So, coronavirus...

[convoluted]

Less severe and more transmissible. Is this actually true/suspected? If so, this could be good news. I mean better than good news.

If it’s less severe, it’s the wrong move to isolate household for this strain ...

Absolutely this. I'm double vaxxed, though at 6 months past it's with rapidly-waning antibodies.
Being infected with this mild strain might be just the thing to set us all up for a really decent immunity.

[convoluted]

^^^ ... so I switch from the forum back to my internet feed and the first thing I see is:
NZ in 'good position' to combat new Omicron variant - MoH
Rachel Sadler 1 hour ago

No.o.o.o !! Don't!
Identify the supermarket and I'll rush down and start licking the trolley handles.

[Calculon]

Less severe and more transmissible. Is this actually true/suspected? If so, this could be good news. I mean better than good news.

If it’s less severe, it’s the wrong move to isolate household for this strain over delta. Need to do it the other way around, for it to wipe out delta.

Early days of course. So understandable precautions

As long as there's cross recognition by your immune system between variants. I don't think there's much information on its severity with old people at the moment

[Biffer]

This ‘it’s a mild strain’ is a bit of hopeful over enthusiasm.

The upsurge in Gautend is only a week or two old so increased hospitalisation won’t kick in until the next week or so, deaths after that. And the spread so far has been in young people so again the severity will look milder at this stage.

It’ll be a few more weeks before we can determine what this is truly like.

[Ymx]

The case of super-variant Omicron’s “Patient Zero” – a 36-year-old man from Hong Kong – throws troubling light on just how contagious this new strain is, and how the international battle to bring the pandemic to an end has become so much harder.

While the global epicentre of the super-variant is South Africa, with cases believed to date back from early November, the first official record of variant B.1.1.529 emerged in Hong Kong on 13 November.

According to Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Patient Zero – case number 12388 – flew to South Africa on 23 October, returning on 11 November on a Qatar Airlines flight QR818.

He tested negative on arrival at Hong Kong airport, but under the territory’s strict quarantine rules he was put up in the Regal Airport Hotel in Chek Lap Kok for the required 21 days.

Two days later he tested positive for Covid-19, with the health authority saying his sample showed signs of a mutation, and the next day, 14 November, he was admitted to hospital with a high viral load.

On 22 November, the patient’s genome sample was uploaded onto GISAID, the global genomic database used by virologists around the world to analyse and compare data.

On that same day, the CHP noticed a link between case 12388 and a second, labelled 12404 – someone who had not been to South Africa but was staying in the same hotel as the 36-year-old. In fact, their rooms were opposite each other on the 5th floor of the Regal Airport Hotel.

Case 12404 had checked into the hotel on 10 November, a day before case 12388, and tested negative twice before being diagnosed with Covid-19 on 18 November. He was also admitted to hospital.

From HK apparently.

Not great reading that the first 2 cases were both admitted to hospital

[Biffer]

Interesting thread here. Basically suggesting that significant variants tend to have clusters of mutations, and that this might be happening in long term infections in immune compromised people. This was talked about for the Kent variant (Alpha), and with the variants that were first detected in Southern Africa, Brazil and India, where there are large numbers of AIDS sufferers in each, the suggestion is that putting a renewed effort into ensuring that all AIDS sufferers have good access to antiretroviral treatment will help to suppress future variants.

[Sandstorm]

If everyone just wore a mask it would be ok.

You need to put a word in Joke Biden's ear.
He has yet again just been caught mask-less in a crowd, and yet again hacking into his palm then shaking hands.

But then again he is part of the 'sophisticated' elite, as per Obama's recent mask-less birthday party, which I guess gives him leeway over the Deplorables and other Common Folk.

He’s a politician. Anyone expecting high standards is a fool.

[ASMO]

[GogLais]

Well yes but when?

[Rinkals]

If everyone just wore a mask it would be ok.

You need to put a word in Joke Biden's ear.
He has yet again just been caught mask-less in a crowd, and yet again hacking into his palm then shaking hands.

