COVID-19 Megathread 6: Return of the Omicron

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

Again, the fact we don’t have a mask mandate everywhere in the US which is strictly enforced is outrageous. There is no economic harm from a mask mandate, and it greatly will reduce our transmission.

How would you enforce it?

Fine people who don't follow the requirements.

Who would impose the fine?

What would happen if someone refused to pay the fine?

You couldn’t really do it at an individual level.  I suppose you could do something like requiring work places to implement it, and then have OSHA conduct inspections of those workplaces and fine those that are not enforcing it.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

I wonder how many dumbs think Biden is already President and has solved coronavirus. That isn't going to help.

[Beet]

This is going parabolic. It'd be nice to think that Trump still cares about fighting the pandemic but we have the next two and a half months with a complete lame duck who doesn't give a cr#@! about anyone but himself.

[Dr. Arch]

The updated numbers for COVID-19 in the U.S. are in for 11/7 per: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/

I'm keeping track of these updates daily and updating at the end of the day, whenever all states finish reporting for that day.

ΔW Change: Comparisons of Weekly Day-to-day Growth or Decline of COVID-19 Spread/Deaths.

• IE: Comparing the numbers to the same day of last week, are we flattening the curve enough?

Σ Increase: A day's contribution to overall percentage growth of COVID-19 cases/deaths.

• IE: What's the overall change in the total?

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10/25: <Sunday>

• Cases: 8,889,179 (+61,247 | ΔW Change: ↑35.73% | Σ Increase: ↑0.69%)
• Deaths: 230,510 (+442 | ΔW Change: ↓1.34% | Σ Increase: ↑0.19%)

10/26: <M>

• Cases: 8,962,783 (+73,604 | ΔW Change: ↑6.88% | Σ Increase: ↑0.83%)
• Deaths: 231,045 (+535 | ΔW Change: ↑8.74% | Σ Increase: ↑0.23%)

10/27: <T>

• Cases: 9,037,951 (+75,168 | ΔW Change: ↑19.29% | Σ Increase: ↑0.84%)
• Deaths: 232,085 (+1,040 | ΔW Change: ↑13.54% | Σ Increase: ↑0.45%)

10/28: <W>

• Cases: 9,121,800 (+83,849 | ΔW Change: ↑28.69% | Σ Increase: ↑0.93%)
• Deaths: 233,137 (+1,052 | ΔW Change: ↓17.23% | Σ Increase: ↑0.45%)

10/29: <Þ>

• Cases: 9,212,767 (+90,967 | ΔW Change: ↑18.40% | Σ Increase: ↑1.00%)
• Deaths: 234,177 (+1,040 | ΔW Change: ↑7.00% | Σ Increase: ↑0.45%)

10/30: <F>

• Cases: 9,316,297 (+103,530 | ΔW Change: ↑21.37% | Σ Increase: ↑1.12%)
• Deaths: 235,159 (+982 | ΔW Change: ↑8.75% | Σ Increase: ↑0.42%)

10/31: <S>

• Cases: 9,402,590 (+86,293 | ΔW Change: ↑6.56% | Σ Increase: ↑0.93%)
• Deaths: 236,072 (+913 | ΔW Change: ↑16.45% | Σ Increase: ↑0.39%)

11/1: <Sunday>

• Cases: 9,473,911 (+71,321 | ΔW Change: ↑16.45% | Σ Increase: ↑0.76%)
• Deaths: 236,471 (+399 | ΔW Change: ↓9.73% | Σ Increase: ↑0.17%)

11/2: <M>

• Cases: 9,567,110 (+93,199 | ΔW Change: ↑26.62% | Σ Increase: ↑0.98%)
• Deaths: 236,983 (+512 | ΔW Change: ↓4.30% | Σ Increase: ↑0.22%)

11/3: <T>

• Cases: 9,693,632 (+126,522 | ΔW Change: ↑68.32% | Σ Increase: ↑1.32%)
• Deaths: 238,656 (+1,673 | ΔW Change: ↑60.87% | Σ Increase: ↑0.71%)

11/4: <W>

• Cases: 9,801,355 (+107,723 | ΔW Change: ↑28.47% | Σ Increase: ↑1.32%)
• Deaths: 239,829 (+1,173 | ΔW Change: ↑11.50% | Σ Increase: ↑1.11%)

11/5: <Þ>

• Cases: 9,919,522 (+118,167 | ΔW Change: ↑29.90% | Σ Increase: ↑1.21%)
• Deaths: 240,953 (+1,124 | ΔW Change: ↑8.08% | Σ Increase: ↑0.47%)

