COVID-19 - On the Ground

[HouseDivided]

This dude gets it. When you stop playing with the numbers, most of this crap makes no sense: https://www.dauphincounty.org/news_detail_T14_R309.php

May 8, 2020

To the People of Pennsylvania:

Enough is enough. It is time to reopen the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and return our state to the people (as prescribed by our Constitution) and not run it as a dictatorship.

When COVID-19 first entered our state, we needed to take quick and decisive action to minimize its impact. The state was closed so that we could flatten the curve and ensure that our health care systems and hospitals were able to function within their resources. Pennsylvanians complied.

COVID-19 was an unknown foe. We had a lot to learn and have since gained a better understanding. Make no mistake, to those with impaired immune systems, certain medical conditions and the elderly, COVID-19 is dangerous and can be deadly. Now our citizens understand what is needed to protect themselves and others. We see how to implement these procedures as we go to the grocery store or big box stores. Our smaller businesses, restaurants, realtors, dentists, doctors and more have seen and learned what needs to be done. Data shows that COVID-19 is a critical issue in confined living areas and with our elderly and immunity-impaired populations. The general population can continue to work and function within the “new normal.” Our businesses and citizens have learned this; however, the governor and his health secretary have not, thus part of the reason for the Wall Street Journal giving our governor a failing grade.

In Dauphin County, our health care systems and hospitals sprang into action and prepared for the worst. Overall, the worst did not come. Some of our facilities had more than 40% of their beds empty, not performing routine procedures. As of this writing, 48% of our 141 ventilators are in use; six (4%) are in use for COVID-19-related cases; 62 (44%) for non-COVID-19 cases; and 73 (52%) are not in use. Clearly, our ventilators are not maxed out.

Let's put some of the numbers in perspective, since Gov. Wolf and Health Secretary Levine say decisions will be “data-driven.” As of this writing, Pennsylvania has a total of 54,238 cases, or 0.4% of the state's population. Dauphin County has 764 cases, or 0.274% of our population. Pennsylvania has 3,616 deaths, or 0.028% of the population. Dauphin County has 29 deaths, or 0.0105% of our county’s population.

Here in Dauphin County, 192 (25%) of the 764 cases are in nursing homes, while 24 (65%) of our coronavirus deaths are in nursing homes. If you remove the nursing home cases from the equation, 0.2% of the county’s general population has tested positive. Not 20%, not 2%, but 0.2%.

Since Gov. Wolf closed the state to minimize the 54,238 positive cases, more than 1,793,200 Pennsylvanians have lost their jobs. This decision has ruined the livelihood of millions of hard-working Pennsylvanians in exchange for 0.4% of our population. I have great sympathy for those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. I also have great concern for the families that now have to struggle with financial concerns, mental health stress, addiction and more because of the shutdown. Again, our governor has pitted groups of Pennsylvanians against one another.

And he has not included county commissioners in this process.

This need not happen — enough is enough. We should focus our efforts on making sure our nursing homes have the supplies, staff, testing and whatever else they need to protect their residents and staff. Our health care systems and hospitals have shown they can handle the pressures of COVID-19 and have capacity to spare.

Allow our businesses and communities to reopen. For centuries, our people and businesses have shown they can adapt to changes to survive and prosper. They cannot, however, do a thing when a dictator and an unelected secretary place them in lockdown.

I trust and have faith in the great people and businesses of Pennsylvania to operate in a manner that protects those of our population in harm's way and allows our residents to go back to work, enjoy their communities and have a quality of life. I, however, have no faith in Gov. Wolf and Secretary Levine's ability to do the right thing.

Open the state and return our Commonwealth to the people.

Enough is enough.

Sincerely,

Jeff Haste
Chairman
Dauphin County Board of Commissioners

[zsn]

Feral- you follow Jen Heemstra? She is a great scientist and does a lot for undergraduate and graduate education in organic chemistry!

[zsn]

Heck, some of these restaurants are selling more with less expenses to staff than ever. A few might not be in a hurry to have to pay waiters and waitresses again with how well their takeout service is working.

They are also getting gouged in fees by GrubHub, DoorDash and the like. I’m guessing it’s not super profitable this way, either. Most of what waitstaff make is in tips, anyway.

