Covid-19 discussion and humor thread [Was: CDC says don't touch your face to avoid Covid19...Vets to the rescue!

[Bob in Mich]

15 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

(without fans permitted)

 

 

You know, if they don't need to accommodate fans, the major leagues could probably rent much less expensive fields/arenas to play in than these traditional venues.  Just sayin

[Figster]

19 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I'm afraid this is opaque to me, especially the last part.

 

What I would like to point out is that the very political leaders who have been referring to mask-wearing as "a personal choice, and I chose not to" (that's Missouri's (R) governor, for one), making an analogy between taking protective measures such as mask-wearing and "cowering in fear...." and who say we don't need more testing, seem to have undergone a "Sea Change" now that Covid-19 has been found close at THEIR hands.

 

1) The White House staff are all being tested every day.  Every. Single. Day.  All visitors are tested before entering. 

2) Now that a couple of the staff have tested positive, what's the first action?  ORDER THAT EVERYONE WEAR MASKS in the West Wing (except Pres. Trump).

 

Maybe what the American people need, is what their leaders are prescribing for themselves:

1) More testing, especially for high-risk sectors like nursing home residents and those who care for them.  Why can't THEY get tested every day?

2) Everybody mask up in public and at work, to protect each other.

 

Your mask protects me.  My mask protects you.  How can that "meet in the middle" if you're unwilling to take that step to protect me and mine? 
It seems to me like trying to create a pee-free zone in a swimming pool, it just doesn't work.

On some things there could and IMO should be discussion: "if we require masks and limit # of people, can we safely open the gyms? small retail shops?" etc.

 

Maybe we should pay a bit more attention to what steps our leaders are taking to protect themselves (making everyone around them wear masks - no "personal choice", Do It; getting everyone around them tested daily), and less attention to their rhetoric.

 

Oh, and on testing  .... this site can be sorted by tests/1M population.  On a per capita basis, US testing is less than Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, Italy, New Zealand, Russia, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and about the same as UK.  We have improved dramatically - credit where credit is due - but to say we're leading the world is misleading, at best.    And while it's easier to be tested, it's considered pretty amazing that NYS announced nursing home workers would be tested 2x a week and that first responders can get tested 1x; in many states, this is NOT happening.

Myself personally, preparations for a possible 2nd wave needs to begin now. Regardless of all the mixed signals on mask protection people are going to protest. You can count on it. Regardless of how hard we try to enforce social distancing people are going to gather in close quarters. You can count on it. Its happening right now, as we speak. We can't all walk around wearing masks forever. I have no problem walking among people without a mask If the people without a mask have had Covid 19, quarantined, and are testing negative. I have my mask and regardless of all the mixed signals it does protect me.

 

The point I was trying to make Hapless is If protesters are going to march through the streets without wearing a mask I would prefer they were asked to join a program that was geared to test new idea's /applications. Pay them for their services. Enter these same protesters into a Herd immunity testing project after they have had Covid 19 and allow them to go about their daily businees without a mask. (clearly indicated and tested daily)

 

Part of the problem becomes part of the solution...  

[Punching Bag]

Just put them in hospitals with COVID-19 patients until they become part of the herd with either disease or antibodies.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

48 minutes ago, Figster said:

 

The point I was trying to make Hapless is If protesters are going to march through the streets without wearing a mask I would prefer they were asked to join a program that was geared to test new idea's /applications. Pay them for their services. Enter these same protesters into a Herd immunity testing project after they have had Covid 19 and allow them to go about their daily businees without a mask. (clearly indicated and tested daily)

 

Part of the problem becomes part of the solution...  

 

That's actually not a bad idea.  It wasn't at all clear to me from what you wrote before.

One of my things from the start has been to employ many unemployed restaurant/hospitality workers as contact tracers.  Most (not all) people who are successful as servers in the restaurant business have pretty good people skills - they are friendly and can put people at ease because they learn quickly they get bigger tips if they do.  A good number from what I've seen have some college education, and wait tables because they can earn good $$ that way while pursuing their passion for theatre, art, music, whatever.

 

I could be wrong, but I don't think even as the country opens up people will be rushing out to fill restaurants and theatres.  They want to get their hair done, they want to work themselves, they also don't want to get sick or have more risk of getting sick.

