OT: The Official COVID/Omicron Variant+ thread

[Jalen Bluntson]

This is gibberish. Where you trying to make a point?

Yes, that if you're going to complain about the system, but go out of your way to find reasons to not support people trying to change it, then you really don't want the system to be fixed, you just want to complain about something

It's easy to just say "everyone is corrupt all the time, because the very act of participating makes you part of the problem" because it gives you both a reason to point out flaws in the system as well as a convenient excuse to not do anything about them

Some people legitimately are trying to fix the problems we have, but people sitting on the sidelines and nitpicking reasons to not support them is part of why we're not getting anywhere with fixing them. The more you think you're immune to propaganda/misinformation, the more susceptible you are to it.

So unless someone runs for office or takes up arms against corruption they can't discuss it? WTF? Who is trying to fix it? Point me in the direction of the revolution and I'll gladly sign up.

All anyone who doesn't own a super PAC or a corporate giant can do is vote. Or campaign with worthy candidates and try to get them elected. Usually we are forced to vote for the lesser of two evils either way.

When you bring me a candidate who supports term limits/campaign finance reform and is a realistic candidate... I will support that. I tried with Bernie. I liked Ron Paul as well. We see what the corruption did to their campaigns. Media blackouts and the rest.
People are allowed to discuss their discontent without having to do anything other than participate in said discussion. You post Nazi!

[Zenzibar]

What has already begun to take place.... insurance companies deny covering the costs of hospitalization for people who were eligible for the vaccine but refused to get it and then get a judgment for payment.

See? Financial AND legal consequences......I'm glad I could help.

The problem I see in this though is if people who wound up dying from covid and then the providers go after the surviving family for the costs. That would be something I'd have issue with.

Insurance companies being able to do that is a bit of a slippery slope though. Seems like crossing lines honestly. I sort of agree with it though but...meh. Then as you mention...they can go after the family.

Kinda like... lousy diet...insurance company doesn't have to pay. They can move those goalposts once you let them.

"Going after the family" by putting them in bankruptcy is not something that these people think about ahead of time when they're exercising their freedoms. Just like a lot of people who play Russian Roulette with healthcare insurance.

I could see a carrot and sticks approach. The legal consequences are that, you don't get to participate in community/social functions, i.e. go to the ballgames, restaurants, bars, movies, museums, concerts, etc., like every one else does because you need a chip implanted in your skin (j/k). If you want to add a fine, I'd love it. Hit these people in the pocket too. They can get a health exemption from their doctors the reasons have to be specific and backed up medically.

If we're thinking outside the box, how about a law making it a crime to knowingly spread false information about the virus and the vaccine with civil and criminal penalties. I don't know how we'd get it passed legislatively. But all of these schemes would have the same problem. Let's face it, some of these people are willing to lose their jobs over getting vaccinated.

We can nibble on the fringes of this issue but none of this will address the critical issue of hospital supply shortages in any kind of substantial way ... which brings me back to my suggestion of building make-shift hospitals where beds are needed due to high COVID rates among the unvaccinated.

A fine?
Who on God's earth is going to determine what's false information?
The media, government?
Without watch dog groups, we would have never found out about Roundup etc. Just go to medimoon.com for a sample of hundreds of meds that have been banned 99% discovered by either watchdog groups or lawsuit settlements.

One of our freedoms as U.S. citizens is the ability to question everything. And you want that taken away? Hmm smells of authoritarisn govt rule.
Fk that

[Jalen Bluntson]

Here's a real life example of BS about vaccine mandates.

My daughter works for a cardiologist office. A big one. There was an outbreak of Delta in the office. Several people were out. She was the only one not vaccinated that was sick. They told her they didn't have to pay for missed time. They lied. She fought it and won. Then the mandates happened. She went back to work. Her doctor said wait 90 days until getting one. They said unacceptable. WTF? Isn't that medical exemption? Valid? They said no. The next day...the mandate was put on hold. They said no it isn't. More BS. They were gonna fire her for having Covid. They weren't gonna pay her. They won't allow medical exemption for 90 days. They denied there is a hold. As if she's unaware of her rights and everything that's going on. Not that she refused to get vaccinated. She just had not done so yet and was told to wait from her doctor.

Now her job is in jeopardy. Did I mention she was a frontline worker during all of this because she previously worked for a veterinarian and they were considered essential workers. Now... she's in danger of losing her job because of BS. She's already looking for another job as a result. Awesome.

[Zenzibar]

Here's a real life example of BS about vaccine mandates.

