COVID-19/Coronavirus Information and Support Thread (see OP for useful links)

  • Thread starter baldgye
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Rallywagon
Is it not though? Influenza can be equally as deadly.
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Of confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections thus far, the death rate is presently around 3%, compared to seasonal flu which is typically around 0.1%. (Though, as discussed previously, that figure of 3% is likely a high estimate and could be a fair bit lower)

There is also no immunity or vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 yet, so it could spread to 70-80% of the population.

That said, flu strains and outbreaks can be just as deadly, but seasonal flu is not just a single strain but multiple strains, for which existing vaccines can have a varying degree of success against. Likewise, SARS-CoV-2 will probably become less deadly over time as better treatments are found, a vaccine is developed and immunity builds up against it, but for now it does pose a more serious risk that seasonal flu.

-

As to the question of whether people should face prosecution for spreading either coronavirus or flu, that's a difficult one because except for specific and isolated cases, it would be pretty difficult to prove an infection was spread from a specific individual.

What is more likely (in this current circumstance at least) is that people may be requested to stay indoors or to wear a mask when out in public, and the police/army/government may be given powers to enforce quarantines (more likely it will involve restrictions on travel), but I doubt that the US, UK or many other countries will (or even could) go to the same drastic lengths as China has in Hubei province. But it is possible that travel between cities (and even neighbouring towns) could be strictly limited in order to help 'flatten the peak' of cases.
 
Blitz24
I wonder, do you charge these people fines or what? Aside from lacking a brain, the person lacks any decency as well.
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Criminally, it would be hard because there would have to be evidence that the infected person knowingly infected others. I think the only way someone would end up in legal trouble would be if they were doing something like those people who licked ice cream containers in the store, then put them back on the shelf. There'd also need to be strong evidence (like posting a video online) to have it happen too.

You could potentially sue someone in civil court though to recoup lost wages or medical expenses, but that would probably be hard too. Easier than a criminal case, but still not a walk in the park.

I do think if you knowingly have any virus, spread it, and cause a fatality or life-altering circumstances (like with HIV) that you should probably face some sort of punishment. What that charge would be though, I'm not sure. I'm guessing if you ended up infecting someone and they died, you could be charged with manslaughter, but I'm not sure.

I'd want the case to be pretty tight though so it doesn't set a legal precedent for anyone to who's sick to face legal trouble.

I'm all for publically shaming idiots though.
 
Joey D
Criminally, it would be hard because there would have to be evidence that the infected person knowingly infected others. I think the only way someone would end up in legal trouble would be if they were doing something like those people who licked ice cream containers in the store, then put them back on the shelf. There'd also need to be strong evidence (like posting a video online) to have it happen too.

You could potentially sue someone in civil court though to recoup lost wages or medical expenses, but that would probably be hard too. Easier than a criminal case, but still not a walk in the park.

I do think if you knowingly have any virus, spread it, and cause a fatality or life-altering circumstances (like with HIV) that you should probably face some sort of punishment. What that charge would be though, I'm not sure. I'm guessing if you ended up infecting someone and they died, you could be charged with manslaughter, but I'm not sure.

I'd want the case to be pretty tight though so it doesn't set a legal precedent for anyone to who's sick to face legal trouble.

I'm all for publically shaming idiots though.
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I can see a mechanism for a court-ordered quarantine following detection of a deadly virus. Breaking quarantine could come with a penalty on its own for violating court order.
 
Touring Mars
Of confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections thus far, the death rate is presently around 3%, compared to seasonal flu which is typically around 0.1%. (Though, as discussed previously, that figure of 3% is likely a high estimate and could be a fair bit lower)

There is also no immunity or vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 yet, so it could spread to 70-80% of the population.

That said, flu strains and outbreaks can be just as deadly, but seasonal flu is not just a single strain but multiple strains, for which existing vaccines can have a varying degree of success against. Likewise, SARS-CoV-2 will probably become less deadly over time as better treatments are found, a vaccine is developed and immunity builds up against it, but for now it does pose a more serious risk that seasonal flu.

-

As to the question of whether people should face prosecution for spreading either coronavirus or flu, that's a difficult one because except for specific and isolated cases, it would be pretty difficult to prove an infection was spread from a specific individual.

What is more likely (in this current circumstance at least) is that people may be requested to stay indoors or to wear a mask when out in public, and the police/army/government may be given powers to enforce quarantines (more likely it will involve restrictions on travel), but I doubt that the US, UK or many other countries will (or even could) go to the same drastic lengths as China has in Hubei province. But it is possible that travel between cities (and even neighbouring towns) could be strictly limited in order to help 'flatten the peak' of cases.
Click to expand...
All of that is nothing that hasn't already been said, but typically, it's not all of the different strains that are the issue, it's generally one that causes tens of thousands of deaths a year.
Also, that bolded bit, thanks for saying exactly what I said.