11/6 (Yesterday): <F>

• Cases: 10,058,586 (+139,064 | ΔW Change: ↑52.87% | Σ Increase: ↑1.40%)
• Deaths: 242,230 (+1,277 | ΔW Change: ↑22.79% | Σ Increase: ↑0.53%)

11/7 (Today): <S>

• Cases: 10,182,818 (+124,232 | ΔW Change: ↑43.97% | Σ Increase: ↑1.24%)
• Deaths: 243,257 (+1,027 | ΔW Change: ↑12.49% | Σ Increase: ↑0.42%)

[DabbingSanta]

I'm starting to worry that any vaccine will only provide temporary immunity, and that we'll be stuck wearing these bloody masks and taking all these precautions for the rest of our lives. 130,000 cases in a day, and that is after strict mask mandates and social distancing measures in 36 of the 50 states (including all the major population centers: New York, California, Texas, Illinois).  I do not notice a difference in rates between states which have mandated masks and moved schools online and states that haven't. There is evidence which suggests this will become endemic; it won't just go away.

[Calthrina950]

I'm starting to worry that any vaccine will only provide temporary immunity, and that we'll be stuck wearing these bloody masks and taking all these precautions for the rest of our lives. 130,000 cases in a day, and that is after strict mask mandates and social distancing measures in 36 of the 50 states (including all the major population centers: New York, California, Texas, Illinois).  I do not notice a difference in rates between states which have mandated masks and moved schools online and states that haven't. There is evidence which suggests this will become endemic; it won't just go away.

I hope not. Mask-wearing shouldn't be allowed to become a permanent practice, and I hope that it doesn't become one. That would be a soul-crushing existence. But yes, I've started to become doubtful of the efficacy of mask mandates myself, given the extent to which this virus has exploded out of control. I still think that it has been a necessary measure, but it's not the end-all to this situation.

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

I'm starting to worry that any vaccine will only provide temporary immunity, and that we'll be stuck wearing these bloody masks and taking all these precautions for the rest of our lives. 130,000 cases in a day, and that is after strict mask mandates and social distancing measures in 36 of the 50 states (including all the major population centers: New York, California, Texas, Illinois).  I do not notice a difference in rates between states which have mandated masks and moved schools online and states that haven't. There is evidence which suggests this will become endemic; it won't just go away.

If vaccines only provide temporary immunity, we’ll simply have to take it every year just like the flu shot.  It will probably just be combined with the flu shot, so we won’t even notice.  I don’t really understand why anyone is concerned about this possibility at all.

[Silent Hunter]

I'm starting to worry that any vaccine will only provide temporary immunity, and that we'll be stuck wearing these bloody masks and taking all these precautions for the rest of our lives. 130,000 cases in a day, and that is after strict mask mandates and social distancing measures in 36 of the 50 states (including all the major population centers: New York, California, Texas, Illinois).  I do not notice a difference in rates between states which have mandated masks and moved schools online and states that haven't. There is evidence which suggests this will become endemic; it won't just go away.

I hope not. Mask-wearing shouldn't be allowed to become a permanent practice, and I hope that it doesn't become one. That would be a soul-crushing existence. But yes, I've started to become doubtful of the efficacy of mask mandates myself, given the extent to which this virus has exploded out of control. I still think that it has been a necessary measure, but it's not the end-all to this situation.

Masks don't stop the virus getting through entirely, but they can significantly reduce the amount getting through and so will make any infection weaker.

[Calthrina950]

I'm starting to worry that any vaccine will only provide temporary immunity, and that we'll be stuck wearing these bloody masks and taking all these precautions for the rest of our lives. 130,000 cases in a day, and that is after strict mask mandates and social distancing measures in 36 of the 50 states (including all the major population centers: New York, California, Texas, Illinois).  I do not notice a difference in rates between states which have mandated masks and moved schools online and states that haven't. There is evidence which suggests this will become endemic; it won't just go away.

I hope not. Mask-wearing shouldn't be allowed to become a permanent practice, and I hope that it doesn't become one. That would be a soul-crushing existence. But yes, I've started to become doubtful of the efficacy of mask mandates myself, given the extent to which this virus has exploded out of control. I still think that it has been a necessary measure, but it's not the end-all to this situation.

Masks don't stop the virus getting through entirely, but they can significantly reduce the amount getting through and so will make any infection weaker.

I understand that, and I've made the point myself before, but I've become increasingly weary of the mask mandates as this has dragged on, and I certainly don't want them to become permanent.

[Silent Hunter]

I definitely don't want them permanent either... but I must admit wearing a mask is handy on a cold day.

[DabbingSanta]

I definitely don't want them permanent either... but I must admit wearing a mask is handy on a cold day.

