191: My COVID Scare
About a month ago I was hanging out with some people and their kids. We were doing a jigsaw puzzle, going for a walk - normal stuff. After hanging out with them, they called the very next day and said they and their child both had just tested positive for COVID. They said that lack of smell and taste tipped them off - as well as stomach cramps. Only right after I got the news did I recall this person a few days before talking about that he couldn’t stop sweating. I thought it was just because he had been cooking in the kitchen and didn’t think too much about it.
Getting the news that I was up close with COVID was pretty scary. The whole family went and got tested. We had to wait 4 days for the results. Miraculously we all tested negative.
As scary as that was, it’s probably nowhere near as scary as getting COVID and as scary as this family actually having it (also, they have all recovered at this point). This thing is out there and spreading around the world. I only write this to urge you all to be in the lookout for symptoms and to make sure to wear masks.
I also saw this report and have been thinking about it a bit. Only 121 people under the age of 21 have died. 121. That’s a pretty small number and while it does make me think that this virus is less lethal for kids than I thought, it probably won’t adjust my behavior. But still, pretty crazy stat.
Other Stuff
A 3D map of California and the fires on Instagram
For those of us at home, here’s Zoom bingo:
Love this:
Election News: Apparently Trump is researching a plan where states that have a Republican majority in local governments can ignore election results and appoint the electoral votes to Trump even if the public votes against him. Seems reasonable. 🤦🏼♂️
Would love the details on Julio:
Finally, if 2020 feels like a fantasy…maybe it is
Testing Update
Testing has stalled in the US:
Supply shortages are still a problem for coronavirus testing. This causes the testing locations to be able to test a certain amount. The problem is largely a shortage of the chemicals used to process the tests. Two-thirds of labs in US are struggling to get enough reagents and test kits. The problem probably isn't going to get any better, because the flu tests need the same supplies.
Corona
Of the 15 countries with the highest deaths per capita in the world, 11 are in Latin America or the Caribbean. It is not good over there. Mexico city is getting crushed. I feel for folks down there (stay safe Deds).
Vaccine watch: companies are making progress
Johnson & Johnson has begun late-stage clinical trials for its vaccine. While J&J is the 10th company to enter a Phase 3 trial , its vaccine has a number of advantages. (1) It will be tested in more people, (2) it could require just one shot instead of two, and (3) it does not need to be kept frozen as it is delivered, simplifying the logistics. Come on J&J! No more tears!
Finland has trained some very good dogs. The country today began offering coronavirus tests for passengers at Helsinki’s airport, conducted by canine specialists that have been trained to sniff out SARS-CoV-2.
Cases are inching up and new deaths are basically flat over the past two weeks. Let’s chill it out everyone:
Have a great Thursday
Only 64 more days to go