The Mysterious Coronavirus Spreading Worldwide

[Bob]

1 minute ago, Thesauron said:

The truth is that we know very little about how this virus works. It teaches us every day. We don’t know what it will do to us in a couple of months, we can only guess and make educated speculations. Some of our guesses will turn out to be wrong.

It seems plausible that people are both living and dying from the disease without it ever being diagnosed. Does that make it less bad? No. It just makes it much harder to control.

Agree there!

[Bob]

14 minutes ago, Thesauron said:

We are neutral regarding whatever political decisions are handed to us.

I don't believe that's true. Political decisions have restricted our worship, and we were not "neutral" towards those. We both understand that. But that sets a precedent, that the government isn't always correct.

 

For example, many states are allowing you to sit at a restaurant. Is that OK by you right now? So we have opinions. Regardless.  

[Thesauron]

I don't believe that's true. Political decisions have restricted our worship, and we were not "neutral" towards those. We both understand that. But that sets a precedent, that the government isn't always correct.
 
For example, many states are allowing you to sit at a restaurant. Is that OK by you right now? So we have opinions. Regardless.  

Our neutrality does not mean we can accept any laws that goes against divine commands. This is when we do not obey the governments. We obey God rather than men.

Even if something is ok according to the law, like sitting down in a restaurant, it does not always make it wise to do so. Do I express any views regarding if the government ways are right or wrong? No. Mankind’s only hope is God’s Kingdom.

[Bob]

6 minutes ago, Thesauron said:

Our neutrality does not mean we can accept any laws that goes against divine commands. This is when we do not obey the governments. We obey God rather than men.

Even if something is ok according to the law, like sitting down in a restaurant, it does not always make it wise to do so. Do I express any views regarding if the government ways are right or wrong? No. Mankind’s only hope is God’s Kingdom.

Thanks for that post. I support you in that 100 percent. But the Governing Body doesn't agree with the lifting of restrictions at this point in time, so clearly, the have an opinion adverse to that of most States. They advised we stay home. Those States say we don't have to stay home. 

 

So all I am saying is that having a different viewpoint, is not the same as violating your neutrality. 

Edited May 14, 2020 by Bob

[BenJepthah]

In view of the direction of the conversation. If the Organization directs that we do not gather at Kingdom Halls in whatever part of the earth we live  EVEN IF the local state or national government gives its approval . We obviously won’t be gathering at Kingdom Halls. But would it then be appropriate to go out to eAt as a group? 

[Thesauron]

Thanks for that post. I support you in that 100 percent. But the Governing Body doesn't agree with the lifting of restrictions at this point in time, so clearly, the have an opinion adverse to that of most States. They advised we stay home. Those States say we don't have to stay home. 

 

So all I am saying is that having a different viewpoint, is not the same as violating your neutrality. 

The Governing Body does not disobey the law. They care for the health of the global brotherhood and give us advice to that end. They care about how the ministry is carried out and how out Kingdom Halls are used.

 

They do not care if you sit down at a restaurant or your government allows for it. They do not care if you don’t. It is up to each family head what they want to do. They expect you to make informed, non-political decisions. Does the government require you to wear masks? Then do. Do they not require you to do so? Then it’s your choice. Are masks in public places forbidden? Then don’t wear one. Whatever you do, we remain neutral regarding whether the choices of our governments are good or bad.

[Bob]

4 minutes ago, Thesauron said:

The Governing Body does not disobey the law. They care for the health of the global brotherhood and give us advice to that end. They care about how the ministry is carried out and how out Kingdom Halls are used.

 

They do not care if you sit down at a restaurant or your government allows for it. They do not care if you don’t. It is up to each family head what they want to do. They expect you to make informed, non-political decisions. Does the government require you to wear masks? Then do. Do they not require you to do so? Then it’s your choice. Are masks in public places forbidden? Then don’t wear one. Whatever you do, we remain neutral regarding whether the choices of our governments are good or bad.

Good points. 

[Allabord4Jah]

The state I live in is opening up a few places, and each county has it's own set of guidelines (but not laws) for people who don't want to shop in the grocery stores for food, can call and make an appointment to go pick up a box of food (no one knows what kind of food is in the boxes).  If your a senior, you must call and set up appointment and you can go (in line) with all the others who have appointments to pick up a box of food. No home deliveries, you must have a family member who lives with you or a neighbor to pick it up.   You must show ID.  This tells them what county your from.  You can't go from one county to another to get another box of food.    Anyway, I do not plan on driving my car into these first come first serve lines (that was on the list for the county I live in).  If you've been in the lines in California or Florida, imagine what will be here!   I will continue to shop at my store early in the morning get what I need and come home.  I cannot say whether or not this virus will abate, but in some countries outside of USA, it's picked up again due to people outside socializing.  Some have gotten it again (S.K., and China).  I heard from Branch through the congregation, to stay put.  Just go out for essentials but stay home.  That's a good plan, and it comes from Jehovah!  It sounds safe to me, safer then going in a line 10 or 20 miles long for a box of food that perhaps you can't eat or drink what they give you. 

