#Covidisntover

[socialismforall]

Weekly COVID-19 Update for 2023-12-24

COVID is still airborne, and COVID still very much isn't over.

Northeastern and Midwestern USA SARS2 virus levels in wastewater are *soaring*, Northeast is currently at 1500 copies/mL (~750 copies indicates a strong surge), and Midwest is at 1300 copies/mL. Southeastern and Western USA are maintaining relatively lower levels between 600 and 700 overall, but both are still climbing. See https://biobot.io/data for county-specific data as results can vary widely between locales.

How to reduce your risk of infection? The SARS2 virus is airborne and can spread like smoke, so #MaskUp with an #N95 or better, avoid superspreader events and locations, and stay up-to-date on your boosters. Do it for yourself, so you don't catch SARS-CoV-2, and for others, so you don't spread SARS-CoV-2. Even if you're fully vaccinated, your risk of developing #LongCOVID following an infection is lower but not zero, and multiple reinfections increase your odds of negative health outcomes. Plan A always should be to prevent an infection from developing by wearing a respirator with a good seal around your mouth and nose (FFP2, FFP3, KN95, N95, N99, P100, etc.).

Holiday tips:

-If someone tells you that COVID is over, you might ask them why, if we didn't consider COVID to be over in 2020 or 2021, when the COVID wastewater levels were lower, why should we consider it over now, when the virus is circulating in even higher amounts?

-"Fewer cases" doesn't mean much when most of the at-home rapid tests don't get counted in official records, and the most accurate PCR tests are neither freely available nor given to everyone getting on a plane or attending classes.

-"Fewer deaths" also means less when you remember that about 1,200,000 of the most vulnerable people already have died from it, COVID-19 remains the #3 cause of death in 2023 (behind heart disease and cancer, the risk of both of which may be increased by COVID), and the risk of a Long COVID/post-acute COVID syndrome (PACS) disability or other potentially life-shortening organ damage (brain, kidney, lung, immune, etc.) isn't measured just by the death count. Also, the USA's life expectancy still hasn't recovered from the drop it experienced following the start of the pandemic.

source: https://biobot.io/data

source: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20231006/these-are-the-top-10-causes-of-death-in-the-us

source: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2022/covid-and-the-heart-it-spares-no-one

source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33914346/

source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/11/29/average-us-life-expectancy-increased-not-pre-covid/71738611007/

[none-tadashi-left-hiro]

Not that everyone should get their information solely from government institutions but that the CDC, FDA, and god damn White House have acknowledged exactly how covid spreads, exactly how N95s work, exactly how aerosol spread works, and people who still use these sources as their main reference including medical facilities don't even know how to properly wear a SURGICAL MASK, is so so fun to think about. Wear an N95, even if you are vaccinated. Everywhere you go. Even outside, if it's near other people. It doesn't have to be crowded. I know my Tumblr is an ancient relic collecting dust and I haven't posted here in 84 years but please, reblog this. Education is activism.

[acousticsoul4]

so tired of hearing “during the pandemic” so tired of hearing abled folks brag about how happy they are things are back to normal so tired of ppl convincing themselves they’re not in danger anymore so tired of the general public continuing to leave disabled folks behind and leaving us to die so tired of all of it

[curlyhairedbear]

ID: 3 versions of the same poster with bold white and red text reading on a black background reading "Friends don't let friends accept/ignore/spread COVID" small white body text reads "Over 20,000 Americans have died of COVID so far in 2023 alone, even as the government takes away our access to free testing and treatments and claims the pandemic is over. While the rich get clean, filtered air, free PCR testing, and the highest quality masks, the rest of us are forced to work with no protections while our bodies are sick and our families are dying. We deserve better than a neverending pandemic. Mask up, test up, stay home, and fight back! We must end the pandemic before it ends us. #COVIDIsn'tOver.

Graphics were made by a comrade in a Queer Coviding discord server. 

[medicaltrend]

Covid-19 Finally End: Pfizer Reports $2.3 Billion Loss in Q3.

[ricisidro]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jun Isidro (@rcisidro)

#CovidIsNotOver, but even the most cautious Americans are moving on. Officials are no longer warning of scary new variants. Free tests are harder to come by. White House covid team has disbanded. The virus is increasingly erased from public conversation.

[longhaulerbear]

"The past tells us plagues end messily; they don’t fade until something dramatically changes in the ecology of the pathogen’s transmission or how people live alongside the disease."

