# We should end the general lock-downs. Now **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [June 26, 2020, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281 "2020-06-26T22:00:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![RealityCheck71](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitycheck71/32/3493_2.png) [@RealityCheck71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityCheck71)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2020, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/262 "2020-07-02T14:18:30Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > Any distinction you draw is arbitrary. There’s literally dozens of viruses that in the early stages are non-lethal, mild and/or asymptomatic yet can have long term life altering impacts. Hepatitis, Polio, Zika, HIV, West Nile, Herpes, Shingles, Epstein-Barr and hundreds more that we don’t yet fully understand It was actually a clear question. A disease that causes damage while asymptomatic. Nothing in your list qualifies. No idea why you included shingles. I am not saying that it’s impossible but if we are going to start worrying that maybe children are being quietly but permanently neurologically impaired by covid-19, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask how that’s happened with other diseases. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2020, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/263 "2020-07-02T15:03:14Z")
I’ve pretty much dropped out of this thread both because it has been hijacked off the OP topic (into areas well covered in other threads) and well … silliness. But to be clear: I am seeing _many_ parallels between some here fearful of whatever is possible to _imagine_, and even real but extremely rare outcomes, and anti-vaxxers. And the same futility of discussion from the perspective of what the actual data and science is. FWIW there are viruses that cause lasting post-infectious neurological damage, from the somewhat rare but well known Guillian-Barre Syndrome, to the infamous historic association of Parkinson’s Disease in the wake of the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic (survivors had a two to three times greater chance of later developing Parkinson’s Disease). Other viruses like West Nile and Western Equine Virus also have had that association. The idea that some neurodegenerative diseases of the elderly today have risks increased by influenza or other infections decades earlier is one of real research. Some even suspect the common cold causing HCoVs of being contributors to Multiple Sclerosis risk. It can be correctly stated that we don’t know that having a cold as a child does not cause lasting or even delayed brain damage that will show up decades later. We don’t know that it does not. It is possible. Some suggest it. I understand the anxiety many have regarding what might be, just like I understand the anxiety of many of the anti-vaxxers. People “hear things” and the response of “no evidence” usually is not the one that connects. Anyway carry on. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2020, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/264 "2020-07-02T17:52:42Z")
Do we need a general lockdown? > **[Alabama students throwing 'COVID parties' to see who gets infected: Officials](https://abcnews.go.com/US/alabama-students-throwing-covid-parties-infected-officials/story?id=71552514&fbclid=IwAR0R-nOFvOwoZE1hnWs3LrvUBxznYbakHs1ep5Ku5zL9icL1Wyd1VsLZ8Ho&fbclid=IwAR2mJ3E5WkVfXNFAOEWftNYJtzyZS1XHOg-I3sLrHiv2adL357GU4WvB5iA&fbclid=IwAR0u0QCUfm-n-WvkTvR8IunJz2gGfhBT9ZMqCvObSqTFe5gDe5tFw91T22M)** > > Rising infections prompt Gov. Kay Ivy to extend 'Safer at Home' orders. Evidence says Fuck Yes! Intentionally inviting Covid-19 positive people to a party and giving a cash prize to whoever gets it first is unbelievably stupid. ---
**Author:** ![RealityCheck71](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitycheck71/32/3493_2.png) [@RealityCheck71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityCheck71)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2020, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/265 "2020-07-02T18:19:34Z")
If only we had instructed these kids that purposely infecting each other was a bad thing and not allowed! ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2020, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/266 "2020-07-02T18:30:12Z")
> [@CelticKnot](#): > > Here’s an article showing different opinions about the report that COVID19 cases may have been underreported. There’s a reason to reopen. > [https://twitchy.com/brads-313037/2020/06/28/nbc-journalist-katy-tur-has-alarming-news-about-covid-cases-being-under-tabulated-then-gets-schooled-how-this-is-actually-good-news/](https://twitchy.com/brads-313037/2020/06/28/nbc-journalist-katy-tur-has-alarming-news-about-covid-cases-being-under-tabulated-then-gets-schooled-how-this-is-actually-good-news/) You’re using an article that consists of screenshots that show a journalist tweeting with her followers? Seriously, dude, you need to learn what “reliable source” means. Also, “opinions” are all worthless until they are backed with reputable sources and sound reasoning. Twitter is neither of those things. I don’t care about opinions, I care about science. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2020, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/267 "2020-07-02T23:06:05Z")
> [@RealityCheck71](#): > > A disease that causes damage while asymptomatic. Nothing in your list qualifies. No idea why you included shingles. Actually, chicken pox infection is what leads to shingles. Granted, the shingles can occur decades later. The CDC publishes that chicken pox can be contagious 1-2 days before becoming apparent, so Reality Check is not correct in objecting to it being listed by the prior poster. Previous poster is correct, not RealityCheck 71. ---
**Author:** ![RealityCheck71](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitycheck71/32/3493_2.png) [@RealityCheck71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityCheck71)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/268 "2020-07-03T00:34:44Z")
Yes, shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. That is not causing damage while asymptomatic. Dormant and contagious isn’t causing damage. Really, this is getting silly. I have no idea why I’m getting such pushback on the fairly well documented fact that children are at very low risk from this virus. Think I’ll leave it here. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/269 "2020-07-03T01:35:32Z")
