to treat Covid-19 remains the holy grail .
Like this story ?
Share it with a friend !

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith confirmed cases approaching one million and no vaccine yet available, the Covid-19 virus has sparked worldwide panic — yet with the fear has come hope that existing drugs might hold a cure. Is it all just wishful thinking?
Four months after it originated in China’s Hubei province, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 180 countries and claimed more than 38,000 lives. With no proven treatment in sight, drastic measures have been taken by governments to contain its spread — but the world can’t rely on ‘social distancing’ and ‘self-isolation’ forever.
Amid the anxiety, there has been no shortage of drugs touted by the media and medical professionals as potential ‘game changer’ antidotes to the viral infection. RT took a look at some of the most widely-proffered options.
ALSO ON RT.COMScientists must look dispassionately at Covid-19 so they can see what it is, not what they fear: Rushed science can be bad science
Anti-malarial drugs (Trump’s choice)
Drugs usually used to treat malaria have been suggested as a potential “game changer” against the coronavirus infection by everyone from US President Donald Trump and the US Department of Health to Russian medical specialists.
The high-profile promotions and panic-buying of the drugs by governments has already led to shortages for those who use them to treat other conditions, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The drugs, which suppress the immune system, are seen as potentially helpful against Covid-19 because the virus over-stimulates immune response which can cause organ failure. Yet, drugs like hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to save the world from this rapidly-spreading viral infection since they appear to be ineffective against the virus itself.
One of the first studies promoting anti-malarial drugs as an effective treatment against coronavirus was led by French physician and microbiologist, Didier Raoult — but it has since been repeatedly criticized by other experts for “methodological flaws” and skewed data.
While Raoult cited instances of the drugs being effective against Covid-19 in China, they were apparently not particularly useful when used to treat patients in Italian hospitals, according to Dr. Giorgio Palu, one of the leading European experts in virology and former president of the European Society of Virology. “We just assume they can affect some viruses like SARS, yet they were not proved clinically,” he told RT.
Professor Sergey Netesov, who heads the Bio Nanotechnologies Laboratory at Russia’s Novosibirsk State University, also questioned the idea of using these medicines against coronavirus. “These drugs are not antiviral ones. Neither are they antibiotics,” he explained, adding that the one-celled organism that causes malaria is actually a parasite, so these drugs are anti-parasite medicines and should not normally be effective against viruses.
ALSO ON RT.COM‘Everything depends on where you got virus’: US & Russian top specialists explain odds of catching Covid-19 & surviving
HIV drugs — a long shot
A combination of two drugs, lopinavir and ritonavir, that are used to treat HIV and sold under the brand name Kaletra, has also been widely considered as a viable option in the fight against coronavirus. It was listed as a potential treatment by reputable Dutch publishing and analytics company Elsevier, though its effectiveness was still described as “unclear.”
The theory was that this combination of drugs prevented the coronavirus from infecting new cells in a patient’s body by affecting a certain enzyme within the virus itself, in the same way it does with HIV. Yet, what appeared to be sound in theory turned out to be ineffective in practice.
A Chinese study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that “no benefit was observed with lopinavir–ritonavir treatment beyond standard care.” Its results were also supported by Palu, who said that Italian medics are abandoning this option of treatment for coronavirus patients. Netesov, meanwhile, said that the lopinavir–ritonavir option was never likely to be a success, since HIV is caused by retroviruses which are quite different to coronaviruses.
Professor George Lomonossoff, a microbiologist at the British John Innes Center, shared that view. “The [enzymes] are not identical between the two viruses so the efficacy is uncertain,” he told RT.
Ebola virus drugs?
A drug called remdesivir, originally developed to treat the Ebola virus, has been another widely discussed treatment option. Designated an ‘orphan drug’ (one which treats extremely rare conditions and is therefore commercially underdeveloped) by the FDA, remsedivir emerged as one of the “most promising” treatments in numerous Western media reports. In the US, the Pentagon even rushed to secure doses of the experimental drug for US troops who have contracted the virus.
The idea is that remdesivir gets into the viral RNA (ribonucleic acid) and halts viral replication, making it an ideal treatment — but that’s just the theory. Its practical efficiency is much less certain, experts say. “We still do not have clear positive results in coronavirus treatment,” Netesov said while Lomonosoff said it “needs to be tested” first.
