Jump to content

      



























Photo

COVID-19 / Coronavirus updates in Victoria, BC


  • Please log in to reply
26251 replies to this topic

#13081 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,328 posts

Posted 25 February 2021 - 07:17 AM

you do not need to dodge people outdoors.   you are not going to get it from walking near someone.

 

time and viral load is what's needed for transfer.  you get neither walking by someone.


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 25 February 2021 - 07:18 AM.


#13082 Mike K.

Mike K.
  • Administrator
  • 83,184 posts

Posted 25 February 2021 - 08:23 AM

I appreciate you telling me the obvious but it actually mostly telling me something about yourself.

 

If you're willing to travel to California to get the vaccine, then a walk on the beach should be a walk in the park.


  • lanforod likes this

Know it all.
Citified.ca is Victoria's most comprehensive research resource for new-build homes and commercial spaces.


#13083 amor de cosmos

amor de cosmos

    BUILD

  • Member
  • 7,116 posts

Posted 25 February 2021 - 08:42 AM

A modeling study suggests a majority of adult COVID-19 hospitalizations nationwide are attributable to at least one of four pre-existing conditions: obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure, in that order.
https://www.eurekale...s-set022321.php
 

As newly developed vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are being rolled out worldwide, several regions have seen the rise of vaccine hesitancy or unwillingness. This is to a large extent fuelled by fears about the potentially serious adverse effects of the vaccines.
 
A new preprint on the medRxiv* server provides a timely answer to many of these fears, by reporting on the results of an analysis of over 31,000 vaccine recipients with respect to immediate adverse effects, reported within 21 days, of the first and/or second doses of the vaccine.

*snip*

Real-time AI-driven analysis

The need to evaluate the real-time safety and efficacy of these vaccines in the broad world population drove the current study. The method they chose was the analysis of patient information derived from electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Earlier, these researchers had set up an algorithm to select and categorize patient data from HER, in order to obtain a cohort of vaccinated patients tested for COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with clinically-matched unvaccinated controls.

This was used in the current study to acquire information on real-world vaccine safety in over 31,000 patients who were vaccinated through the Mayo Clinic and its associated centers.

The differences in evaluating vaccine-associated adverse effects in and outside a clinical trial vary in the number and types of adverse effects reported. In the first setting, volunteers were encouraged to report any adverse effect, while in the second, only those effects that are tolerably severe are likely to be reported to the physician, as the patient must take an additional effort to book a consultation in such a case.

The study matches the vaccine recipients to matched controls, helping to adjust the adverse effects reported in terms of context and other factors.

*snip*

What are the implications?

The low rates of reported symptoms are attributed to their mildness, in most cases, as well as to the fact that healthcare practitioners are likely to make up a large part of the vaccinated group due to their prioritization during the vaccination campaign. As such, being familiar with the expected adverse effects, they are less likely to report them unless unexpectedly or intolerably severe.

This does not apply to serious issues, including anaphylaxis, which are more likely to be documented because of the need for emergency care. These were also not more frequently reported in the study.

The researchers conclude that their findings support the safety and tolerability of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, providing a better foundation for their rapid and broad-based distribution.

https://www.news-med...2-vaccines.aspx

Neuroinvasiveness of SARS-CoV-2 shown by viral RNA and inflammation in the brain
https://www.news-med...-the-brain.aspx
 

The first step in coronavirus infection is for the virus to enter cells. For this entry, the spike proteins on the outside of the SARS-CoV virus must reposition. Scientists know the position of the “inactive” and “active” states of the spike proteins of both the SARS-CoV-1 and -2 viruses, but Moradi and colleagues wanted to study how the spikes moved from one position to another and the dynamics of those movements. They turned to molecular simulations, performed at the Texas Advanced Computing Center and the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center.

 

“We discovered in these simulations that SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 have completely different ways of changing their shape, and on different time scales,” Moradi says. “SARS-CoV-1 moves faster, it activates and deactivates, which doesn’t give it as much time to stick to the human cell because it’s not as stable. SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand, is stable and ready to attack,” he added.