So part of the problem (unemployed) also become part of the solution (needed contact tracers).  Kind of like a covid-19 CCC movement (covid contact corps?)

 

 

[Bob in Mich]

5 minutes ago, Limeaid said:

Just put them in hospitals with COVID-19 patients until they become part of the herd with either disease or antibodies.

Yeah, love it!  How bout we make em wear hats with horns too so we all know who is part of the herd?  Or, wait, branding!

[Figster]

52 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

That's actually not a bad idea.  It wasn't at all clear to me from what you wrote before.

One of my things from the start has been to employ many unemployed restaurant/hospitality workers as contact tracers.  Most (not all) people who are successful as servers in the restaurant business have pretty good people skills - they are friendly and can put people at ease because they learn quickly they get bigger tips if they do.  A good number from what I've seen have some college education, and wait tables because they can earn good $$ that way while pursuing their passion for theatre, art, music, whatever.

 

I could be wrong, but I don't think even as the country opens up people will be rushing out to fill restaurants and theatres.  They want to get their hair done, they want to work themselves, they also don't want to get sick or have more risk of getting sick.

So part of the problem (unemployed) also become part of the solution (needed contact tracers).  Kind of like a covid-19 CCC movement (covid contact corps?)

 

 

I like the sound of transparency the name brings.

 

Turning problems into solutions...

 

...I like it...

Edited May 13, 2020 by Figster

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Just now, Figster said:

I like the sound of transparency the name brings.

 

Actually most contact tracing takes place via phone these days, so no actual contact necessary except when, no phone.

[Punching Bag]

3 minutes ago, Bob in Mich said:

Yeah, love it!  How bout we make em wear hats with horns too so we all know who is part of the herd?  Or, wait, branding!

 

Only if horns are satyr horns which match their attitude.

[Bob in Mich]

2 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Actually most contact tracing takes place via phone these days, so no actual contact necessary except when, no phone.

 

How can that work with so much phone fraud these days?  I would not trust someone on the phone claiming to be a contact tracer. How do they prove they are legitimate?

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Mask observations and opinions by retired USN Chief Warrant Officer Jim Wright.  A bit salty (well, what would you expect?)
 

I had to go to the store yesterday.

I wear a mask, like responsible people do. Mine's a professionally made cloth mask with a replaceable N-95 insert.

I got a dozen derisive looks from unmasked men as I crossed the parking lot. I wondered how well they'd be able to smirk plugged into a ventilator and breathing through a tube and about a gallon of their own snot.

It apparently never occurred to any of these manly Truck Nutz that *I* might be positive for the virus and that the mask I wore was protecting THEM. Because, a) despite copious information on this subject over the last five months, these drooling lowbrows STILL don't understand how PPE works, and b) because their version of manhood is based on TV shows where they think the thuggish dimwitted bully is the actual hero of the story -- like, you know, The Apprentice. These idiots are the product of a culture that ties identity to consumption. Their sense of self-worth is vested entirely in the size of their truck and how many guns they own and how long they can maintain an erection even if they have to order illegal Viagra from Mexico.

Inside the store, I noted more than a dozen people who were sort of half-ass wearing masks, pushed down onto their chins covering their mouths but not their noses. One woman had a mask bunched up over her nose, but NOT HER MOUTH -- figure that out.

Then there was the guy who was wearing a mask correctly ... but stopped to pull it down so he could SNEEZE.

That's right. He pulled the mask down, sneezed without covering his mouth, wiped his nose on the back of his hand, and then put the mask back on and continued with his shopping.

But most of the people in the store were not wearing any protection at all and never even looked up when Sneezy blew snot into the air they were breathing.

Me? I'm not positive for the virus.

I was going to say, "Of course, I'm not positive for the virus," but that's the thing, isn't it?

It's NOT "of course."

I say I'm not positive, but I haven't been tested. What I should say is that I'm not symptomatic.

That's the thing, that, right there. You don't know. You can't know. Not without being tested in real-time.

Looking at somebody in the store, unless they're coughing up lung tissue, you don't know.

They could be positive, they could be asymptomatic, every breath they breathe out could be blowing millions of live virus particles into the air. That could be YOU.

You don't know. You CAN'T know. Until it's too late.