Danoff
I can see a mechanism for a court-ordered quarantine following detection of a deadly virus. Breaking quarantine could come with a penalty on its own for violating court order.
Click to expand...

This I could see logically. But, then, can the courts really handle that much influx? If we see an outbreak like in china, and then need to review each case? I can see that being to time consuming.
 
Touring Mars
But it is possible that travel between cities (and even neighbouring towns) could be strictly limited in order to help 'flatten the peak' of cases.
Click to expand...

I can see public transportation being heavily restricted and spray down checkpoints on motorways etc... I guess it depends on how rapidly and far it spreads. Containing cities seems like a fairly reasonable step because they can be largely self contained as long as supplies are getting in
 
Rallywagon
I mean, are were going to start prosecuting people thai go out or to work who have a cold or the flu?
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I'm back at work today, still fairly down with a stuffy head and sore throat because I can't afford to take any more time off and stuff has to get done. *shrugs*
 
Barra333
That is what is going to make this spread (not a dig at you personally, just a general observation).
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Unfortunately the world we live in. A lot of people can't afford to take a lot of time off so they go to work anyway. So yes, major contributing factor.
 
State officials here have told 2 passengers that returned from Europe to self quarantine for 2 weeks.
Then I look at NH's and think.
:banghead:

Just hopefully they do the right thing and stay home.
Wash your hands.

So it now appears that Minnesota has 2 confirmed cases of the COVID-19
 
Didn't the Swine Flu have something like 18-20K deaths in 2009-10 ? I forget but I think the mortality rate was lower, around 1%.

I just don't recall people freaking out nearly as bad over the Swine Flu (or SARS in 2003 for that matter) but here we are in 2020 without toilet paper, water and mad max scenes unfolding at Costcos...
 
Apparently we have our first confirmed cases in NZ now. To be honest haven't really been watching the news, but thought I heard one of them was near a school just round the corner from my house ?
 
All sporting events in stadiums or halls in Italy will be played without fans until at least the 3rd of April.
 
I think people here, in Australia, will die more from being killed for their rolls of toilet paper. Either that or starving, because they are buying more toilet paper than food.
 
05XR8
I think people here, in Australia, will die more from being killed for their rolls of toilet paper. Either that or starving, because they are buying more toilet paper than food.
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A very good point you made there mate and it should have been the other way around, stock up on food than toilet paper you would think.
 
fordlaser
A very good point you made there mate and it should have been the other way around, stock up on food than toilet paper you would think.
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One guy made that point of buying more food. He then said, you could always take a shower, if you run out of toilet paper. Good thing it's been raining lately. ;)

 
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R1600Turbo
Unfortunately the world we live in. A lot of people can't afford to take a lot of time off so they go to work anyway. So yes, major contributing factor.
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It's not the world we live in, it's the country you live in.
What kind of sick (pun intended) system limits the amount of sick leave days for employees?
In my country you're getting 6 weeks of paid sick leave per year and per desease.
Broke your arm/leg in an accident? Up to 6 weeks paid sick leave.
Caught Corona on your third day back at work? Another 6 weeks paid sick leave.
And if you're sick for more than 6 weeks, health insurance covers that and pays you up to 90% of your net salary for up to 1.5 years.
 
Three more virus cases in Scotland
Scotland's Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood has confirmed three more virus cases in Scotland - bringing the total number of cases to six.

The patients, who are from the Forth Valley, Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Grampian areas, are currently clinically well and receiving care.
This brings the total number of UK cases of the virus to 90.


I've updated the OP to a live reporting page the BBC is running, it covers global news, but if anyone would like more adding, let me know
 
Bealdor
It's not the world we live in, it's the country you live in.
What kind of sick (pun intended) system limits the amount of sick leave days for employees?
In my country you're getting 6 weeks of paid sick leave per year and per desease.
Broke your arm/leg in an accident? Up to 6 weeks paid sick leave.
Caught Corona on your third day back at work? Another 6 weeks paid sick leave.
And if you're sick for more than 6 weeks, health insurance covers that and pays you up to 90% of your net salary for up to 1.5 years.
Click to expand...
I as a contractor don't have PTO, nor even work from home rights, despite having work that only needs internet access and a phone, and my manager operating 3,000 miles away. If, God forbid, I came down with the coronavirus, I'd be fired for having to be off for two unplanned weeks.
 

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