The Worldwide C0VlD-19 Coronavirus Pandemic Discussion Thread...

[NovaAria]

Yeah our government is displaying astronomical levels of incompetence too.

They refused to shut down schools and cancel sports events because, quoting the spokesperson: "If we take such drastic actions over the little cases we currently have, what will we do if this becomes a country-wide epidemic?"

The textbook definition of a reactive, slow-lane thinking policy maker.

 

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[MattR82]

The entirety of Italy, 60+ million people, was just put on lockdown.

You can only go out to work or buy supplies. If you travel you get criminally prosecuted.

Serie A (soccer league) was suspended. The last time it happened was during WW2.

Hardly a lockdown though is it. Hundreds from Maranello and Faenza are flying into Melbourne today for the F1 season opener.

 

[David Fitz]

Just listened to Kevin o Learys YouTube channel with Mark Cuban where they were asked about the virus.

Cuban said its basically a version of the flu but things are going to get worse.

 

[GIlman]

Ironically, it appears Italy will end up being the country that really infected the world. Based on the diamond princess and South Korea data, it appears likely the death rate is around 1%. using the deaths in Italy and extrapolating back, one would expect the over 50,000 people in Italy are infected.

a large number of infections around the world that have popped up are people who traveled to Italy, which would support a huge undiagnosed population of sick people there.

I suspect there are many thousands in the US at the moment infected. The government is floating drastic measures such as grounding all planes. Mass quarantines are likely on the horizon.

I expect international travel to become nearly impossible soon. Israel has mandated 14 day quarantine on ALL people entering the county. Between travel bans and border crossing quarantines I expect that international travel for the foreseeable future will become completely impractical.

On another note, this appears likely to be the straw that destroys privacy to a degree we have never known. The WH has been pushing hard for all airlines to require you to divulge a ton of information about where you have been, who you have interacted with, etc....it’s not hard to imagine being forced to track your movements so that they know Exactly who has been near who. All in the name of containing the uncontainable.

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

Not sure about anyone else, but I don't mind a panic or overreaction to this. If that causes more people to stay home, more people to wash hands, more people to be prudent with their reactions, then this thing will slow.

On another note, this appears likely to be the straw that destroys privacy to a degree we have never known. The WH has been pushing hard for all airlines to require you to divulge a ton of information about where you have been, who you have interacted with, etc....it’s not hard to imagine being forced to track your movements so that they know Exactly who has been near who. All in the name of containing the uncontainable.

Never let a crisis go to waste...

With every crisis, we move toward "a safe, and secure, society"

 

[Primeperiwinkle]

This is how they pass the biochip implant laws. If the majority of the world is afraid of sickness then the public will think it makes perfect sense to track everybody via a chip. The public won’t even realize that it robs them of their rights or privacy or freedom.. they’ll give all that up just to be “safe”. Then the chip will have your credit card info too.. because money is dirty.

And anyone who refuses will be shunned, of course. Because how dare you contaminate a populace.. you’d have to be so incredibly selfish to not get the vaccine and be tracked just “in case”.

Wow. I didn’t expect to see it in my lifetime but the stuff in Revelations is actually possible now. People will think chipping (tracking people anywhere) is a solution to a horrible problem.. but the real problem is death yea? You can’t escape that.

 

[rollerskates]

A properly funded CDC would have been further ahead on this power curve.

I have worked for government. More money does not help. It does not make the workers smarter, it does not make them more efficient, it does not make them ABLE TO TAKE INITIATIVE TO GET SH*T DONE, which is probably the number one thing that makes government inefficient. There are layers, and in your layer, you can only do YOUR THING. You cannot step outside your layer. If you want to step outside your layer, you have to email your higher up, who will likely say no, because they likely don't take initiative (and why would they when they make the same no matter how little or much initiative they take?)

Now, a combination of being allowed to get stuff done without all the layers having their say, and more money might help. But trust me, it's a layer cake made of impenetrable fillings.

 

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[biggeemac]

This is how they pass the biochip implant laws. If the majority of the world is afraid of sickness then the public will think it makes perfect sense to track everybody via a chip. The public won’t even realize that it robs them of their rights or privacy or freedom.. they’ll give all that up just to be “safe”. Then the chip will have your credit card info too.. because money is dirty.

And anyone who refuses will be shunned, of course. Because how dare you contaminate a populace.. you’d have to be so incredibly selfish to not get the vaccine and be tracked just “in case”.

