Coronaviris Pandemic - an inflection point in human history?

[Peter Lemkin]

Pffft! Not good news to report! I've read a few technical papers on this virus [they have begun to be published], although a LOT about this virus is NOT yet known!!! The picture that emerges is of a virus that is quite different and a lot more nasty than most! In low humidity the virus can stay floating in the air for many minutes from a person shedding the virus. It eventually settles on the ground unless there is a high wind and can stay pathogenic for quite a long time on the ground. Large amounts have been found on shoes in urban locations. So, maybe the habit of some and taking off shoes just outside the door [or just inside] and then washing one's hands well might not be a bad idea. There are also reports of persons who had gotten the virus and then recovered apparently getting re-infected [either that, or they never really were rid of the virus the first time and it lay dormant in some tissues]. It is about  10x more deadly than most other pulmanary viruses - although the exact number is not known. As would be expected, sadly, the poor, those of non-dominant groups, and those with comormid diseases suffer and die most. i.e.,  non-whites and the poor are dying at rates 2-5x the rate of whites and wealthy persons for a number of understood reasons [the effects of societal racism and classism]. When one person in a household gets a full case of the disease, it often is the case that others they live with will, as well. Many of those who died, died of cardiac arrest [it seems to have some negative effects on heart tissue], but more died of lung problems and often had both viral and microbial infection in the lungs [the latter taking advantage of the damage done by the former]. In effect, they drown. There is a very characteristic and unusual pattern seen on CT scans of the lungs - almost a signature for this virus. the lungs heal from the damage very slowly and it is not known if some of the damge may even be permanent. So, the two yard/meter distance rule is not as good as first thought - and double that, when possible is better. Those who have a temperature, feel unwell OR have been in contact [even briefly] with someone who had or within two weeks developed this viral disease should self-quarentine themselves for at least two weeks from that contact OR the end of all symtoms in themselves. Everyone wants this to be over, and eventually it will be - but it will not be over as quickly as most think or most political leaders even dare tell you. It will likely be another 18 months [under optimum conditions] until there is a vaccine and the innoculation of everyone on the Planet is begun [taking another few months]. Between now and then it will vary from location to location dependant on many factors. In most developed countries there will likely continue throughout that entire period some restrictions against large gatherings, handshakes and some other restrictions, although some businesses may be allowed to re-open for periods and be closed for periods. When this is over, we will all be exhausted and damaged financially [except the rich, of course]. Nature lovers will do better than those who are used to doing things in urban areas at least until this is all over. The WHO is suggesting that no local resume anthing approaching normal activities and opening of stores and activities unless and until everyone is tested and those who test positive are kept at home or somewhere for two weeks. People will likely need to be re-tested often [these tests are rather non-invasive and there are attempts at constructing do-it-yourself home tests]...but this means someone has to develop, make and pay for several tens of BILLIONS of such tests!