Covid–19 Headlines Mar 18, 2020


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Covid-19 Headlines

7 pm EST update. An increase of 10,407 cases and 22 deaths since 12 noon. Death rate 4%

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Younger adults less immune to Covid-19 health risks than thought, US agency’s study suggests

Younger people may not be as invulnerable to the effects of Covid-19 as previously thought, according to data released on Monday by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, as a top American health official and US President Donald Trump urged the country’s millennials to heed social distancing guidelines.
The CDC’s study of 4,226 coronavirus infections recorded in the US from February 12 to Monday showed that about a fifth of 705 people aged 20-44 were hospitalised, with 2-4 per cent requiring intensive care.

Some cancer surgeries are being delayed, many stent procedures for clogged arteries have been pushed back and infertility specialists were asked to postpone helping patients get pregnant. Doctors in virtually every field are scrambling to alter care as the new coronavirus spreads.

Covid-19: Why Should Health Care Workers be Protected? (Updated)

Not enough U.S. hospital beds once Covid-19 epidemic is full-blown

Coronavirus: global recession in 2020 now seen as guaranteed as outbreak ravages Europe, US

  • Hope for rapid global economic recovery has faded, with some analysts predicting the downturn may last until next year
  • Escalation of containment measures in Europe and the US, along with weak Chinese economic data, are seen as tipping points in the outlook for the economy

US nursing homes warn of looming shortage of masks and gowns-AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — Many nursing homes risk running out of protective masks and gowns by next week because of the coronavirus, and at least one facility already had to resort to using plastic garbage bags to make gowns, an industry group warned Wednesday.

Michigan has first coronavirus death; auto plants to close

COMMENTARY: COVID-19 transmission messages should hinge on science

The article talks about aerosol transmission as a means of infection in the community setting. Therefore: Wear a mask 

Portugal declares state of emergency over coronavirus

Portugal has declared a state of emergency, which will take effect at midnight (8 p.m. ET on Wednesday) and will last for 15 days.

US struggles to fill requests for protective gear-AP

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The U.S. government is rushing protective equipment to states, packing dozens of flights and hundreds of trucks with supplies for medical workers who will be on the front lines of the coronavirus fight.

But the pandemic has exposed some of the stockpile’s shortcomings: The cache isn’t designed to be a long-term solution to monumental demand, and some state officials are complaining that the deliveries are falling far short of what’s needed or include expired items.

Coronavirus deaths in Italy happen “8 days” after first symptoms appear on average

On average, COVID-19 fatalities in Italy are happening “eight days” after patients show first symptoms, according to a report by the Italian government. The findings are based on data up to March 17 and only on the outbreak in Italy.

The document published by the Italian National Health Institute details that, on average, it takes four days from when patients show first symptoms until they are hospitalized and four more days until they die.

Frustrated and afraid about protective gear shortages, health workers are scouring for masks on their own

Health care workers across the country tell STAT they are grappling with new hospital restrictions on personal protective equipment like masks, which are in short supply at some hospitals at a time when the need for it is climbing. Those shortages are fueling fear and frustration among medical staffers who are worried about how they will protect themselves, their patients, and their own families.

COVID-19 outbreak could last 2 years in Thailand but there is still time to limit impact: Expert

BANGKOK: Half of Thailand’s population – about 33 million people – could be infected by COVID-19 over the next two years in the worst case scenario described by deputy director of the Disease Control Department Dr Thanarak Phaliphat.

“We’ve forecast three scenarios of widespread transmission. If Thais coordinate well, infections will be limited over the next two years. If we can’t control it, about half of the population could be infected in this period,” Dr Thanarak said in an interview with CNA.

Australia declares emergency, warns coronavirus crisis could last six months-Reuters

Oxford scientists develop rapid testing technology for COVID-19

The new test is much faster and does not need a complicated instrument. Previous viral RNA tests took 1.5 to 2 hours to give a result. The research team has developed a new test, based on a technique which is capable of giving results in just half an hour – over three times faster than the current method.