Wow. I didn’t expect to see it in my lifetime but the stuff in Revelations is actually possible now. People will think chipping (tracking people anywhere) is a solution to a horrible problem.. but the real problem is death yea? You can’t escape that.

Well, luckily for us, we have a "Christian" right wing that would denounce any such actions. I have pondered many times about how something like this would be accomplished. A lot of Christians would have to give up their soul in order for something like that to make it through. Hell, they can't even get Apple to give up their sacred "back door" for IOS, even if it is needed to prosecute a mass murderer.

I don't see this scenario playing out......not in the near future anyway.

 

[Ernman]

I have worked for government. More money does not help.

I don't disagree with you. But please note, I said - "properly funded CDC." Not infinitely funded or stupidly funded or panic throw a lot of money funded. Adequate, consistent funding of key government agencies goes a long way to keeping the wheels on this train we call the U.S.

 

[Thoelt53]

Now, a combination of being allowed to get stuff done without all the layers having their say, and more money might help. But trust me, it's a layer cake made of impenetrable fillings.

Best description for bureaucracy I have ever seen.

 

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[GIlman]

Well, luckily for us, we have a "Christian" right wing that would denounce any such actions. I have pondered many times about how something like this would be accomplished. A lot of Christians would have to give up their soul in order for something like that to make it through. Hell, they can't even get Apple to give up their sacred "back door" for IOS, even if it is needed to prosecute a mass murderer.

I don't see this scenario playing out......not in the near future anyway.

The data is already there being collected. Not so much an implantable chip. Your cellphone is basically a tracking beacon. The cellphone companies know where you and everyone else is pretty much all the time. When was the last time your cellphone was further than 30 ft from you?

Its not much of a stretch to see laws being passed, in the name of providing safety to the population (of course), that would aggregate all this data and track every one of us. When people fear they will willingly give up things to get a false sense of security.

just look at the patriot act after 9/11. On 9/10 people would have said that the patriot act could never be enacted in the US. If/when CV hits a critical mass, expect there to be a huge power and privacy grab all in the name of providing safety.

 

[Thoelt53]

I don't disagree with you. But please note, I said - "properly funded CDC." Not infinitely funded or stupidly funded or panic throw a lot of money funded. Adequate, consistent funding of key government agencies goes a long way to keeping the wheels on this train we call the U.S.

It’s semantics. Properly funded, overly funded, endlessly funded...

What does it matter?

Governments will do what governments do. Steal. Spend. Waste. Demand more.

It’s historical fact.

 

[Thoelt53]

The data is already there being collected. Not so much an implantable chip. Your cellphone is basically a tracking beacon. The cellphone companies know where you and everyone else is pretty much all the time. When was the last time your cellphone was further than 30 ft from you?

Its not much of a stretch to see laws being passed, in the name of providing safety to the population (of course), that would aggregate all this data and track every one of us. When people fear they will willingly give up things to get a false sense of security.

just look at the patriot act after 9/11. On 9/10 people would have said that the patriot act could never be in-acted in the US. If/when CV hits a critical mass, expect there to be a huge power and privacy grab all in the name of providing safety.

Thank you.

I’ve been saying this, and it’s nice to see it in someone’s else’s words.

Although we don’t see eye to eye on the lethality of the virus, it seems we both agree the possible end game is the same.

 

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[Primeperiwinkle]

The data is already there being collected. Not so much an implantable chip. Your cellphone is basically a tracking beacon. The cellphone companies know where you and everyone else is pretty much all the time. When was the last time your cellphone was further than 30 ft from you?

Its not much of a stretch to see laws being passed, in the name of providing safety to the population (of course), that would aggregate all this data and track every one of us. When people fear they will willingly give up things to get a false sense of security.

just look at the patriot act after 9/11. On 9/10 people would have said that the patriot act could never be enacted in the US. If/when CV hits a critical mass, expect there to be a huge power and privacy grab all in the name of providing safety.

Because I want to add to this addictive thread... lol.

Am I the only one craving Chinese food lately?!? Anyhoo.. lemme be serious again.

I’ve been saying we’re living in the Fall of Rome (America) for sometime now but of course empires never fall in a day.. so if this ends up being another nail in the coffin of democracy, capitalism, and my country I won’t be surprised. BUT it would be great if it wasn’t.. sigh.

Also, I had like seven clients last week who flew internationally, three through Heathrow. Every single one of them doesn’t care about the virus because, and this is weird, they’ve all been to India.