Yes, they are basically light weight scarves and they do wonders keeping your face warm. 😂

Regardless, I think letting the mask mandates expire after this wave would be good.  I hate to say it, but it appears my concerns from the spring have some merit.  These weren't the temporary measures they sold us on.  Now I've read about people suggesting mask wearing is good for the prevention of flu.  Yes, but at what cost?

[Edu]

I definitely don't want them permanent either... but I must admit wearing a mask is handy on a cold day.

Yes, they are basically light weight scarves and they do wonders keeping your face warm. 😂

Regardless, I think letting the mask mandates expire after this wave would be good.  I hate to say it, but it appears my concerns from the spring have some merit.  These weren't the temporary measures they sold us on.  Now I've read about people suggesting mask wearing is good for the prevention of flu.  Yes, but at what cost?

What is the cost of mask wearing apart from being a little annoying?

[Silent Hunter]

I definitely don't want them permanent either... but I must admit wearing a mask is handy on a cold day.

Yes, they are basically light weight scarves and they do wonders keeping your face warm. 😂

Regardless, I think letting the mask mandates expire after this wave would be good.  I hate to say it, but it appears my concerns from the spring have some merit.  These weren't the temporary measures they sold us on.  Now I've read about people suggesting mask wearing is good for the prevention of flu.  Yes, but at what cost?

What is the cost of mask wearing apart from being a little annoying?

Can be a real problem for those who rely on lip reading to understand other people. It's a bit dehumanising too.

[Dr. Arch]

The updated numbers for COVID-19 in the U.S. are in for 11/8 per: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/

I'm keeping track of these updates daily and updating at the end of the day, whenever all states finish reporting for that day.

ΔW Change: Comparisons of Weekly Day-to-day Growth or Decline of COVID-19 Spread/Deaths.

• IE: Comparing the numbers to the same day of last week, are we flattening the curve enough?

Σ Increase: A day's contribution to overall percentage growth of COVID-19 cases/deaths.

• IE: What's the overall change in the total?

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11/1: <Sunday>

• Cases: 9,473,911 (+71,321 | ΔW Change: ↑16.45% | Σ Increase: ↑0.76%)
• Deaths: 236,471 (+399 | ΔW Change: ↓9.73% | Σ Increase: ↑0.17%)

11/2: <M>

• Cases: 9,567,110 (+93,199 | ΔW Change: ↑26.62% | Σ Increase: ↑0.98%)
• Deaths: 236,983 (+512 | ΔW Change: ↓4.30% | Σ Increase: ↑0.22%)

11/3: <T>

• Cases: 9,693,632 (+126,522 | ΔW Change: ↑68.32% | Σ Increase: ↑1.32%)
• Deaths: 238,656 (+1,673 | ΔW Change: ↑60.87% | Σ Increase: ↑0.71%)

11/4: <W>

• Cases: 9,801,355 (+107,723 | ΔW Change: ↑28.47% | Σ Increase: ↑1.32%)
• Deaths: 239,829 (+1,173 | ΔW Change: ↑11.50% | Σ Increase: ↑1.11%)

11/5: <Þ>

• Cases: 9,919,522 (+118,167 | ΔW Change: ↑29.90% | Σ Increase: ↑1.21%)
• Deaths: 240,953 (+1,124 | ΔW Change: ↑8.08% | Σ Increase: ↑0.47%)

11/6: <F>

• Cases: 10,058,586 (+139,064 | ΔW Change: ↑52.87% | Σ Increase: ↑1.40%)
• Deaths: 242,230 (+1,277 | ΔW Change: ↑22.79% | Σ Increase: ↑0.53%)

11/7 (Yesterday): <S>

• Cases: 10,182,818 (+124,232 | ΔW Change: ↑43.97% | Σ Increase: ↑1.24%)
• Deaths: 243,257 (+1,027 | ΔW Change: ↑12.49% | Σ Increase: ↑0.42%)

11/8 (Today): <Sunday>

• Cases: 10,288,480 (+105,662 | ΔW Change: ↑48.15% | Σ Increase: ↑1.04%)
• Deaths: 243,768 (+511 | ΔW Change: ↑28.07% | Σ Increase: ↑0.21%)

[2952-0-0]

This is the second time my Alma Mater made the news for the wrong reasons. Not very proud to be Irish.

