# The Quarantine Zone **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-quarantine-zone/29.md?page=27 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 28 --- ## [Are they still making ventilators in repurposed factories?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-they-still-making-ventilators-in-repurposed-factories/923372)
**Author:** [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2020, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-they-still-making-ventilators-in-repurposed-factories/923372 "2020-10-21T06:35:11Z")
In the months after our introduction to the pandemic, some otherwise slow factories were repurposed to make ventilators, particularly in the automotive sector. Much was said about how fast these production lines were co… --- ## [A good news story : couple married on wharf in New Brunswick So American family can see them across the river](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-good-news-story-couple-married-on-wharf-in-new-brunswick-so-american-family-can-see-them-across-the-river/923386)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2020, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-good-news-story-couple-married-on-wharf-in-new-brunswick-so-american-family-can-see-them-across-the-river/923386 "2020-10-20T13:32:23Z")
He’s Canadian, she’s dual. His family’s in Canada, her family’s in Canada and the States. So where do they get married? On a wharf in St Stephen, New Brunswick, on the St Croix River, just across from Calais, Maine. Fam… --- ## [Brilliant Coronavirus Mask Explanations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brilliant-coronavirus-mask-explanations/923143)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2020, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brilliant-coronavirus-mask-explanations/923143 "2020-10-19T18:02:12Z")
Many of these diagrams explaining why and how to wear a mask are genius and/or hilarious. Wish I could post my favourites but will link instead. --- ## [Data on impact of countermeasures on virus spread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/data-on-impact-of-countermeasures-on-virus-spread/923161)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2020, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/data-on-impact-of-countermeasures-on-virus-spread/923161 "2020-10-18T22:47:30Z")
Recently, I’ve been running into the argument that the current resurgence of cases proves that the corona-related restrictions (mask-wearing, contact restrictions, and so on) don’t work. Now, this argument is blatantly f… --- ## [Why is the death rate so much lower now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-death-rate-so-much-lower-now/923180)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2020, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-death-rate-so-much-lower-now/923180 "2020-10-18T20:28:22Z")
If you look at the death rate now verses mid-April, it’s much better now. Even though the number of cases is going through the roof, the death rate seems to have stabilized at around 1K/day. Why is that? Better treatmen… --- ## [Explanation about different strains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explanation-about-different-strains/923230)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2020, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explanation-about-different-strains/923230 "2020-10-18T01:08:30Z")
I’ve seen occasional references to different strains of Covid being different in seriousness, and that a European strain was more serious than a Chinese strain? But I thought it all came from China? Can anyone elaborat… --- ## [Might risk of COVID severity be linked to blood type?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/might-risk-of-covid-severity-be-linked-to-blood-type/923153)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2020, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/might-risk-of-covid-severity-be-linked-to-blood-type/923153 "2020-10-17T08:35:51Z")
There is some evidence that people with A, AB, or B blood types are more likely to have serious COVID infections than people with type O blood, which would explain in part why some ethnicities are more (or less) likely t… --- ## [Things I've learned about myself during the pandemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-ive-learned-about-myself-during-the-pandemic/920371)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2020, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-ive-learned-about-myself-during-the-pandemic/920371 "2020-10-16T17:10:05Z")
Thought this might be a fun topic. Here are some new and interesting things I learned about myself. Most surprising: I have normal hearing for my age, but apparently I rely very heavily on lip-reading to understand … --- ## ["Covid is no worse than the flu...." Why is this even an argument?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-is-no-worse-than-the-flu-why-is-this-even-an-argument/922424)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2020, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-is-no-worse-than-the-flu-why-is-this-even-an-argument/922424 "2020-10-15T02:21:33Z")
I’ve heard this stupid, IMHO, argument often and there is an aspect of it which is completely incomprehensible to me. So let’s just assume that this is true, and for sake of argument, that annually 250,000 Americans are… --- ## [Life expectancy at birth is the wrong comparison when talking about Covid deaths among the elderly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-expectancy-at-birth-is-the-wrong-comparison-when-talking-about-covid-deaths-among-the-elderly/922809)