 

There is a region at the tail end of the spike protein that has largely been ignored in research, Moradi says, but that piece is important in the stability of the protein. Mutations in that region could affect the transmissibility, he says, and are worth paying attention to. The other implication for their research is “we could design therapeutics that alter the dynamics and make the inactive state more stable, thereby promoting the deactivation of SARS-CoV-2. That is a strategy that hasn’t yet been adopted,” Moradi explained.

https://www.newswise...tein-movements/

 

The National Medical Products Administration gave conditional approval to a vaccine from CanSino Biologics and a second one from state-owned Sinopharm. Both are already being used among select groups of people under an emergency use authorization. China now has four vaccines to immunize its population.
https://medicalxpres...ines-wider.html

China Gave US Diplomats Anal COVID Tests ‘In Error,’ American Officials Say
The U.S. State Department says it is committed to preserving the “dignity” of American diplomats.
https://www.vice.com...ts-us-diplomats

China Denies US Diplomats Were Forced to Take Anal Swab Tests For Coronavirus
https://sputniknews....or-coronavirus/

Moderna begins studying potential COVID-19 vaccine booster targeting variant first detected in South Africa
Drugmaker previously reported its original vaccine is less effective against the B1351 variant
https://www.cbc.ca/n...frica-1.5926894
 
A senior adviser to Democrat Joe Biden in his campaign for president believed “Covid is the best thing that ever happened to him”, a new book reports.
https://www.theguard...en-annie-parnes

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy tests positive for COVID-19 and has mild symptoms
https://www.adn.com/...-mild-symptoms/



#13084 VIResident

VIResident
  • Member
  • 973 posts
  • LocationVancouver Island

Posted 25 February 2021 - 09:02 AM

Mike, restaurants are a bit higher risk than I am comfortable with since I fall into the high risk category. I know it is a personal choice but even my doctor recommends against it. Having to worry about it alone takes a lot of the joy of the idea of dining out at this point. I appreciate that others see it differently.

 

Walking outdoors is nice but even a walk along Willows beach or through the grounds of the LG garden has turn into a bit of dodging people. Of coarse one makes the best of it but nevertheless when one is in the twilight of your years losing another summer is a concern.

 

I appreciate you telling me the obvious but it actually mostly telling me something about yourself.

 

 

Barrrister, good for you and your partner for listening to your Doctor - keep dodging, just for a bit longer, you got this. 



#13085 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,328 posts

Posted 25 February 2021 - 09:25 AM

nice drop again in UK deaths today.
  • todd likes this

#13086 todd

todd
  • Member
  • 12,593 posts

Posted 25 February 2021 - 10:32 AM

You’re not really locked down, though. You can still go out and enjoy the outdoors, or take a road trip keeping to yourselves. You can dine in restaurants if you want, too, just be extra conscious of your hygiene. Most reputable places are very conscious of yours.

International travel is relatively a new thing we’re just spoiled/addicted. Not to minimize the impact.


I don’t know about sharing airplanes..

Edited by todd, 25 February 2021 - 10:52 AM.


#13087 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,328 posts

Posted 25 February 2021 - 01:46 PM

we are being called "the florida of canada" in a disparaging way.


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 25 February 2021 - 01:46 PM.


#13088 spanky123

spanky123
  • Member
  • 20,976 posts

Posted 25 February 2021 - 03:58 PM

Dr BH stated today that lockdown restrictions will remain in place. No surprise, no incentive for her to lift them. What we need to hear though is the plan. My fear is that there isn't one and that restrictions are going to be with us for a long time yet.

 

She also mentioned that she and her family were getting death threats. That is very unfortunate and I hope she reported the incidents to the police. I wasn't aware she had a family though. I though she and her husband had split and there were no kids. 



#13089 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,328 posts

Posted 25 February 2021 - 05:23 PM

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also announced 395 new cases of COVID-19 during a live news conference Thursday, reversing the rising trend seen over the last week.

 

The vast majority of deaths in B.C. — 88 per cent — have been in people 70 years of age and older, and aside from Thursday's totals, deaths have been heading steadily downward — a trend Henry says is likely to continue with 92 per cent of residents and staff in long-term care homes having received at least one shot of the vaccine.

 

https://www.cbc.ca/n...feb25-1.5928089


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 25 February 2021 - 05:23 PM.


#13090 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,328 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 05:40 AM

Canada has approved AZ vaccine today.

US likely to approve J&J today.

We could be awash in vaccines soon.

As I have said.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 26 February 2021 - 05:41 AM.


#13091 spanky123

spanky123
  • Member
  • 20,976 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 06:29 AM

Canada has approved AZ vaccine today.

US likely to approve J&J today.

We could be awash in vaccines soon.

As I have said.

And when are our doses arriving? The reason why Health Canada has waited so long on approvals is that we have no supply.

Aside from that, you want the vaccine that is ineffective against several variants and only 65% best case?

Edited by spanky123, 26 February 2021 - 06:30 AM.