Prof Wei Huang says: ‘The beauty of this new test lies in the design of the viral detection that can specifically recognise SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RNA and RNA fragments. The test has built-in checks to prevent false positives or negatives and the results have been highly accurate.’ 

‘It’s been kind of rough’: At the epicenter of the pandemic, a Seattle ICU nurse treats two patients at a time

Stephanie Bandyk is on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic: A registered nurse who works in the intensive care unit of Seattle’s Swedish Hospital, she has helped treat some of the earliest patients infected with the novel coronavirus in the U.S. She has been working overnight shifts, from 7 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. in the state hardest hit by the new disease. There have been more than 1,000 cases of Covid-19 reported in Washington state, and at least 52 deaths.

CDC reports more than 7,000 cases of coronavirus in US

There are now 7,038 confirmed and presumptive positive cases of novel coronavirus in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC says 97 people have died.

Total Cases of COVID-19 in Erie County, NY Now at 20

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Erie County is now at 20, the county health department announced Tuesday night.

Thirteen new cases announced Tuesday include two in the town of Hamburg, one in the village of Blasdell, four in the town of Amherst, three in the village of Williamsville, one in Clarence, one in the village of East Aurora, and one in Holland.

Here is a list of potential public exposure locations:

  • 3/10: Barnes and Nobles, Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst between 10-11:30 a.m.
  • 3/10: Harlem Rod Community Center between 7-8:00 p.m.
  • 3/11: Williamsville Library between 10:30-11:30 a.m.
  • 3/11: Lexington Market and 7-11 in Elmwood Village, Buffalo between 7-8:00 p.m.
  • 3/13 Southwest Airlines Flight 2442 from Ft. Lauderdale to Buffalo

‘Sufficient flexibility and buffer’ in Singapore’s capacity to care for COVID-19 patients: CNA

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s healthcare system has “sufficient flexibility and buffer” to manage the expected increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on Wednesday (Mar 18), who also said that the outbreak could last beyond the year.  

Singapore has a buffer while Italy is overstretched.

Italy reports 475 new coronavirus deaths, highest one-day toll of any nation-CNA

ROME: Italy on Wednesday (Mar 18) reported 475 new deaths from the novel coronavirus, the highest one-day official toll of any nation since the first case was detected in China late last year.

Italy announces biggest single-day jump in new coronavirus cases-CNN

Best strategies against virus: Track, isolate, communicate-AP

SINGAPORE (AP) — Singapore, a tiny city-state of less than 6 million people, had one of the earliest and biggest clusters of cases of the coronavirus in early February, before it began its rapid, inexorable expansion around the globe.

Some strategies are proving more effective than others in containing the pandemic: pro-active efforts to track down and isolate the infected, access to basic, affordable public health care, and clear, reassuring messaging from leaders. East Asia’s experience with the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which also originated in China, has likewise helped.

Singapore with zero deaths is the gold standard in Covid-19 control

California reports its 15th coronavirus-related death-CNN

The race to find a coronavirus treatment: One strategy might be just weeks away, scientists say

Researchers are already suggesting strategies to help patients suffering from the virus, which is marked by fever, coughing and difficulty breathing. One treatment could be just weeks away.

Trump signs bill to take control of private sector-The Guardian

Donald Trump, the United States president, has announced that he will invoke a federal provision that allows the government to marshal the private sector in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Associated Press reports.

Trump: Young people are “feeling invincible,” but should “heed the advice”-CNN

But, he added, “I hope they just listen to what we’ve been saying over the last period of time. We don’t want them gathering, and I see that they do gather including on beaches, and including in restaurants, young people. They don’t realize that — they’re feeling invincible, I don’t know if you felt invincible when you were young. But they don’t realize that they could be carrying lots of bad things home to their grandmother and grandfather and even their parents,” he said.

Protecting At-Risk People from Covid-19

White House recommends canceling non-essential elective surgery, including dental procedures-CNN

Uruguay has reported 50 cases of coronavirus-Guardian

Portugal declares state of emergency

WHO, UN Foundation and partners launch COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund-MLO

US-Canada flight restrictions will take effect on March 21-CNN

32 more people die in England-Guardian

The coronavirus death toll in the UK has reached 104 after NHS England said a further 32 people had died in England after testing positive.