Data isn’t in yet, partly because we are still too far out from asymptomatic infection and it’s deleterious effects being apparent and also too damn busy saving lives to apply inquiry to that-could be years for it all to become researchable. You want to take that chance with a generation of kids? I don’t. You want to pay for a generation of special education and compensatory services? I don’t mind that $ but I would hate what kids needing that meant to their quality of life and their futures. Give away your quality of life and future, not theirs. ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/270 "2020-07-03T08:14:49Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > I’ve pretty much dropped out of this thread both because it has been hijacked off the OP topic (into areas well covered in other threads) Well that’s because the OP is farcical at this point. Countries that implemented a centralized response of strict lockdowns, mandatory facemask use and top-down, science-based information dissemination have largely got the virus under control. The US response of leaving it to each state or county to handle plus “FREEDOM!” has horribly failed. The US has had worse results than any developed country, and since it’s still on the uptick it’s too soon to decide which expletive accurately covers it; right now I’d go with clusterfuck. AFAICT the argument now is that it’s no big deal since it’s mostly elderly that are dying, which, to the extent that it’s even true, would be remarkably callous and essentially a relabeling of utter failure as some kind of acceptable outcome. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/271 "2020-07-03T08:27:09Z")
Arguing to open the country back up at this point is akin to arguing in favor of drunk driving. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/272 "2020-07-03T11:37:47Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Arguing to open the country back up at this point is akin to arguing in favor of drunk driving We have signs about seatbelt use; “Click-it or Ticket”. We need; “Mask-it or Casket”. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/273 "2020-07-03T11:43:41Z")
[![](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/690626737813454859/728477706110369792/FB_IMG_1593752980761.jpg) ](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/690626737813454859/728477706110369792/FB_IMG_1593752980761.jpg) CMC ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/274 "2020-07-03T14:24:22Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > I understand the anxiety many have regarding what might be, just like I understand the anxiety of many of the anti-vaxxers. People “hear things” and the response of “no evidence” usually is not the one that connects. More than just a little ironic that you’re comparing those whose arguments are based on evidence to anti-vaxxers. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/276 "2020-07-03T14:49:00Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > More than just a little ironic that you’re comparing those whose arguments are based on evidence to anti-vaxxers. I don’t know anyone who has gotten autism from a vaccine. I know a bunch of people right now who are suffering from COVID. I might lose family from it in the near future. This all might be an academic exercise for some folks, but it stopped being that for me when I found out both of my parents are sick with it. They are suffering so much. They are having many regrets about not taking this thing more seriously. ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/277 "2020-07-03T15:05:01Z")
Oh I’m so sorry. :healing thoughts: ---
**Author:** ![slash2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@slash2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slash2k)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/278 "2020-07-03T15:17:58Z")
> [@RealityCheck71](#): > > Yes, shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. That is not causing damage while asymptomatic. Dormant and contagious isn’t causing damage. It is possible to have asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic chickenpox. It is rare, but there are case reports of this (one linked earlier in the thread), but the lack of symptoms doesn’t prevent shingles later. I also linked to asymptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus, where the kid displays none of the symptoms of the disease at birth and has apparently normal hearing; over a period of months or years, however, they lose their hearing. West Nile virus is associated with an enhanced risk of Parkinson’s; you are no longer displaying any symptoms of infection, but apparently something is going on in your body that is causing damage. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/279 "2020-07-03T15:40:56Z")
My sincerest sympathies, and definitely keeping my fingers crossed for your parents and entire family. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/280 "2020-07-03T16:17:45Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > We have signs about seatbelt use; “Click-it or Ticket”. We need; “Mask-it or Casket”. Very good! ---
**Author:** ![paulmarkj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9e8a1a/32.png) [@paulmarkj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulmarkj)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2020, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/281 "2020-07-04T11:05:10Z")
> [@Deeg](#): > > - If you are over 70, stay the fuck home. > - If you are 50+ with an underlying condition, stay the fuck home. > - If you live with or work closely with someone in the above two groups, stay the fuck home. > - If you are not in the above groups, go about your life with moderate precautions: wash your hands, work from home if you can, and wear a fucking mask. That’s an aggressive tone, which in itself speaks volumes. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2020, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281/282 "2020-07-04T13:04:04Z")
For that approach, the one of the op, to work it would need to be pursued aggressively. It is not “let ‘er rip”. It proposes aggressively keeping the higher risk out of harms way and aggressively enforcing simple low cost but fairly effective spread reducing behaviors for those at lower risk. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-should-end-the-general-lock-downs-now/913281.md?page=15)