ALSO ON RT.COMCovid-19 vaccine: Difficult, uncertain and far-off, microbiologist says
Rheumatoid arthritis
It seems counterintuitive at first to suggest drugs that suppress the immune response can help fight an infection, but like the immune-suppressing anti-malarial drugs discussed above, a rheumatoid arthritis drug called tocilizumab has found its way onto the list of potential Covid-19 game changers.
This drug was first approved for use against coronavirus by China. Then Italian doctors reported that it helps patients suffering from severe pneumonia caused by the virus. Tocilizumab prevents the severe lung inflammation that has been seen in coronavirus sufferers and Palu believes it could be particularly effective in the “pre-severe” phase of the illness.
Lomonosoff explained that the drug doesn’t exactly inhibit the virus itself, but relieves the inflammation caused by the infection. In other words, Tocilizumab can’t help halt the global pandemic, but it could help at least a portion of the patients infected with Covid-19.
Interferon-based drugs
Another option involves exactly the opposite approach to the one envisioned with hydroxychloroquine and tocilizumab. This method involves stimulating immune response with interferon-based drugs, which are used for treating a variety of diseases from multiple sclerosis to cancer.
With the coronavirus, the hope was that interferon-based drugs could block protein synthesis in human cells and stop the virus from replication – just as happens normally as part of an initial immune response. Yet, as Netesov warns, such an approach could bring more harm than good.
Interferons “inhibit protein synthesis regardless of whether it involves proteins of a virus or a host,” he explained, adding that such drugs could not be used for a long time as they cause severe adverse effects. Such effects could involve disruption of blood cell replication or even suicidal ideation.
Besides, the drugs appear to be only effective in the first five days after a person becomes infected, since a virus usually develops a natural resistance to interferons beyond that point, the Russian specialist said. Since the first symptoms of Covid-19 tend to appear no sooner than 12 days after one contracts the virus, these drugs are unlikely to be particularly useful.
Can repurposing existing drugs work?
Medical experts have been “working on the hypothesis that combinations of drugs, working in ways that are different from their clinically prescribed roles” may be effective against Covid-19 or help to manage its symptoms, according to Ken Mills, professor of experimental haematology at Queen’s University Belfast, which was recently awarded a grant to fund Covid-19 treatment research.
The hope is that experts might identify treatments that can either prevent the virus infection or “reduce or alleviate” its symptoms, meaning fewer patients will become high-risk and need intensive treatment, Mills told RT.
Mills and his colleagues have been focusing on anti-viral and anti-inflammatory combinations but are keeping an “open mind” about which treatments could prove most useful when “repurposed” against the novel coronavirus.
Still, while multiple potential treatment options have been rapidly circulating in the media, none of them yet appears to be the cure that the world is searching for. It seems that for now, the preventive measures of social distancing and self-quarantine are the most reliable methods to limit the spread — and the quickest-possible development of a vaccine specifically to treat Covid-19 remains the holy grail.
Like this story? Share it with a friend!


thegreanvillepostbiasrating--2020-04-03--CHARLES KOCH NETWORK PUSHED $1 BILLION CUT TO CDC, NOW ATTACKS SHELTER-IN-PLACE POLICIES FOR HARMING

CHARLES KOCH NETWORK PUSHED $1 BILLION CUT TO CDC, NOW ATTACKS SHELTER-IN-PLACE POLICIES FOR HARMING BUSINESS

As states began to order nonessential businesses to shut down last week , AFP released a statement calling for all businesses to remain open .
“ Rather than blanket shutdowns , the government should allow businesses to continue to adapt and innovate to produce the goods and services Americans need , while continuing to do everything they can to protect the public health , ” said Emily Seidel , chief executive of AFP , in a press release .
Some of the group ’ s state chapters have taken a similar tone .
AFP Pennsylvania ’ s state director , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group , have taken to Twitter to lambast shelter-in-place policies .
The Michigan chapter of AFP on Monday slammed Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s stay-at-home order , which closed down fitness centers , nail salons , amusement parks , casinos , and other businesses deemed nonessential , calling it the “ wrong approach for our state.