But then again he is part of the 'sophisticated' elite, as per Obama's recent mask-less birthday party, which I guess gives him leeway over the Deplorables and other Common Folk.

He’s a politician. Anyone expecting high standards is a fool.

Absolute rubbish.

By pushing your cynical acceptance of corruption, you give politicians a free pass to be corrupt. This is why Boris can get away with so much.

Politicians should be held to account and held to high ethical standards, not given latitude to behave dishonestly because that is what is expected of them.

You've been too long in England.

[Calculon]

Not great reading that the first 2 cases were both admitted to hospital

Both had very mild symptoms despite being admitted to hospital

David Hui, a respiratory medicine expert and government adviser on the pandemic in Hong Kong, said that even though it is not clear if current coronavirus vaccines are effective against the new variant, the city's vaccination rate should be increased and booster doses should be implemented as soon as possible.

He said that the two people who tested positive for the omicron variant had received the BioNTech-Pfizer shot and exhibited very mild symptoms, such as a sore throat.

I think all 13 Dutch cases and both Australian cases were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms, same for many of the SA cases. Anyway, saying at this stage that it definitely causes milder disease is as inaccurate as British scientists saying it's horrendous and the worst ever .


Interesting bit on twitter

If we're unlucky, omicron's ability to (re-)infect immunised hosts doesn't significantly impact its high replication rate (and the damage it causes to host tissues).

If we're a bit lucky, its ability to (re-)infect immunised hosts does reduce its replication rate, and hence would be expected to cause on average less severe symptoms, send fewer people into hospital and reduce fatality rates if it spread

If we're really lucky, omicron not only replicates less well in host cells, but also causes less systemic infections by replicating preferentially in cells of the mucosa of the upper airways, which are poorly protected by vaccine induced immunity

.

[Ymx]

Ah, I didn’t think about that. Admitted because of their tests showing mutations, not necessarily as they were having severe respiratory problems. Makes sense.

[Rinkals]

^^^ ... so I switch from the forum back to my internet feed and the first thing I see is:
NZ in 'good position' to combat new Omicron variant - MoH
Rachel Sadler 1 hour ago

No.o.o.o !! Don't!
Identify the supermarket and I'll rush down and start licking the trolley handles.

I think you probably would.

[Sandstorm]

You need to put a word in Joke Biden's ear.
He has yet again just been caught mask-less in a crowd, and yet again hacking into his palm then shaking hands.

But then again he is part of the 'sophisticated' elite, as per Obama's recent mask-less birthday party, which I guess gives him leeway over the Deplorables and other Common Folk.

He’s a politician. Anyone expecting high standards is a fool.

Absolute rubbish.

By pushing your cynical acceptance of corruption, you give politicians a free pass to be corrupt. This is why Boris can get away with so much.

Politicians should be held to account and held to high ethical standards, not given latitude to behave dishonestly because that is what is expected of them.

You've been too long in England.

You managed to crowbar Zuma out of the job after a decade of raping the public purse and you think SA is dealing well with corruption?

You Klingons are high-larious

[Rinkals]

He’s a politician. Anyone expecting high standards is a fool.

Absolute rubbish.

By pushing your cynical acceptance of corruption, you give politicians a free pass to be corrupt. This is why Boris can get away with so much.

Politicians should be held to account and held to high ethical standards, not given latitude to behave dishonestly because that is what is expected of them.

You've been too long in England.

You managed to crowbar Zuma out of the job after a decade of raping the public purse and you think SA is dealing well with corruption?

You Klingons are high-larious

Ah!

A strawman!

You are certainly learning diligently from your hosts.

[TB63]

Cardiff squad stuck out in SA as 1 of the team tested positive..

[Uncle fester]

Cardiff squad stuck out in SA as 1 of the team tested positive..

Same with Munster.

[petej]

Not great reading that the first 2 cases were both admitted to hospital

Both had very mild symptoms despite being admitted to hospital

David Hui, a respiratory medicine expert and government adviser on the pandemic in Hong Kong, said that even though it is not clear if current coronavirus vaccines are effective against the new variant, the city's vaccination rate should be increased and booster doses should be implemented as soon as possible.

