Monday, March 01, 2021

CORONAVIRUS CASES GOING UP AGAIN IN THE USA

WaPo:

New coronavirus cases are ticking upward again after weeks of steady decline. Public health officials are warning that new, more transmissible variants could be taking hold.

Despite the recent downward trend, the number of new infections remains critically high in the country, with more than 125,000 cases reported over the weekend.

Health experts gave varying explanations for why cases were declining: The quickening pace of vaccinations; the natural seasonal ebb of respiratory viruses; adherence to social distancing measures.

But whatever the reason they dropped, it seems to have stalled. And the more contagious variants are probably driving the uptick, according to interviews with more than a dozen epidemiologists, modelers and virologists.

“The latest data suggest that these declines may be stalling, potentially leveling off,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Friday. “It’s still a very high number. We at CDC consider this a very concerning shift in the trajectory.”

Further down:

“Reopening just as these variants are spreading is not smart,” said Tom Frieden, a former CDC director. “We’re like a punch-drunk boxer, getting up just as our opponent is preparing to deliver an even faster punch. … By reopening, we’re leaning into that left hook. Why can’t we ever learn?”

Is UFT President Michael Mulgrew even questioning Mayor death Blasio on reopening school buildings? 

I truly do not understand the approach the United States has taken in this pandemic. By closing down states too slowly, or barely at all, and then opening up too soon last year, we allowed the virus to hang on longer and explode again. Now it looks like we've learned nothing even after 500,000 deaths.  Politicians from both parties, not just Trump, need to be held accountable. Now that Biden is President, suddenly many Democrats are taking the Trump position on opening up the economy.

In Europe, some scientists have a zero Covid goal. Can we at least have a coherent discussion in the United States or do we just accept some half-assed mitigation attemps and so many more needless deaths because the country is tied to a 5-year old's notion of what freedom is? I am fearing that as the elites are getting vaccinated, their outlook is going to be that COVID-19 isn't a problem any longer. If we let the new variants spread out of control, they will be wrong again.

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an asshole. As soon as Trump was gone, we became useless to defend.

rweingarten: There's starting to be some real movement on reopening but you need the roadmap. You need the mitigation strategies, the layered mitigation strategies like ventilation, cleaning and sanitizing, and the testing

Anonymous said...

Our new Chancellor, a Wakandaian, is using the high-tech facilities in that country to produce more, and better vaccines. Worry not.

Anonymous said...

Open up the schools now!

Anonymous said...

Just like the best strategies of differentiated instruction—now there’s differentiated vaccinations—with a 4th choice called Novavax by May, there’s also differentiated Covid variants, and now there’s even differentiated accusations against Cuomo to get him to resign.

Anonymous said...

My school building is closed today for 24hrs after two unrelated cases were detected. It was just a matter of time.

Anonymous said...

Funny, not one mention about going to high schools tomorrow for SAT's. You would think there would of have been minimal guidance? Guess not.

Anonymous said...

https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/german-nursing-home-residents-died-pfizer-vaccine/

David Suker said...

The NYT just publishes an article that testing is down about 30% over the past month or so. In analyzing the reasons not once did they mention that maybe the decline is because we no longer have a president named Trump.

Anonymous said...

Read several articles at childrens defense fund.ie the covid narrative,MANY injuries and deaths,etc. Of course ,it is so difficult to sort out any truths from the media as they are government controlled.these are scary times. Imho,we should stay remote until they figure it all out.if I am too scared of injecting genetic engineering into my body,I would have to go in with very high virus levels in circulation or retire. And where is there to relocate that is better??

Anonymous said...

Australia.

Anonymous said...

Fauci has always said it’s all about data, So Covid cases are starting to increase—and several states including NY are easing restrictions—and as March 2–only about 8% of the population have been fully vaccinated—and there has been a significant drop in Covid testing tracking since December. Does any of this make sense? This is just a false sense of security. Just look what has happened with some European nations when they eased —and then back to lockdown.

Anonymous said...

If we fix the family, then we fix a lot of issues in this country.
The Importance Of The Family Unit...

Anonymous said...

I'm beginning to lose patience already.if they are ignoring g the numbers,why not just through caution to the wond and reopen like florida and save the economy.obviously by lockdowns and the seesaw are a waste of time...I am all for naskwearing in public but it isnt enforced.then fuck it already!like shit or get off the damn pot!I am beginning to believe this is a planned plot already.i thought it sounded too crazy.but now with vaccinating infants and forcing this on people while the death rate is so low makes me think this is all a money and power grab.finally, I think these conspiracy theorists are telling the truth.

Anonymous said...

836, please take a deep breath and log out of your facebook. The vaccines are safe. The news (even "fake" according to your criteria) repots when people have a headache after the shot... Why, because it gets them viewers, clicks.

The disinformation you and others are spreading doesn't help anyone.

But here we clearly disagree.

Perhaps you should start asking who benefits from the misinformation. Follow the $. They make it, we all lose.

Anonymous said...