My daughter works for a cardiologist office. A big one. There was an outbreak of Delta in the office. Several people were out. She was the only one not vaccinated that was sick. They told her they didn't have to pay for missed time. They lied. She fought it and won. Then the mandates happened. She went back to work. Her doctor said wait 90 days until getting one. They said unacceptable. WTF? Isn't that medical exemption? Valid? They said no. The next day...the mandate was put on hold. They said no it isn't. More BS. They were gonna fire her for having Covid. They weren't gonna pay her. They won't allow medical exemption for 90 days. They denied there is a hold. As if she's unaware of her rights and everything that's going on. Not that she refused to get vaccinated. She just had not done so yet and was told to wait from her doctor.

Now her job is in jeopardy. Did I mention she was a frontline worker during all of this because she previously worked for a veterinarian and they were considered essential workers. Now... she's in danger of losing her job because of BS. She's already looking for another job as a result. Awesome.

Bro, wishing your big girl health duting this period. Honestly, it seems like that work relationship is cooked.
But I would thrown in a call from her lawyer to her employer. Her employer, bunch of SOBs

[djsunyc]

If humans can’t work together then we may see a large population reduction in the future.

that day is done. sorry to sound like a pessimist but this is just a consistent downward spiral accelerated by social media. there is no salvation here. i always thought 3 things could alter it, a worldwide pandemic, or a worldwide natural disaster...and maybe alien invasion. well i now know 1 of those things don't apply. all of this simply so rich powerful white folks can stay rich and powerful.

[BKlutch]

If humans can’t work together then we may see a large population reduction in the future.

that day is done. sorry to sound like a pessimist but this is just a consistent downward spiral accelerated by social media. there is no salvation here. i always thought 3 things could alter it, a worldwide pandemic, or a worldwide natural disaster...and maybe alien invasion. well i now know 1 of those things don't apply. all of this simply so rich powerful white folks can stay rich and powerful.

Maybe 2 of those things don't apply - one of the most popular science fiction series involves a alien invasion that will arrive in 500 years. The earth can't get its act together, and a large number of people want to help the aliens wipe out humanity because, um, we deserve it. Of course, the aliens are much worse than even we are. The kicker is that this was written in China about 25-30 years ago.

[BKlutch]

Just an update on my post a few days ago.
My breakthru covid case just amounted to a few days of pretty intense fatigue.
I guess that was my immune response taking out the invaders. I'm sure it would have been much worse if I weren't vaccinated.
I'm almost back to 100% by now.
My 3 year old basically had a regular cold for a few days.
We unfortunately have to deal with another 5 days of mandated quarantine, and then back to business as usual.

Sounds like you're lucky. Keep on getting better and hope you feel back to normal soon.

[Jalen Bluntson]

Here's a real life example of BS about vaccine mandates.

My daughter works for a cardiologist office. A big one. There was an outbreak of Delta in the office. Several people were out. She was the only one not vaccinated that was sick. They told her they didn't have to pay for missed time. They lied. She fought it and won. Then the mandates happened. She went back to work. Her doctor said wait 90 days until getting one. They said unacceptable. WTF? Isn't that medical exemption? Valid? They said no. The next day...the mandate was put on hold. They said no it isn't. More BS. They were gonna fire her for having Covid. They weren't gonna pay her. They won't allow medical exemption for 90 days. They denied there is a hold. As if she's unaware of her rights and everything that's going on. Not that she refused to get vaccinated. She just had not done so yet and was told to wait from her doctor.

Now her job is in jeopardy. Did I mention she was a frontline worker during all of this because she previously worked for a veterinarian and they were considered essential workers. Now... she's in danger of losing her job because of BS. She's already looking for another job as a result. Awesome.

Bro, wishing your big girl health duting this period. Honestly, it seems like that work relationship is cooked.
But I would thrown in a call from her lawyer to her employer. Her employer, bunch of SOBs

She was sick for 5 days. That was it. Fever... tired... lost taste/smell mild cough. All better now. The thing is... from what I have learned... the delta and any other variant should be weaker than the original. Typically... that's how it works. So... while it may be more easily transmitted... it should be weaker in terms of symptoms. Not gonna die on that hill but... that's how this works from what LITTLE I have learned.

Vax or not... this virus will run its course in due time. Thankfully... the shots help make that less damaging. People should take that into account when deciding on the vax. Not internet memes about freedoms and rights.

[HarthorneWingo]

Prescient comedy from Chris Porter (4 years ago)

Watch on YouTube

[Clyde_Style]

Here's a real life example of BS about vaccine mandates.