That's whole point here. You don't know.

If you don't suspect EVERYBODY of being a potential source of infection, INCLUDING YOURSELF, and take the appropriate precautions, this thing is never going to end.

You might not give a ***** NOW, but sooner or later it's going to be somebody you care about.

It's not the guy in the mask that's at risk, it's YOU.

It's not the guy in the mask that's a risk to everybody else, it YOU.

Or at least not just that guy. It's you. You wear a mask not for yourself, but for everybody ELSE.

We're nearly six months into a global pandemic and you shouldn't have to be told this. You shouldn't have to told what community is. You shouldn't have to be told what personal responsibility is.

You should goddamned well know by now.

The virus doesn't care how big your truck is, or your dick, and all the guns in the world won't kill it.

Put your damn mask on. And wear it correctly. And start thinking about others instead of just your own goddamn self. BE responsible.

Do it.

[section122]

On 5/11/2020 at 10:42 PM, Hapless Bills Fan said:

It seems to me that NBC there is deliberately trying to frame the news in an alarming way.  Color me "unimpressed" by the journalism and integrity of NBC news here.  I haven't watched network news programs in almost 20 years, ever since reading Gavin de Becker's excellent book "The Gift of Fear".  Doesn't look as though I'm missing anything.

 

First Hapless thank you for all of the information you have put in this and other threads.  It has been clear and unbiased and very much appreciated.

 

I work in human resources in the health care field.  I field daily calls about something one of my staff has seen on the news and what are we going to do about it.  The amount of fear mongering has risen to a level that I can't abide.  As you said they aren't lies but they are stretched truths.  I direct all of my employees to visit the cdc and doh websites for information.  It is a sad state we are in that I can't tell them to watch the news as well.  It became clear to me that this is just another opportunity for ratings without a care for the real life consequences of their reports.  

[Figster]

15 minutes ago, Bob in Mich said:

 

How can that work with so much phone fraud these days?  I would not trust someone on the phone claiming to be a contact tracer. How do they prove they are legitimate?

Good question,

 

Security and privacy issues are already a problem when it comes to Covid 19. 

[K-9]

27 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

Mask observations and opinions by retired USN Chief Warrant Officer Jim Wright.  A bit salty (well, what would you expect?)
 

I had to go to the store yesterday.

I wear a mask, like responsible people do. Mine's a professionally made cloth mask with a replaceable N-95 insert.

I got a dozen derisive looks from unmasked men as I crossed the parking lot. I wondered how well they'd be able to smirk plugged into a ventilator and breathing through a tube and about a gallon of their own snot.

It apparently never occurred to any of these manly Truck Nutz that *I* might be positive for the virus and that the mask I wore was protecting THEM. Because, a) despite copious information on this subject over the last five months, these drooling lowbrows STILL don't understand how PPE works, and b) because their version of manhood is based on TV shows where they think the thuggish dimwitted bully is the actual hero of the story -- like, you know, The Apprentice. These idiots are the product of a culture that ties identity to consumption. Their sense of self-worth is vested entirely in the size of their truck and how many guns they own and how long they can maintain an erection even if they have to order illegal Viagra from Mexico.

Inside the store, I noted more than a dozen people who were sort of half-ass wearing masks, pushed down onto their chins covering their mouths but not their noses. One woman had a mask bunched up over her nose, but NOT HER MOUTH -- figure that out.

Then there was the guy who was wearing a mask correctly ... but stopped to pull it down so he could SNEEZE.

That's right. He pulled the mask down, sneezed without covering his mouth, wiped his nose on the back of his hand, and then put the mask back on and continued with his shopping.

But most of the people in the store were not wearing any protection at all and never even looked up when Sneezy blew snot into the air they were breathing.

Me? I'm not positive for the virus.

I was going to say, "Of course, I'm not positive for the virus," but that's the thing, isn't it?

It's NOT "of course."

I say I'm not positive, but I haven't been tested. What I should say is that I'm not symptomatic.

That's the thing, that, right there. You don't know. You can't know. Not without being tested in real-time.

Looking at somebody in the store, unless they're coughing up lung tissue, you don't know.

They could be positive, they could be asymptomatic, every breath they breathe out could be blowing millions of live virus particles into the air. That could be YOU.

