137 posts tagged with Coronavirus and covid19.
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How to Reality Check Covid Concerns?
I think I need some perspective about Covid and what a reasonable level of precaution is these days. The world is opening up again but I feel unsure about how safe I should feel - can you talk some sense into me or give me some resources about this? Details of my situation inside. [more inside]
Covid-friendly first date ideas
What have folks been doing for COVID-safe initial in-person dates? [more inside]
Agoraphobia from Lockdown/COVID?
It may be premature and a self-diagnosis, but I believe I've developed agoraphobia/anthrophobia of a sort while on lockdown. [more inside]
Should I get the vaccine right now?
My BMI technically allows me to get the vaccine now, but should I? [more inside]
How worried should I be about secondhand smoke and Covid-19?
My neighbors keep smoking and I can smell it. Is it unsafe for me to be outside while they do that? [more inside]
Where to buy N95, KN95, and/or KF94 masks?
We have and use cloth masks for most encounters and excursions, but I'd like to purchase a few masks for our household specifically for the occasional unavoidable trip or encounter that feels higher risk. Where can I go and have a good chance of not buying counterfeits? [more inside]
Which is least-bad for a 1500-mile trip in Feb: fly or drive?
I am moving from Texas to California (~1500 miles) in late February. I can't figure out, based on current information, which is least-bad: flying or driving. I have a few pros and cons for each and I'm genuinely torn. Can you provide any insight on which is safer? [more inside]
Vaccine-positive information for reluctant healthcare workers
I am in Oregon, supervising caregivers who fall into the 1a category for covid vaccinations; that is, the vaccine is available to them and they are encouraged to sign up to receive it. These are caregivers who work with a vulnerable population who are generally at a much higher risk for covid complications, but a surprising majority of caregivers are reluctant to obtain the vaccine. Any (preferably) videos you can point me to that might convince them to give it a go? [more inside]
vaccination station trepidation
I'm getting my first vaccine dose in a week, how do I be preemptively less stressed about it? [more inside]
What are the arguments for not enforcing COVID restrictions?
I regularly see reports of flagrant violations of COVID public health restrictions, and there seems to rarely be a strong enforcement response. For example, even when fines are possible, they seem to be rarely issued. What is the reasoning/arguments for this kind of "non-punitive" response? [more inside]
Coronavirus exposure - help us do all the right things.
On 10/31 we were exposed to someone who has just tested positive for coronavirus. We have read all the guidelines but still want to be sure we’re doing the right things. [more inside]
How safe am I talking maskless outdoors during the pandemic?
I know that talking to people six feet away without a mask reduces transmission risk, I’d just like to know how much. Is transmission 99% less likely? Totally minuscule? How about twelve feet? Any good data on this? Opinions of clinicians on the ground? [more inside]
USA coronavirus data by county and zip.
I want to visualize some SARS-CoV-2 stats over time for some counties and zip codes in Missouri and Illinois. All I can find is downloads of data at the state level. Is anyone gathering county-level and zip code-level historical data for download? I tried county websites but some just have graphs, not links to their source data.
Canadian-American border closure
Help me find an official government website that talks about how the border closure has been extended through September! [more inside]
Reality of a vaccine
National leaders talk about when a vaccine will be "available." What does that mean with respect to the timing for widespread vaccination and a return to "normal?" [more inside]
Masks vs superspreaders?
Have there been any COVID-19 superspreader events in which the source is known to have been wearing a (non-medical) mask? [more inside]
What's the current state of US coronavirus antigen and antibody testing?
In particular (almost said "specific"--accidental immunology humor?), what's happening with the accuracy of tests? In April, we were seeing antigen tests yielding up to 30% false negatives but almost no false positives. In May, that seemed to be flipped for antibody tests (lots of false negatives, almost no false positives), particularly the Quest Diagnostics test. But as July ends, what improvements have been made to these tests, if any? [more inside]
When does outdoors stop being outdoors?
Our state has just opened up for outdoor restaurant dining. Because of the recent rainstorm, some restaurants have now added tented "roofs" above the tables (I've seen this at outdoor weddings and events as well). Putting aside the possibility that outdoor dining may not be safe after all, is eating under a roof / tent / overhang just as safe as eating outdoors because the sides are open for ventilation, or is it basically creating a room with giant open windows where aerosolized particles can now gather? Would love any science-based answers, if this exists.
COVID19 Vaccine Every Six Months Until Herd Immunity Kicks In?
To make sure I understand, in theory, is the general working idea right now that the COVID vaccine would be taken every six months by people until enough people are immunized so that herd immunity kicks in and lets it die, after which it wouldn't be necessary (excepting future flareups)?