He said that the two people who tested positive for the omicron variant had received the BioNTech-Pfizer shot and exhibited very mild symptoms, such as a sore throat.

I think all 13 Dutch cases and both Australian cases were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms, same for many of the SA cases. Anyway, saying at this stage that it definitely causes milder disease is as inaccurate as British scientists saying it's horrendous and the worst ever .


Interesting bit on twitter

If we're unlucky, omicron's ability to (re-)infect immunised hosts doesn't significantly impact its high replication rate (and the damage it causes to host tissues).

If we're a bit lucky, its ability to (re-)infect immunised hosts does reduce its replication rate, and hence would be expected to cause on average less severe symptoms, send fewer people into hospital and reduce fatality rates if it spread

If we're really lucky, omicron not only replicates less well in host cells, but also causes less systemic infections by replicating preferentially in cells of the mucosa of the upper airways, which are poorly protected by vaccine induced immunity

.

I assume that was from a Francois Balloux thread.

[petej]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/ ... dam-fears/
60 people out of 600 is an unexpectedly high proportion.

[JM2K6]

Not great reading that the first 2 cases were both admitted to hospital

Both had very mild symptoms despite being admitted to hospital

David Hui, a respiratory medicine expert and government adviser on the pandemic in Hong Kong, said that even though it is not clear if current coronavirus vaccines are effective against the new variant, the city's vaccination rate should be increased and booster doses should be implemented as soon as possible.

He said that the two people who tested positive for the omicron variant had received the BioNTech-Pfizer shot and exhibited very mild symptoms, such as a sore throat.

I think all 13 Dutch cases and both Australian cases were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms, same for many of the SA cases. Anyway, saying at this stage that it definitely causes milder disease is as inaccurate as British scientists saying it's horrendous and the worst ever .


Interesting bit on twitter

If we're unlucky, omicron's ability to (re-)infect immunised hosts doesn't significantly impact its high replication rate (and the damage it causes to host tissues).

If we're a bit lucky, its ability to (re-)infect immunised hosts does reduce its replication rate, and hence would be expected to cause on average less severe symptoms, send fewer people into hospital and reduce fatality rates if it spread

If we're really lucky, omicron not only replicates less well in host cells, but also causes less systemic infections by replicating preferentially in cells of the mucosa of the upper airways, which are poorly protected by vaccine induced immunity

.

Which British scientists?

[Sandstorm]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/ ... dam-fears/
60 people out of 600 is an unexpectedly high proportion.

PCR testers in SA are incompetent or corrupt.


Rinky in 5……4…..3…….

[petej]

This frequently updated chart is one of the best ways of seeing the impact of vaccines. You can even see the impact of boosters in October and November

[SaintK]

I really don't get this!! Other than political expediency?

[Margin__Walker]

Ones at the top are the ones they can do with less friction.

There's clearly not a difference in risk.

[tabascoboy]

It is a bit inconsistent, when I shop in the supermarket early there aren't many people in it and it seems decidedly lower risk than a crowded pub/ nightclub or whatever. Maybe the argument is that a supermarket has a much higher footfall during its opening hours than entertainment venues but truly it would surely be better just have a blanket rule to cover all public indoor spaces.

[robmatic]

It is a bit inconsistent, when I shop in the supermarket early there aren't many people in it and it seems decidedly lower risk than a crowded pub/ nightclub or whatever. Maybe the argument is that a supermarket has a much higher footfall during its opening hours than entertainment venues but truly it would surely be better just have a blanket rule to cover all public indoor spaces.

But then you basically need to close cafes, restaurants and pubs to have the effect because nobody actually wears a mask when they are eating/drinking. And if people need to wear a mask in the office for 8 hours continuously then actually they probably shouldn't be there and should be working from home. I'm not saying that these things shouldn't happen but it's a whole different level of intervention.

