# Coronavirus COVID-19 (2019-nCoV) Thread - 2020 Breaking News **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [February 11, 2020, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758 "2020-02-11T01:16:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 46
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/902 "2020-03-15T02:45:05Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > This is flat out illegal in at least some states, and some district attorneys are starting to take notice. A second thought on price gouging by those on-line entrepreneurs: If they are selling stuff across state lines (which they are), do the states have any authority to regulate it? Is this something that only Congress can crack down on, under the Commerce Clause? ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/903 "2020-03-15T02:51:15Z")
I’m watching a newscaster read questions being sent in, and it’s all things like, “If I isolate myself at home and order groceries online, can the virus be hiding in the bags and boxes being delivered?” And I’m thinking, Jesus, if you’re really that paranoid, maybe suicide is not a bad option. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/904 "2020-03-15T02:54:04Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > I’m watching a newscaster read questions being sent in, and it’s all things like, “If I isolate myself at home and order groceries online, can the virus be hiding in the bags and boxes being delivered?” And I’m thinking, Jesus, if you’re really that paranoid, maybe suicide is not a bad option. Someone just asked, “Should I advise my elderly mother not to attend Mass tomorrow?” And I’m thinking, “Depends. How much do you like her and/or are you mentioned in her will?” ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/905 "2020-03-15T03:11:24Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > Here’s an interesting twist–remember the pneumonia cases blamed on vaping last year? There are some Japanese and Taiwanese epidemiologists that think that was one of the earlier appearances of COVID-19, nothing to do with vaping at all. They tied that to another incident that led to the closure of the bio-lab at Fort Detrick–and there were military personnel who went to Wuhan to participate in some military games not long before the coronavirus outbreak began who were hospitalized in China with a mystery infection. So this could be an interesting case of chickens coming home to roost for the US. > > [Check it out.](https://www.globalresearch.ca/covid-19-further-evidence-virus-originated-us/5706078) The idea that it was all the Americans fault is getting a big run in (government-controlled) Chinese media, because the popular belief is that it’s pretty much the fault of the Chinese government (similar to the American theory that it’s Trumps fault). By now, there are several minor variations of COVID-19. The fact that America is pretty much infected with an early variation is taken, by sensible people, to indicate that American was infected in December, before the first major split, and has been living in self-inflicted ignorance since. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/906 "2020-03-15T03:15:27Z")
Rudy Gobert plays basketball for the Utah Jazz. A few days ago he made headlines because of a joke/stunt he played at the end of a press conference: he touched every microphone and recorder in use on the table in front of him before exiting the room. Moments later, he tested positive for COVID-19 and the NBA suspended the season. Mr. Gobert immediately apologized, saying he was embarrassed and ashamed of his actions. [Today he showed a lot of class.](https://apnews.com/30874bab5aaec98d8af99c51f1d82548) > [@](#): > > Gobert, who was the first NBA player to test positive for COVID-19 — a diagnosis that prompted the NBA to suspend its season for at least a month — said he is giving $200,000 to part-time employees at the arena that plays host to Jazz games to help cover their lost wages. > > He also pledged $100,000 each to assist families affected by the pandemic in Oklahoma City, where he was when the diagnosis came, and Utah. He also is giving 100,000 Euros ($111,450 USD) to relief efforts in France, earmarking that for childcare assistance to health care workers as well as for caregivers to the elderly. > > “I am humbled by the tireless efforts and care of people around the globe for those affected by COVID-19, especially my own communities of Utah and France, in addition to my appreciation for the state of Oklahoma and my care there, and of course, my Utah Jazz family,” Gobert said in a release distributed by the Jazz. > > “I know there are countless ways that people have been impacted,” Gobert continued. “These donations are a small token that reflect my appreciation and support for all those impacted and are the first of many steps I will take to try and make a positive difference, while continuing to learn more about COVID-19 and educate others.” > > He ended his remarks with, “Much gratitude, RG.” Good job, Mr. Gobert; you totally fucking rock! ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/907 "2020-03-15T03:18:22Z")
Due to increased screening at customs and everyone trying to get into or out of the US before the expanded travel ban takes effect Monday, major airports are a clusterfuck at the moment. I’m seeing a lot of tweets with pictures from O’Hare and other airports of people crammed together cheek-by-jowl waiting for customs ([example](https://twitter.com/twhitfill/status/1239017436491505664)). So while much of the country is shutting down to prevent people gathering together, airports have become a public health tinderbox ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/908 "2020-03-15T03:19:17Z")
Well, damn. Next month’s annual [Waikiki Spam Jam](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=825048&highlight=spam) has been canceled due to the coronavirus. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/909 "2020-03-15T03:40:55Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > [Check it out.](https://www.globalresearch.ca/covid-19-further-evidence-virus-originated-us/5706078) [Foil hat territory there.](https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/global-research/) ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/910 "2020-03-15T03:45:47Z")
