Covid-19 in China

[amberjack1234]

I think that we will get the chance to find out soon enough.

[Randy W]

from WaPo

Unprecedented Chinese quarantine could backfire, experts say

Quote

 

In the United States, mandatory limits on movement for people in whole cities or regions have received little serious consideration in planning for disease outbreaks like the coronavirus infection now sweeping across China,according to public-health authorities and a review of government reports.

. . .

Cordoning off a region like China’s Hubei province pens the sick together with the uninfected. It increases the burden on authorities, who must ensure the flow of food, water and other supplies to the quarantined area. It is nearly impossible to enforce. And it sows distrust in government at a time when public support is essential, prompting people to evade the restrictions or refuse to report their symptoms, experts said.

first and golden rule of public health is you have to gain the trust of the population, and this is likely to drive the epidemic underground,” said Lawrence O. Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University. “The truth is those kinds of lockdowns are very rare and never effective.”

 

From a practical standpoint, “where does one draw the line?” asked Leana Wen, the former health commissioner for the city of Baltimore. “Many people work in the city and live in neighboring counties, and vice versa. Would people be separated from their families? How would every road be blocked? How would supplies reach residents?”

 

 

Edited December 21, 2020 by Randy W (see edit history)

[mikeymark]

My wife and I are currently in Changchun, Jilin Provence. We are not leaving to go outside and they shut down the train stations here as a precaution. So fa I am not aware of any people here that have contacted the virus. We are scheduled to return to LAX 2/9 through Beijing airport and hoping that there will be no problems catching our flight. Scary situation. Would appreciate any information from people currently in China.

[Randy W]

I would simply make sure you can make it to Beijing by

whatever means neccessary. Give yourself enough time/days.

 

I wouldn't think any problems would arise but I figure it's better

to leave sooner, rather than later before your transportation gets cut off

[Randy W]

China tightens measures to curb cross-border spread of new coronavirus. Outbound and inbound travelers should voluntarily report to customs officers if they feel sick with the symptoms of fever, cough and difficult breathing, according to China's customs and health authorities.

 

 

[Randy W]

https://www.facebook.com/9229303148/posts/10157891172613149/?substory_index=0

 

Edited December 22, 2022 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

from WaPo

China

China bans wild animal trade until coronavirus epidemic is eliminated

 

 

Quote

 

The new restrictions ban the transport and sale of wild animals, specifically banning markets, supermarkets, restaurants and e-commerce platforms from trading in any form.

 

China said inspections would be stepped up, gave a hotline number for members of the public to report illegal wildlife trade and said violations would be dealt with “severely” in accordance with the law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 21, 2020 by Randy W (see edit history)

[JohnXiaoying1]

From what I have been reading the virus mostly hits older people with underlying conditions. It is said that individuals may be able to pass on the virus without having any signs. The mayor of Wuhan said 5 million people had already left the city before the travel ban....that seems like a very high number, nearly half the population. First patient is said to have been on December 1st.

 

I hope everyone stays safe, wherever you are.

[Randy W]

Hong Kong is not allowing entry to anyone who has been to Hubei province within the previous 14 days.

 

It's not clear if this would apply to connecting flights, but I expect that it wouldn't.

[Randy W]

https://www.facebook.com/2358098751081249/posts/3258522277705554/

 

Edited December 22, 2022 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Allon]

Just a comment from an old surgical tech and EMT. (Not a doctor....) Have been doing some reading still confirming what was true when I used a mask in surgery. The people who use masks are really only preventing the spread of their sickness to other people, and the percentage effectiveness is around 0.6% -- but it varies, down to practically totally ineffective. The conclusions reached by several studies show the masks normally worn by people traversing the environment outside surgery (SFM -- surgical face masks that are held by bands around the ears or head) just maintain a sense of false safety. They are really designed to prevent you from contaminating those around you. (Imagine what the health police are thinking when you wear a mask in the airport.)

 

The best way to prevent you from getting any airborne virus is to keep your mucus membranes (eyes, ears, node, mouth) from contamination by washing your hands regularly. We were trained thoroughly in "surgical technique" which goes much farther in the way you handle things using "sterile" fingers for instance. Studies show people touch their eyes 3.6 times per hour. (Some are even higher but activity determines the rate.)

 

Very few bugs (germs) can handle warm water and soap. (And dry your hands without touching anything but the towel. Use the blower if present.) After touching anything where germ filled droplets might be found, don't touch your mucus membranes until you can wash your hands. The sanitizing fluids that advertise their effectiveness are not that effective if you continue to touch your face and other surfaces.

 

https://www.today.com/health/quit-touching-your-face-flu-researchers-say-1C7284851

 

The idea is not to be a hypochondriac but during a flu epidemic, it might be a good idea to learn and keep good hygiene technique. And keep your immune system healthy. (Don't get old.... )

 

 

There are several sites but this one is pretty thorough.