**Author:** [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2020, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-expectancy-at-birth-is-the-wrong-comparison-when-talking-about-covid-deaths-among-the-elderly/922809 "2020-10-14T20:41:26Z")
It’s not unusual in discussing the impact of Covid to mention that the majority of deaths are in the elderly, and it’s not unusual to then compare with life expectancy. But the number presented is almost always life expe… --- ## [Why are disposable masks blue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-disposable-masks-blue/922758)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-disposable-masks-blue/922758 "2020-10-13T16:35:27Z")
We’ve bought two or three different brands since this started, and have seen lots of other people with disposable masks, and the outer side is always blue. How come? why blue? --- ## [COVID is not contagious, says noted crank](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-is-not-contagious-says-noted-crank/921251)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-is-not-contagious-says-noted-crank/921251 "2020-10-13T03:34:59Z")
I got onto the mailing list of the Weston A. Price Foundation, which started by proselytizing for raw milk and then branched out into all sorts of medical quackery. I battled them on my blog for years. At some point they… --- ## [What's your favorite mask?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-mask/920705)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-mask/920705 "2020-10-12T23:01:17Z")
No one really likes having to wear masks, but I admit I like the fashion statement potential. My favorite owned mask is a depiction of the Link mural from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. I have a matching T-shirt t… --- ## [Restrictions on gatherings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restrictions-on-gatherings/921748)
**Author:** [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restrictions-on-gatherings/921748 "2020-10-12T17:58:29Z")
Inspired by the wedding thread, I’m curious about what, if any, local restrictions you have on people getting together. Over the summer in England, as restaurants and pubs opened up and people starting reviving family g… --- ## [The pro-mask side needs to step up its influencing game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pro-mask-side-needs-to-step-up-its-influencing-game/915842)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 235\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pro-mask-side-needs-to-step-up-its-influencing-game/915842 "2020-10-12T09:17:15Z")
It’s not possible for these people to simultaneously be so stupid that they can easily be manipulated by Donald Trump and conspiracy theory memes on Facebook, yet also either TOO stupid or not stupid enough to be influen… --- ## [This didn't count as an exposure, did it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-didnt-count-as-an-exposure-did-it/922408)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2020, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-didnt-count-as-an-exposure-did-it/922408 "2020-10-10T22:46:37Z")
A friend spent more than 15 minutes less than 6 feet from somebody who had no symptoms or positive tests. Both were wearing masks. A full seven days later, that somebody developed symptoms, and days after that got tested… --- ## [Would you get tested considering these symptoms and factors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-tested-considering-these-symptoms-and-factors/921929)
**Author:** [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2020, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-tested-considering-these-symptoms-and-factors/921929 "2020-10-10T17:39:39Z")
Testing is available in several different locations in a 3 mile radius from me (NYC burbs 20 miles from Manhattan) including a drive-through CVS less than a mile away. The CVS website says “See if you qualify for corona… --- ## [What qualifies as a "Covid death"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-qualifies-as-a-covid-death/922427)
**Author:** [@Scotty\_the\_Kid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scotty_the_Kid)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2020, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-qualifies-as-a-covid-death/922427 "2020-10-10T17:37:02Z")
Hey all. Im a long-time lurker, first time poster. Man, yall are intimidating! I finally have a question that is burning in my brain so hot that im putting my big-boy Osh-Kosh Bigosh overalls on and im wading in to the… --- ## [Being w/ small groups of people not part of your household bubble? Y, N, maybe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-w-small-groups-of-people-not-part-of-your-household-bubble-y-n-maybe/919705)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2020, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-w-small-groups-of-people-not-part-of-your-household-bubble-y-n-maybe/919705 "2020-10-09T23:57:16Z")
Are you getting together socially (i.e., voluntarily) with people who are NOT members of your family/household bubble? I mean groups of 10-sh to 15-ish, not crowds. I know some of you are still going to workplaces-- not… --- ## [Live flu (and other) vaccines provide protection against other virus - including possibly COVID-19](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/live-flu-and-other-vaccines-provide-protection-against-other-virus-including-possibly-covid-19/922573)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2020, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/live-flu-and-other-vaccines-provide-protection-against-other-virus-including-possibly-covid-19/922573 "2020-10-09T21:14:39Z")