” Whitmer ’ s order , variations of which are being implemented by state and local governments nationwide , contains exceptions for critical industries such as grocery stores , pharmacies , health care providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care , hazardous materials , and energy .
“ All businesses are essential — to the people who own them , the people who work in them , and the communities they serve , ” said Annie Patnaude , the Michigan state director for AFP , in a statement responding to the order .
If you are wondering where # DonaldTrump got the idea to end the # CoronavirusPandemic quarantines , stay at home orders .
It came from the # KochNetwork These are 2 staffers of the network agitating for businesses to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home .
pic.twitter.com/CVXjhCKVrz AFP ’ s position , which directly contradicts the advice of medical experts who say that social isolation is essential to curbing the spread of the coronavirus , comes after the group lobbied the Trump administration in 2018 to rescind $ 1 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Much of AFP ’ s recommended cuts to government programs , which included CDC money for infectious disease control and global health , became part of the official White House budget request , though most were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AFP argued , would “ relieve the burden overspending is placing on all taxpayers.
” The CDC is now one of the front-line organizations dealing with the coronavirus pandemic , which has impacted nearly 70,000 people in the United States and has claimed over 1,000 lives .
The libertarian advocacy network has spent tens of millions of dollars lobbying for corporate tax cuts , deregulation , and reductions to social welfare programs , particularly state Medicaid programs .
This aggressive advocacy record has come into focus in recent days as Americans confront the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a critical tool for treating sick patients , and many are now questioning the wisdom of reductions to the CDC ’ s funding and staff .
Internal memos from AFP reveal the size and scope of the organization , which employed 650 staff members during the 2016 election and has successfully worked to block Medicaid expansion in at least four states .
During the 2016 election , the group also aired negative advertising sharply criticizing Hillary Clinton and Senate Democrats , an electioneering push that dramatically shaped the current balance of power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has since used its government influence to slash environmental rules , retreat from the Paris Climate Accord , and demand cuts to federal programs .
It also helped secure $ 1.5 trillion in tax cuts as part of President Donald Trump ’ s 2017 tax overhaul .
Experts around the country have called for shelter-in-place policies for nonessential businesses , arguing that social isolation can drastically curb the spread of the coronavirus .
Slowing the pandemic , they say , can save lives by lowering the demand for medical supplies and limited hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these policies are being rejected by conservatives around the country .
Republican state leaders , including Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves and Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis , have balked at shutdown requests .
On Tuesday , Reeves signed an executive order superseding local bans on public gatherings .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the federal government ’ s top infectious disease expert and a member of the White House coronavirus task force , has said he has “ emphasized very emphatically ” that bars , restaurants , and other nonessential businesses close and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so .
The Intercept asked AFP if the group had consulted any public health officials before beginning the push against shelter-in-place policies , and whether the group continues to support steep cuts to the CDC .
The group did not respond to the inquiry regarding the CDC and did not name any public health experts .
A spokesperson for AFP noted in an email that they are “ encouraging every public official dealing with these incredible challenges to consider how communities and businesses are adapting to meet critical needs as they make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group believes that there is “ value in businesses and government working together to stop the spread of this virus and help the people who need it.
” The Koch network , while pushing for businesses to stay open , is taking the opposite approach for its lobbying apparatus .
AFP and its affiliates , including LIBRE Initiative and Concerned Veterans for America , are now working from home .
“ Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the health and safety of our activists , staff , and voters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are utilizing digital organizing as one way to continue their grassroots engagement , ” a spokesperson from AFP told CNBC

As states began to order nonessential businesses to shut down last week, AFP released a statement calling for all businesses to remain open. “Rather than blanket shutdowns, the government should allow businesses to continue to adapt and innovate to produce the goods and services Americans need, while continuing to do everything they can to protect the public health,” said Emily Seidel, chief executive of AFP, in a press release.
Some of the group’s state chapters have taken a similar tone. AFP Pennsylvania’s state director, as well as a regional director with the group, have taken to Twitter to lambast shelter-in-place policies. The Michigan chapter of AFP on Monday slammed Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, which closed down fitness centers, nail salons, amusement parks, casinos, and other businesses deemed nonessential, calling it the “wrong approach for our state.” Whitmer’s order, variations of which are being implemented by state and local governments nationwide, contains exceptions for critical industries such as grocery stores, pharmacies, health care providers, financial services, transportation, child care, hazardous materials, and energy. “All businesses are essential — to the people who own them, the people who work in them, and the communities they serve,” said Annie Patnaude, the Michigan state director for AFP, in a statement responding to the order. If you are wondering where #DonaldTrump got the idea to end the #CoronavirusPandemic quarantines, stay at home orders. It came from the #KochNetwork These are 2 staffers of the network agitating for businesses to reopen.