Just about any country outside of the us

Anonymous said...

I ask again...Dues payer or scab? Who looks dumber after being suckered again by the uft and doe?

David Suker said...

At this point my dues are just an insurance policy going into my final 2 years. If I drop out of the Union I’m sure I’ll be putting a target on my back. The chapter leader will know and I’m sure they’ll pass that information on to the principal.

Does that sound about right?

Anonymous said...

David, you're assuming the UFT appointed lawyer is acceptable. Member or not, people who want to have good representatarion pay.

Anonymous said...

No. I dropped out 3 years ago, no charges against me, no bad observations, no file letters, nothing.

TJL said...

Zero covid. Talk about a 5-year old mentality. Polio took 25 years to eradicate in the US post vaccine. HIV going on 40 years, still endemic.
Almost no one, except Tegnell in Sweden and Noem in SD ,(even DeSantis did a shutdown in the Spring) told people to grow up and get on with their lives. Yes, people die - ironically that is a side effect of living. A life worth living, where you might drown, die in a car accident or get HIV, or die from an epidemic, inherently carries risk.

David Suker said...

Thanks. If ever brought up on charges again I’d definitely hire my own lawyer this time. I was more curious about the CL knowing I’m not in the Union and giving the administration the green light to go after me seeing that I’m no longer in the Union.

David Suker said...

Good to hear. Does the chapter leader even know? I’m guessing you’re not an ATR.

Anonymous said...

I don’t trust the vaccine completely because I’ve never completely trusted the FDA to begin with but I am getting it anyway. I’m not becoming alarmed at some of the serious side effects we hear about and which may or may not be true. I’m keeping it in perspective. I am more likely to get crazy sick and hospitalized with Covid due to my less than optimal health than have a serious negative effect from the vaccine. I also want to be able to hug elderly family again. Immunization works when a high percentage of people get it. You protect yourself and everyone you care about. I’m putting my faith in the rank and file scientists who worked on this vaccine.

James Eterno said...

Government's first responsibility is to keep citizens safe. Sweden imposed some restrictions. 500,000 dead in the USA is a complete government failure at many levels and from both parties.

Those are European scientists who founded the Zero COVID-19 group. Better to act than telling us to grow up and get ready to die.

Taking COVID down is possible. Back to the Zero COVID document that was linked to:

"Beyond Europe, the clear commitment to eliminating Covid-19 has shown to be successful, notably in China, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand."

Anonymous said...

Over 50 Million first doses (which DO offer some level of protection days later according to more than one real study) have already been administered. The period of 2/28 and 3/1 saw the lowest two-day US total for positive cases since early and mid October, so "not sure" why this was a "news" story by WaPo. Not only do many scientists believe---but even common sense would dictate---that more people had this virus already than the numbers come close to indicating. But you all keep clicking on Washington Post media scare articles and bury yourselves in the basements. TJL said it better than I can here, but it's worth repeating. The number one cause of death is LIFE. It's embarrassing, the amount of whining that teachers do over this---embarrassing---and I am someone who DOES KNOW a few who sadly passed away from complications brought on by this virus, so I don't care if you think these words are callous. IT S ENOUGH! TIME TO OPEN! But the people here are not going to be happy until there's zero cases. Life doesn't come with bubble-wrap, people. Follow the science, you say? CASES ARE STILL DECLINING. PERIOD!

Anonymous said...

10:16. I am 8:36.yes,follow the money.i agree.vaccines not safety tested.not trying to spread misinformation.trying to protect my fellow humans.im saying that people should read a lot before agreeing to this vaccine.there is no liability of pharma.they are working overtime to censor any opposing views.the more I read,the more scared I become...of being maimed by a vaccine injury.ie another autoimmune condition.people like RFK jr are fighting hard for us. I keep thinking if push comes to shove, I would need to relocate rather than submit.i am keeping my eyes open. Australia is far...

Anonymous said...

James, I'm not even kidding. What's next? Zero flu? Zero sniffles? So James, the governments of Italy, Spain, Australia, Brazil, etc.....All these governments failed too, right? Or maybe, just maybe, it's a disease. Whether it was weaponized in a lab or Randy from Tegridy Farms contacted an infected bat, it's a virus in nature. You can run but you can't hide. It's a germ that will run its course, in "locked down" Cali or "opened more" Fla...those two states ended up with eerily similar numbers... A "lockdown" was originally meant to keep hospitals from being overwhelmed in the early days. Nowhere in the history of pandemics does the "hide in a bunker for 2-3 years" strategy work. Sorry, we don't live in a "utopia" bubble that many of you seem to desire on this blog, provided by mommy/daddy government. The virus is running its course. It's dying out. I can tell by two things: 1. CDC numbers (without editorials) 2. the amount of "scary variant" stories out there. Do people READ these studies? These "highly transmissible" variants have been around a LONG time, and yet, cases are declining. #REALSCIENCE

Dave said...

