So, coronavirus...

[Enzedder]

subject to state controlled media.

WTF??? Is this just wishful thinking on your part?

[Ymx]

subject to state controlled media.

WTF??? Is this just wishful thinking on your part?

No, and explained above. It was in reference to the “Public Interest Journalism Fund”, which the government pays for media to tow the line on their covid messaging.

[Uncle fester]

NZ has state controlled media?

And you're telling others THEY'RE out of touch?

How patronising.... the average Kiwi is out of touch with the global experience. You're actually saying that here, on an internet forum where we all discuss various issues from all over the joint with varying levels of experience and expertise.

YMX tends to be very susceptible to whatever the latest right wing talking point is re covid and the various mitigations. He'll have it explained to him, take it on board and then a few months later repeat it again anyway.

Case in point is the "we're all going to catch it anyway" discussion.

[Ymx]

NZ has state controlled media?

And you're telling others THEY'RE out of touch?

How patronising.... the average Kiwi is out of touch with the global experience. You're actually saying that here, on an internet forum where we all discuss various issues from all over the joint with varying levels of experience and expertise.

YMX tends to be very susceptible to whatever the latest right wing talking point is re covid and the various mitigations. He'll have it explained to him, take it on board and then a few months later repeat it again anyway.

Case in point is the "we're all going to catch it anyway" discussion.

Cheeky bastard.

Memory not what it used to be admittedly…

Fwiw I was wearing a mask up to just a few weeks back, and during all of last year at the points when they were no longer compulsory. Fully jabbed. I’m no anti vax nutter. But you go on and sling me in there if you want. Taint it by throwing out words right wing. Call me a Nazi for good measure.

[Slick]

My son has just tested positive again 6 weeks after the last test when he had it.

Someone just told me that we should ignore positive tests for 90 days after the first infection which seems a bit mad. Anyone know?

[Ymx]

My son has just tested positive again 6 weeks after the last test when he had it.

Someone just told me that we should ignore positive tests for 90 days after the first infection which seems a bit mad. Anyone know?

I think that only applies to PCR tests. If lat flow is positive within 90 days later, then that will be a re infection.

My daughter got it twice in such a short period, around 5 weeks. The second time my wife caught it off her. Whereas I did after the first time.

Hopefully C69 is about and can answer for certain.

[Slick]

My son has just tested positive again 6 weeks after the last test when he had it.

Someone just told me that we should ignore positive tests for 90 days after the first infection which seems a bit mad. Anyone know?

I think that only applies to PCR tests. If lat flow is positive within 90 days later, then that will be a re infection.

My daughter got it twice in such a short period, around 5 weeks. The second time my wife caught it off her. Whereas I did after the first time.

Hopefully C69 is about and can answer for certain.

ahh OK, makes a bit more sense. Just spoke with NHS Scotland and they say we should get him a PCR then it will be tested for which variant it is. Following this they send it to the schools team (or something) who then, depending on the variant, let him go back or not. That doesn't make much sense to me so trying to get more info.

[Rinkals]

For Democracy to work, people need to be properly informed.

To be properly informed, people need to be able to trust their news sources.

In the past, that was the stock in trade of the news media. Trustworthiness. If an error was made, a retraction, apology and a correction was published as the outlet had a reputation to protect.

These days, nobody cares.

Rupert Murdoch with the Sun and later Fox News led the way in using news outlets to push agendas to the point where it is now expected that they publish untruths; the media Barron's very own Pravda spouting political propaganda.

Politicians such as Trump accused the Main Stream Media of 'Fake News' and, in doing so, weakened trust in the news sources even further.

Add to this the Internet where any teenager in his mom's basement in Montenegro the most fanciful conspiracies as fact, and, no matter how deranged your opinions might be, you can always find something that will agree with you and confirm them.

Democracy is in very real danger.

[dpedin]

Guy, you’re living under the NZ experience, which is behind the rest of the world in terms of the endemic (and brilliantly behind on deaths of course), and more subject to state controlled media. So I don’t know the typical kiwi reflects the global view very well.

My views have evolved admittedly.

I don’t think mandating mask wearing is ever going to be the way forward. And especially where there is zero end game. Except in the temporary conditions I stated above.

There has been less flu, and cold because of it, yes of course. And consequently, it’s probably going to hammer many immune systems when they do start getting exposed to it again. Like the super cold we had here in the UK last year. It’s the way we are built. Immunological memory reduces severity and keeps us alive.

I would rather have been in NZ which has had about 1% of the UK deaths, fewer days with the population locked down than the UK and an economy which has performed at least as good if not better than the UK. They now have a higher vaccination rate than the UK. NZ has no where near the waiting times nor backlogs in its healthcare system compared to the NHS in the UK. Sounds to me NZ did rather well?