They will be safe working at home. pic.twitter.com/CVXjhCKVrz — Laura Goldman (@laurasgoldman) March 23, 2020
AFP’s position, which directly contradicts the advice of medical experts who say that social isolation is essential to curbing the spread of the coronavirus, comes after the group lobbied the Trump administration in 2018 to rescind $1 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Much of AFP’s recommended cuts to government programs, which included CDC money for infectious disease control and global health, became part of the official White House budget request, though most were not adopted by Congress. The cuts, AFP argued, would “relieve the burden overspending is placing on all taxpayers.” The CDC is now one of the front-line organizations dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted nearly 70,000 people in the United States and has claimed over 1,000 lives. The libertarian advocacy network has spent tens of millions of dollars lobbying for corporate tax cuts, deregulation, and reductions to social welfare programs, particularly state Medicaid programs. This aggressive advocacy record has come into focus in recent days as Americans confront the coronavirus pandemic. Medicaid funding is seen as a critical tool for treating sick patients, and many are now questioning the wisdom of reductions to the CDC’s funding and staff.


thegreanvillepostbiasrating--2020-04-03--Living in the Covid-19 environment

Living in the Covid-19 environment

Accept as a fact the entire world is now a contaminated space and respect it as such .
Starting with that view takes the guesswork out of everything you need to do .
Normal people thrive in much more hazardous environments than this on a daily basis because they respect that fact .
ou ’ ve heard the US Surgeon General saying , “ We should be acting as if we have the virus ” to flatten the curve ?
How is this simple statement hugely relevant to protecting your loved ones and other people , helping medical staff in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary protective equipment , doctors forming Facebook groups on social media to exchange advice on how to keep current patients alive based on their grim failures , and saving doctors in countries such as Philippines and Italy ?
I used to build decontamination chambers and work in hazardous environments , hence I ’ m familiar with hazmat protocols , including locked high radiation situations .
People working in hazardous environments do so confidently because of the knowledge ensuring they can perceive their world without fear and the simple steps they take , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you perceive the world the same way , you take the fear of the unknown out of the equation and are taking all the proactive steps that are possible .
Fear of the unknown is the worst enemy you can have today .
How you should react to Covid-19 is the unknown .
While we don ’ t know how the outbreak will turn out , there are reasonable , common sense , industry-proven concepts that can replace the stress this unknown brings .
It can be done at little to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all information is subordinate to medical and government pronouncements .
It is irresponsible to ignore those because the situation is rapidly developing .
We are still at the beginning .
Beyond that , there are no caveats to applying best practices .
Accept as a fact the entire world is now a contaminated space and respect it as such .
Starting with that view takes the guesswork out of everything you need to do .
Normal people thrive in much more hazardous environments than this on a daily basis because they respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not try to understand or accept basic facts about this hazardous environment enough to take safeguards and protect themselves and you don ’ t know who they are .
Decontaminated space is needed because you want to minimalize even the remote possibility of contamination from the hazardous environment entering your home .
Everything outside regardless of the source has to be considered this way before it ’ s brought in .
Wipe it down .
The clean area is your home .
You diminish the potential of contaminating it by simple steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the one place on earth you know that nothing can harm you .
Protect it .
This is why people leaving areas with high infection rates are more at risk of contracting the virus than people who don ’ t and are taking precautions .
That ’ s aside from becoming a new point of contagion .
The reason is simple .
You are moving into areas and are in contact with unknown people and objects assuming they are safe because of geography .
All you do in reality is throw all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment without safeguards .
Doing so multiplies the odds of contagion by something as simple as touching the wrong doorknob or a gas station pump that a hundred people you don ’ t know did before you .
The only safe place is the clean space you know about .
That is the first rule of hazardous environments .
Contaminated space is every place in the world outside your home .
Contaminated items include everything not already inside your home .