 

At the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in September, MacIntyre presented the dramatic results: Consistent use of N95 respirators prevented 75% of respiratory infections, while consistent surgical mask use was no better than low use for prevention of clinical respiratory illness (6.7% versus 9.2%, P=0.159) or of influenza-like illness (0.6% versus 1.3%, P=0.336).

The case against old-fashioned surgical masks seemed clear.

"To me it would not seem justifiable to ask healthcare workers to wear surgical masks," MacIntyre said in an interview

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/infectioncontrol/16278

 

Good luck. With 5 cases already in the US, this thing could get ugly. And those of you in China, be careful but enjoy life. It's the only one you got.

[danb]

Hello, I transited thru China last week Wednesday) via Guangzhou thru Beijing. I noticed on the plane that there seem to be a lot less coughing people and crying babies on my flights. Which I thought was a good thing. There was a lot of face mask wearers. A lot more than normal. Perhaps 60 %. Whole families were wearing them. It seemed as if more younger people were wearing than older people. I also noticed some but not most people using hand sanitizing lotion. In one of the linked articles above I read about the US Step program. Here is a link to it:

 

https://step.state.gov/step/

 

It is a way for the US government to keep track(/ have the ability to contact) of your whereabouts in China. Seem as if this situation is changing and evolving. I hope all stay safe and well. Please take care if you are in China. Danb

[Greg.D.]

Allon, your comment is correct re surgical (not N95 rated) masks, but the link you provided seems to say an N95 mask - when fitted correctly - can prevent infection (even if not in every experimental design). Unfortunately, it doesn't discriminate between full face, fitted masks and the fiber mouth/nose masks.

 

I do think the N95 face mask (with elastic straps) can do a good job of keeping fingers out of mouth and nose - and that is hugely valuable. And, I think a well-fit fiber mask over the mouth and nose can protect significantly more infection than a non-N95 surgical mask. Probably a lot of people don't think about the fit and making motions that break the seal, or even keeping their fingers out of their masks.

[Greg.D.]

Finally, an article with real details about testing and reporting and whose illnesses are NOT tested or even considered under observation.

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-testing-insight/confusion-and-lost-time-how-testing-woes-slowed-chinas-coronavirus-response-idUSKBN1ZQ21K

 

Confusion and lost time: how testing woes slowed China's coronavirus response

[Randy W]

Reconsider travel to China due to novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

A novel (new) coronavirus is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness that began in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This outbreak began in early December 2019 and continues to grow. Chinese health officials have reported thousands of cases throughout China.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning: Avoid all nonessential travel to China. Chinese authorities are imposing quarantines and restricting travel throughout the country.

Level 4: Do not travel to Hubei province, China due to novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China:

There is an ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness first identified in Wuhan, China, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. In an effort to contain the novel coronavirus, the Chinese authorities have suspended air and rail travel in the area around Wuhan. On January 23, 2020, the Department of State ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. personnel and their family members. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Hubei province.

Chinese authorities have imposed strict travel restrictions in the area around Wuhan. Travelers should be aware that the Chinese government could prevent them from entering or exiting parts of Hubei province. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Warning Level 3 Alert (Avoid Nonessential Travel) due to an ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that can be spread from person to person.

If you must travel to China, you should:

Avoid contact with sick people. Discuss travel to China with your healthcare provider. Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease. Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat). Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. If you traveled to China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:

Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. Avoid contact with others. Not travel while sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Please see https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-chinaand https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019.html for further updates.

Continue to exercise increased caution in China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and special restrictions on dual U.S.-Chinese citizens:

The Chinese government has asserted broad authority to prohibit U.S. citizens from leaving China by using "exit bans," sometimes keeping U.S. citizens in China for years. The Chinese government uses exit bans coercively:

to compel U.S. citizens to participate in Chinese government investigations, to lure individuals back to China from abroad, and to aid Chinese authorities in resolving civil disputes in favor of Chinese parties. In most cases, U.S. citizens only become aware of the exit ban when they attempt to depart China, and there is no method to find out how long the ban may continue. U.S. citizens under exit bans have been harassed and threatened.

U.S. citizens may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens may be subjected to prolonged interrogations and extended detention for reasons related to "state security." Security personnel may detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the Chinese government.

Extra security measures, such as security checks and increased levels of police presence, are common in the Xinjiang Uighur and Tibet Autonomous Regions. Authorities may impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice.

The Chinese government does not recognize dual nationality. U.S.-Chinese citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment, and the Chinese government may prevent the U.S. Embassy from providing consular services. Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to China:

Enter China on your U.S. passport with a valid Chinese visa and keep it with you. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or the nearest consulate immediately. If you plan to enter North Korea, read the North Korea Travel Advisory. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Follow the U.S. Embassy on Twitter, WeChat, and Weibo. Review the Crime and Safety Reports for China. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist. Last Update: Reissued with updates to the Travel Advisory Level: Level 3 for China and Level 4 forHubei province.

 

 

 

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Edited December 21, 2020 by Randy W (see edit history)