The point of wearing masks, distancing where possible, opening windows and ensuring good ventilation, etc when we have a highly infectious air borne virus circulating is to try and reduce community transmission - simples! The end game is to try and avoid people contracting covid and therefore reduce pressure on the NHS (15,000 covid hospitalisations at the moment means the NHS can't possibly operate normally) and at the same time buy time so we can continue to vaccinate the pop and improve the vaccines and other treatments on offer. I am confident that the scientific community will do both relatively quickly given how fast they were able to develop the initial vaccines. I am in no doubt from what I hear that we will have even more effective vaccines and treatments by the end of this year. This is the end game.

The scientists will of course continue to develop new improved vaccines and treatments if we don't follow the simple PH mitigations and just give up on trying to control community transmission. We will reach the same end point but the difference will be how we get there - letting it run loose means we will continue to have far more cases, more hospitalisations and more deaths and a real risk of further lock downs. I don't want lock downs! This seems to be the UK approach, which so far has been one of the worst performing in terms of deaths and economics. Letting a novel and deadly virus with as yet not fully understood long term implications run unchecked in a population is just plain stupid. Not taking even the simplest of PH mitigations when we have very high levels of cases and hospitalisations is just plain stupid.

[Ymx]

Hadn’t looked for a while.

But this is how we are faring on the crucial mechanical ventilation beds (storm has passed - we are virtually at lockdown levels)





And here is just totals of all stayers



Small fraction of the 21 peak.

[Ymx]

Not really related to the above, but a friend from NZ just sent this. I’m sure it’s an old one, but amusing

[dpedin]

UK Covid case numbers still rising - Monday stats for last three weeks are:

7th March - 107k
14th March - 177k
21st March - 203k

ONS survey from 18th reckon 1:14 in Scotland, 1:20 in England, 1:25 in Wales and 1:14 in NI are currently infected. Many will be reinfections, indeed many folk who had omicron BA.1 are now being infected with BA.2.

Hospitalisations up from 11,500 to 15,500 over same period. Remember these lag behind case numbers. ICU numbers only up marginally but again these lag behind. NHS now really stretched and seeing a big increase in reduction in planned/elective business now which is only adding to the already huge backlogs and waiting times. As before we are seeing significant staff absence due to omicron, schools sending kids home etc.

Deaths slowly rising - 7 day average up from 103 to 115 (to March 18th) but again these lag behind case numbers.

Looks like Omicron BA.2 really taking a hold. Not sure covid has gone away or has become milder but vaccination seems to be doing a lot of the heavy lifting thankfully. Still a bit worried about emerging info on Deltacron, not sure if this presents a real risk or not. Freedom Day 2 not going well really is it?

Oh ... and let's not forget long covid and rising case numbers of post infection cardiac, PE, strokes, diabetes, etc.

Wear a mask, keep distance if possible, open the windows, ventilate spaces, etc. Keep safe.

[Slick]

Got the Covids It's grand you benders

Probably a little bump in covid after yesterday’s celebrations, and hang overs I’m sure.

It's actually a bit of a weird dose. Not awful or anything just weird. Very foggy heady, dodgy belly, sickly. Would like a straight up cold to be honest

I've been feeling properly shit for 5 days now

[Grandpa]

I think I must be paranoid. Was the only one wearing a mask in Tesco last night. I felt a bit like someone about to rob the place.

My brother and his wife had Covid a few weeks back. Both boostered... both said it was like bad flu. Stuck in bed for a few days... testing negative at that point. Only tested positive after the worst had passed... and they were up and about again. Seems to be common that delayed positive test?

[Slick]

I think I must be paranoid. Was the only one wearing a mask in Tesco last night. I felt a bit like someone about to rob the place.

My brother and his wife had Covid a few weeks back. Both boostered... both said it was like bad flu. Stuck in bed for a few days... testing negative at that point. Only tested positive after the worst had passed... and they were up and about again. Seems to be common that delayed positive test?

Yeah, I felt pretty dreadful on Thursday and Friday before actually testing positive on Saturday

[Grandpa]

I think I must be paranoid. Was the only one wearing a mask in Tesco last night. I felt a bit like someone about to rob the place.

My brother and his wife had Covid a few weeks back. Both boostered... both said it was like bad flu. Stuck in bed for a few days... testing negative at that point. Only tested positive after the worst had passed... and they were up and about again. Seems to be common that delayed positive test?

Yeah, I felt pretty dreadful on Thursday and Friday before actually testing positive on Saturday

I'll remember that if I get ill.. wait a few days before testing...