You don't know. You CAN'T know. Until it's too late.

That's whole point here. You don't know.

If you don't suspect EVERYBODY of being a potential source of infection, INCLUDING YOURSELF, and take the appropriate precautions, this thing is never going to end.

You might not give a ***** NOW, but sooner or later it's going to be somebody you care about.

It's not the guy in the mask that's at risk, it's YOU.

It's not the guy in the mask that's a risk to everybody else, it YOU.

Or at least not just that guy. It's you. You wear a mask not for yourself, but for everybody ELSE.

We're nearly six months into a global pandemic and you shouldn't have to be told this. You shouldn't have to told what community is. You shouldn't have to be told what personal responsibility is.

You should goddamned well know by now.

The virus doesn't care how big your truck is, or your dick, and all the guns in the world won't kill it.

Put your damn mask on. And wear it correctly. And start thinking about others instead of just your own goddamn self. BE responsible.

Do it.

This article causes more concern than any “fear mongering” (whatever that is) report put out by NBC or any other outlet. 

[spartacus]

20 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Perhaps you could provide more information about what "tests are not reliable" and what companies are releasing kits based upon 50-100 person trials?

 

The diagnostic tests (RT-PCR) are being quite carefully monitored.

I'm not aware of anyone releasing diagnostic tests based upon 50-100 person trials, nor any hospitals/public health departments using such tests.

 

I have no idea what you mean by "forcing maximum testing on the public".  If you work at the White House or wish to visit President Trump, you are forced to get a test; most places of which I'm aware, people would like more testing to be available, especially for their elders and elder caregivers, and nothing is being "forced on the public".

 

The antibody testing is considered "informational" so it's being handled differently, but the graphs being presented and the discussion around testing in different countries is all about diagnostic testing.

 

I think this implication that testing is not important because the diagnostic tests are unreliable or released upon very limited datasets is misleading, but I'll await your sources and further information.

Accuracy of COVID-19 tests coming to market uncertain

https://www.startribune.com/accuracy-of-covid-19-tests-coming-to-market-uncertain/569570582/

blurbs from the article

“A Star Tribune review of hundreds of pages of regulatory filings from the first 30 rapid tests to detect COVID-19 found that most test makers are doing the bare minimum amount of validation work before putting their wares in clinicians’ hands.”

“Most of the 30 or so lab-based rapid-detection tests that detect genetic traces of the virus were validated using 30 “contrived” samples of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 — not a clinical trial with hundreds of specimens from real patients, federal filings show. “

“Federal records show that the Mesa and Abbott Labs point-of-care tests were validated by scoring 100% accuracy on 30 positive samples and 30 negative samples. “

 

 

 

 

[Figster]

After going into the yellow phase here in Erie County, Pa 5 days ago I'm happy to report only one new confirmed case since yesterday. Over a quarter of a million people in our County with 123 confirmed cases. 100 of them have quarantined and gone on to test negative. The kind of numbers we would like to see everywhere.

 

Before entering the yellow phase there was talk of our county becoming a role model for other counties in the hard hit state of Pa.

 

We shall see...

 

  

[GoBills808]

20 minutes ago, Figster said:

After going into the yellow phase here in Erie County, Pa 5 days ago I'm happy to report only one new confirmed case since yesterday. Over a quarter of a million people in our County with 123 confirmed cases. 100 of them have quarantined and gone on to test negative. The kind of numbers we would like to see everywhere.

 

Before entering the yellow phase there was talk of our county becoming a role model for other counties in the hard hit state of Pa.

 

We shall see...

 

  

What's testing % like in your area?

[Figster]

5 minutes ago, GoBills808 said:

What's testing % like in your area?

From memory I want to say 4%,

 

Don't quote me on it though...

[GoBills808]

1 minute ago, Figster said:

From memory I want to say 4%,

 

Don't quote me on it though...

I think that’s really good 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

11 hours ago, Bob in Mich said:

 

How can that work with so much phone fraud these days?  I would not trust someone on the phone claiming to be a contact tracer. How do they prove they are legitimate?

 

How does it work now for you to perform transactions by phone?   

Do you completely avoid this?

Do you receive test results from a physician, laboratory, or vet? 

Make any sort of financial transactions?

Order merchandise or food?

 

I'll tell you how it works for me. 