#13092 amor de cosmos

amor de cosmos

    BUILD

  • Member
  • 7,116 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 08:24 AM

Majority of British Columbians now prefer routine virtual doctor’s visits: study
More than 82% feel virtual health options reduce wait times, 64% think they lead to better health
https://www.nanaimob...s-visits-study/

Positive COVID-19 case confirmed at Gorge Fairway Market
https://www.victoria...fairway-market/
 

Brisbane has just been confirmed as the preferred host for the 2032 Olympics. But Olympic organisers have more immediate concerns in mind — how to safely run the postponed Tokyo Olympics, due to start in July.
 
That’s why the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has released its “playbooks”, a set of rules to help ensure the safety and health of athletes and officials, as well as the wider community, during the pandemic.
 
Requirements for athletes include COVID-19 testing and using a contact-tracing app, but COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory. It is, however, recommended when available in athletes’ home countries.
 
So what do athletes need to think about if offered a COVID-19 vaccine?

Will athletes be vaccinated before July?

How about side-effects?

Does exercising help?

In a nutshell


So, athletes need to plan ahead. They might train before the injection, and take paracetamol in advance, if their doctor advises them to. They might need to plan for a reduced training load in the days after vaccination. They might also make sure they start the doses far enough ahead to complete all doses before travelling.

https://theconversat...-to-know-155470

Late for my COVID-19 vaccination: 88-year-old caught going 191kmh in France
https://www.channeln...caught-14290228

Danish PM: COVID is Part of 'New Reality', Vaccinations Will be Needed 'Over and Over Again'
https://sputniknews....and-over-again/

 

Syria's health minister announced on Thursday it had received doses of a Covid-19 vaccine from a "friendly country", according to state media, after Israel reportedly agreed to purchases doses for Damascus from Russia.

https://english.alar...-country-report

Almost 600,000 people in Moscow vaccinated against COVID-19
Moscow has enough hospital beds for COVID-19 patients, the press service of the Healthcare Department reported
https://tass.com/society/1260583
 

Working in meatpacking plants has always been dangerous. A recent study shows that it became deadlier in the era of COVID-19, even as company profits soared.
 
This analysis, published in December 2020, estimates that 6%-8% of all COVID-19 cases and 3%-4% of all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. were tied to meat and poultry plants. Workers in these facilities stand close together on processing lines, which makes social distancing difficult.
 
At the same time, companies like Tyson, which produces chicken, beef and pork, and JBS, which produces beef and pork, are reporting high earnings despite COVID-related challenges such as plant closures.
 
I am a law professor and have written about links between lax state and federal enforcement of health and safety laws and increased rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths. Thanks to punitive attendance rules and Trump administration policies, meat- and poultry-processing workers have been unnecessarily exposed to COVID-19. In my view, the best way to protect them is to reform laws that prioritize production over workers’ health.

Sick on the job

Meat- and poultry-processing companies’ standard attendance policies were punitive even before the pandemic. Companies issued points for employees who missed work and fired those who accumulated too many points. These policies are still in place.

Workers at Tyson and JBS plants are required to go to work even if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or awaiting test results. The companies excuse absences for COVID-19 only if a worker has tested positive for the virus, or in Tyson’s case, has “documented clinical symptoms.” Tyson and JBS workers have told reporters that costs and wait times make it hard for them to access testing, so they go to work sick.

That said, both companies have taken steps to control the spread of COVID-19 at their plants. Tyson hired medical professionals, cleans its plants daily and monitors social distancing. JBS now offers unlimited personal protective equipment and tests symptomatic workers and close contacts. However, even with safety protocols, the virus can spread in the workplace if infected employees come to work.

https://theconversat...re-legal-152572
 
when will the pandemic be over?

“The question is not when do we eliminate the virus in the country,” said Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Center and an expert in virology and immunology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Rather, it’s when do we have the virus sufficiently under control? “We’ll have a much, much lower case count, hospitalization count, death count,” Offit said. “What is that number that people are comfortable with?” In his view, “the doors will open” when the country gets to fewer than 5,000 new cases a day, and fewer than 100 deaths.
 
That latter threshold, of 100 COVID-19 deaths a day, was repeated by other experts, following the logic that it approximates the nation’s average death toll from influenza. In most recent years, the flu has killed 20,000 to 50,000 Americans annually, which averages out to 55 to 140 deaths a day, said Joseph Eisenberg, an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan. “This risk was largely considered acceptable by the public,” Eisenberg said. Monica Gandhi, an infectious-disease specialist at UC San Francisco, made a similar calculation. “The end to the emergency portion of the pandemic in the United States should be heralded completely by the curtailing of severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19,” she said. “Fewer than 100 deaths a day—to mirror the typical mortality of influenza in the U.S. over a typical year—is an appropriate goal.”
 
