global pandemic

[Headache in a Suitcase]

This debate has raged for decades.

It's been fairly one sided

 

[LuckyNumber7]

I spent 5 days in the ICU a long time ago. The bill was $40k+. After insurance, I paid out of pocket a fraction of that. I had a plan I purchased on my own independent of an employer. I’ve pretty much always been a freelancer.

It was only billed at 40k+ to pay the shareholders.

 

[LuckyNumber7]

Do you have to have a really good insurance plan to cover that or would most people (those that have insurance), have some cover in relation to that?



I've worked in an ICU. I know how expensive an admission is but it is not something people generally have to worry about here. Though prioritisation of the health service here is an inevitability at the moment.

Basically (and it’s more complex than this), if you are given an ICU bill you’re going to get the majority of it covered. It’s the deductible that matters. Like car insurance. They’ll write you your $25,000 bill and you’ll owe your deductible. Probably $5000-10000.

Obamacare helped poor people avoid that.

Many people still suffer some multiple-thousand-dollar debt crisis for going to the hospital.

 

[anitram]

As I said earlier, the least affected group (thankfully) are children. The working theory is that because coronaviruses are the main group of respiratory viruses that circulate through daycares and schools, the kids' immune systems kick in right away. By age 25-30 you have lost this immunity which is why it's hitting adults harder.

Logically then, parents of young children who have been exposed and have likely caught most things their kids bring home (in the last 4 years I have basically had some form of respiratory illness and norovirus for 6-7 months of the year) will also have increased immunity. The largest group of infected but asymptomatic or very mild cases are women aged 30-50. This supports the theory further, because most of those are mothers who have higher exposure rates than fathers, for various reasons. Women also typically have considerably lower rates of smoking.

So if you're a child or a parent (better yet, mother) of young-ish children and yourself under the age 50, your odds of developing a serious case are really quite low.

We are also lucky that it is already almost mid-March and by end of April, the cold/flu season in the northern hemisphere comes to an end. The best odds of dealing with this long term is to hope a vaccine emerges before late fall of this year.

Of course then the question becomes - what will be the level of compliance? We had this discussion at the corporate level - you cannot force employees to vaccinate for human rights reasons, but given that fewer than 50% of adults vaccinate against the flu, it stands to reason that compliance rates for coronavirus will also not be anywhere close to what's needed for herd immunity.

 

[gump]

As I said earlier, the least affected group (thankfully) are children. The working theory is that because coronaviruses are the main group of respiratory viruses that circulate through daycares and schools, the kids' immune systems kick in right away. By age 25-30 you have lost this immunity which is why it's hitting adults harder.

Logically then, parents of young children who have been exposed and have likely caught most things their kids bring home (in the last 4 years I have basically had some form of respiratory illness and norovirus for 6-7 months of the year) will also have increased immunity. The largest group of infected but asymptomatic or very mild cases are women aged 30-50. This supports the theory further, because most of those are mothers who have higher exposure rates than fathers, for various reasons. Women also typically have considerably lower rates of smoking.

So if you're a child or a parent (better yet, mother) of young-ish children and yourself under the age 50, your odds of developing a serious case are really quite low.

We are also lucky that it is already almost mid-March and by end of April, the cold/flu season in the northern hemisphere comes to an end. The best odds of dealing with this long term is to hope a vaccine emerges before late fall of this year.

Of course then the question becomes - what will be the level of compliance? We had this discussion at the corporate level - you cannot force employees to vaccinate for human rights reasons, but given that fewer than 50% of adults vaccinate against the flu, it stands to reason that compliance rates for coronavirus will also not be anywhere close to what's needed for herd immunity.

Well my 1-year old son has been in daycare for the last 7 months and we have all been sick throughout so I'm hoping I have developed proper defenses...

 

[MrsSpringsteen]

Good idea to keep Trump away from the coronavirus press conference today. His presence there is not helpful.