Exactly. If there’s one thing that the pandemic has shown it’s how awful our societal “norms” are - be it how we pay waitstaff or how we distribute healthcare insurance. There’s got to be a better way

[Shirley]

Feral- you follow Jen Heemstra? She is a great scientist and does a lot for undergraduate and graduate education in organic chemistry!

I did, but I only knew she was a "chemist" not an "organic chemist".

And, I have my reputation to think of.

[HouseDivided]

Heck, some of these restaurants are selling more with less expenses to staff than ever. A few might not be in a hurry to have to pay waiters and waitresses again with how well their takeout service is working.

They are also getting gouged in fees by GrubHub, DoorDash and the like. I’m guessing it’s not super profitable this way, either. Most of what waitstaff make is in tips, anyway.

Exactly. If there’s one thing that the pandemic has shown it’s how awful our societal “norms” are - be it how we pay waitstaff or how we distribute healthcare insurance. There’s got to be a better way

I do not disagree with that.

[Geezer]

The disease does not only kill old people.

[HouseDivided]

The disease does not only kill old people.

Primarily elderly, unhealthy, and immune compromised. That’s a risk I’m willing to take.

[Deleted User 62]

The disease does not only kill old people.

Primarily elderly, unhealthy, and immune compromised. That’s a risk I’m willing to take.

You are a fucking disgusting human being

[Deleted User 289]

The disease does not only kill old people.

Primarily elderly, unhealthy, and immune compromised. That’s a risk I’m willing to take.

You are a fucking disgusting human being

Well, if he ever becomes elderly, and/or unhealthy, and/or immune compromised, I assume he will give someone who doesn't give a fuck about him the privilege of giving him a disease that kills him because he's basically worthless to society.

Tomorrow on Mother's Day I'll be sure to tell my mother (who is elderly, I would define - unhealthy, and definitely immune compromised) who has done more good for the world than most people - AND STILL DOES, that she needs to get the virus and die already so she can appease those who feel she's easily expendable and is holding them back. Would that make people happy?

[Geezer]

The disease does not only kill old people.

Primarily elderly, unhealthy, and immune compromised. That’s a risk I’m willing to take.

It's not about you, it's about the people you could infect.

[Shirley]

The disease does not only kill old people.

Primarily elderly, unhealthy, and immune compromised. That’s a risk I’m willing to take.

It's not about you, it's about the people you could infect.

Not to mention the nurses and doctors and lab techs and ward clerks and x-ray techs and orderlies and housecleaners, etc., etc., if you do get sick, risking their lives being exposed to you, needlessly.

But, you do need a haircut, so

BTW, I swear I wasn't looking for your twitter account, I just happened upon it. And, I have to admit, you're a lot more Pillsbury Dough Boy, than I expected:

[Geezer]

https://abc7.com/coronavirus-burbank-ho ... y/6165368/

[zsn]

Feral- you follow Jen Heemstra? She is a great scientist and does a lot for undergraduate and graduate education in organic chemistry!

I did, but I only knew she was a "chemist" not an "organic chemist".

And, I have my reputation to think of.

LOLOLOL........

She is a true rising star in the (organic-) chemistry world and is doing some really cool research on biomolecules, molecular recognition and nucleic acid chemistry. She is also doing a lot for creating opportunities for young women through mentorship

[Shirley]

Feral- you follow Jen Heemstra? She is a great scientist and does a lot for undergraduate and graduate education in organic chemistry!

I did, but I only knew she was a "chemist" not an "organic chemist".

And, I have my reputation to think of.

LOLOLOL........

She is a true rising star in the (organic-) chemistry world and is doing some really cool research on biomolecules, molecular recognition and nucleic acid chemistry. She is also doing a lot for creating opportunities for young women through mentorship

I can't remember precisely how I became aware of her on twitter, but as I recall, it had something to do with young women and stem.

[Deleted User 289]

https://abc7.com/coronavirus-burbank-ho ... y/6165368/

Message I got last night.....

.........Monday my friend/former client Broadway actor Chuck & I are going to social distance walk around my neighborhood. His friend is in a coma at Cedar’s from Covid-19 for 38 days. The story is very sad. This friend was a healthy 41 year old. You can read about him all over National News. Nick Cordero. They were doing “Rock of Ages” the Rock n roll show in Hollywood. Nanc

[HouseDivided]

The disease does not only kill old people.

