Since the beginning of the pandemic, the IHME forecast for the course of the coronavirus pandemic was among the most optimistic. It was frequently referred to by Trump and its findings took center stage on the CDC COVID-19 forecast web page. Until recently, IHME forecast a first wave (thru end of July) death toll of about 72,000. Now its authors have changed it radically and that 72,000 deaths through July became 135,000. Continue reading “Somewhere Joe Stalin is smiling.”
China pushes back against Trump
In a way that even he can understand.-
Unfortunately, the free market on antibody test kits is not reliable.
When tested by the FDA or its surrogates, many are unreliable. There are also a lot of bogus ones that tout FDA approval, but are not approved.
Continue reading “Unfortunately, the free market on antibody test kits is not reliable.”
Farewell to a Legend
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29132028/dolphins-hall-fame-coach-don-shula-dies-90
I grew up watching Shula’s Dolphins be the dominant team for many years, usually heartbreaking as a Steelers fan.
People today say that Bill Belichik is the greatest coach ever. He’s on the Mt. Rushmore of coaches with Halas, Lombardi, and Shula. But I put Shula ahead of him because of the era he coached in as compared to today.
Plus the steakhouse is pretty good, too.
Thank you, Mr. Vice President
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/03/pence-should-have-worn-mask-mayo-clinic-233360
He finally admitted it was bad for to not wear a mask at the Mayo Clinic. Too bad it took castigation and public shaming on social media in order for him to do so.
Another perspective on pre-vaccine herd immunity.
There was a post not long ago that featured an interview with an academic proponent, Wittkowski, of natural herd immunity. Here is another view.
Continue reading “Another perspective on pre-vaccine herd immunity.”
COVID 19, it’s not just your grandparents disease anymore.
https://www.businessinsider.com/non-elderly-americans-are-getting-severely-ill-with-covid-19-2020-4
Nothing startling or terribly new, but it seems the numbers of severe symptoms are rising for those under 60.
Continue reading “COVID 19, it’s not just your grandparents disease anymore.”
I don’t understand the PPP for small businesses.
https://www.businessinsider.com/monty-bennett-trump-donor-will-return-ppp-money-2020-5
Are not the hotelier’s employees eligible for unemployment?
Continue reading “I don’t understand the PPP for small businesses.”
A Covid-19 Death Discrepancy that Raises Questions
At this link, CDC reports 64,282 Covid-19 deaths in the U.S. (as of May 2, 2020).
At this link, CDC reports 37,308 Covid-19 deaths in the U.S. (as of May 1, 2020).
I see the caveats at the second link explaining the “provisional data,” but c’mon. Such a big difference (nearly 27,000 deaths) makes the caveats seem ludicrous. At a minimum we should question why media consistently report the higher number and not the lower one. After all, if Covid-19 deaths are half what we imagine them to be, wouldn’t that affect our approach to public policy?
Tidewater News and Opinion Forum 