I call them, using a number from my records or an independent lookup (ie not one that was left for me in an answering machine message or sent in an email)

If someone who says they're my doctor or financial advisor calls me, I listen to what they say, I may answer a low-value question or two, I don't give out personal information

 

I would imagine it could work similarly - when you get a test, you get a tracking number.  When someone calls you with results, they verify that tracking number.  If your test is positive, you are given a follow-up web link or phone number to call.  You call and enter the tracking number, you are not required to give personal information - the point is to help other people by figuring out where you've been and with whom, not to determine your name rank and serial number.

I'm not particularly concerned if someone knows which stores I visited when or what people I had dinner with - maybe I'm naive, but that seems like pretty low-value info to me

If they want actual personal or financial information from me though, Good Luck with that.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

7 hours ago, Figster said:

From memory I want to say 4%,

 

Don't quote me on it though...

 

Good memory

 

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Cases.aspx

 

Considering two major interstates run through ya, that's good

 

 

[Lurker]

https://gnrmerch.com/collections/clothing/products/live-n-let-die-with-covid-45-t-shirt?variant=31623707066466

 

All proceeds to charity...

 

[TheBrownBear]

Well, I can confirm Covid-19 is real.  Got my positive test yesterday.  Stay safe friends.

[Punching Bag]

12 minutes ago, TheBrownBear said:

Well, I can confirm Covid-19 is real.  Got my positive test yesterday.  Stay safe friends.

 

I hope you got it the fun way with mouth to mouth transmission.

[Simon]

16 minutes ago, TheBrownBear said:

Well, I can confirm Covid-19 is real.  Got my positive test yesterday.  Stay safe friends.

Hang in there, brother.

[Buffalo Bills Fan]

5 hours ago, TheBrownBear said:

Well, I can confirm Covid-19 is real.  Got my positive test yesterday.  Stay safe friends.

 

Stay safe man

[Hapless Bills Fan]

5 hours ago, TheBrownBear said:

Well, I can confirm Covid-19 is real.  Got my positive test yesterday.  Stay safe friends.

 

Sending you positive thoughts for a mild case...it may not help but drink lots of hot tea and take vitamin D

 

My friend's 90 yr old dad, multiple health problems including obesity and hypertension, tested positive two weeks ago tomorrow.

He seems to be OK...a bit lethargic.  He is in isolation in the nursing home where he lives.  Family is not allowed to visit him or even bring him items he needs like hearing aid batteries.  The home is dealing with 49 positive covid-19 patients and 19 positive staff and have no time to communicate with family members.

 

Extremely stressful

[TheBrownBear]

Thanks guys.  Pretty mild so far.  Just some light muscle aches, fatigue, chills, mild cough and headache.  It's nothing I wouldn't have continued to work through (or exercise during) in another time and place.  So far, it's nothing close to as bad as having the flu, though that could obviously change.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

2 minutes ago, TheBrownBear said:

Thanks guys.  Pretty mild so far.  Just some light muscle aches, fatigue, chills, mild cough and headache.  It's nothing I wouldn't have continued to work through (or exercise during) in another time and place.  So far, it's nothing close to as bad as having the flu, though that could obviously change.

 

My best advice is be very very careful if you recover, and THEN start to feel bad again with cough/trouble breathing/lack of energy.  That seems to be the danger point where some people's immune system goes bug***** and overreacts.  Try to get your hands on a pulse oximeter and monitor oxygen levels along with temperature.

 

(Man those suckers have soared in price but may be worth it if in your budget)

[BuffaloBillsGospel]

8 hours ago, TheBrownBear said:

Well, I can confirm Covid-19 is real.  Got my positive test yesterday.  Stay safe friends.

 

TheBrownBear I was just tested positive today, we can be Covid buds if you want? LOL

 

I only have mild symptoms so far also. 

 

Stay safe my brothers from other mothers and sisters from other misters!!!! 

[Sundancer]

Very happy for Florida Jon in Jax. I hope every state reopens with great success. I’m rooting hardest for the states reopening fastest. Who wouldn’t be?!?

[BUFFALOKIE]

THAT IS ALL,

 

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, Sundancer said:

Very happy for Florida Jon in Jax. I hope every state reopens with great success. I’m rooting hardest for the states reopening fastest. Who wouldn’t be?!?