The “flu test” proposed here is not a perfect apples-to-apples comparison. Deaths attributed to COVID-19 are directly reported to public-health authorities, while the mortality numbers from seasonal flu are CDC estimates based on national surveillance data that have been fed into statistical models. But researchers believe that the straightforward counts of influenza deaths—just 3,448 to 15,620 in recent years—are substantially too low, while direct counts of COVID-19 deaths are likely to be more accurate. One big reason: Far more COVID-19 tests are done in a single day than flu tests in an entire year, and flu tests have a greater tendency to return false negatives.

*snip*

Some experts were even more conservative. Crystal Watson, a health-security scholar at Johns Hopkins University, suggested a threshold of 0.5 newly diagnosed cases per 100,000 people every day, and a test-positivity rate of less than 1 percent. That would translate to fewer than 2,000 cases a day in the U.S., compared with the current 60,000 or more. We’d also want to log at least one month of normal hospital operations without staff or equipment shortages, she said.

While every proposed threshold remains far below what we’re seeing right now, the researchers I spoke with believe that if vaccine uptake is high enough, those numbers can be reached. Watson suggested a target of 80 percent coverage for populations older than 65, and 70 to 80 percent for everyone else. For the latter, “perhaps 60 percent is more realistic,” she said.

https://www.nextgov....ic-over/172288/


Edited by amor de cosmos, 26 February 2021 - 08:25 AM.


#13093 Mike K.

Mike K.
  • Administrator
  • 83,184 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 08:41 AM

Majority of British Columbians now prefer routine virtual doctor’s visits: study
More than 82% feel virtual health options reduce wait times, 64% think they lead to better health
https://www.nanaimob...s-visits-study/

 

Yes, less wait times because you're not forced to wait in a line at 7AM to sign up at 8:30AM, to then have an appointment at 2:30PM that you won't actually start until 3PM due to a pile-up of delays from the start of the day.

 

In my personal experience the quality of care has sharply declined with the way we've rolled out tele-health, and how barriers to access have been created for people who need to see a physician and who do not have a family doctor.


Know it all.
Citified.ca is Victoria's most comprehensive research resource for new-build homes and commercial spaces.


#13094 spanky123

spanky123
  • Member
  • 20,976 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 09:20 AM

For referrals and prescription renewals tele-health is great. To have your prostate or lump in your breast checked not so much. 

 

I wonder if the survey by London Drugs is at all related to their own plans to offer a virtual health service?!


Edited by spanky123, 26 February 2021 - 09:21 AM.

  • Barrrister likes this

#13095 todd

todd
  • Member
  • 12,593 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 11:21 AM

Dr BH stated today that lockdown restrictions will remain in place. No surprise, no incentive for her to lift them. What we need to hear though is the plan. My fear is that there isn't one and that restrictions are going to be with us for a long time yet.


If restrictions went into place about a month earlier back in October probably could be lifting them by now.

#13096 vortoozo

vortoozo
  • Member
  • 1,991 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 12:17 PM

Dr BH stated today that lockdown restrictions will remain in place. 

 

What lockdown restrictions?


  • Matt R. likes this

#13097 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,328 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 01:00 PM

What lockdown restrictions?

 

no gatherings.  no sporting events - playing or watching.  no pubs or restaurants with friends.  no theaters or concerts.  no church.  limited funerals and weddings. limited retail occupancy.

 

https://www2.gov.bc....n accommodation

 

 

Gatherings at residences or vacation accommodations

 

No social gatherings of any size at your residence with anyone other than your household or, if you live alone, your core bubble. For example:

  • Do not invite friends or extended family into your residence or vacation accommodation
  • Do not gather in your backyard, patio, driveway or anywhere else on your property
  • Do not host playdates for children

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 26 February 2021 - 01:05 PM.


#13098 vortoozo

vortoozo
  • Member
  • 1,991 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 01:27 PM

I am well aware of the limit on social gatherings. But that's not a lockdown.

We have not been confined to our residences. Like large parts of the country were, for a time. And Europe.

Our restrictions were much less severe than pretty much anywhere else in the country. And never have we had a lockdown.


  • Matt R. likes this

#13099 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 52,328 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 02:45 PM

but nowhere in the country has anybody been confined to their residence. even in Quebec and Ontario you can go out for exercise any time of the day.

#13100 tanker

tanker
  • Banned
  • 575 posts

Posted 26 February 2021 - 04:52 PM

Well yeah single people like BH have had almost no change to their social life. If you have a family though you can't socialize at all supposedly. I mean no one takes this crap seriously. Least of all boomers. They want you to comply but they won't.
  • Victoria Watcher likes this

You're not quite at the end of this discussion topic!

Use the page links at the lower-left to go to the next page to read additional posts.
 



21 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 21 guests, 0 anonymous users