Coronavirus

[heyzeus]

When it was right, the Simpsons was the most right show ever. But the most important Kent Brockman clip was this one:

[GeddyWrox]

So, I made it back from my Mexico City trip without dying (although I did slip in the shower and nearly broke my femur). But I am leaving for Europe for vacation in 15 days. Sounds like the virus is starting to spread out from Italy to some of the places we're going to be.

But unless the EU closes the borders before we get there, no way in hell I'm cancelling this trip. I've been planning this with my GF for a year now.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

Glad you didn't die in Mexico. Hope the European vacation goes well!

I'd kind of quit paying attention to this, writing it off as an overreaction by the news as is typical.

But, after reading about it in more detail last night, it appears the issue in particular is that this is easily transferable from human to human. AND, more importantly, the incubation period is so long. AND, it's not a virus that causes extreme symptoms. Compared to some other viruses that caused almost immediate and sever symptoms, this one is taking its sweet ass time to show any symptoms and even then those symptoms are not incredibly worrisome/don't cause people to miss work/meetings.

As such, people are infected, may not realize it, continue to traipse around, get other people sick, and only after infecting others realize they have the virus. And, that makes it incredibly difficult to prevent spreading without draconian measures.

One thing that was somewhat interesting was the mention that the WHO is leery of labeling this a pandemic because the last time they did so, it wasn't. And, they don't want to be seen as the organization that cries wolf. Though, a lot of experts seem to be under the impression preventing the widespread disease in America/the World is unavoidable. So....there's that. I saw multiple estimates of upwards of half the global population being infected. Typically, again, I'd write that off as news glamorizing the news to get more clicks. But, multiple experts seem to agree due to the aforementioned incubation time and non-severity of the initial symptoms that this will be far reaching. And, may never be eradicated in full.

[tlombard]

Half of the population? Just give it to me now and let's get it over with!

[CardsofSTL]

I still ain't too worried about it

[Freed Roger]

how is the funding of US billions for coronavirus supposed to be spent? Who gets the money? A billion for renting CDC meeting space in Trump hotel perhaps.

Sure, I am guessing quarantines etc will cost some money. But doesn't seem like there is any federal plan, other than throw money at it. Without a targeted plan for the spending, what is the point -other than maybe attempt to coax Wall St off the ledge

I guess questions will get answered by spray tan guy this PM. I won't be turning in. Redbird-you taking another one for the team?

[Jocephus]

[Jocephus]

[cardinalkarp]

[Smith Corks One]

Jesus - half the world's population? With a 2% mortality rate? That would mean 77,000,000 deaths. Hopefully those estimates are overblown.

Wife and I are supposed to spend the entire month of June in Vietnam. I was super excited because I haven't been since 2017. Airline tickets already purchased. Looks extremely doubtful now, especially when adding in the fact that she'll be 6 months pregnant at the time.

[expletive].