 

Can anyone tell me what's up with Liberty, Hamilton, and Jackson county in Florida?  Looks like they're having a bit of a boom (panhandle counties)

[Nelius]

Interview with Von Miller about his Covid experience, didn't see this posted - https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/13/von-miller-coronavirus-experience-nfl-season/

 

TLDR - mask up, take seriously. He also says he caught it at home after locking down, that seems very important.

Edited May 15, 2020 by Nelius

[ExiledInIllinois]

2 hours ago, BUFFALOKIE said:

THAT IS ALL,

 

 

Yet... His heart gave out at 71.  In his defense, he probably  didn't  want  us to cry for  him.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

On 5/13/2020 at 12:30 PM, spartacus said:

Accuracy of COVID-19 tests coming to market uncertain

 

https://www.startribune.com/accuracy-of-covid-19-tests-coming-to-market-uncertain/569570582/

blurbs from the article

 

 

“A Star Tribune review of hundreds of pages of regulatory filings from the first 30 rapid tests to detect COVID-19 found that most test makers are doing the bare minimum amount of validation work before putting their wares in clinicians’ hands.”

 

“Most of the 30 or so lab-based rapid-detection tests that detect genetic traces of the virus were validated using 30 “contrived” samples of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 — not a clinical trial with hundreds of specimens from real patients, federal filings show. “

 

“Federal records show that the Mesa and Abbott Labs point-of-care tests were validated by scoring 100% accuracy on 30 positive samples and 30 negative samples. “

 

I really appreciate you coming back here and giving your source, @spartacus, so I wanted to wait until I had a minute to give a careful reply.

 

the TL;DR summary:

1) more than one thing can be true at once

2) the FDA is, sadly, doing a piss-poor job of regulating covid-19 tests.  I looked it up: their actual standard is 5 positive and 5 negative tests. 

3) that said, this article is NOT a very well written article, and IMO fits the profile of "alarmist journalism".  The author misunderstands a couple things, and states a very unreasonable assumption. 

 

First, to frame the discussion a little bit: we need to understand that fundamentally, many of the diagnostic (virus-detecting) tests filing for EUA from various hospital and university labs, are the same test.  They are often using the same primers and the same amplification conditions as the CDC-designed test.  They may be using a different polymerase, or a different machine, or some other minor change.  So they're required to file EUA basically to show "hey, it works for us, too".  Under that circumstance, it's not intrinsically unreasonable to set a low bar and just have labs show "I got this" rather than having them do a whole dog-n-pony show. 

 

But IMO, having started out setting an unreasonable and unrealistic high bar (for example, initially the FDA demanded that any lab developing a test show it wouldn't react to MERS and SARS, highly-contagious diseases that the CDC refused to send samples of to test developers - for good reason!!!!), after they were justly criticized for that the FDA dropped the bar onto the floor and went too far in the other direction.  5 positive and 5 negative tests is just way too low.

That said, while I didn't look at every single filing (and that seems to be an outdated list somehow, tests that I know have sought and received EUA aren't on there), I looked at a bunch, and most of these test developers have done considerably more than the minimum. (I don't think the author looked at them all, nor understood them, frankly).

 

About the "contrived samples": the author implies this as a negative.  In the context of filing, it's simply a technical term saying they altered samples in one of several ways, rather than working 100% with current clinical samples.  Maybe we can lure @BillsFanNC or one of the guys who has developed diagnostics to talk about this, but there are good and valid reasons to do this during test development. 

1) you are developing the test in a lab that doesn't meet the safety standards to work with live, infectious human pathogens - so you do your development work and initial tests in a safer way, by using frozen negative patient swabs and spiking them with viral RNA

2) you want to focus on the limit of detection so that you ensure you have a good test.  For a clinical sample, the viral titer is unknown - you can obtain a more challenging sample set if you work with spiked samples where you spike with RNA just over your LOD.

3) if you work with actual clinical samples for all your development, you're actually just replicating the good and bad work of existing clinical tests.  There is benefit in working de novo with samples that you have high confidence are actually negative (they date before the virus emerged) and that you know are positive (because you spiked them).

