# The Quarantine Zone **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-quarantine-zone/29.md?page=10 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 11 --- ## [Could someone please explain the reasoning behind religious exemptions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-someone-please-explain-the-reasoning-behind-religious-exemptions/953408)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2021, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-someone-please-explain-the-reasoning-behind-religious-exemptions/953408 "2021-12-08T15:07:55Z")
Are there studies that show that people that claim a religious exemption to getting the shots are much less prone to getting and/or spreading Covid? Does sincere belief create a magic bubble that Covid cannot penetrate? … --- ## [How can this new omicron strain have such a high r0 value](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-this-new-omicron-strain-have-such-a-high-r0-value/954988)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2021, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-this-new-omicron-strain-have-such-a-high-r0-value/954988 "2021-12-06T07:34:45Z")
it was just upgraded to variant of concern. it’s more infectious than delta which had an r0 or 6-7. is there an upper limit on how contagious covid can be? this new strain is supposedly up there with the most infectious… --- ## [Is COVID transmission airborne?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-covid-transmission-airborne/955327)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2021, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-covid-transmission-airborne/955327 "2021-12-06T03:54:38Z")
I got into a bit of a debate earlier today whether COVID was transmissible via the air. The argument seemed to come down to definitions. Of course the virus leaves a person when they breathe. So, it is in the air. My… --- ## [Travel bans...what are your thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travel-bans-what-are-your-thoughts/955318)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2021, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travel-bans-what-are-your-thoughts/955318 "2021-12-05T19:39:24Z")
So, not sure if there is already a thread on this, but I’ve been watching the antics happening wrt travel bans in Africa, specifically South Africa, with a bit of disbelief. Sure, they were the first to sequence the new… --- ## [Pregnant daugter is unvaxxed, but I am vaccinated. What are the risks of me holding my granddaughter after she's born?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnant-daugter-is-unvaxxed-but-i-am-vaccinated-what-are-the-risks-of-me-holding-my-granddaughter-after-shes-born/955453)
**Author:** [@Horseflesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horseflesh)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2021, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnant-daugter-is-unvaxxed-but-i-am-vaccinated-what-are-the-risks-of-me-holding-my-granddaughter-after-shes-born/955453 "2021-12-04T03:53:36Z")
The title gives the gist of the situation. Daughter is pregnant and due in about 3 weeks. She’s been reading “horror stories” on some facebook group(s) about mothers losing their unborn fetus after getting vaccinated. He… --- ## [Breakthrough cases among the already infected](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breakthrough-cases-among-the-already-infected/955338)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breakthrough-cases-among-the-already-infected/955338 "2021-12-03T19:50:50Z")
All of the “breakthrough” stories I hear are about people who were vaccinated and then got COVID anyway. Are there any documented cases of people who (vaccinated or not) already had COVID and then got COVID again? --- ## [What would happen if cattle or poultry became infected with SARS-Cov2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-cattle-or-poultry-became-infected-with-sars-cov2/955368)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2021, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-cattle-or-poultry-became-infected-with-sars-cov2/955368 "2021-12-03T19:38:22Z")
I know the virus has been detected in mink, dogs, cats, some zoo animals. It’s also been detected in wild deer. But what happens if it turns up in a species that’s used for food on a large scale ? It seems likely that th… --- ## [Testing for variants question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-variants-question/955410)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2021, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-variants-question/955410 "2021-12-03T04:28:27Z")
Omicron is here. There was just an announcement that 5 cases are confirmed in NYC. My question is how do they know? What is the mechanism for testing for variants? Say 1,000 people in NYC test positive for COVID today. … --- ## ["Fully vaccinated" and booster shots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fully-vaccinated-and-booster-shots/955379)
**Author:** [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2021, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fully-vaccinated-and-booster-shots/955379 "2021-12-02T17:48:03Z")
When the Covid vaccines became available, people were considered to be “fully vaccinated” once they had gotten both doses of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna) or one of a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), and e… --- ## [Predict the number dead from COVID-19 in America by end of 2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predict-the-number-dead-from-covid-19-in-america-by-end-of-2020/850561)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 312\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2021, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predict-the-number-dead-from-covid-19-in-america-by-end-of-2020/850561 "2021-12-02T13:08:30Z")