Primarily elderly, unhealthy, and immune compromised. That’s a risk I’m willing to take.

You are a fucking disgusting human being

Duly noted. I will give your opinion exactly the amount of consideration it is due.

[HouseDivided]

The disease does not only kill old people.

Primarily elderly, unhealthy, and immune compromised. That’s a risk I’m willing to take.

It's not about you, it's about the people you could infect.

People who are worried about their health should stay home, not those who are healthy. It’s common sense.

[HouseDivided]

Primarily elderly, unhealthy, and immune compromised. That’s a risk I’m willing to take.

It's not about you, it's about the people you could infect.

Not to mention the nurses and doctors and lab techs and ward clerks and x-ray techs and orderlies and housecleaners, etc., etc., if you do get sick, risking their lives being exposed to you, needlessly.

But, you do need a haircut, so

BTW, I swear I wasn't looking for your twitter account, I just happened upon it. And, I have to admit, you're a lot more Pillsbury Dough Boy, than I expected:

I’m not arrogant enough to Tweet. Social media is the ultimate delusion of self-importance. Never even had an account.

[Deleted User 289]

Primarily elderly, unhealthy, and immune compromised. That’s a risk I’m willing to take.

It's not about you, it's about the people you could infect.

People who are worried about their health should stay home, not those who are healthy. It’s common sense.

Apparently it's not "common sense" to you.
If it were that simple, I think most people would agree with you. It's not.
You're not a stupid man and here you are playing the role of Donald Trump - in that I believe you just don't fucking get it.
Do you not comprehend that people are walking around asymptomatic? YOU DON'T KNOW if you are "healthy" or not.
SUPPOSEDLY you are most contagious when you are in your first week of having the virus. In other words, possibly before you even start to show signs of having the virus.
So when you say, "not those who are healthy", my response to you is - You may assume you are healthy and NOT be "healthy".

I'll say it again. I'm all for "re-opening". SAFELY. Problem is what I have been saying for months, people don't give a fuck. About themselves and even more so - about others. Seems maybe I can add you to the list of those people. Yes? No?

[Deleted User 289]

It's not about you, it's about the people you could infect.

Not to mention the nurses and doctors and lab techs and ward clerks and x-ray techs and orderlies and housecleaners, etc., etc., if you do get sick, risking their lives being exposed to you, needlessly.

But, you do need a haircut, so

BTW, I swear I wasn't looking for your twitter account, I just happened upon it. And, I have to admit, you're a lot more Pillsbury Dough Boy, than I expected:

I’m not arrogant enough to Tweet. Social media is the ultimate delusion of self-importance. Never even had an account.

Guess what? I'm probably considered arrogant by some/many/most/all on here but I've never "tweeted" either. I do have a Twitter account. You know why? Because I have friends and family members who I don't communicate frequently with. Everyone once in a while I find something they have tweeted to be interesting and even enjoyable for me to see. Also, I get sports related "updates" from sports personalities who I find to be entertaining. Sometimes when I sit on the toilet or sip a cup of coffee I check out Twitter to see what they have "tweeted". I also "follow" our President because he's a lunatic and I fully admit my warped brain gets a "fix" when I can't believe some of the shit he tweets.
As far as your saying, "Social media is the ultimate delusion of self-importance". I agree - to a degree. For many who POST it is. Meanwhile, I have to say that the majority of things the people I choose to follow are posting, are not about themselves.
For example, I'm going to go to Facebook right now and check out the first 5 things people I know have posted and report back.....

1) My friend Scott - Saying happy Mother's Day to all the great Mothers out there - and he posted a photo of his mother - who died of cancer at a fairly young age.
2) Beth (who I don't know) - on a group page called Growing Up Glencoe (that I am a member of) posting about the Smiley Face cookies from the Little Touch of Holland Bakery.
3) My friend Pam - Saying she's seeking a financial planner and lawyer.
4) William (who I don't know) - on the same group page as Beth posting about sledding and the places he would sled in Glencoe.
5) My friend Whit - Posted a cool video of an artist creating an incredible picture on the back of a dirty/dusty car window.