Think of it as if you were living in space .
Your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only safe environment until this subsides .
The rest of the world and everything in it is part of a hostile environment ( space ) .
People in public space are part of this environment .
As an example , during my teen years in the US , we used to swim in water reservoirs .
If the police caught you , the fine was more for swimming in bathing suits or shorts than swimming nude .
The reason was the clothing you wore that morning going through public spaces had the potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pathogen or contaminant into a source of public drinking water .
Every item whether it is your own clothes , wallet , watch , etc becomes part of this hostile environment in the same way as soon as it leaves your home .
Have you ever noticed in movies that the white Tyvek suits worn in bad environments are a flat fabric ?
More detail is more surface area , which is something to consider .
If you start to think this way , you ’ ll limit your exposure and minimalize what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value something , leave it at home .
Not exposing personal items is a common practice for hazardous environment work .
This point isn ’ t about Draconian measures , merely about developing situational awareness in this unusual set of circumstances affecting many countries globally .
You decide what ’ s best for you .
By creating a smaller footprint , you lessen the potential exposure exponentially .
During quarantines , households could have a designated person dealing with public activities like shopping .
Masks should be mandatory if available and social distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanitary wipes for hands are in reality a limited use item .
Most of the virus stays intact on your hands and spreadable but it is still better than nothing at all .
More than 20 seconds of real handwashing with soap and water is the best practice .
Obviously , don ’ t touch your face in this environment .
This is important if you are in a high-risk area .
You need to stop the potential at the doorstep so you don ’ t bring contamination into your home .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or dust with the possibility of having the virus clinging to it .
Purchases should be wiped down before they enter your home .
Shoes should stay outside , because of the potential contact they have with the virus from public spaces .
Particles on your shoes or clothes can become airborne in a normal environment .
An alternate is washing your shoes with alcohol or other disinfectants .
Leave them outside anyway .
The best practice would be to have public clothes and in-home clothes .
So , change them before entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , try to separate clothes worn in public space from the living area and use a disinfectant spray if possible .
Masks should be left outside the living area .
Last on the list is washing your hands and face with water before entering your home .
This doesn ’ t cost anything to set up .
It is all done in a particular order for a reason .
Normally , a decon is 3-chambered .
A dirty room where outside clothes are taken off .
Next comes a shower where everything and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clean room where respirators are taken off .
This isn ’ t feasible for most people .
Take a shower after going to a public place .
Try to make sure nothing enters your home without a decontaminating wipe-down first .
If you purchased something , assume at least 20 other people you don ’ t know contacted the item on its way to you .
This is where you live .
Keep it clean .
With all that said , please do your part and help others .
I came across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model for us all .
In Australia , a young couple has elderly neighbors that are at high risk .
They had their neighbors put a green sign in the window to indicate they were fine .
A red one indicated they needed help , whether it was shopping or whatever .
Helping others do the same will increase the size of the clean areas to consist of your street , neighborhood , and finally city .
Within a few weeks , taking these steps will cut the curve on the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By taking simple steps , you can protect yourself .
Make sure everyone else around you can also do so .
Every part matters .
That part is what is going to help slow down the epidemic and make it manageable for doctors and nurses while they find a way through .
Do you think my advice sounds hysterical or irrelevant ?
Take a close look at what is happening in countries outside USA , Europe and the Middle East .
And this is online .
Doctors frantically trying to exchange information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , using social media groups such as Facebook { 1 } .
Malaysian medical staff desperately short of PPE , therefore using dustbin liners , cling wrap and plastic bags which are clearly inadequate { 2 } .
61 doctors have died of Covid-19 in Italy , 12 doctors have died of Covid-19 in Philippines { 3 } .
Hospitals in several countries are being overwhelmed by the numbers of patients in such a short span of time .
You do not have to be the Taiwanese anesthesiologist who invented the Aerosol box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , which his fellow medical colleagues are replicating in countries such as the Philippines to try to protect themselves { 4 } .
You do not have to be South Korea , which has 121 countries seeking their aid in Covid-19 testing { 5 } .
You ’ re not being asked to help sew masks or gowns in countries such as Russia { 6 } , although that will help .