I don’t think this forum allows polls but please choose between: \[ol\] \[li\]Less than 50K\[/li\]\[li\]50 to 100K\[/li\]\[li\]100 to 200K\[/li\]\[li\]200 to 300K\[/li\]\[li\]300 to 500K\[/li\]\[li\]500K to 1M\[/li\]\[li\]Over 1 M\[/li\]\[/ol\] I’m … --- ## [Does vaccinating the most vulnerable world-wide actually reduce mutations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-vaccinating-the-most-vulnerable-world-wide-actually-reduce-mutations/954981)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2021, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-vaccinating-the-most-vulnerable-world-wide-actually-reduce-mutations/954981 "2021-12-02T07:44:19Z")
I read things like and hear some guy from WHO say similar things, but I can’t, for the life of me, figure out a mechanism that makes this true. Sure, there are ethical issues with getting some kids slightly more prote… --- ## [For Omicron, get a booster now or wait until an updated vaccine is available](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-omicron-get-a-booster-now-or-wait-until-an-updated-vaccine-is-available/955224)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2021, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-omicron-get-a-booster-now-or-wait-until-an-updated-vaccine-is-available/955224 "2021-12-01T22:30:48Z")
So I’m wondering if this is a quandary other people are worried about. With the new omicron variant is it better to get a booster now with the existing vaccines, or wait ~3 months until an updated mRNA vaccine comes out … --- ## [What is the cause of allergic reactions in the Pfizer Covid vaccine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-cause-of-allergic-reactions-in-the-pfizer-covid-vaccine/952669)
**Author:** [@craft458](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/craft458)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2021, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-cause-of-allergic-reactions-in-the-pfizer-covid-vaccine/952669 "2021-11-30T23:28:25Z")
I remember when the Pfizer vaccine first came out there was a lot of discussion about what the cause of the allergic reactions the people were having was from. Some people said it was due to polyethylene glycol, which I … --- ## [80 Person In-Door Party Planned in house with current infection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/80-person-in-door-party-planned-in-house-with-current-infection/949533)
**Author:** [@edwin\_klockars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwin_klockars)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2021, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/80-person-in-door-party-planned-in-house-with-current-infection/949533 "2021-11-30T20:52:39Z")
I live in a co-living mansion in Venice with many roommates, one of whom just tested positive for covid today. The main tenant (who runs the house) is planning to host a massive (80+ person) indoor/outdoor for-profit par… --- ## [In which the Chicago Reader goes over to the dark side](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-the-chicago-reader-goes-over-to-the-dark-side/955158)
**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2021, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-the-chicago-reader-goes-over-to-the-dark-side/955158 "2021-11-30T14:09:01Z")
The co-owner of the Chicago Reader (at least its for-profit arm), attorney Len Goodman, has authored an article in the Reader that denounces Covid-19 vaccination for children. It is full of the usual antivax glop/conspir… --- ## [Mandatory vaccination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mandatory-vaccination/946494)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2021, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mandatory-vaccination/946494 "2021-11-30T14:00:28Z")
Do you think it’s coming? Do you think it’s necessary? “Angela Merkel says no plans for mandatory vaccines in Germany” She probably needs votes for anti-vax people for the elections in September '21. France makes vac… --- ## [Shortness of breath, but no other symptoms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shortness-of-breath-but-no-other-symptoms/937906)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2021, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shortness-of-breath-but-no-other-symptoms/937906 "2021-03-15T11:02:16Z")
As of today, I’ve started to have some shortness of breath and it’s a little bit laborious to breathe, but I have no other Covid symptoms. No fever, no coughing, none of that. Has anyone gotten infected but only had a bi… --- ## [Questions about a theory re: Japan's pandemic success story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-a-theory-re-japans-pandemic-success-story/955126)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2021, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-a-theory-re-japans-pandemic-success-story/955126 "2021-11-29T20:06:20Z")
Japan has had remarkable success battling the pandemic. They were slow with the vaccine rollout this spring, but now their vax rate is well over 70%, and currently the COVID daily new case count is about 100 cases per d… --- ## [Is Covid-19 an outlier or a harbinger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-covid-19-an-outlier-or-a-harbinger/952554)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2021, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-covid-19-an-outlier-or-a-harbinger/952554 "2021-11-28T10:28:29Z")
This pandemic is like nothing that’s been seen in anyone’s lifetime. The question is whether this is something which is extremely unlikely to be repeated, or whether there’s something about modern life and living conditi… --- ## [SARS-CoV-2 found in Cambodian bats sampled in 2010](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sars-cov-2-found-in-cambodian-bats-sampled-in-2010/954964)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2021, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sars-cov-2-found-in-cambodian-bats-sampled-in-2010/954964 "2021-11-27T15:08:56Z")