US Defense Secretary says military will provide up to 5 million masks for health care services

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the Department of Defense will make available up to five million N95 masks and other personal protective equipment from US strategic reserves, he said, noting that “the first one million masks will be available immediately.” 

Thailand reports 35 new coronavirus infections for total of 212-Reuters

Trump: US, Canada to close border to nonessential travel-AP

TORONTO (AP) — The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, and the Trump administration is considering a plan to turn back all people who cross the border illegally from Mexico, two administration officials said.

WHO chief: tells Africa “to prepare for the worst and prepare today”-Guardian

The World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is telling Africa “to prepare for the worst and prepare today” as he holds a press conference on the latest developments on the global coronavirus pandemic.

Indian guru’s tips to ward off coronavirus anger health professionals

MUMBAI (Reuters) – Indian healthcare professionals are questioning claims by popular yoga guru and entrepreneur Baba Ramdev who said he has found an ayurvedic remedy that would help ward off coronavirus.

Italian official warns “soon” they won’t be able to assist those who get sick-CNN

How to be Active from Sedentary

How to Perform High-Intensity Interval Training

High-intensity interval training (HIIT)

12 noon EST update. An increase of 6,308 cases and 756 deaths from 5:30 this am

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Reuters

Hong Kong and Singapore seen as safe harbours by US, Southeast Asian traveller

British tourists stranded in Egypt-Guardian

Japanese man who went to karaoke bar to ‘spread’ coronavirus dies in hospital-SCMP

Despite testing positive for Covid-19, the man went to a Filipino pub in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture. An employee was later found to be infected

Australia bans indoor gatherings of 100 as virus measure-AP

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia on Wednesday banned non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people including weddings and restaurants as part a range of measures that could be maintained implemented for more than six months to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Bangladesh reports first death from coronavirus, according to officials

Italy’s rate of coronavirus infections is slowing since implementing drastic quarantine measures, even as the death toll rises 345 to 2,503 and medics warn of ‘catastrophic’ situation-Daily Mail

UK professor who swayed Covid-19 response is self isolating

“Sigh. Developed a slight dry but persistent cough yesterday and self isolated even though I felt fine,” said Neil Ferguson, a professor of mathematical biology at Imperial College London,

“Then developed high fever at 4am today. There is a lot of COVID-19 in Westminster,” he said on Twitter.

CNN Philippines goes off air after coronavirus case confirmed-CNN

US, Canada working on mutual ban on nonessential travel-AP

Trump now calling coronavirus fight a ‘war’ with an ‘invisible enemy’-(Spoken Mar 17)- ABC

Here’s the answer Mr. President. Written on March 15

How to Fight an Invisible Enemy

Analysis: American attitudes make virus response a hard sell-AP

Military faces limitations in responding to virus outbreak-AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is already helping combat the coronavirus outbreak in the United States and is considering ways to do more.

But the military faces limits. Its health care system is geared more toward handling combat casualties than infectious diseases. And there are logistical and legal concerns about expanding the military’s role in civilian affairs, such as tasking it with enforcing quarantines. Defense officials also want to be careful not to do anything to weaken its ability to defend the nation. More at the link

Police departments across the nation are changing how they respond during the coronavirus pandemic-CNN

(CNN)As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect nearly every area of life, law enforcement agencies around the country are changing the ways they respond to service calls to reduce officers’ contact with possible carriers of the virus.

Police officers and other law enforcement personnel come into contact with countless people in their communities on any given day. Now that this highly contagious disease is spreading across the US, their jobs carry a new risk — both for officers themselves and for the communities they serve. More st the link

Poland to receive protective gear, tests from China to fight coronavirus

 Philippines breach 200-mark as death toll climbs to 17 (March 18, 2020)

MANILA (UPDATE) — The Philippine health ministry on Wednesday announced 15 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), bringing the total in the country to 202.