Dear Students,

As exciting as last night’s victory against Clemson was, it was very disappointing to see evidence of widespread disregard of our health protocols at many gatherings over the weekend. After consulting with Dr. Mark Fox, St. Joseph County’s Deputy Health Officer, we have determined that we must take the following steps:

Because we are now even more concerned about the potential for contagion in your home communities as you prepare to travel home at the end of the semester, the University will place a registration hold on the record of any student who fails to appear for testing when asked to do so. A registration hold would mean that you are unable to matriculate or register for classes next semester or receive a transcript. This is a change from an earlier communication from Erin Hoffmann Harding and Mike Seamon which stated that those who failed to appear would lose priority status for registration.
Furthermore, you may not leave the South Bend area until you receive the results of your exit test. Again, should we discover that you have left the area, we will place a registration hold on your record.
There will be zero tolerance for any gatherings that do not comport with our health and safety guidelines, on or off campus. Those found responsible for hosting such gatherings will face severe sanctions.
We recognize that such steps may require some to adjust plans and schedules, but these obligations are critical for your health, as well as the health of our campus, our local community, and the communities to which you will travel for break. The grave circumstances of this pandemic compel us to take these exceptional measures.

You will receive additional information about points 1 and 2 above in a separate communication tomorrow morning.

Our football team showed us how to finish strong on Saturday night. Please finish this semester strong by wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, washing your hands and completing your daily health check. Furthermore, as outlined above, you must, if you wish to return as a student in the spring semester, appear for testing when notified and not depart until you receive the test result.

Sincerely,

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President

[Darthpi – Anti-Florida Activist]

New restrictions in Utah as the pandemic spirals out of control there, including a statewide mask mandate: https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/11/08/utah-governor-issue-new/

[Roll Roons]

Despite the recent horrific trends, it appears that the end is in sight: https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/09/health/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-effective/index.html

[Inmate Trump]

Despite the recent horrific trends, it appears that the end is in sight: https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/09/health/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-effective/index.html

Good news.  When a vaccine is available, the trick will be trying to convince the population to get it.  So many right wingers are weird.

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

Despite the recent horrific trends, it appears that the end is in sight: https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/09/health/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-effective/index.html

Good news.  When a vaccine is available, the trick will be trying to convince the population to get it.  So many right wingers are weird.

If right wingers don't want to take the vaccine, that just means fewer right wingers.  I'm not seeing the problem. /jk

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/11/09/pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-effective/

In Pfizer’s 44,000-person trial, there have so far been 94 cases of covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, in people who were not previously infected. Fewer than nine of those cases were among people who received two shots of the vaccine, a strong signal of efficacy.

Even if only the placebo group is getting infected, 94 cases out of a 44,000 person trial seems like a shockingly low number of infections, considering over 1% of the whole US population has been confirmed infected within the last two months, and everyone in the trial is being regularly tested.

[ilikeverin]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/11/09/pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-effective/

In Pfizer’s 44,000-person trial, there have so far been 94 cases of covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, in people who were not previously infected. Fewer than nine of those cases were among people who received two shots of the vaccine, a strong signal of efficacy.

Even if only the placebo group is getting infected, 94 cases out of a 44,000 person trial seems like a shockingly low number of infections, considering over 1% of the whole US population has been confirmed infected within the last two months, and everyone in the trial is being regularly tested.

Presumably, the kinds of people who would be willing to beta test the efficacy of a COVID-19 vaccine would also be the kinds of people who would be taking lots of precautions anyway.

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/11/09/pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-effective/

In Pfizer’s 44,000-person trial, there have so far been 94 cases of covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, in people who were not previously infected. Fewer than nine of those cases were among people who received two shots of the vaccine, a strong signal of efficacy.

Even if only the placebo group is getting infected, 94 cases out of a 44,000 person trial seems like a shockingly low number of infections, considering over 1% of the whole US population has been confirmed infected within the last two months, and everyone in the trial is being regularly tested.

Presumably, the kinds of people who would be willing to beta test the efficacy of a COVID-19 vaccine would also be the kinds of people who would be taking lots of precautions anyway.

Yeah, you're probably right.  I work with a woman who was part of this trial; she's older and has been very strictly quarantining since the start of the pandemic, except for driving about 3 hours each way to the trial location.

[Gass3268]

Despite the recent horrific trends, it appears that the end is in sight: https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/09/health/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-effective/index.html

Wow! Biden has only been President-Elect for 2 days and he's already delivering results! /s

[Holmes]

Despite the recent horrific trends, it appears that the end is in sight: https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/09/health/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-effective/index.html

Wow! Biden has only been President-Elect for 2 days and he's already delivering results! /s

King

[GP270watch]

 It's very good Biden will be President because from what I'm reading this is going to take a massive and co-ordianted logistical effort with state, federal government, and health organizations all working together.

 The problem is he's not President for another roughly 2.5 months. And Covid is going to be very bad in those same months, very bad.

 Biden is currently speaking about the good vaccine news and warning that in the meantime the best thing we can do is wear masks and social distance were appropriate. He is saying this shouldn't be political or partisan but unifying to defeat the spread of the pandemic.