What exactly happened with Covid-19 and schools in Israel
I am looking for a detailed timeline or other thorough write-up describing what happened with the Covid-19 outbreaks that were linked to schools in Israel. This outbreak is often trotted out as Exhibit A for why it is unsafe to open schools. But from what I've been able to piece together, it's more Exhibit A for why you shouldn't ignore reasonable practices when reopening schools. [more inside]
Coronavirus and HL7 2.5.1
My research lab is working on providing COVID19 testing; the state, while providing alternative ways to report the results, prefers us to be able to generate HL7 2.5.1 messages. However, HL7 is a deep and complicate subject, and all the examples I can find for COVID health reports are implemented in FHIR. Does anyone have advice on the fastest way to learn what I need to know to do this? I'm hoping to use this Python library, since I program in Python the most.
Confused about the efficacy of masks
Since COVID-19 "started" I've been confused about the efficacy of masks. I have read so many contradicting statements about the efficacy of masks (who they protect, who should wear them, type of mask etc.), that I am just totally confused. I'm hoping to ease my confusion and find concrete-ish answers! [more inside]
Taxi or train - coronavirus risk? (UK)
Which is likely to be lower risk - a 50 minute train journey or a 35/40 minute taxi ride? [more inside]
The best recent overview of COVID
At the beginning I binged all kinds of technical articles about the latest in COVID research and felt that I was almost keeping up with available science. Then I burned out. I am hoping to find a recent, accessible but not overly simplistic overview of what we now know about COVID transmission, treatment, research etc. [more inside]
Extremely Staycation Ideas?
Seeking your ideas for a day or two of staycation that will not involve traveling more than half a mile from home, on foot. [more inside]
Can I leave 2: I'm leaving
What precautions should I not forget to take as I travel home finally? [more inside]
Covid-19 testing, statistics, and time
Has anyone proposed a method whereby your "true" odds of having Covid-19 can be determined given the rates of false-negative/false-positive results for a particular test? [more inside]
Red Cross antibody test source and quality?
The Red Cross is going to test all donors for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Yay! What are the details on the test? [more inside]
covid-19 risk question
A friend has been carefully quarantining for weeks, but yesterday they got their car serviced. They wore a mask, half the other people waiting in the waiting room wore masks, and no staff were wearing masks. I'm living with two immunocompromised people... [more inside]
Husband with possible coronavirus - action plan?
My husband has a pounding headache and fever. What do I do, like now, and tomorrow? I'm panicking just a little and having trouble thinking straight. Can you help me put together a step-by-step plan? [more inside]
Test me please
Is it possible in June 2020 for an asymptomatic person to get tested for covid-19? I am able to pay, as I don't imagine my health insurance would cover it. I would like to visit an immunocompromised relative but I don't want to unknowingly infect them.
A bit of the old normal in the new normal : pandemic edition
As we try to get to the other side of the pandemic, it's pretty clear that the old version of normal is gone. What did you leave behind, and what did you bring with you? More below the fold. [more inside]
How do I deal with frozen food and coronavirus?
Finally caved in and ordered groceries for the first time since it happened. I know to leave everything nonperishable by the door untouched for days on end, and not to wash the produce with soap. But what do I do with things that have to go into the freezer/fridge? [more inside]
Sourdough bread under water
Like a cliche, I've been trying a sourdough starter. Last night, I made a dough with it for the first time, and this morning I notice there is liquid on top of the dough. Is it okay, or what can I do to rescue it? [more inside]
Would you install your own dishwasher in These Times?
Welcome to the hotly anticipated follow up to my previous question about repairing a broken dishwasher during COVID-19.
I’ve been hand washing dishes during the pandemic, but yesterday I got a bee in my bonnet and went looking for the source of my dishwasher leak. I found it! Bad news is, landlord can’t find a replacement part. Good news is, they will let me install a new unit myself. Please help me decide whether to undertake this task. [more inside]
What is the Egyptian (?) COVID-19 song in this Instagram video?
Siri hasn't been able to figure it out, the original post is in Arabic, and fifteen minutes with Google translate hasn't helped. Does anyone know what this song is?
How are you finding out about cool virtual events?