 

 

[hatcheckgirl]

The way governments almost unilaterally have managed the Coronavirus pandemic is telling. Most governments worldwide have sacrificed their economies to save their people. Shutdowns and restriction of movement is the only thing that worked in past plagues and pandemics, before there were any drugs to cure and manage it.

 

So most governments of the world have followed suit, to expose as few people as possible to the virus, basically to buy time.

 

Time for hospitals to prepare, time for researchers to find a vaccine. Time to reorganise how things need to be done in living with Coronavirus in our communities. Come out of shut down too early and all benefits from the sacrifice are lost. Because there is no unity in approach in world governments, this will never end. How can borders reopen and trade and tourism recommence if countries still have exportable cases? The world still thinks it can manage this, but they aren’t able to even agree to listen to their governments to stay at home, not willing to sacrifice for the good of all. And this becomes increasingly hard when governments aren’t supplying a safety net for the most disadvantaged. It’s not a winnable fight, and covid-19 will win.

 

For us, wherever we are in the world, we listen to our branches and elders. Good organisational structures top down, good unity and with room for local needs. Jehovah has this in hand.

[Omoyeme]

Texas sees 1,000 new coronavirus cases 5 days in a row

https://thehill.com/homenews/coronavirus-report/497509-texas-sees-1000-new-coronavirus-cases-for-5-days-in-a-row

 

Quote

Texas, which began to open its businesses at the beginning of May, has reported more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 for five consecutive days as the state struggles to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

 

The state of residence where I reside remains on lockdown. (No complaints from me.) I'll continue to shelter in place and get my daily 30-minute early morning walk at the local park.

 

Edited May 15, 2020 by Omoyeme

[pnutts]

4 hours ago, Bob said:

You remember what was said about Florida? They did not lockdown until April

The a large majority of travel related infections in Canada came from travelers to the US including Florida - spring break. China, Italy and Middle East were other spots.

[Shawnster]

8 hours ago, Todd komaniak said:

Here's how I feel about the stay-at-home thought worldwide every year 1.35 million people died due to car related accidents everyday 3700 people died worldwide so everybody that goes out and drives they know in the back of their mind they could possibly die but yet they still do it and this is a way bigger number than the Coronavirus there's no cure for going out and driving and not die except for everybody to stop driving to lose a loved one or a friend in death is very hard thing to go through lost my mother 3 years ago but remember in the light of the scripture in Romans where it says the wages of sin pays is death anybody that would die by the coronavirus now before the Great Tribulation will have a second chance

True, more people die from car accidents each year than get eaten by bears, but if someone told me a bear was wandering around town, then you can bet I'd stay away.   

 

Yes, 1.35 million people die of car accidents and yet that doesn't stop people from driving, BUT, people do use more caution if the chances of being in an accident are greater than normal.  In fact, during a severe storm it's common to see people pull over to the side of the road so they avoid or lessen the chances of an accident.  During an ice storm they may even stay home and avoid travel.  So, even using your own illustration, people will change their habits and avoid normal activities if there is a greater chance than normal that they they will be injured or killed.

 

That's what is happening in this case.  The coronavirus has increased the chances of death or injury.  The coronavirus is like a severe hailstorm or a blizzard.  In fact, it's really like a blizzard.  Stay home, social distance, stock up on food, attend meetings remotely, telephone or letter writing ministry, might not be able to work.

[BenJepthah]

49 minutes ago, Omoyeme said:

Texas sees 1,000 new coronavirus cases 5 days in a row

https://thehill.com/homenews/coronavirus-report/497509-texas-sees-1000-new-coronavirus-cases-for-5-days-in-a-row

 

 

The state of residence where I reside remains on lockdown. (No complaints from me.) I'll continue to shelter in place and get my daily 30-minute early morning walk at the local park.

 

Just curious, I really don’t know. The federal recommendation for reopening a states economy was that the state had to have 14 straight days of declining new cases.  Did Texas Ever have 14 straight days of declining new cases? 