Don ’ t fall sick from Covid-19 , by resorting to preventive measures as if you have already been infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowing when to be civic-minded , knowing how to react mentally and emotionally and physically in a pandemic is vital { 7 } , and sharing accurate information in our highly-interconnected complex reality worldwide is always welcome .

Dateline: April 2, 2020
Accept as a fact the entire world is now a contaminated space and respect it as such. Starting with that view takes the guesswork out of everything you need to do. Normal people thrive in much more hazardous environments than this on a daily basis because they respect that fact.
::::::::
Understanding the new environment
[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]ou've heard the US Surgeon General saying, "We should be acting as if we have the virus" to flatten the curve? How is this simple statement hugely relevant to protecting your loved ones and other people, helping medical staff in Malaysia and other countries desperately short of necessary protective equipment, doctors forming Facebook groups on social media to exchange advice on how to keep current patients alive based on their grim failures, and saving doctors in countries such as Philippines and Italy?
I used to build decontamination chambers and work in hazardous environments, hence I'm familiar with hazmat protocols, including locked high radiation situations. People working in hazardous environments do so confidently because of the knowledge ensuring they can perceive their world without fear and the simple steps they take, to keep both them and their families safe.
If you perceive the world the same way, you take the fear of the unknown out of the equation and are taking all the proactive steps that are possible.
Fear of the unknown is the worst enemy you can have today. How you should react to Covid-19 is the unknown. While we don't know how the outbreak will turn out, there are reasonable, common sense, industry-proven concepts that can replace the stress this unknown brings. It can be done at little to no expense.
It is common sense that all information is subordinate to medical and government pronouncements. It is irresponsible to ignore those because the situation is rapidly developing. We are still at the beginning.
Beyond that, there are no caveats to applying best practices.
Divide the world into 3 parts. Contaminated space-Decontamination space Clean area
Accept as a fact the entire world is now a contaminated space and respect it as such. Starting with that view takes the guesswork out of everything you need to do. Normal people thrive in much more hazardous environments than this on a daily basis because they respect that fact.
Never forget some people will not try to understand or accept basic facts about this hazardous environment enough to take safeguards and protect themselves and you don't know who they are.
Decontaminated space is needed because you want to minimalize even the remote possibility of contamination from the hazardous environment entering your home. Everything outside regardless of the source has to be considered this way before it's brought in. Wipe it down.
The clean area is your home. You diminish the potential of contaminating it by simple steps, nothing extravagant is needed. It is the one place on earth you know that nothing can harm you. Protect it.
This is why people leaving areas with high infection rates are more at risk of contracting the virus than people who don't and are taking precautions. That's aside from becoming a new point of contagion.
The reason is simple. You are moving into areas and are in contact with unknown people and objects assuming they are safe because of geography. All you do in reality is throw all precautions away and move across a contaminated environment without safeguards. Doing so multiplies the odds of contagion by something as simple as touching the wrong doorknob or a gas station pump that a hundred people you don't know did before you.
The only safe place is the clean space you know about. That is the first rule of hazardous environments.
Contaminated Space
Contaminated space is every place in the world outside your home. Contaminated items include everything not already inside your home. Think of it as if you were living in space. Your own capsule (home) is the only safe environment until this subsides. The rest of the world and everything in it is part of a hostile environment (space). People in public space are part of this environment.
As an example, during my teen years in the US, we used to swim in water reservoirs. If the police caught you, the fine was more for swimming in bathing suits or shorts than swimming nude. The reason was the clothing you wore that morning going through public spaces had the potential to pick up and introduce any imaginable pathogen or contaminant into a source of public drinking water.
Every item whether it is your own clothes, wallet, watch, etc becomes part of this hostile environment in the same way as soon as it leaves your home. Have you ever noticed in movies that the white Tyvek suits worn in bad environments are a flat fabric? More detail is more surface area, which is something to consider.
If you start to think this way, you'll limit your exposure and minimalize what you bring into it. If you value something, leave it at home. Not exposing personal items is a common practice for hazardous environment work.
This point isn't about Draconian measures, merely about developing situational awareness in this unusual set of circumstances affecting many countries globally. You decide what's best for you. By creating a smaller footprint, you lessen the potential exposure exponentially.
During quarantines, households could have a designated person dealing with public activities like shopping. Masks should be mandatory if available and social distance practice in public is a must.