My daughter works for a cardiologist office. A big one. There was an outbreak of Delta in the office. Several people were out. She was the only one not vaccinated that was sick. They told her they didn't have to pay for missed time. They lied. She fought it and won. Then the mandates happened. She went back to work. Her doctor said wait 90 days until getting one. They said unacceptable. WTF? Isn't that medical exemption? Valid? They said no. The next day...the mandate was put on hold. They said no it isn't. More BS. They were gonna fire her for having Covid. They weren't gonna pay her. They won't allow medical exemption for 90 days. They denied there is a hold. As if she's unaware of her rights and everything that's going on. Not that she refused to get vaccinated. She just had not done so yet and was told to wait from her doctor.

Now her job is in jeopardy. Did I mention she was a frontline worker during all of this because she previously worked for a veterinarian and they were considered essential workers. Now... she's in danger of losing her job because of BS. She's already looking for another job as a result. Awesome.

Bro, wishing your big girl health duting this period. Honestly, it seems like that work relationship is cooked.
But I would thrown in a call from her lawyer to her employer. Her employer, bunch of SOBs

She was sick for 5 days. That was it. Fever... tired... lost taste/smell mild cough. All better now. The thing is... from what I have learned... the delta and any other variant should be weaker than the original. Typically... that's how it works. So... while it may be more easily transmitted... it should be weaker in terms of symptoms. Not gonna die on that hill but... that's how this works from what LITTLE I have learned.

Vax or not... this virus will run its course in due time. Thankfully... the shots help make that less damaging. People should take that into account when deciding on the vax. Not internet memes about freedoms and rights.

It is not weaker. Keep researching

[Pointgod]

Watch on YouTube

[Jalen Bluntson]

Bro, wishing your big girl health duting this period. Honestly, it seems like that work relationship is cooked.
But I would thrown in a call from her lawyer to her employer. Her employer, bunch of SOBs

She was sick for 5 days. That was it. Fever... tired... lost taste/smell mild cough. All better now. The thing is... from what I have learned... the delta and any other variant should be weaker than the original. Typically... that's how it works. So... while it may be more easily transmitted... it should be weaker in terms of symptoms. Not gonna die on that hill but... that's how this works from what LITTLE I have learned.

Vax or not... this virus will run its course in due time. Thankfully... the shots help make that less damaging. People should take that into account when deciding on the vax. Not internet memes about freedoms and rights.

It is not weaker. Keep researching

It should be eventually. That's all that matters. Nothing suggesting any of them are more harmful yet. So that's the point. So research is fine..

[NoDopeOnSundays]

If humans can’t work together then we may see a large population reduction in the future.

that day is done. sorry to sound like a pessimist but this is just a consistent downward spiral accelerated by social media. there is no salvation here. i always thought 3 things could alter it, a worldwide pandemic, or a worldwide natural disaster...and maybe alien invasion. well i now know 1 of those things don't apply. all of this simply so rich powerful white folks can stay rich and powerful.

Yeah, it's game over for society in the next 30-100 years, climate change is going to be the end for society IMO, you'll still have pockets of civilizations but capitalism isn't built to withstand what's coming. You can't even get people to listen to health experts, we've crossed the threshold in the US when 1 out of every 500 deaths now is from covid, and you still have pushback on pretty much any type of mitigation (masks, vaccines, distancing etc) from half the population because they can't see it happening for themselves. Climate change and the impact of rising sea levels, changing weather patterns and longer droughts will happen on a slower time period than what covid has done, but the scope of it will be much larger in terms of dollar impact. And all mitigation attempts will be met with the same "What about the economy/jobs?" and anti-science BS. Covid was a test run for climate change, and we failed spectacularly.

[HarthorneWingo]

Look at what these 3 women from Texas did at Carmine's. They losers are out of their minds. They're tourists in NYC and attack the hostess for asking them to produce prove of vaccination as ordered by the City. She's just a 24 year old trying to do her job. And then this happened.

Watch on YouTube

[movingon]

She was sick for 5 days. That was it. Fever... tired... lost taste/smell mild cough. All better now. The thing is... from what I have learned... the delta and any other variant should be weaker than the original. Typically... that's how it works. So... while it may be more easily transmitted... it should be weaker in terms of symptoms. Not gonna die on that hill but... that's how this works from what LITTLE I have learned.

Vax or not... this virus will run its course in due time. Thankfully... the shots help make that less damaging. People should take that into account when deciding on the vax. Not internet memes about freedoms and rights.

It is not weaker. Keep researching

It should be eventually. That's all that matters. Nothing suggesting any of them are more harmful yet. So that's the point. So research is fine..

