International COVID-19 Megathread

[Sir Mohamed]

LOL

https://twitter.com/axios/status/1441020329862864903

[Sir Mohamed]

Japan is going to lift restrictions:

https://twitter.com/axios/status/1442846005708431376

[Sir Mohamed]

Austria moving into a 20 day lockdown for everyone and an universal vaccine mandate starting in February.

If Germany had balls, we would do the same.

Is this the 1st Western country with an universal vaccine mandate? How are they going to enforce that? It'll be interesting to witness here.

[Sir Mohamed]

If Germany had balls, we would do the same.

No, this is really not a good idea.

Zero Covid is dead, we are all going to have to learn to live with it to a degree.

Yes!

I encourage all citizens of countries with lockdowns to stand up to their government and over throw their government if necessary.

You realize that the only way out of lockdowns is a high immunity rate? That said, I think general vaccine mandates should only be ultima ratio as a very last ressort, but seems like everything else has failed here? At least they're doing something.

And before anyone says "just leave unvaccinated on their own", remember this: When more of a quarter of the population doesn't have immunity, the hospitals will collapse when the virus is just left to "run its course". And when hospitals are collapsing, patients with non-Covid diseases will suffer or die as well. Delta variant requires 85-90% immunity rate before the pandemic will actually come to an end.

[Sir Mohamed]

If Germany had balls, we would do the same.

No, this is really not a good idea.

Zero Covid is dead, we are all going to have to learn to live with it to a degree.

Yes!

I encourage all citizens of countries with lockdowns to stand up to their government and over throw their government if necessary.

You realize that the only way out of lockdowns is a high immunity rate? That said, I think general vaccine mandates should only be ultima ratio as a very last ressort, but seems like everything else has failed here? At least they're doing something.

And before anyone says "just leave unvaccinated on their own", when more of a quarter of the population doesn't have immunity, the hospitals will collapse when the virus is just left to "run its course". And when hospitals are collapsing, patients with non-Covid diseases will suffer or die as well.

You do realize there will never be lockdowns or any restrictions ever again in the United States, right? One of the reasons Virginia Governor was lost by Democrats was over fear of pandemic restrictions.

I am fine with mask mandates (I mask myself) and vaccine mandates but closing down businesses is never going to work in the United States. It just pushes gatherings to less regulated private homes or big box stores.

This was related to Austria, but still no different here. The virus doesn't care about politics, and the pandemic here and anywhere else won't end before herd immunity is reached. It's just basic science and math.

[Sir Mohamed]

I bet SirMohamed has not left his house even one time since March 2020 and is probably waiting until Covid is completely eradicated off earth before leaving his house next.

Funny he is probably screaming against everyone who is leaving their homes while someone who has to leave their home to doordash all his needs and wants on his doorstep.

I see, you try to make this personal, which is kind of ridiculous. I'm fully vaccinated and will take a booster shot next month. What I'm doing is taking some precautionary steps like wearing medical masks in indoor stores and indoor restaurants while not sitting at the table, work mostly remote and avoid larger gatherings. I'm not that worried about myself or my wife, but I have no desire to spread the virus to anyone more at risk than myself.

The entire point here is that some places like Austria, parts of the Netherlands and Germany, the virus spread has apparently gotten out of control to a point where hospitals are on the brink of collapse. We have to live with the virus, but when too many - mostly unprotected - people get infected at the same time, too many will actually become sick and need ICU treatment. How are hospitals supposed to deal with this? Doesn't matter? Tell that to medical personell which already understaffed and underpaid. Or to the cancer patient, who can't get treated in time. At some point these countries have to measure their options and at least impose contact restrictions for unvaccinated people.

If 85-90% are vaccinated or have immunity, the problem wouldn't exist. As long that isn't reached, the virus will continue to spread in fast pace and cause major problems for hospitals.

[Sir Mohamed]

It looks like the new variant is resistant to vaccines, so it's rather disturbing that it's not being covered in the news much.

Resistant is for sure not correct. It's likely the vaccines are somewhat less effective since they were "designed" for the orginial virus. It was always clear the vaccines need to be adjusted at some point; Pfizer said they can do so in a matter of 6 weeks if necessary.

At this early stage, there's not sufficient data for the new variant. It's concerning, though not the time for panic.

[Sir Mohamed]

It amazing how orderly people die in Russia, virtually the same number every day.  What a country!

What I find most stunning about Russia is the low vaccination rate. Usually you would expect more people to follow Putin's wishes. May actually be a strong indicator that he's actually not very popular despite his "election results".

Those who live by disseminating misleading propaganda may also die by it. Literally even, in this case.

Which is actually hilarious, Putin's own propaganda coming back to haunt him.

[Sir Mohamed]

B-but........Zero Covid!!

It was never a realistic approach.