COVID-19 Megathread 6: Return of the Omicron

[Hammy]

https://twitter.com/JoePajak/status/1494670238578884614

I recovered from Covid in December. I have none of that.

Long Covid is just propaganda.

People will pull up anything they can to get Biden to send everyone 2,000 dollar checks until covid is eradicated off earth.

Half the stuff on that list I had beforehand. It's worth asking how many people might have ended up with anxiety as a result of the pandemic itself and got worse when they got covid (worrying about the outcome. Anxiety can make you hyperaware of things you may have paid little attention to otherwise.

There was a study that found that the only statistically-significant correlation between covid infection and later symptoms was loss of smell.  And that's very uncommon with Omicron.  The rest of the "long covid" stuff is a faulty correlation of either people blaming covid for something (like fatigue) that maybe they mildly had anyway or even purely psychological due to an expectation of that symptom.

While there is likely less direct Long Covid than discussed, the bold is patently false and has decades of studies showing such--after any viral infection, and certainly not limited to covid, fatigue is a common lasting symptom (in fact chronic fatigue syndrome often results from viral infections, even colds, when it's not digestive-related), as your body is worn out from fighting it.

Calling it a psychological or "due to an expectation" is a gross and seemingly intentional misrepresentation because it doesn't fit with how you want things to be.

[It’s so Joever]

https://twitter.com/JoePajak/status/1494670238578884614

I recovered from Covid in December. I have none of that.

Long Covid is just propaganda.

People will pull up anything they can to get Biden to send everyone 2,000 dollar checks until covid is eradicated off earth.

Half the stuff on that list I had beforehand. It's worth asking how many people might have ended up with anxiety as a result of the pandemic itself and got worse when they got covid (worrying about the outcome. Anxiety can make you hyperaware of things you may have paid little attention to otherwise.

There was a study that found that the only statistically-significant correlation between covid infection and later symptoms was loss of smell.  And that's very uncommon with Omicron.  The rest of the "long covid" stuff is a faulty correlation of either people blaming covid for something (like fatigue) that maybe they mildly had anyway or even purely psychological due to an expectation of that symptom.

How would you even “psyche” yourself into having an abnormal chest x ray showing or diabetes mellitus?

[GregTheGreat657]

We need to repeal all mask mandates ASAP

[T'Chenka]

We need to repeal all mask mandates ASAP

"Need" is a really poor choice of word and factually incorrect. But I understand what you meant.

[Aurelius]

https://twitter.com/JoePajak/status/1494670238578884614

I recovered from Covid in December. I have none of that.

Long Covid is just propaganda.

People will pull up anything they can to get Biden to send everyone 2,000 dollar checks until covid is eradicated off earth.

Half the stuff on that list I had beforehand. It's worth asking how many people might have ended up with anxiety as a result of the pandemic itself and got worse when they got covid (worrying about the outcome. Anxiety can make you hyperaware of things you may have paid little attention to otherwise.

^

I have OCD, which is basically turbocharged anxiety (to simplify an incredible amount) and one time it actually more or less gave me dysphagia, with no underlying cause, when I was obsessing over a fear of choking on food. Took months to fade away. The human brain is a weird thing and we still barely understand it.

[Never Made it to Graceland]

https://twitter.com/JoePajak/status/1494670238578884614

I recovered from Covid in December. I have none of that.

Long Covid is just propaganda.

People will pull up anything they can to get Biden to send everyone 2,000 dollar checks until covid is eradicated off earth.

Half the stuff on that list I had beforehand. It's worth asking how many people might have ended up with anxiety as a result of the pandemic itself and got worse when they got covid (worrying about the outcome. Anxiety can make you hyperaware of things you may have paid little attention to otherwise.

There was a study that found that the only statistically-significant correlation between covid infection and later symptoms was loss of smell.  And that's very uncommon with Omicron.  The rest of the "long covid" stuff is a faulty correlation of either people blaming covid for something (like fatigue) that maybe they mildly had anyway or even purely psychological due to an expectation of that symptom.

Was this from the same scientist who told you dinosaurs coexisted with humans?

[Frodo]

That's a clever use by Gov. Jared Polis of a traditionally conservative talking point:

Democratic governor says party should push masks and vaccines 'as a matter of personal responsibility'

[Roll Roons]

That's a clever use by Gov. Jared Polis of a traditionally conservative talking point:

Democratic governor says party should push masks and vaccines 'as a matter of personal responsibility'

Imagine where Biden's standing would be if he took cues from Polis.