 

[Bluer White]

Vice President Pence and company seem to be carrying out their given task the best they can.

 

[MrsSpringsteen]

Cognitive dissonance though, advising to stay away from large crowds but still holding campaign rallies. And advising against shaking hands while still shaking hands. Pence said in our business we shake hands. These are important optics in this virus situation, not to mention the risks. I wonder what Biden and Sanders are doing re rallies and hand shaking.

By the way when Trump was a "businessman" he was notorious for not shaking hands. He was a germophobe.

 

[LuckyNumber7]

Cognitive dissonance though, advising to stay away from large crowds but still holding campaign rallies. And advising against shaking hands while still shaking hands. Pence said in our business we shake hands. These are important optics in this virus situation, not to mention the risks. I wonder what Biden and Sanders are doing re rallies and hand shaking.



By the way when Trump was a "businessman" he was notorious for not shaking hands. He was a germophobe.

Biden and Sanders both cancelled their rallies today

 

[MrsSpringsteen]

Biden and Sanders both cancelled their rallies today

Thanks for the info, that was a smart decision. Trump's ego needs his rallies. Wouldn't be surprised if he says something like Bernie and Biden cancelled because hardly any one would show up anyway. And look at all my people showing up for ME!

 

[Irvine511]

Vice President Pence and company seem to be carrying out their given task the best they can.

Hopefully he’ll manage this better than the 2015 HIV outbreak in Indiana.

 

[dazzledbylight]

Unfortunately the moronavirus is still in the WH

and saw the photoshop pic later

I feel like people are falling into one of two extremes.

The idiots who are buying out Costco's entire stock of toilet paper (are they expecting diarrhea?).

And then people who don't care at all.

The proper response is something in the middle - we SHOULD all wash hands and clean surfaces better. Use latex or nitrile gloves on public transit. If you are flying, disinfect arm rests, buttons, tray table, etc with Lysol as soon as you get on the flight, watch your kids so they're not putting everything in their mouth, and have food/drinks and your prescription drugs on hand for 2 weeks if you have to quarantine. Invest in a good/accurate digital thermometer. Masks are a good idea to have in the event you're in a heavy quarantine but have to go out to buy something, etc.

In this case a response in the middle is usually the way to go.

A friend of mine goes on a lot of cruises - he just had one canceled, for obvious reasons, and was given a full credit for a future cruise - which he used one significantly nicer cruise because the prices have dropped so low.

He plans on continuing this practice until he can more or less get an entire ship to himself.

Thoughts and prayers.

oh, snerk!

My wife and I rely on one of the most crowded subway lines in NYC basically everyday, and it's driving me insane. My work has just mandated 3 days a week of telecommute, but my wife still needs to go everyday.

I would be a lot of money that NYC will look like Italy about a week from now.

In amount of sick people, or semi-ghostown aspects?

May every Republican who whored themsleves over to this vulgar orange carnival barker go down with him.

Yep. I'm sick and tired of hearing them anonymously telling people how "concerned" and "frustrated" they are about Trump. The GOP-led Senate had their chance to do the right thing a couple months ago. Trump's advisers or any other officials around him could've talked to other members of the GOP about how to get him out of here if they're that concerned. They could do the whole 25th Amendment thing, if need be, or something.
Bottom line, they need to either put up or shut up. And if they continue to stand around and twiddle their thumbs and let Trump trample over everything as he does, then as you rightly note, they deserve to pay the price right alongside him.

From that article MrsSpringsteen shared:

Oh, how we all wish he'd chosen to do anything else other than run for president...

I just saw a clip of him saying this on Colbert's show. On the one hand I shouldn't be shocked, 'cause, Trump, but on the other hand...there aren't enough cuss words in the world to express my thoughts on that. Shut. The hell. Up. You asshole.

THIS!

i hear ya - i keep forgetting to look up curse words in other languages b/c some my English/American ones don't always cut it anymore!