They all expressed variations on the same theme again and again; there are so many countries without proper health care or hygiene or boundaries that this thing will be everywhere soon if it isn’t already.

Meanwhile.. I bought some shares of a reaaaaalllly nice stock this morning. Like, a hundred shares cuz I don’t spend any money on the stock market but still.

Oh! I would also like to thank all of you who are adding thoughts and concerns and info and discussion. It’s nice to see a global community on here go back and forth even though we obviously don’t all agree.

 

[Rivoli]

Because I want to add to this addictive thread... lol.

Am I the only one craving Chinese food lately?!? Anyhoo.. lemme be serious again.

I’ve been saying we’re living in the Fall of Rome (America) for sometime now but of course empires never fall in a day.. so if this ends up being another nail in the coffin of democracy, capitalism, and my country I won’t be surprised. BUT it would be great if it wasn’t.. sigh.

Also, I had like seven clients last week who flew internationally, three through Heathrow. Every single one of them doesn’t care about the virus because, and this is weird, they’ve all been to India.

They all expressed variations on the same theme again and again; there are so many countries without proper health care or hygiene or boundaries that this thing will be everywhere soon if it isn’t already.

Meanwhile.. I bought some shares of a reaaaaalllly nice stock this morning. Like, a hundred shares cuz I don’t spend any money on the stock market but still.

Oh! I would also like to thank all of you who are adding thoughts and concerns and info and discussion. It’s nice to see a global community on here go back and forth even though we obviously don’t all agree.

This isn’t even close to the fall of the American empire. We probably have about 200 more years. Trump is Sulla. China is is Parthia, not Carthage.

 

[Ernman]

It’s semantics. Properly funded, overly funded, endlessly funded...

What does it matter?

Governments will do what governments do. Steal. Spend. Waste. Demand more.

It’s historical fact.

Obviously, we don't agree...nothing wrong with that. You see government as inherently evil, where I believe government is a flawed necessity. Government should serve a purpose that industry cannot or should not - common needs of it's citizenry without concern for profit. Unfortunately, the way government gets set up and grows usually leads to abuse and over-reach. Not at all what I believe governments are for. Additionally, the way most government employees are compensated or promoted tends to further inefficiency and stifle creativity - very likely the result of an organization that is not profit motivated.

I'm no fan of huge government, corrupt politicians, bureaucratic inefficiency and a host of other weaknesses in the system. I just don't believe they are inherently evil. I should note this is my U.S. perspective on the U.S. government. I'll leave it to others to comment on thier governments.

 

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[EVMaso]

I was speaking with a friend from the US last night. He lives in Utah. I stayed with him for six months a few years back so I'm very familiar with his locale. Within 30 mins of his house he as access to 2 or possibly 3 major American-sized Walmarts (way bigger than our piddly Walmarts here in Canada) and a Costco, in addition to numerous other grocery stores of various brands.

He told me it was IMPOSSIBLE to get toilet paper anywhere, and presumably this extends to other goods being hoarded because of the Coronavirus. I laughed and told him how it was the opposite up here in Canada. People are still fairly chill about things. Costcos are being raided, but Walmarts still have stock of things. It's crazy to me that we're not as crazy about Coronoavirus up here in Canada as Americans are crazy about it down there.

All that could change today. Canada had its first death from Coronavirus on Sunday night (released to the news Monday), and it was right in my regional district, 45 minutes away! My coworkers call me chicken little for even suggesting to stock up on things. But in much the same way the US is slowly grinding to a halt in order to fight the spread of the virus, I suspect we will follow suit too. It's happening.

 

[BellaPippin]

He told me it was IMPOSSIBLE to get toilet paper anywhere,

Let me reiterate for the hundredth time, THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN IF BIDETS WHERE A THING IN AMERICA you guys. #bidetsforall

Wait putting "the" before Zombie Apocalypse implies it will happen...

Do you know something we don't??

Big Pharma = Umbrella Corporation. (?

 

[Rivoli]

How is Germany controlling the coronavirus outbreak? — Fox News

As cases of coronavirus, otherwise known as C0VlD-19 soar and the body count escalates globally, there is one country that so far has remained an outlier to fatalities: Germany. As of Monday afternoon, officials had recorded more than 1,175 cases of the disease - but zero deaths.

apple.news

"Italy's higher death toll may also be a function of the age of their citizens," he said, noting that Italy has the oldest population in the world. "More specifically, the average age rate of those who have died in Italy was 81 thus far, the majority of whom were already suffering underlying health problems."