First death reported in Oregon. ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/911 "2020-03-15T03:47:32Z")
> [@susan](#): > > Nitpick: 4,800 miles. I stand corrected!! (Also … thx **snowthx** ) ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/912 "2020-03-15T03:48:26Z")
> [@susan](#): > > First death reported in Oregon. Damn. ☹ And we’ve only tested 524 people in the whole state. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/913 "2020-03-15T04:06:22Z")
Yeah. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/914 "2020-03-15T04:19:05Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > Someone just asked, “Should I advise my elderly mother not to attend Mass tomorrow?” And I’m thinking, “Depends. How much do you like her and/or are you mentioned in her will?” Huh? Why a flippant answer? I would advise her to stay home. Catholic and Jewish congregations in my city have cancelled services. Also some non-denominational mega-churches. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/915 "2020-03-15T05:02:42Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Damn. ☹ And we’ve only tested 524 people in the whole state. The state of testing up here is abysmal. It would sure make it easier if we could get tested to know if we’re a danger to others or in danger ourselves. Self isolation is all well and good but more concrete knowledge of where we stand would go a long way toward making this shit bearable–it’s stressful not knowing. I’m bummed we’ve had a death from it. I hope there are few more since it’s unlikely there will be no more. Sigh. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/916 "2020-03-15T05:17:37Z")
A list showing the percentage of people with given symptoms would not be very accurate at this stage. It seems quite a few people have cases with no symptoms. Until enough get tested, the results are biased to the sicker patients much more likely to be tested. Coronavirides were first discovered in the 1960s. Four types usually cause colds or similar symptoms. People are not known to develop lasting immunity to these. SARS was a “novel coronavirus” thought to have started as an animal virus. It killed a significant percentage of people who acquired severe cases. H1N5 was worse - a very significant percentage of infected succumbed, but fortunately the number infected remained small (in the hundreds). Covid-19? Some specialists think that since lasting immunity is not prominent for other coronavirides, it is likely to stick around, this becoming “a fifth coronavirus”. In other words, there may be influenza season and Covid-19 season every year. Hopefully not. But if this is the case, a vaccine becomes more important. It is unclear whether some of the steps being taken now can be skipped or may need to be repeated. No one knows. Widespread testing may show many mild cases. A number of treatments showed promise for SARS and may show promise for other severe coronavirides too. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/917 "2020-03-15T05:26:46Z")
[Here, just try to forget the symptom list after you peruse this handy dandy graphic!](https://i.redd.it/y7qp0eff7qm41.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/918 "2020-03-15T05:27:47Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Huh? Why a flippant answer? > > I would advise her to stay home. Catholic and Jewish congregations in my city have cancelled services. Also some non-denominational mega-churches. Just the fact that someone would even have to ask. Does the asker really think the answer would be sure, no problem, send her along? ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/919 "2020-03-15T05:28:46Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Covid-19? Some specialists think that since lasting immunity is not prominent for other coronavirides, it is likely to stick around, this becoming “a fifth coronavirus”. In other words, there may be influenza season and Covid-19 season every year. Hopefully not. But if this is the case, a vaccine becomes more important. This re-raises the question I asked yesterday: Why would a vaccine create immunity to a disease, if having the actual disease itself does not? ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/920 "2020-03-15T06:30:33Z")
Several vaccines require booster shots. For pertussis or tetanus, immunity is impermanent. The antibodies don’t seem to stick around forever. I am a generalist who has mainly done emergency and hospital medicine, but a few other things too. I am not an expert on viruses. People after coronavirus still produce antibodies. They just don’t get lasting immunity. So a vaccine with antibodies might still be helpful. But like a flu shot, it may need to be repeated often, perhaps annually. On weaker ground, the damage from coronavirus is often because it causes the immune and inflammatory systems of some people to overcompensate. Instead of antibodies, perhaps it could use antigen presenting complexes, complement, lymphocytes, interfere with inflammatory modulators like interleukins, leukotrienes, cyclooxygenase, thromboxanes, prostaglandins etc. At some point, this may be a medicine rather than a vaccine. But it could perhaps be “vaccine like” using something similar to antibodies. Immunology has changed so much since I studied it in medical school that this is beyond my knowledge. I keep up to date as best I can. But immunology and cancer treatments change so quickly you need to specialize to go beyond the basics. ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2020, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758/921 "2020-03-15T08:14:45Z")
I’m getting worried about seeing headlines talking about a “second strain”. Is something like that possible for a coronavirus? Great crap, this is why I have GOT to stop thinking random thoughts before bed. (BTW, feeling fine, no symptoms, and seriously freaking wishing all of you and family/friends stay healthy. 🙂 ) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758.md?page=45) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-covid-19-2019-ncov-thread-2020-breaking-news/847758.md?page=47)