My Dad is in a facility so I'm really worried about him. He has COPD and other serious health issues. I think it's time for me to stop visiting and it breaks my heart to do that.

My brother is diabetic and also a hypochondriac. He's been sending me non stop texts about how terrified he is of this virus, that's the word he uses. One cough or sneeze and he'll be convinced he has it.

He's a nightmare to deal with, that's just the truth. He used to put all this stuff on our poor mother and it was very detrimental to her.

Sent him an email last night and gave him some advice. You can't tell him anything though, he knows it all.

MrsS so sorry you have these added stressors! I hope they'll be ok. Can at least make phone calls o your dad?

Maybe I’m being stupid, but I’m living with no actual fear. I ride the NYC subways for more than 90 minutes a day. I take Amtrak trains at 3 hours a trip on the weekends. I’m still seeing all the theater I can (saw two last weekend, one tonight). I’m washing my hands and sanitizing with probably triple the frequency, but I was always pretty obsessive about it because of the subway. And I pop vitamins like it’s my job.

I haven’t had so much as a cold this winter. I don’t have either elderly or (to my knowledge) immunocompromised people in my immediate circle. I’m just not that worried.

Should I be? Honestly wondering.

I think you should be careful, but not go overboard.

If you haven't had a cold this winter that's a good sign.
I'm almost 67. I haven't the flu since i was
16 in HS, and never ad a flu shot. about 2 1/2 wks ago my sis asked me if I'd get one and i will. Haven't yet b/c i am on the easing off on the end of a sinus infection however i get one of these oh, every 10 - 13ish months for 20+ years vs the 2-3 i got with waaay worse symptoms when in was in my 20s - mid 30s! I learned to take better care at the start of symptoms, and during its course, used some homeopathic stuff, more Vit C, emergen-C, more herbs and spices etc.
Currently I can sometimes travel on subway during less crowded times, too. And i will limit my travel somewhat.

Hopefully he’ll manage this better than the 2015 HIV outbreak in Indiana.

One can hope...

Good Luck MrsS, lm, and gump & your wife.

 

[Headache in a Suitcase]

https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/...ause-of-coronavirus?__twitter_impression=true

 

[Jerry Dunk]

Thank you to President Donald J. Trump for thinking of fracking executives at this crucial moment.

 

[Vlad n U 2]

Before I get called a libby dumbo millennial I will reiterate that I endorse no political school of thought

One of the benefits of communism (and authoritarianism too) is the ability to mobilize your workforce. China is far more capable of cracking down and controlling its people.

When Florida (accidentally, supposedly) issued self isolation for all international travelers, my mother (in Ireland right now) quite literally told me “I’m not doing that.” Who will stop her?

China can force its people to comply to some extent. They’re better equipped in that sense, too.

In the US it will spread slower but it’s way harder to contain, especially without centralization of efforts.

Agree on the communism aspect of China. I was reading an article this morning discussing that since they have such a strong state presence in their every day life, they were extremely efficient in controlling the population. It appears to have worked, so far.

That isn't going to happen here. I think we are two weeks away from this really becoming a disaster. Hospitals are going to fill up.

Agreed on the authoritarianism aspect, although I'd hate to be 'that guy' and say that apart from name China is a wholly capitalist state and doesn't retain that many socialist characteristics.

 

[Irvine511]

 

[LuckyNumber7]

Agreed on the authoritarianism aspect, although I'd hate to be 'that guy' and say that apart from name China is a wholly capitalist state and doesn't retain that many socialist characteristics.

Well on the international stage, for sure they’re huge capitalists. Domestically it always seems like a mixed bag, with elements of all three.

 

[BEAL]

https://twitter.com/adamserwer/status/1237680918350966784?s=21

I do hope that if we get new leadership in 2021 that whoever is behind all of this gets investigated and thrown in prison.