Crazy how much of a nothing burger this. The only people who are dying are in their 80’s, but the media won’t tell you that. These people would have died from the flu.

 

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[Primeperiwinkle]

How is Germany controlling the coronavirus outbreak? — Fox News

As cases of coronavirus, otherwise known as C0VlD-19 soar and the body count escalates globally, there is one country that so far has remained an outlier to fatalities: Germany. As of Monday afternoon, officials had recorded more than 1,175 cases of the disease - but zero deaths.

apple.news

"Italy's higher death toll may also be a function of the age of their citizens," he said, noting that Italy has the oldest population in the world. "More specifically, the average age rate of those who have died in Italy was 81 thus far, the majority of whom were already suffering underlying health problems."

Crazy how much of a nothing burger this. The only people who are dying are in their 80’s, but the media won’t tell you that. These people would have died from the flu.

imma just keep liking your posts cuz you provide good entertainment Mr. Nothingburger

 

[ShamanKing]

Okay now Walmart is really out of toilet paper. But yet the ppl complaining on Facebook is still only complaining

 

[Bearcorp]

This is what we've had to resort to Down Under, no toilet paper, no worries!

 

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[Rivoli]

Okay now Walmart is really out of toilet paper. But yet the ppl complaining on Facebook is still only complaining

These people are so dumb. They buy toilet paper....because they won’t be able to go to score in emergency?
But where is all this poop going to come from? Don’t they need to stock up on food as well? They just see people stocking up and then they stock up. So dumb

 

[Rivoli]

imma just keep liking your posts cuz you provide good entertainment Mr. Nothingburger

I am right though. This is a nothingburger being blown out of proportion. Death rate is 0.6%

South Korea has tested 140,000 people for the coronavirus. That could explain why its death rate is just 0.6% — far lower than in China or the US.

Experts have suggested that coronavirus death rates could decrease as more mild cases are confirmed.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[Thoelt53]

Let me reiterate for the hundredth time, THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN IF BIDETS WHERE A THING IN AMERICA you guys. #bidetsforall

I live in America. And I have a bidet.

Previous owner installed it.

I’ve lived here 7 years and am still too intimidated to use it. It’s a foreign entity in my house.

 

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[loop101]

The only people who are dying are in their 80’s

Tell him that.

 

[Thoelt53]

These people are so dumb. They buy toilet paper....because they won’t be able to go to score in emergency?
But where is all this poop going to come from? Don’t they need to stock up on food as well? They just see people stocking up and then they stock up. So dumb

If the supply chain were to break down, you wouldn’t have any toilet paper.

I don’t know why being prepared is dumb.

You keep demeaning anyone who doesn’t share your view.

Perhaps you’re a condescending douchebag?

 

[Rivoli]

Tell him that.

Do you know what a statistical average is? It’s not a number I pulled out of my a$$. Italy is saying the average age is 81.

 

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[Rivoli]

If the supply chain were to break down, you wouldn’t have any toilet paper.

I don’t know why being prepared is dumb.

You keep demeaning anyone who doesn’t share your view.

Perhaps you’re a condescending douchebag?

Theo, when the facts are pointing one way and society is damagingly going another path, we need to aggressively non-conform. These panic clickers and buyers are sinking the economy. That’s the real threat.

 

[Thoelt53]

Obviously, we don't agree...nothing wrong with that. You see government as inherently evil, where I believe government is a flawed necessity. Government should serve a purpose that industry cannot or should not - common needs of it's citizenry without concern for profit. Unfortunately, the way government gets set up and grows usually leads to abuse and over-reach. Not at all what I believe governments are for. Additionally, the way most government employees are compensated or promoted tends to further inefficiency and stifle creativity - very likely the result of an organization that is not profit motivated.

I'm no fan of huge government, corrupt politicians, bureaucratic inefficiency and a host of other weaknesses in the system. I just don't believe they are inherently evil. I should note this is my U.S. perspective on the U.S. government. I'll leave it to others to comment on thier governments.

Never did I say government is inherently evil, although there is A LOT of historical precedent to support that view.

I stated that government is inherently flawed, in my own terms, and by your post it would seem we are in agreement.

History shows us that pretty much every government that has existed has grown and morphed into a bureaucracy. It can’t be disputed.

My original point was that you simply cannot rely on the government. Period. It will never favor your interests, only its own. The government serves itself, which is the essence that births bureaucracy.