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

That's a clever use by Gov. Jared Polis of a traditionally conservative talking point:

Democratic governor says party should push masks and vaccines 'as a matter of personal responsibility'

Imagine where Biden's standing would be if he took cues from Polis.
[/quote

 Polls LIE about Incumbent and we lead on GCB 42/34 I'm IPSOS  WE'RE GONNA WIN MI, pA and WI no matter what it's only a dream that Rs have that it's a 2010 Election where they sweep and our candidates are better than 2010 in MI, PA and WI, EVERS, Shapiro and Whitmer are gonna win Provisional ballots 135K of themput us on top in a VBM election that favor D's, Biden already said the polls LIE, 135k did on Fri a week after Nov 2020 Election

I know about provisional ballots Observed as election judge from 2002/12

RS criticize Abrams for not wearing a mask and Trump never wears a mask in public  and he caught COVID and Trump is trying to comeback in 24, LOL

[Hermit For Peace]

Once again our Governor Newsom is displaying forward thinking. (I'm starting to think he should run for President.)

California Governor Gavin Newsom broke new ground by announcing Thursday that his state would be the first to treat Covid-19 as an endemic risk. Though the word "endemic" doesn't mean much to most Americans, it marks an important shift in pandemic strategy.

"We are moving past the crisis phase into a phase where we will work to live with this virus,"

This change turns the attention of public policy toward prevention and containment. Rather than lockdowns and mask mandates, the "SMARTER Plan," as Newsom has called it, adopts a philosophy of government flexibility and adaptability. The hope is that Californians can move forward with their lives -- attending school, going to work, enjoying social and civic settings -- but do so while prepared to aggressively tackle new outbreaks of the virus when they occur.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/18/opinions/california-covid-endemic-risk-strategy-future-national-policy-zelizer/index.html

[GregTheGreat657]

I fail to understand why Biden is holding off on starting to oppose mask mandates. We are clearly in a space where mask mandates are not necessary, and they are quite unpopular at this point.

[Calthrina950]

I fail to understand why Biden is holding off on starting to oppose mask mandates. We are clearly in a space where mask mandates are not necessary, and they are quite unpopular at this point.

As I said earlier, the CDC is supposed to be updating its mask recommendations, as early as this week. I assume that is the reason why so many businesses, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Biden White House, have been holding out. Of course, that in itself tells you how much influence the CDC actually has, which is considerable.

[GregTheGreat657]

I fail to understand why Biden is holding off on starting to oppose mask mandates. We are clearly in a space where mask mandates are not necessary, and they are quite unpopular at this point.

As I said earlier, the CDC is supposed to be updating its mask recommendations, as early as this week. I assume that is the reason why so many businesses, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Biden White House, have been holding out. Of course, that in itself tells you how much influence the CDC actually has, which is considerable.

I'd say we need to stop allowing the CDC to have this much power over our lives

[Calthrina950]

I fail to understand why Biden is holding off on starting to oppose mask mandates. We are clearly in a space where mask mandates are not necessary, and they are quite unpopular at this point.

As I said earlier, the CDC is supposed to be updating its mask recommendations, as early as this week. I assume that is the reason why so many businesses, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Biden White House, have been holding out. Of course, that in itself tells you how much influence the CDC actually has, which is considerable.

I'd say we need to stop allowing the CDC to have this much power over our lives

That's not going to happen under this Administration. Yes, there's the argument that the CDC should make the best recommendations according to science, but the reality is that those recommendations have been treated as akin to law by so many, and they will only change their behaviors if the CDC gives them the "okay" to do so.

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

My biggest question is whether the administration will let the TSA mask mandate expire in March 18 or extend it again.

[Bandit3 the Worker]

My jaw hit the floor a few days ago when New Mexico immediately lifted all its mask mandates, including in schools. My jaw crashed clear through the floor when even a big city like Albuquerque lifted its mask mandate in schools.

If I had to guess, I'd say there's a very good chance the TSA will lift its mask mandate.

[T'Chenka]

the reality is that those recommendations have been treated as akin to law by so many, and they will only change their behaviors if the CDC gives them the "okay" to do so.

Sounds like a bunch of reasonable people that believe in science and scientists.

[Calthrina950]

the reality is that those recommendations have been treated as akin to law by so many, and they will only change their behaviors if the CDC gives them the "okay" to do so.

Sounds like a bunch of reasonable people that believe in science and scientists.

It's not just science alone. Many of these businesses and institutions are clinging to mask mandates for liability and publicity reasons. They want to guard themselves against lawsuits from employees and students who may become ill, and they want to satisfy customers who are insistent on safety protocols. It's not that they truly care for their employees or their students.

[T'Chenka]

the reality is that those recommendations have been treated as akin to law by so many, and they will only change their behaviors if the CDC gives them the "okay" to do so.