Covid19 took two significant evolutionary leaps so far (alpha & delta). Both selections thrived b/c of increased infectiousness, and ability to evade antibodies. Both have an increased risk of hospital admission and death.
We don't know how much more evolutionary wiggle room there is for covid19 along this path. This might be the end, or there might be one or more significant leaps in the same direction.
On can argue that long term it would be beneficial (in the evolutionary sense) for the virus to maintain its infectiousness, but become less lethal (like the Spanish flu ultimately did), but no such mutation has so far gained any foothold.
So I don't see how it's relevant that the virus "should' get weaker. That's not what''s happening now, and no credible source can predict when this should happen.
Hopefully, we maintain immunity with vaccination, cutting transmission to the extent that the evolution of the virus decelerates.
That's the realistic best-case scenario for the near future.

[Jalen Bluntson]

It is not weaker. Keep researching

It should be eventually. That's all that matters. Nothing suggesting any of them are more harmful yet. So that's the point. So research is fine..

Covid19 took two significant evolutionary leaps so far (alpha & delta). Both selections thrived b/c of increased infectiousness, and ability to evade antibodies. Both have an increased risk of hospital admission and death.
We don't know how much more evolutionary wiggle room there is for covid19 along this path. This might be the end, or there might be one or more significant leaps in the same direction.
On can argue that long term it would be beneficial (in the evolutionary sense) for the virus to maintain its infectiousness, but become less lethal (like the Spanish flu ultimately did), but no such mutation has so far gained any foothold.
So I don't see how it's relevant that the virus "should' get weaker. That's not what''s happening now, and no credible source can predict when this should happen.
Hopefully, we maintain immunity with vaccination, cutting transmission to the extent that the evolution of the virus decelerates.
That's the realistic best-case scenario for the near future.

You just said what I did. The only difference...you seem to believe it is more deadly. Whatever you read suggested that. What I read suggests the opposite. That is all. Most viruses go the way described.

Many predict, however, that COVID-19 seems likely to become endemic, potentially being less dangerous to much of the population. Indeed countries like Singapore are starting to look to a future in which COVID-19 is yet another infectious disease like flu that can be managed with good public health measures such as regular vaccination.

[Jalen Bluntson]

Put it this way...if people don't know how to protect themselves by now...they haven't been paying attention. The vaccine isn't stopping the spread and mainly high risk people are the ones who need to worry. The majority of the population just get a cold.

Vaccines are available. Masks and social distancing sanitizing etc. Natural immunity counts just as much as a vaccine according to everything out there. Vaccines being the best option because it reduces symptoms and helps prevent hospitalization and death as opposed to just going it alone. The virus will MOST LIKELY become another flu. Take care of yourselves.

Any studies and numbers out there are incomplete and will always remain that way because this is global. There are too many variables as well. Race/ethnicity/age/a number of preexisting conditions etc.

Get your shot if your worried. Don't get your shot of your willing to gamble with your life I guess. If they stop paying for hospitalization for unvaccinated or whatever else they think up...we will see what happens.

This entire pandemic has been handled like shyt from the top down. From day one. That is why we have the problems we do. Add in social media and it's a shyt show.

[aq_ua]

It should be eventually. That's all that matters. Nothing suggesting any of them are more harmful yet. So that's the point. So research is fine..

Covid19 took two significant evolutionary leaps so far (alpha & delta). Both selections thrived b/c of increased infectiousness, and ability to evade antibodies. Both have an increased risk of hospital admission and death.
We don't know how much more evolutionary wiggle room there is for covid19 along this path. This might be the end, or there might be one or more significant leaps in the same direction.
On can argue that long term it would be beneficial (in the evolutionary sense) for the virus to maintain its infectiousness, but become less lethal (like the Spanish flu ultimately did), but no such mutation has so far gained any foothold.
So I don't see how it's relevant that the virus "should' get weaker. That's not what''s happening now, and no credible source can predict when this should happen.
Hopefully, we maintain immunity with vaccination, cutting transmission to the extent that the evolution of the virus decelerates.
That's the realistic best-case scenario for the near future.

You just said what I did. The only difference...you seem to believe it is more deadly. Whatever you read suggested that. What I read suggests the opposite. That is all. Most viruses go the way described.

Many predict, however, that COVID-19 seems likely to become endemic, potentially being less dangerous to much of the population. Indeed countries like Singapore are starting to look to a future in which COVID-19 is yet another infectious disease like flu that can be managed with good public health measures such as regular vaccination.