[Todd komaniak]

In that case how long does a winter blizzard last or in Florida how long does a hurricane last in some places like Houston lasted more than 5 days but that's it once the Blizzard's over once or the hurricanes over then you get to go back out again we're on week 6 going on the week 7 that right there tear apart any economy and not that I care about the economy or money or whatever it's just the fact that we have to be in a world that has a lot of things that will do us harm and kill us. And there is a cure for blizzard and bad weather we just don't have it yet but still life goes on. Also there is a cure for a bear in the area either trap it and move it to a remote location or have a really good meal

Edited May 15, 2020 by Todd komaniak

[pnutts]

4 hours ago, Bob said:

that herd immunity is gained through those who don't ever have symptoms. 

Latest is that this virus doesn't care about herd immunity - it has mutated way past that and immunity is iffy since your body may not have had time to produce sufficient antibodies to give you immunity to that strain before it is over with for you.

 

Reminds me of the all so true adage concerning crime.  If it wasn't investigated, it never happened - even if reported.

 

Unfortunately many are sick - many have died and were never tested/reported.

 

Will they say that they have won the battle? Probably - but it won't be true. Someone on here mentioned maybe it will be part of the call 'peace and security.

 

Hindsight will tell.

 

Personally I think the situation is far worse than reported- in the order of several magnitudes.

 

Of those that have recovered haven't really recovered - the health ramifications maybe with them for the rest of their life.

One case 41 yr old Broadway actor just came out of a medically induced coma - quite awhile ( week or so ) after they tried to rouse him.

He lost a leg to the blood clots caused by the virus.

Others have severe lung impairment.

 

The province of Ontario is slowly lifting some restrictions - however with requirements such as limited distancing and masks and protective barriers.

Where my youngest son works - only 20 out of 60+ have returned to work - he isn't one of them, yet.  If numbers spike again - lock down again.

[Hotteok]

I wonder how things will be different if NOBODY in the world reacted in any way to the spread of COVID-19 and just went on with their lives.

How many more casualties? How many more economic damages?

 

I'm not supporting that idea, I'm just curious as to how it will turn out.

Only God knows because no one can run this scale of simulation with 100% accuracy. 

 

 

[Bob]

16 minutes ago, pnutts said:

Latest is that this virus doesn't care about herd immunity - it has mutated way past that and immunity is iffy since your body may not have had time to produce sufficient antibodies to give you immunity to that strain before it is over with for you.

Actually and honestly, I would be interested in who in the scientific community said this. 

[CHecker]

On a lighter note about this Covid thing....

Wearing a mask during my Costco trip today, kinda fun cause I can talk to myself and nobody can see me do it!!

"Where is that tuna, this isle? Nope, maybe down here...oh pah leese, where is that tuna. Oh ok. Now where is the magnesium I need the muscle relax one...."😄😄

[Bob]

41 minutes ago, pnutts said:

The a large majority of travel related infections in Canada came from travelers to the US including Florida - spring break. 

???

 

Do you have a citation for this? 

[hatcheckgirl]

8 minutes ago, Bob said:

???

 

Do you have a citation for this? 

I can’t speak for Canada, but Australia certainly has been affected from overseas, including USA, until we closed the borders. 
 

[Allabord4Jah]

npr news May 14, 2020

 

I thought this was interesting.

 

Throughline

The Curious History Of The Mask

The N95 respirator has become one of the most coveted items in the world, especially by medical professionals. But how did this seemingly simple mask become the lifesaving tool it is today?

[Bob]

5 minutes ago, hatcheckgirl said:

I can’t speak for Canada, but Australia certainly has been affected from overseas, including USA, until we closed the borders. 
 

Good info. Thanks!

[pnutts]

32 minutes ago, Tryin'SoHardToBeSpiritual said:

spread of COVID-19 and just went on with their lives.

Like Sweden? Actually they never locked down but did do some social distancing - but not a lot. Latest figures for Sweden - a land of about 10 million 28,582 confirmed by testing - 3524 dead - confirmed. How about those not confirmed since testing is not a priority? They have only tested 170,000  some people multiple times.

 

Canada at almost 4 x the population, locked down and figures posted 73,401 confirmed with 5472 dead.

 

Numbers in early stages reported in Canadian news, especially just after people returned from spring break. 

Many youths from US took virus back to their states from Corona Parties in Florida.

 

 

 

[Todd komaniak]

That last part you wrote about Spring Breakers in Florida isn't true they were all younger people not really susceptible to the virus unless you have study of those particular young people to share

[pnutts]

Younger people may not show symptoms but can be carriers which is what news reports from the US and Canada has previously reported. Why do you think they closed the schools? Will see if I can find older reports when fire up my computer later today.

 

Forgot to add. Young people do die from this and some are under ten. On Boston news and others have been reporting a weird condition in young children resembling Kawasaki disease, and test positive.

Edited May 15, 2020 by pnutts
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