I'm 1:17 PM. Not an ATR. The CL does know I dropped out. He told me I couldn't vote in a previous SBO. If I ever get called in for a disciplinary conference, you really think going in by myself vs with the CL makes a difference? LOL.

James Eterno said...

Compare US to other countries. We have failed horribly. Australia has not failed. Nor has New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea, or Vietnam. 514,000 deaths in the US is tragic and unfortunately, many could have been prevented with a better response. If there is a chance we could stop another wave, we should do it.

Anonymous said...

How many obese in those countries? American health is not good.

James Eterno said...

You would have a better argument if the deaths and cases were basically evenly distributed worldwide or regionally. They are not. Why not? Early hard lockdowns work. Waiting until the virus is spreading all over the community does not. Saying, oh well, it is a virus, nothing much we can do, is why the US is where it is with over 514,00 deaths. I hope the new variants don't spread like crazy but just waiting and seeing does not seem to be wise policy.

Anonymous said...

So, this a...hole Governor Abbott from Texas has decided to reopen his state 100%—despite warnings that millions in his state have not been vaccinated and the pandemic is not over. Please save the Alamo.

dave said...

Here it comes. Biden on tv saying schools must open asap.

Well, James, high schools are opening in April, I guess the union you want us to fund isn't really concerned about our safety.

David Suker said...

Good to know. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Also, James, you constantly discount in your argument the idea that the reporting of cases and the reporting of deaths in the United States is on equal footing with other nations. It'sa similar point to graduation rates in NYC. Who we in the US count as covid deaths and who other countries count is NOT an equal playing field, and that's just for starters. You somehow believe that every other country has been as proficient or better at testing AND reporting AND stopping the spread by better social distancing and lockdowns? I reject your premise. You say early lockdowns work. This is NOT a foolproof plan, and there ARE studies out there to look at on this very subject. They're just not in the Washington Post or yahoo news. Regarding severe lockdowns, the virus will continue to circulate over more seasons. It doesn't just quit the game of hide and seek So, based on your logic, our government also has failed every flu season that runs every so often above the 50,000 deaths per season threshold? Because the flu, despite the flu shots, kills people EVERY year, not just 2020-2021. Is this government's fault too?

Anonymous said...

There are doctors and medical researchers who, early on, were trying to provide preventative CoVid-19 protocols and early outpatient protocols for CoVid-19. They ignored, silenced, cancelled and/or mocked by the media, social media companies, Fauci, CDC, WHO and NIH. This should worry and anger everyone. There were and are successful CoVid treatments and these have been hidden, ridiculed, silenced, cancelled, etc. America should have had a much better handle on CoVid but as usual, follow the money and power. Who has gained from all the illness and death?

3:14 mentioned the poor health of millions of Americans. Co-morbidities have been a key factor to the CoVid severity of illness and deaths. Americans should use this as a wake up call but no, we never learn. The drive-thru line at the fast food places is still as long as ever.

I have not heard very much from Fauci, CDC, WHO, NIH, the media or social media about the millions of Americans with self-imposed medical issues. They should all be encouraging Americans to improve their overall health with exercise, healthy eating, and a healthy lifestyle. Instead all these experts tell us is stay home, socially distance, and wear a mask. These people are a joke. I do not know why anyone would take anything they say seriously. Everyone should do their own research and not rely on Fauci or these health institutions for information, truth, or advice.

Anonymous said...

Lockdown Americans but keep a porous border and reinstitute catch and release without Covid testing. Yeah sounds like a democrat plan.

James Eterno said...

For the record I favor completely closing borders including two week real quarantine as soon as anyone arrives here on a plane. Biden-Trump travel bans are filled with loopholes.

I don't think Australia and New Zealand are playing with numbers. Certain US states make me suspicious.

Anonymous said...

Trump’s gone. Any hope that NY politicians will insist on lockdowns, left with Trump. He was your only hope. Glad Biden tricked you. Now NY politicians will keep my state open despite the wails of despair from the snowflake crowd.

Anonymous said...

5:44am you stated my very thoughts so eloquently.we have lots of comorbidities.And the idiots dont encourage prevention and much cheaper natural treatments.why?cuz they stand to lose too much money.Big Food makes us sick so Big Pharma gets st peddle lifetime meds.look who funds politicians...FDA.foxes guard the henhouse, ie pharma exec's serving on FDA...pharma funds media...note TV commercials.they bribe politicians,they threaten to defund "research" if u go against their narrative. They fund med schools,they pay docs hugely for pushing their meds...ad nauseum...we need to get healthier and stay away from them as best TV we can. Fauci never talks prevention and healthy lifestyle.lots of natural stuff is available...cheap drugs discredited to put folks on vents...we have to take control and not take advice from the one who profits big from it.stay heal the and safe everyone!and dr o your ha before believing the hype.

Anonymous said...

Ps my boyfriend had stage cancer including a bout with MRSA that docs didnt have luck with.got him off chemo,used natural...that was 2007.cancer free.when he tried to share info,they move him into another room.