[Paddington Bear]

The ask on to enter a pub then take it off when you sat down just struck me as so performative and not making a meaningful difference. If hospitality is open in the winter it will spread covid, simple as.

[tabascoboy]

It's a mixed message on the prevention/mitigation of the spread during winter, and not surprisingly they have chosen a middle ground of "least resistance". Appeasing the hospitality sector and "saving Christmas" (again) isn't so much a risk as last year thanks to the vaccine and booster rollout, I'll grant.

[Slick]

Has anyone had a spot of long covid?

Feel like I have it at the moment, constantly knackered, particularly in the afternoon. Feels like a slight fever occasionally, sometimes waking in the morning with swollen glands, little headache now and then. Basically feels like day 2 of a big hangover. Been going for 3-4 weeks now and sick of it

[yermum]

Has anyone had a spot of long covid?

Feel like I have it at the moment, constantly knackered, particularly in the afternoon. Feels like a slight fever occasionally, sometimes waking in the morning with swollen glands, little headache now and then. Basically feels like day 2 of a big hangover. Been going for 3-4 weeks now and sick of it

yep more or less the same but getting better after about 6 weeks.

still get little HR spikes every now and again...

[Torquemada 1420]

There’s a plan A with Boris???

Borders won’t open before January and therefore local lockdowns are inevitable in December too unfortunately.

Nicola has been quiet up here for a while so I’m sure there will be something incoming

If everyone just wore a mask it would be ok.

Assume this is sarcasm?

[Hal Jordan]

The anti-mask freedom fighters are out in force on the old Twitter today. Some of them are willing to go to jail before they're masked.

[Slick]

Has anyone had a spot of long covid?

Feel like I have it at the moment, constantly knackered, particularly in the afternoon. Feels like a slight fever occasionally, sometimes waking in the morning with swollen glands, little headache now and then. Basically feels like day 2 of a big hangover. Been going for 3-4 weeks now and sick of it

yep more or less the same but getting better after about 6 weeks.

still get little HR spikes every now and again...

Cheers. Never actually tested positive for it though

[dpedin]

Has anyone had a spot of long covid?

Feel like I have it at the moment, constantly knackered, particularly in the afternoon. Feels like a slight fever occasionally, sometimes waking in the morning with swollen glands, little headache now and then. Basically feels like day 2 of a big hangover. Been going for 3-4 weeks now and sick of it

yep more or less the same but getting better after about 6 weeks.

still get little HR spikes every now and again...

Cheers. Never actually tested positive for it though

Ex workmate has the same type of symptoms. Been signed off work, feels very tired and lackadaisical but slowly getting better now.

[SaintK]

The anti-mask freedom fighters are out in force on the old Twitter today. Some of them are willing to go to jail before they're masked.

Some were sat behind Javid in the House of Commons today!!!

[GogLais]

I really don't get this!! Other than political expediency?

I'll be the one with my mask on in the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall this Thursday.

[Glaston]

I really don't get this!! Other than political expediency?

I'll be the one with my mask on in the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall this Thursday.

2 lots of Mrs Browns boys over Xmas.
F U to the BBC.

[Sandstorm]

Has anyone had a spot of long covid?

Feel like I have it at the moment, constantly knackered, particularly in the afternoon. Feels like a slight fever occasionally, sometimes waking in the morning with swollen glands, little headache now and then. Basically feels like day 2 of a big hangover. Been going for 3-4 weeks now and sick of it

yep more or less the same but getting better after about 6 weeks.

still get little HR spikes every now and again...

Cheers. Never actually tested positive for it though

Sounds like your hormones

[JM2K6]

yep more or less the same but getting better after about 6 weeks.

still get little HR spikes every now and again...

Cheers. Never actually tested positive for it though

Sounds like your hormones

Looking at the mortality rate for Covid among fully vaccinated people, I was struck by the similarity with how many of your jokes are funny

[Sandstorm]

Looking at the mortality rate for Covid among fully vaccinated people, I was struck by the similarity with how many of your jokes are funny

Blow me, you uptight dickhead