Since COVID began, I have "attended" live literature panels, storytelling shows and dance parties via Zoom and YouTube Live that I never would have checked out otherwise. The way I'm finding out about them is very piecemeal - I will just happen to open Twitter, or I'll feel curious about a cultural group and visit their website, etc. I would love to know about more of these types of events. Are there any centralized listings for Zoom- (or other streaming) based cultural events, classes, performances and the like? [more inside]
Thoughts, Ideas & Practices for How to Soothe/Calm Yourself During COVID
As someone who even before current times had a problem talking calm and peace to himself, I would appreciate your thoughts, ideas and practices about how to do that for myself during the COVID19 pandemic. While I'm "keep[ing] calm and carry[ing] on", there is a part of me that (meant in a non-suicidal way) feels like I'm living the last days of my life. [more inside]
Ethics around different work policies for medically vulnerable?
I work for a public university in the US. My employer is in the very early stages of crafting a phased re-opening policy as we navigate a possible return to work while still dealing with coronavirus. My questions here are more about employees, not students. In the draft policy I've seen, there's an intention to let as many folks continue to work from home as long as is practical in early stages; there was also a suggestion that, in some stages, employees who are medically vulnerable or who have family members who are medically vulnerable could continue to work from home even while others are back on campus. Can you help me think through the ethics of this? [more inside]
Avoiding Breathing Your Hot Humid Exhale When Wearing a Mask?
I have, historically, not done well when the air I breathe is hot and humid. Unfortunately, when you are wearing a mask, the air in your immediate mouth area under the mask is hot and humid. I know mask with valves are disallowed and defeat their protective purpose. Are there solutions?
Who should get a COVID-19 test (in mid-May, in Massachusetts)?
My city (a close-in Boston suburb) is offering COVID-19 tests (viral, not antibody) to all residents, regardless of symptoms. I have no symptoms and probably lower-than-average risk of exposure but I'm considering getting tested. In a perfect-except-for-coronavirus world, who would be getting tested, and how often? [more inside]
should i fly back to nyc to move out during covid?
my lease on my nyc apartment ends at the end of june - my boyfriend and i have been subletting since mid-january, then covid hit. our subletter has not paid rent in two months. we can't renew the lease and want to stay in california until we figure out our own career/money/future. there's still a significant amount of our things in the apartment -- a lot of the furniture i'm fine with just getting rid of, but there are some things (my boyfriend's desktop computer) that we have to mail back to california or put into storage. more details beneath! [more inside]
Loud neighbors in the time of Covid-19.
Two of our neighbors have always been loud talkers. It was no big deal in the Before Times, but now that we are all home all the time, it is becoming more problematic. I wonder if there is any way to ask for a bit more quiet while still being respectful of the fact that they, too, are going through a stressful pandemic. [more inside]
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
My daughter and her boyfriend are coming up to our home in very rural Vermont from Washington
DC. We said no but then said yes because she just lost her job and needed emotional support. Now they are coming. It's not debatable. Tell us what we should be doing to keep ourselves as safe as possible while they are staying in our home. [more inside]
Memorial services in the time of coronavirus
A friend's mother passed away recently. Understandably, holding a memorial service during these times is extremely difficult, when funeral homes are closed and in-person gatherings are banned. Looking for advice or ideas for holding a memorial with two things in mind. [more inside]
Would you repair a leaky dishwasher in These Times?
My apartment’s dishwasher has sprung a leak underneath the tub. I hate dealing with the handyman at the best of times. Please help me decide whether to resign myself to hand washing dishes for the rest of the pandemic. [more inside]
Short COVID-19 explainer video for person with dementia?
Can anyone recommend a video that touches on the main points - where it came from, how far it’s spread, that a lot of people have died, how dangerous it is, that seniors are extra vulnerable? Ideally from the BBC, CBC (or other well-known Canadian network), CNN, ABC, or NBC. Nitty gritty not needed, neither hygiene advice. Just something from an authoritative source to get the message across that it’s dangerous to go outside. [more inside]
Daycare - when to go back?
Daycare isn't currently an option for us, but help us weigh when to send Little Synesthesia back once it reopens. [more inside]
COVID19 bringing out unpleasant sides of people you thought you liked?
Since the COVID19 pandemic began, there has been so much written and discussed about the virus bringing out people's true colors: selfishness, hypocrisy, willful ignorance, delusion, privilege, racism, "but muh freedoms," and so on. I'm seeing this ugliness arise in a few of my friends. How should I process this new information about them, having now seen them in a different light? How should I reevaluate our relationships? If I "cancel" them now, will I regret it later, when life regains some semblance of normalcy? [more inside]
Am I Out of Line for Not Wanting to Go to the Office?
I work in a very small business. Less than five people during normal times. We are in the tristate area (NY/NJ/CT), in an area very hard hit by the virus. I last was in the office in mid-March and have not been in since. [more inside]