 

So some test developers used contrived samples, then verified using a limited number of FDA-required actual clinical samples.  As a development strategy, this has merit, but the article makes it sound sketchy.

 

Ordinarily, yes, clinical tests undergo a long development period and extensive clinical trials.  But that's clearly (IMO) an unrealistic expectation during a pandemic.  For one thing, everyone is dipping out of the same limited pot of reagents.  If test developers have to run thousand-sample clinical trials depleting the supply of reagents, that's not a good thing.  For another, time is of the essence here.

Now let's get to the part that really bothers me: "Mayo Clinic researchers warned Thursday that inaccurate test results may drive a “second wave” of infections involving people who spread the virus after a test falsely indicates they don’t have it."

 

This really has nothing to do with new tests on the market!!!!!  First off, this is true of any of the covid-19 tests, including the CDC test!  People who get tested need to understand that the best tests in the world have a false negative rate.  It may have nothing to do with the test itself.  Maybe the swab didn't get deep enough or swab  well enough.  Maybe it was stored improperly.  Maybe the person in question was early enough in their infection that they didn't have enough virus in their throat.  Maybe the virus had moved on, and was living in their lungs or intestine.  Frankly, it's a failure of the medical profession, of public health, and of journalism if we don't ram home the message that a negative test ONLY MEANS YOU WERE NEGATIVE AT THAT TIME.  If you have symptoms or known exposure, you MUST continue to take precautions.   Distance.  Wear a mask.

 

And finally, even if the test is a true negative, you may be infected tomorrow.

 

That's why the whole thing about mask-wearing is so important.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BillsFan4]

17 hours ago, Nelius said:

Interview with Von Miller about his Covid experience, didn't see this posted - https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/13/von-miller-coronavirus-experience-nfl-season/

 

TLDR - mask up, take seriously. He also says he caught it at home after locking down, that seems very important.

Yeah this was from April.

 

Here’s the original story:

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29050030/broncos-von-miller-tried-take-every-precaution-caught-virus

 

I can’t find the other story I was looking for. It had more details. He was having someone come in to service his fish tanks once a week. Had a couple teammates over. A plumber. His brother was in and out. His assistant too.

 

So my guess is that someone probably brought it into his house.

[Punching Bag]

1 hour ago, BillsFan4 said:

Yeah this was from April.

 

Here’s the original story:

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29050030/broncos-von-miller-tried-take-every-precaution-caught-virus

 

I can’t find the other story I was looking for. It had more details. He was having someone come in to service his fish tanks once a week. Had a couple teammates over. A plumber. His brother was in and out. His assistant too.

 

So my guess is that someone probably brought it into his house.

 

I remember about the fish tanks.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

4 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Yeah this was from April.

 

Here’s the original story:

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29050030/broncos-von-miller-tried-take-every-precaution-caught-virus

 

I can’t find the other story I was looking for. It had more details. He was having someone come in to service his fish tanks once a week. Had a couple teammates over. A plumber. His brother was in and out. His assistant too.

 

So my guess is that someone probably brought it into his house.

 

That's the whole achilles heel of this covid-19 thing

 

We have "essential workers" who are generally in an economic position of needing to work to make rent and buy food

They typically don't have paid sick time or paid quarantine time

So their self-interest aligns with not getting tested and if sick, to drug themselves up and keep working as long as possible

These are typically the most public-facing jobs: retail workers in grocery stores, cleaners and aides in hospitals,

 

Von Miller is young and healthy and this nibbled him on the butt; in the case of nursing home residents who are extremely vulnerable, this is totally cray-cray

 

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

In honor of @BuffaloBillsGospel and @TheBrownBear

Wishing you health and a quick recovery!

 

 

 

[K-9]

An article on the growing friction between the administration and the CDC. Not happy with CDC data, then hire another data collection firm, I guess. If that doesn’t cause concern, then you don’t have a pulse. 

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/growing-friction-between-white-house-cdc-hobbles-pandemic-response/2020/05/15/0e63978e-9537-11ea-82b4-c8db161ff6e5_story.html
 

Quote

Last month, the government awarded an unusual $10.2 million contract to a Pittsburgh information technology company, TeleTracking Technologies, to collect data on available hospital beds, hospital capacity, covid-19 patients and deaths caused by the coronavirus — information it already receives from the CDC.