Sounds like a bunch of reasonable people that believe in science and scientists.

It's not just science alone. Many of these businesses and institutions are clinging to mask mandates for liability and publicity reasons. They want to guard themselves against lawsuits from employees and students who may become ill, and they want to satisfy customers who are insistent on safety protocols. It's not that they truly care for their employees or their students.

Those customers, employees and lawsuits will not be such a big cause for mandates once the CDC changes their recommendation. So, what's the problem? People want to be safe and the CDC has not quite yet recommended dropping masks.

[Calthrina950]

the reality is that those recommendations have been treated as akin to law by so many, and they will only change their behaviors if the CDC gives them the "okay" to do so.

Sounds like a bunch of reasonable people that believe in science and scientists.

It's not just science alone. Many of these businesses and institutions are clinging to mask mandates for liability and publicity reasons. They want to guard themselves against lawsuits from employees and students who may become ill, and they want to satisfy customers who are insistent on safety protocols. It's not that they truly care for their employees or their students.

Those customers, employees and lawsuits will not be such a big cause for mandates once the CDC changes their recommendation. So, what's the problem? People want to be safe and the CDC has not quite yet recommended dropping masks.

As I've said before, the vast majority of customers where I work are no longer wearing masks. This is also true for many other businesses. Moreover, many of the employees themselves resent wearing masks, and do not wear them when they are on break or on the clock. They would gladly be free of them if the mandate were to be dropped. Again, it's not fair to employees to be laid under such a mandate, when customers are not subjected to a similar requirement.

[T'Chenka]

the reality is that those recommendations have been treated as akin to law by so many, and they will only change their behaviors if the CDC gives them the "okay" to do so.

Sounds like a bunch of reasonable people that believe in science and scientists.

It's not just science alone. Many of these businesses and institutions are clinging to mask mandates for liability and publicity reasons. They want to guard themselves against lawsuits from employees and students who may become ill, and they want to satisfy customers who are insistent on safety protocols. It's not that they truly care for their employees or their students.

Those customers, employees and lawsuits will not be such a big cause for mandates once the CDC changes their recommendation. So, what's the problem? People want to be safe and the CDC has not quite yet recommended dropping masks.

As I've said before, the vast majority of customers where I work are no longer wearing masks. This is also true for many other businesses. Moreover, many of the employees themselves resent wearing masks, and do not wear them when they are on break or on the clock. They would gladly be free of them if the mandate were to be dropped. Again, it's not fair to employees to be laid under such a mandate, when customers are not subjected to a similar requirement.

Some companies trust the CDC to give good health advice, some don't. You are free to go and work for a company that doesn't listen to the CDC. Also, it isn't the CDC's fault that some states or businesses have failed to listen to their advice. You can either blame your state or other companies for getting rid of masks, OR blame your company for NOT getting rid of masks, but blaming the CDC is illogical.

[Horus]

the reality is that those recommendations have been treated as akin to law by so many, and they will only change their behaviors if the CDC gives them the "okay" to do so.

Sounds like a bunch of reasonable people that believe in science and scientists.

It's not just science alone. Many of these businesses and institutions are clinging to mask mandates for liability and publicity reasons. They want to guard themselves against lawsuits from employees and students who may become ill, and they want to satisfy customers who are insistent on safety protocols. It's not that they truly care for their employees or their students.

Those customers, employees and lawsuits will not be such a big cause for mandates once the CDC changes their recommendation. So, what's the problem? People want to be safe and the CDC has not quite yet recommended dropping masks.

As I've said before, the vast majority of customers where I work are no longer wearing masks. This is also true for many other businesses. Moreover, many of the employees themselves resent wearing masks, and do not wear them when they are on break or on the clock. They would gladly be free of them if the mandate were to be dropped. Again, it's not fair to employees to be laid under such a mandate, when customers are not subjected to a similar requirement.

Some companies trust the CDC to give good health advice, some don't. You are free to go and work for a company that doesn't listen to the CDC. Also, it isn't the CDC's fault that some states or businesses have failed to listen to their advice. You can either blame your state or other companies for getting rid of masks, OR blame your company for NOT getting rid of masks, but blaming the CDC is illogical.

This is a libertarian argument.

[Calthrina950]

the reality is that those recommendations have been treated as akin to law by so many, and they will only change their behaviors if the CDC gives them the "okay" to do so.

Sounds like a bunch of reasonable people that believe in science and scientists.

It's not just science alone. Many of these businesses and institutions are clinging to mask mandates for liability and publicity reasons. They want to guard themselves against lawsuits from employees and students who may become ill, and they want to satisfy customers who are insistent on safety protocols. It's not that they truly care for their employees or their students.