I thought this was an important and reliable-enough article to have its own thread: Could live flu vaccine help you fight off COVID-19? The vaccine has to be the live, attenuated type. Here’s a quote about this type o… --- ## [COVID Alert Apps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-alert-apps/922422)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2020, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-alert-apps/922422 "2020-10-09T10:48:00Z")
On the subject of this pandemic, we should all download and start using our local COVID Alert apps. Many states have them (and they share with neighboring states, I believe). It’s totally anonymous and secure. Here’s … --- ## [Spontaneous Pneumothorax History = Higher Covid Comorbidity Risk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spontaneous-pneumothorax-history-higher-covid-comorbidity-risk/922358)
**Author:** [@MildlyAnnoyed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MildlyAnnoyed)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2020, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spontaneous-pneumothorax-history-higher-covid-comorbidity-risk/922358 "2020-10-06T23:43:37Z")
About 20 years ago I suffered a pair of spontaneous pneumothorax episodes in fairly quick succession (a few weeks apart. The 1st time they re-inflated and called it good. the 2nd time was followed up with an in-patient… --- ## [HEPA Air Filtration and Covid 19](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hepa-air-filtration-and-covid-19/921312)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2020, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hepa-air-filtration-and-covid-19/921312 "2020-10-06T23:15:44Z")
Has it been conclusively demonstrated that HEPA air filtration devices reduce the transmission of Covid 19? --- ## [Planning a trip, safety precautions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-a-trip-safety-precautions/922343)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2020, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-a-trip-safety-precautions/922343 "2020-10-06T16:49:10Z")
So my wife and I are planning a trip to fly fish for a few days at the end of the month. We haven’t done any traveling since COVID and have tried to be careful.,please review our plan and tell me if there are any other p… --- ## [How long do I need to self-isolate to avoid any risk of spreading COVID](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-i-need-to-self-isolate-to-avoid-any-risk-of-spreading-covid/921755)
**Author:** [@Twoflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Twoflower)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2020, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-i-need-to-self-isolate-to-avoid-any-risk-of-spreading-covid/921755 "2020-10-06T12:59:32Z")
I’m making plans to visit with my two adult children in a couple of weeks. We cancelled a trip to Yosemite as way too risky; we’ll be staying in a condo on the southern Oregon coast instead. Masks will be worn in publi… --- ## [Grocery Clerks vs Restaurant Waitstaff - A Natural Experiment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grocery-clerks-vs-restaurant-waitstaff-a-natural-experiment/922045)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2020, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grocery-clerks-vs-restaurant-waitstaff-a-natural-experiment/922045 "2020-10-06T12:04:33Z")
I have an idea for a research project that may already be well underway. Which might shed some light on COVID transmissibility. Premise 1: Grocery clerks work long days indoors in close proximity to the general public … --- ## [My brother and I decided not to visit this year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-brother-and-i-decided-not-to-visit-this-year/921874)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2020, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-brother-and-i-decided-not-to-visit-this-year/921874 "2020-10-05T22:17:48Z")
I think I should put this here, since I wouldn’t be facing this but for the pandemic; however, it’s just a personal lament, and I considered putting it in MPSIMS. If a mod wants to move it, I won’t mind. So, my brother … --- ## [COVID-19 Antibodies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-19-antibodies/921974)
**Author:** [@Trom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trom)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2020, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-19-antibodies/921974 "2020-10-04T20:53:35Z")
What is the scientific community’s understanding of COVID-19 antibodies? My layman’s understanding of virus antibodies, in general, is that the presence of antibodies indicates the body has encountered a virus, mounted a… --- ## [Pandemic Haiku, Anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pandemic-haiku-anyone/913010)
**Author:** [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2020, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pandemic-haiku-anyone/913010 "2020-10-04T06:23:38Z")
I wrote this back in March, 10 days into quarantine… Ten days into this The awful uncertainty Is it over yet? This one a few weeks later… Light breeze stops blowing The world is holding its breath Pause between se… --- ## [President, First Lady both test positive for COVID-19 \[Quarantine Zone: No politics.\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-first-lady-both-test-positive-for-covid-19-quarantine-zone-no-politics/922047)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2020, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-first-lady-both-test-positive-for-covid-19-quarantine-zone-no-politics/922047 "2020-10-04T03:10:47Z")
Having so long denied that it was a big deal, I guess he’s about to find out. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-quarantine-zone/29.md?page=26) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-quarantine-zone/29.md?page=28)