As a resident, it’s true Singapore is the first country to publicly announce that intention. However, we are still subject to very strict control measures like maximum gathering sizes (right now only allowed to meet 5 non-family members per day) and no more than 50% capacity in the office, all with random audits by the government. It’s practically impossible to leave the country without risking losing your work visa, so most people haven’t left in almost two years to visit family, unless for an emergency. This is all while over 80% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated and certain people starting to get booster shots. Meanwhile COVID positive cases are already hitting one year highs. The reality is that Singapore is looking to open up as an endemic state *only if* there are clear signs that people are not being sent to the ICU in large numbers despite the rising cases. That seems unlikely given even breakthrough infections can result in an ICU visit. The less dangerous COVID path is just viewed as the hopeful one at this point - not necessarily the most likely one. This is far from over, just so folk don’t get the wrong impression about what’s happening on the ground.

[movingon]

It should be eventually. That's all that matters. Nothing suggesting any of them are more harmful yet. So that's the point. So research is fine..

Covid19 took two significant evolutionary leaps so far (alpha & delta). Both selections thrived b/c of increased infectiousness, and ability to evade antibodies. Both have an increased risk of hospital admission and death.
We don't know how much more evolutionary wiggle room there is for covid19 along this path. This might be the end, or there might be one or more significant leaps in the same direction.
On can argue that long term it would be beneficial (in the evolutionary sense) for the virus to maintain its infectiousness, but become less lethal (like the Spanish flu ultimately did), but no such mutation has so far gained any foothold.
So I don't see how it's relevant that the virus "should' get weaker. That's not what''s happening now, and no credible source can predict when this should happen.
Hopefully, we maintain immunity with vaccination, cutting transmission to the extent that the evolution of the virus decelerates.
That's the realistic best-case scenario for the near future.

You just said what I did. The only difference...you seem to believe it is more deadly. Whatever you read suggested that. What I read suggests the opposite. That is all. Most viruses go the way described.

Many predict, however, that COVID-19 seems likely to become endemic, potentially being less dangerous to much of the population. Indeed countries like Singapore are starting to look to a future in which COVID-19 is yet another infectious disease like flu that can be managed with good public health measures such as regular vaccination.

What I'm saying, quite clearly, is that it's not relevant what the virus *should* be doing.
It's not doing that, and no one can credible tell you when it will.
That's why we're not in "Get your shot if your worried." mode. Rather, people are being coerced into doing what is obviously needed.
If you're reading the wrong thing, well then you will continue to live in a very contradictory and confusing world, and I'm sorry for that.

[HarthorneWingo]

Covid19 took two significant evolutionary leaps so far (alpha & delta). Both selections thrived b/c of increased infectiousness, and ability to evade antibodies. Both have an increased risk of hospital admission and death.
We don't know how much more evolutionary wiggle room there is for covid19 along this path. This might be the end, or there might be one or more significant leaps in the same direction.
On can argue that long term it would be beneficial (in the evolutionary sense) for the virus to maintain its infectiousness, but become less lethal (like the Spanish flu ultimately did), but no such mutation has so far gained any foothold.
So I don't see how it's relevant that the virus "should' get weaker. That's not what''s happening now, and no credible source can predict when this should happen.
Hopefully, we maintain immunity with vaccination, cutting transmission to the extent that the evolution of the virus decelerates.
That's the realistic best-case scenario for the near future.

You just said what I did. The only difference...you seem to believe it is more deadly. Whatever you read suggested that. What I read suggests the opposite. That is all. Most viruses go the way described.

Many predict, however, that COVID-19 seems likely to become endemic, potentially being less dangerous to much of the population. Indeed countries like Singapore are starting to look to a future in which COVID-19 is yet another infectious disease like flu that can be managed with good public health measures such as regular vaccination.

What I'm saying, quite clearly, is that it's not relevant what the virus *should* be doing.
It's not doing that, and no one can credible tell you when it will.
That's why we're not in "Get your shot if your worried." mode. Rather, people are being coerced into doing what is obviously needed.
If you're reading the wrong thing, well then you will continue to live in a very contradictory and confusing world, and I'm sorry for that.

I would even argue that, until otherwise told by our most competent infectious disease experts, we should be erring on the side of caution. In other words, since we don't know yet what direction the virus is heading, we have to treat it as if it's going to continue to get worse. That's the only mindset that will get us out of this mess ... and other messes, quite honestly. Like climate disasters. No one took that shyt seriously either. And by "seriously", I mean assuming the worst case scenario when it comes to dealing with Mother Nature.