Those customers, employees and lawsuits will not be such a big cause for mandates once the CDC changes their recommendation. So, what's the problem? People want to be safe and the CDC has not quite yet recommended dropping masks.

As I've said before, the vast majority of customers where I work are no longer wearing masks. This is also true for many other businesses. Moreover, many of the employees themselves resent wearing masks, and do not wear them when they are on break or on the clock. They would gladly be free of them if the mandate were to be dropped. Again, it's not fair to employees to be laid under such a mandate, when customers are not subjected to a similar requirement.

Some companies trust the CDC to give good health advice, some don't. You are free to go and work for a company that doesn't listen to the CDC. Also, it isn't the CDC's fault that some states or businesses have failed to listen to their advice. You can either blame your state or other companies for getting rid of masks, OR blame your company for NOT getting rid of masks, but blaming the CDC is illogical.

This is very patronizing on your part, and you are not the first person on here who has told me this. I can't just up and leave my job, and neither can many other people. It's not that easy or as simple as you make it. And what would be the purpose, since so many employers still have these mandates in force? Are you seriously advocating that we keep employees perpetually masked, even if there is no such requirement for the general public? Why should there be such a distinction?

[It’s so Joever]

the reality is that those recommendations have been treated as akin to law by so many, and they will only change their behaviors if the CDC gives them the "okay" to do so.

Sounds like a bunch of reasonable people that believe in science and scientists.

It's not just science alone. Many of these businesses and institutions are clinging to mask mandates for liability and publicity reasons. They want to guard themselves against lawsuits from employees and students who may become ill, and they want to satisfy customers who are insistent on safety protocols. It's not that they truly care for their employees or their students.

Those customers, employees and lawsuits will not be such a big cause for mandates once the CDC changes their recommendation. So, what's the problem? People want to be safe and the CDC has not quite yet recommended dropping masks.

As I've said before, the vast majority of customers where I work are no longer wearing masks. This is also true for many other businesses. Moreover, many of the employees themselves resent wearing masks, and do not wear them when they are on break or on the clock. They would gladly be free of them if the mandate were to be dropped. Again, it's not fair to employees to be laid under such a mandate, when customers are not subjected to a similar requirement.

Some companies trust the CDC to give good health advice, some don't. You are free to go and work for a company that doesn't listen to the CDC. Also, it isn't the CDC's fault that some states or businesses have failed to listen to their advice. You can either blame your state or other companies for getting rid of masks, OR blame your company for NOT getting rid of masks, but blaming the CDC is illogical.

This is very patronizing on your part, and you are not the first person on here who has told me this. I can't just up and leave my job, and neither can many other people. It's not that easy or as simple as you make it. And what would be the purpose, since so many employers still have these mandates in force? Are you seriously advocating that we keep employees perpetually masked, even if there is no such requirement for the general public? Why should there be such a distinction?

This is literally how the free market works.

[Calthrina950]

the reality is that those recommendations have been treated as akin to law by so many, and they will only change their behaviors if the CDC gives them the "okay" to do so.

Sounds like a bunch of reasonable people that believe in science and scientists.

It's not just science alone. Many of these businesses and institutions are clinging to mask mandates for liability and publicity reasons. They want to guard themselves against lawsuits from employees and students who may become ill, and they want to satisfy customers who are insistent on safety protocols. It's not that they truly care for their employees or their students.

Those customers, employees and lawsuits will not be such a big cause for mandates once the CDC changes their recommendation. So, what's the problem? People want to be safe and the CDC has not quite yet recommended dropping masks.

As I've said before, the vast majority of customers where I work are no longer wearing masks. This is also true for many other businesses. Moreover, many of the employees themselves resent wearing masks, and do not wear them when they are on break or on the clock. They would gladly be free of them if the mandate were to be dropped. Again, it's not fair to employees to be laid under such a mandate, when customers are not subjected to a similar requirement.

Some companies trust the CDC to give good health advice, some don't. You are free to go and work for a company that doesn't listen to the CDC. Also, it isn't the CDC's fault that some states or businesses have failed to listen to their advice. You can either blame your state or other companies for getting rid of masks, OR blame your company for NOT getting rid of masks, but blaming the CDC is illogical.

This is very patronizing on your part, and you are not the first person on here who has told me this. I can't just up and leave my job, and neither can many other people. It's not that easy or as simple as you make it. And what would be the purpose, since so many employers still have these mandates in force? Are you seriously advocating that we keep employees perpetually masked, even if there is no such requirement for the general public? Why should there be such a distinction?

This is literally how the free market works.

You're saying that it's perfectly acceptable for the general public to go about maskless, being served upon or helped by masked employees? What purpose does that achieve?