Florida cancels all remaining testing for state’s schools

Colombia declares coronavirus state of emergency, orders elderly to stay home

Global number of confirmed coronavirus cases reaches 200,000

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Iran reports single biggest jump in deaths from coronavirus-Guardian/AP

Iran reported its single biggest jump in deaths from the new coronavirus on Wednesday, saying that another 147 had died in a nearly 15% spike that raises the death toll to 1,135 people nationwide.

New coronavirus can survive on surfaces for hours: study

(Agence France-Presse) – March 18, 2020 – 7:59am

WASHINGTON, United States — The novel coronavirus can survive on surfaces or in the air for several hours, according to a US-government funded study published Tuesday.

Scientists found that the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease had similar levels of viability outside the body to its predecessor that caused SARS.

5 Reasons why Covid-19 Spreads Fast

COVID-19 cases in the Philippines could reach 75,000 in months if not contained — DOH-PhilStar

Not enough U.S. hospital beds once Covid-19 epidemic is full-blown

Indonesia reports 14 more COVID-19 deaths, bringing death toll to 19-CNA

Nevada governor orders non-essential businesses to close for 30 days-CNN

Moscow Slams ‘Unfounded’ Claims That Russia is Feeding Disinformation Campaign on Coronavirus

Claims that Russia has been feeding disinformation campaign on the coronavirus pandemic are unfounded, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Coronavirus: Amazon suspends all warehouse shipments except medical supplies and ‘high-demand’ products

Amazon has temporarily suspended the shipment of all items from independent merchants to its warehouses that are not medical supplies or “high-demand” products. 

This temporary suspension will go through 5 April as the e-commerce giant prioritises products relating to combating the growing coronavirus pandemic. 

Explainer | What you need to know about the coronavirus and how to protect yourself against Covid-19

Spain unveils ‘unprecedented’ 200 billion euros coronavirus package

Hawaii governor asks visitors to postpone their vacations

Hospitals fear shortage of ventilators for virus patients

U.S. hospitals bracing for a possible onslaught of coronavirus patients with pneumonia and other breathing difficulties could face a critical shortage of mechanical ventilators and health care workers to operate them.

China expels American journalists as spat with U.S. escalates

BEIJING/WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) – China is withdrawing the press credentials of American journalists at three U.S. newspapers, intensifying a bitter fight between the world’s top two economies that has widened to include the coronavirus outbreak and media freedoms.

Coronavirus: South Korea fears worst is not over as new clusters emerge

  • A spate of new cases near densely populated Seoul is raising concerns of runaway cases nationwide
  • The country has won praise from health experts around the world for its response, which has seen up to 20,000 people examined daily

5:20 am EST An increase of 1,200 cases and 52 deaths Death rate of 4.0%

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Hundreds of British tourists arrive in Dover after fleeing Calais on ferries as France goes into lockdown

  • Emmanuel Macron announced full lockdown last night on live TV because ‘we are at war with the coronavirus’
  • Huge queues were building up this morning at railway, ferry and coach stations across France 
  • It comes after the EU yesterday proposed banning all non-essential travel into the Schengen area 
  • The 26-nation free travel region would be closed to all non-essential travel for 30 days if approved 
  • France today pledged tens of billions of euros in aid and mooted the nationalisation of large companies to wage an ‘economic and financial war’ on the coronavirus which sent the country’s workforce into lockdown

China’s southern manufacturing hub facing supply shortage as global fears grow

Coronavirus ‘shutdown’ could last 18 months: Another warning from the experts who triggered Boris Johnson U-turn by telling him 250,000 could die

India’s stringent virus testing criteria may mask toll-AP

NEW DELHI (AP) — A British citizen appeared at a public hospital in India’s capital with a cough, difficulty breathing and a private clinic’s referral for a coronavirus test. She was turned away.

Indian authorities said Tuesday that they would not widely expand testing for the virus, as most affected nations are doing, despite mounting criticism from some experts that the limited tests could mask the true toll of the disease in the world’s second most populous country.

West Virginia governor declares emergency as virus threatens-AP

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