 

[Hewson]

Well, at least we can gamble without fear:

March 11, 2020

Dear Person Who's Money We Want More Than We Care About Your Health

The health and safety of our guests and team members will always be our most important consideration. As you know from the news, COVID-19, or coronavirus, has become a more widespread concern. Our thoughts are with those affected. We want to share information with you about our efforts to keep our guests, team members, and community safe and healthy.

We are carefully monitoring the situation with the Chief Medical Officer of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, national experts, and local authorities.

In addition to following the guidelines from the CDC, we have taken preventative measures including:
• Foxwoods Resort Casino has added over 330 hand sanitizing stations and sanitizing wipes throughout the complex.
• We have created a core cleaning team dedicated to increasing the frequency of disinfecting slot machines, door handles, table games, escalator rails, table tops, chairs, and other high-volume touch points.
• As part of our ongoing and continuing team member training, we are reminding team members through multiple channels about frequent hand washing. We have posted signage in key employee areas and have provided additional hand sanitizer dispensers as well.
• We are recommending that our team members stay home if they feel unwell. We also provide free, on-site flu shots for all our team members annually.
• We are encouraging guests who are ill to seek medical attention and to avoid public exposure as much as possible. We have established protocols in place to help guests get the medical attention they may need, as well as sanitation guidelines should a guest become ill on property.

We remain open for business with no current cancellations of player events or entertainment and will continue to respond with safety as our top priority.

We appreciate your business and loyalty to Foxwoods Resort Casino. We are committed to implementing recommendations from health authorities to give you peace of mind as you visit our property now and in the future.

Sincerely,

John J. James
President & CEO
Foxwoods Resort Casino

 

[TheFox]

Good luck everyone. These will be some of the darkest times we've lived through.

 

[Headache in a Suitcase]

https://twitter.com/frntofficesport/status/1237817507974656000?s=19

The smart kids get it

 

[MrsSpringsteen]

The Encore casino in Boston is going to take the temperature of everyone there before allowing them in. Hope they properly sterilize the thermometer after every person.

 

[anitram]

The Encore casino in Boston is going to take the temperature of everyone there before allowing them in. Hope they properly sterilize the thermometer after every person.

They have no-touch ones now. Game changer for those of us still remembering the old days!

 

[Headache in a Suitcase]

No fans at NCAA games

 

[DaveC]

The Encore casino in Boston is going to take the temperature of everyone there before allowing them in. Hope they properly sterilize the thermometer after every person.

they're using rectal thermometers to give their guests the experience of how their wallet feels after a night at the casino.

 

[MrsSpringsteen]

They have no-touch ones now. Game changer for those of us still remembering the old days!

I know they do but somehow I still think they should sterilize them. Accidental contact and just healthy practice. It's just bizarre to me, never thought I'd see the days of human temp monitoring at a casino.

 

[MrsSpringsteen]

Baseball is starting soon, probably no fans at those games either. Bizarro world we are living in.

I read that people are still going to movies accdg to the box office numbers. I hadn't been to a theater for weeks only because it's a lull time for new movies/anything I find worth seeing. Yesterday I wanted to see that new Ben Affleck movie. $5 Tuesday. But my anxiety was bad and I thought of wiping down the reclining seat with Lysol wipes and how weird I'd feel doing that. And how much people seem to cough in movie theaters. So I didn't go. Of course I sit in those seats all the time with no Lysol wipes and I know they don't clean them.

And I'm a person who flew across the country two months after 9/11, and went to see The Joker a few days after the mass shooting at that movie.

 

[BEAL]

Must own libs till very end....


https://twitter.com/public_citizen/status/1237819685456023552?s=21

 

[Irvine511]

Lovely. I saw the new Virginia Woolf on Broadway last Friday, and one of the ushers who was working now has it.

So fun.

 

[TheFox]

Anyone reading the stories from Italy? It sounds horrific. What's terrifying is thats what all of us can expect soon.