[Paddington Bear]

It's finally got me. Sore throat and a bit tired since Sunday which I had assumed was just a 6 Nations hangover...

[dpedin]

ZOE study finds top 5 omicron (bit like Delta) symptoms are runny nose, headache, fatigue (mild to severe), sneezing and sore throat - the symptoms mentioned above on posts seem to fall in line?

[petej]

I think I must be paranoid. Was the only one wearing a mask in Tesco last night. I felt a bit like someone about to rob the place.

My brother and his wife had Covid a few weeks back. Both boostered... both said it was like bad flu. Stuck in bed for a few days... testing negative at that point. Only tested positive after the worst had passed... and they were up and about again. Seems to be common that delayed positive test?

Yeah, I felt pretty dreadful on Thursday and Friday before actually testing positive on Saturday

I'll remember that if I get ill.. wait a few days before testing...

Just test repeatedly. I tested positive twice right at the beginning of symptoms 1st and 2nd day (weaker +ve) then negative the rest of it.

I had a really nasty stomach bug last week and to be honest would have preferred another bout of COVID

[SaintK]

ZOE study finds top 5 omicron (bit like Delta) symptoms are runny nose, headache, fatigue (mild to severe), sneezing and sore throat - the symptoms mentioned above on posts seem to fall in line?

My wife is 8 days in and struggling with all those symptoms, she also has a sore stomach and queasiness!

[Marylandolorian]

Ffs guys, hoping you’ll all be fine.
Now it looks like it’s not if but when.

Watch for these symptoms
https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/memory-long-COVID

[petej]

https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00135-22

Despite bearing many more RBD mutations, the epistatic landscape of Omicron closely resembles that of Gamma. Thus, although Omicron poses new risks not observed with Delta, structural constraints on the RBD appear to hamper continued evolution toward more complete vaccine escape. The modest ensemble of mutations relative to the wild type that are currently known to reduce vaccine efficacy is likely to contain the majority of all possible escape mutations for future variants, predicting the continued efficacy of the existing vaccines.

[Grandpa]

Ffs guys, hoping you’ll all be fine.
Now it looks like it’s not if but when.

Watch for these symptoms
https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/memory-long-COVID

Is that not 70% of Long Covid patients, rather than 70% of all Covid patients?

So hopefully still an "if"?

[Dinsdale Piranha]

ZOE study finds top 5 omicron (bit like Delta) symptoms are runny nose, headache, fatigue (mild to severe), sneezing and sore throat - the symptoms mentioned above on posts seem to fall in line?

I had COVID a couple of weeks back. Symptoms were a cough and a bit of fatigue. None of the others. Had symptoms for a couple of days before testing positive which apparently is common with the latest variant. Tested negative 5 days later.

I am reasonably confident I caught COVID at the Quins v Newcastle game.

[Marylandolorian]

Ffs guys, hoping you’ll all be fine.
Now it looks like it’s not if but when.

Watch for these symptoms
https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/memory-long-COVID

Is that not 70% of Long Covid patients, rather than 70% of all Covid patients?

So hopefully still an "if"?

Oh sorry, the If & When was about getting the Covid.
I started to write something about an old sailing adage but removed it as I didn’t want to be accused of Globuslism.

[Calculon]

https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00135-22

Despite bearing many more RBD mutations, the epistatic landscape of Omicron closely resembles that of Gamma. Thus, although Omicron poses new risks not observed with Delta, structural constraints on the RBD appear to hamper continued evolution toward more complete vaccine escape. The modest ensemble of mutations relative to the wild type that are currently known to reduce vaccine efficacy is likely to contain the majority of all possible escape mutations for future variants, predicting the continued efficacy of the existing vaccines.

That's a fantastic title. Right at the start of the pandemic it was being theorized that structural constraints would but a brake on evolution of immune escape and the fact that the vaccine designed for the original variant is still highly effective at preventing severe disease by Omicron is pretty remarkable, and the reason we haven't seen the introduction of a new vaccine.

[Grandpa]

Ffs guys, hoping you’ll all be fine.
Now it looks like it’s not if but when.

Watch for these symptoms
https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/memory-long-COVID

Is that not 70% of Long Covid patients, rather than 70% of all Covid patients?

So hopefully still an "if"?

Oh sorry, the If & When was about getting the Covid.
I started to write something about an old sailing adage but removed it as I didn’t want to be accused of Globuslism.

I agree with you then... It is a matter of when...

Now, about that boat...