A pretty interesting story in the news today. If this bears out, it has some pretty serious implications for understanding the origins of the virus --- ## [How long until herd immunity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-until-herd-immunity/954417)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2021, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-until-herd-immunity/954417 "2021-11-21T23:22:04Z")
So, we’d all hoped that enough people would be vaccinated to bring us to herd immunity. And, well, I think it’s clear by now that that’s not going to happen. But while vaccination is the best route to herd immunity, it… --- ## [Antivax Quacks Bump Vax Death Stats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antivax-quacks-bump-vax-death-stats/952906)
**Author:** [@Retzbu\_Tox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Retzbu_Tox)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2021, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antivax-quacks-bump-vax-death-stats/952906 "2021-11-21T05:27:31Z")
My right-wing office mate claims his mother-in-law’s recent death was due to her COVID-19 vaccination, and that her physician says he has had three such incidents so far. This seems quite improbable to me. If a foolish, … --- ## [Flu vaccines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flu-vaccines/950682)
**Author:** [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2021, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flu-vaccines/950682 "2021-11-17T00:37:16Z")
Not sure how to present this, given the heated debates about COVID vaccines. I just wanted to remind folks about getting your flu shot, soon. The most effective dates are now until late October. Most places giving them … --- ## [What a COVID-19 vaccine for our pets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-a-covid-19-vaccine-for-our-pets/953766)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2021, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-a-covid-19-vaccine-for-our-pets/953766 "2021-11-14T23:52:30Z")
How soon is that gonna be a thing? Asking for my feline overlords… --- ## [FDA advisory approves vaccines for kids 5-11 - a question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fda-advisory-approves-vaccines-for-kids-5-11-a-question/953255)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2021, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fda-advisory-approves-vaccines-for-kids-5-11-a-question/953255 "2021-10-27T13:21:32Z")
Advisory committee recommends vaccine for 5-11.. Not the last hurdle, but we’re almost there. My question: Per the article, the kids’ dose will be 10mcg as opposed to 30mcg for adults. Does that mean that all new … --- ## [Ciao from Italy - a perspective on COVID-19 near the (current) epicenter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ciao-from-italy-a-perspective-on-covid-19-near-the-current-epicenter/849963)
**Author:** [@Ulysses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulysses)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2021, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ciao-from-italy-a-perspective-on-covid-19-near-the-current-epicenter/849963 "2021-11-08T01:32:39Z")
Buongiorno mi amici. Long-time lurker, first-time poster. I’m an American living abroad in Italy and finally decided to make my first post to the Dope. I’ve very much enjoyed these boards; they’re informative and have al… --- ## [I became ill overnight; not serious but I need advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-became-ill-overnight-not-serious-but-i-need-advice/953907)
**Author:** [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2021, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-became-ill-overnight-not-serious-but-i-need-advice/953907 "2021-11-07T09:57:51Z")
Around 1 am I started getting chills and body aches. And more tired than usual. The symptoms suggest it could be covid or flu. I feel not very bad at the moment. I’m wondering about contacting my HMO to ask how to pro… --- ## [Houston Methodist Hospital](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/houston-methodist-hospital/944171)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2021, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/houston-methodist-hospital/944171 "2021-11-06T15:06:13Z")
I just read a blurb on Yahoo News about a federal ruling on whether hospitals can compel their employees to get vaccinated. This part jumped out at me: After months of warnings, Houston Methodist had put \[more than 170… --- ## [Problems with Pfizer's vax trials?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problems-with-pfizers-vax-trials/953819)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2021, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problems-with-pfizers-vax-trials/953819 "2021-11-05T19:24:43Z")
Just saw this: Some significant problems at a Pfizer subcontractor site that was involved with the COVID-19 vaccine trials. The broad deployment and success of the Pfizer vaccine among the general public suggests tha… --- ## [Halloween decision-- just curious what others think](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halloween-decision-just-curious-what-others-think/953786)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2021, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halloween-decision-just-curious-what-others-think/953786 "2021-11-05T10:20:10Z")
So, DH and I had a difficult call about Halloween this year. I’m still comfortable with what we did, but I’m getting some shocked looks from other people when I relate the situation, so I’m curious what others think. Th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-quarantine-zone/29.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-quarantine-zone/29.md?page=11)