Sanitary wipes for hands are in reality a limited use item. Most of the virus stays intact on your hands and spreadable but it is still better than nothing at all. More than 20 seconds of real handwashing with soap and water is the best practice. Obviously, don't touch your face in this environment.
Decontamination space
This is important if you are in a high-risk area. You need to stop the potential at the doorstep so you don't bring contamination into your home. In this case, contamination includes any dirt or dust with the possibility of having the virus clinging to it.
Purchases should be wiped down before they enter your home.
Shoes should stay outside, because of the potential contact they have with the virus from public spaces. Particles on your shoes or clothes can become airborne in a normal environment. An alternate is washing your shoes with alcohol or other disinfectants. Leave them outside anyway.
The best practice would be to have public clothes and in-home clothes. So, change them before entering your home if possible. If not, try to separate clothes worn in public space from the living area and use a disinfectant spray if possible.
Masks should be left outside the living area. Last on the list is washing your hands and face with water before entering your home. This doesn't cost anything to set up. It is all done in a particular order for a reason.
Normally, a decon is 3-chambered. A dirty room where outside clothes are taken off. Next comes a shower where everything and everyone is washed down. Last is a clean room where respirators are taken off. This isn't feasible for most people.
Cleanroom
Take a shower after going to a public place. Try to make sure nothing enters your home without a decontaminating wipe-down first. If you purchased something, assume at least 20 other people you don't know contacted the item on its way to you.
This is where you live. Keep it clean.
The world
With all that said, please do your part and help others. I came across one small effort that should be a model for us all. In Australia, a young couple has elderly neighbors that are at high risk. They had their neighbors put a green sign in the window to indicate they were fine. A red one indicated they needed help, whether it was shopping or whatever.
Helping others do the same will increase the size of the clean areas to consist of your street, neighborhood, and finally city. Within a few weeks, taking these steps will cut the curve on the virus.
The entire world is in this together. By taking simple steps, you can protect yourself. Make sure everyone else around you can also do so. Every part matters. That part is what is going to help slow down the epidemic and make it manageable for doctors and nurses while they find a way through.
Do you think my advice sounds hysterical or irrelevant? Take a close look at what is happening in countries outside USA, Europe and the Middle East. And this is online.
Doctors frantically trying to exchange information online to save current and future patients, using social media groups such as Facebook {1}. Malaysian medical staff desperately short of PPE, therefore using dustbin liners, cling wrap and plastic bags which are clearly inadequate {2}. 61 doctors have died of Covid-19 in Italy, 12 doctors have died of Covid-19 in Philippines {3}. Hospitals in several countries are being overwhelmed by the numbers of patients in such a short span of time.
You do not have to be the Taiwanese anesthesiologist who invented the Aerosol box for anybody to use without profiting off it, which his fellow medical colleagues are replicating in countries such as the Philippines to try to protect themselves {4}. You do not have to be South Korea, which has 121 countries seeking their aid in Covid-19 testing{5}. You're not being asked to help sew masks or gowns in countries such as Russia {6}, although that will help.
Don't fall sick from Covid-19, by resorting to preventive measures as if you have already been infected with the virus. Being responsible includes knowing when to be civic-minded, knowing how to react mentally and emotionally and physically in a pandemic is vital {7}, and sharing accurate information in our highly-interconnected complex reality worldwide is always welcome.
Hope this helps.
{1} https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-24/covid-19-mysteries-yield-to-doctors-new-weapon-crowd-sourcing
{2} https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/03/23/doctors-nurses-turn-to-plastic-bags-cling-wrap-amid-shortage-of-ppe-in-mala/1849203
{3} https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/03/29/12-filipino-doctors-have-died-fighting-at-front-lines-against-coronavirus/
{4} https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2020/03/25/2003733342
{5} https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/coronavirus-covid19-countries-testing-south-korea-12598848
{6} https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/03/31/leaning-on-war-time-history-russian-factories-have-switched-to-sewing-masks-to-combat-coronavirus-a69793
{7} https://virologydownunder.com/past-time-to-tell-the-public-it-will-probably-go-pandemic-and-we-should-all-prepare-now/
(Article changed on April 3, 2020 at 02:26)
(Article changed on April 3, 2020 at 02:47)