[Biffer]

https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00135-22

Despite bearing many more RBD mutations, the epistatic landscape of Omicron closely resembles that of Gamma. Thus, although Omicron poses new risks not observed with Delta, structural constraints on the RBD appear to hamper continued evolution toward more complete vaccine escape. The modest ensemble of mutations relative to the wild type that are currently known to reduce vaccine efficacy is likely to contain the majority of all possible escape mutations for future variants, predicting the continued efficacy of the existing vaccines.

That's a fantastic title. Right at the start of the pandemic it was being theorized that structural constraints would but a brake on evolution of immune escape and the fact that the vaccine designed for the original variant is still highly effective at preventing severe disease by Omicron is pretty remarkable, and the reason we haven't seen the introduction of a new vaccine.

It would also mean a more universal vaccine can be developed.

[Ymx]

Sounds like NZ has changed/dropped many restrictions, despite being in the height of infections.

Vaccine passes gone, vaccine mandates reduced in terms of job. And I think reduction of restrictions regarding inside/outside limits.

[Guy Smiley]

Sounds like NZ has changed/dropped many restrictions, despite being in the height of infections.

Reported case numbers have been dropping for a week. Why do you always get essential facts wrong?

We've got a massive majority vaccinated. We've run a successful booster program. We've had something like 1 1/2 million catch the virus out of 5 million or so total.

Now is the right time to loosen up, we're as well prepared as we can be.

[convoluted]

^^^ Now is the time to loosen up
Just WhoTF are you to decree that?
How dare you contradict prominent microbiologist of international repute Siouxie Wiles who is demanding that we Maintain The Fear:
https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/national ... hp&pc=U531

[Guy Smiley]

whatever m8

[Ymx]

Sounds like NZ has changed/dropped many restrictions, despite being in the height of infections.

Reported case numbers have been dropping for a week. Why do you always get essential facts wrong?

We've got a massive majority vaccinated. We've run a successful booster program. We've had something like 1 1/2 million catch the virus out of 5 million or so total.

Now is the right time to loosen up, we're as well prepared as we can be.

I got it from Jacindas press conference. Where she showed that Auckland had just peaked and the rest of the country is expected to following suit but is not yet there. And they are expecting it to drop from here

This chart seems to show it hitting peak.



I don’t disagree with it being loosened up. It’s encouraging.

What exactly did I say wrong?

You are such an angry man.

[Guy Smiley]

Bro... the chart you've posted shows the case numbers dropping.

I'm not angry. I'm critical. The accuracy of your posts invites it.

[Ymx]

Fair enough.

I’d argue that chart shows you are still rattling around at peak.

But I would say the predictions are likely right it’s about to start dropping.

Either way, it’s good to see the situation recovering, and NZ having stormed the worst of it.

[Slick]

Madness. My boy is off school with Covid but tested negative this morning 6 days after first symptoms so should be allowed back tomorrow if another negative.

However, school just called to say that they checked with NHS Scotland and that only applies if the symptoms are cough, fever or loss of smell/taste, so the traditional symptoms. Of course this new variant seems to have different symptoms, runny nose, sore throat, which he had. So the new symptoms don't count which means we have to take it from day of first test which was 2 days later (as we didn't know the symptoms he had were Covid at the time), so another 2 days off school.

So we now have forget about actual symptoms and just look out for old symptoms. It's great stuff.

[Margin__Walker]

Madness. My boy is off school with Covid but tested negative this morning 6 days after first symptoms so should be allowed back tomorrow if another negative.

However, school just called to say that they checked with NHS Scotland and that only applies if the symptoms are cough, fever or loss of smell/taste, so the traditional symptoms. Of course this new variant seems to have different symptoms, runny nose, sore throat, which he had. So the new symptoms don't count which means we have to take it from day of first test which was 2 days later (as we didn't know the symptoms he had were Covid at the time), so another 2 days off school.

So we now have forget about actual symptoms and just look out for old symptoms. It's great stuff.

Well that's clearly absurd.

I'd just call back and say you've just remembered that he was coughing a little when he had the original symptoms. We'll see you tomorrow.

[JM2K6]

In a fitting tribute to England's performance on Saturday, which I watched in a pub with a cabal of spiteful infants, I am feeling like total shit and just got informed my pcr test was positive.

Wish me luck.

[Ymx]

In a fitting tribute to England's performance on Saturday, which I watched in a pub with a cabal of spiteful infants, I am feeling like total shit and just got informed my pcr test was positive.

Wish me luck.

You’ve done well to avoid it up til now. Mind you it helps not having children.

Hope you get through it quickly, and see you on the other side.

[Kiwias]

In a fitting tribute to England's performance on Saturday, which I watched in a pub with a cabal of spiteful infants, I am feeling like total shit and just got informed my pcr test was positive.

Wish me luck.

All the best, mate.