[isacopraxolu]

#Covid: nel #mondo casi e #morti in calo ma in salita in #Europa #news #tfnews #cronaca #italia #europa #9marzo #CovidIsntOver #COVID19 #Coronavirus

[thecpdiary]

No one is protected from Covid-19

If with or without the vaccine you can still catch and spread Covid, no one is protected from the virus. Also, with no precautionary measures in place, no one is safe of being reinfected 2,3,4, or 5 times. I have seen that happen. Why are we so reluctant to ignore the science?

Covid-19 isn't the flu

Covid-19 isn't flu, if you're unlucky it can affect your organs. Inconsistencies and issues with the vaccine still haven't been resolved.

There is a new strain out in America, known as XBB.1.5. The data shows this accounts for about 41% of confirmed COVID cases across the nation, (Source: https://www.nypost.com) which scientists are concerned will make its way to the UK.

Can the current vaccines work against this new strain?

With no discussions and/or governments being proactive, they don't even know if the current vaccines can or will work against the new strain. Because the vaccine doesn’t do what politicians claimed it would, I can understand people’s reluctance in not choosing to take the vaccine.

The vulnerable still need to be protected

Governments should be trying to protect society, the most vulnerable, the virus should be spoken about, it should be back on their agendas, so it's talked about, so the vulnerable feel more comfortable and protected. Masks need to continue to be worn to help stop the spread of infection.

No one is safe or protected

The slogan, 'no one is safe until everyone is safe' continues to ring true. We're not safe. We're in a pandemic no one is protected, therefore it would be prudent to cover-up, to wear masks, particularly around the vulnerable and high risk. And even if you're not vulnerable, masks keep you safe.

Ignoring the facts won't make it go away, or protect us and keep us safe.

For more inspirational, life-changing blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

[feminist-space]

"We are fundraising to purchase 288,000 3M 9501+ KN95 masks from government surplus!

Our goal is $9,000 to win the auction and pay for transportation of the masks from VA to mask blocs across the country.

These include mask blocs in DC, Northern Southern and Central Virginia, New Orleans, St. Louis, and Champaign Urbana, New York City, Kansas City, Tulsa, Knoxville, Long Island and more.

Currently, a pallet of 12,000 KN95 masks is 200 dollars each. We are aiming to buy as many pallets as possible and deliver them to whoever wants them! If you want to support but can't contribute, consider sharing this to your socials.

#MaskBloc #MaskDistribution ⁠fundraising #COVIDIsntOver #MutualAid"

"We’ve made contact with the seller, and they’ve agreed to sell them directly at $200/palette!

By buying directly instead of through the auction, we will definitely be getting these masks. The only question is how many.

The more money we raise, the more palettes we can buy, and the more transportation we can pay for to get these masks to communities across the country!

ALMOST HALFWAY THERE!!! LETS GOOO!!!! Thank you all for your support, sharing and contributions. Speaking on behalf of all of the organizers, we are so stoked that this campaign is going well and about how many masks we are going to be able to get. Thank you!!!

Alt text: Flyer with periwinkle and orange color scheme. Text at the top says “Mask Fundraiser. Joint mask bloc effort (14+ blocs). Bulk discount on high-quality KN95s at surplus sale. Every dollar makes a dent. Asterisks. $4=240 masks. $200=12,000 masks. Goal: 280,000 masks.”

Underneath is an image of a large metal shipping container with 10 big visible cardboard boxes. Next to that is an illustration of a hand holding a white respirator with ear-loop straps that shows the text “kn95 gb2626-2019.”

Text at the bottom of the flyer says “donate: tinyurl.com/bulk-kn95s. Going to mask blocs in: DC, Northern/Southern/Central Virginia, New Orleans, St. Louis, Champaign Urbana, Chicago, New York City, Kansas City, Tulsa, Knoxville, Long Island, Cincinnati, San Jose & more. To be distributed for free to all of our communities.” Asterisks mentioned at top of flyer are resolved here, with an asterisk next to text that says “Portion of money also going toward transport and associated costs.""

[pandemichub]

Mega post

Please share

World Health Network global

Protect Their Future (Grassroots org of parents & pediatricians advocating for protection for ALL children)

linktr.ee/laughterinlight_sciencelibrary

PeoplesCDC.org

longcovidlearning.org

covidresearch.net

#ME Action Network

Long COVID with ME

Long Covid Advocacy Ireland

Dysautonomia International

DecodeME the ME/CFS Study (The world's largest study ever into #MEcfs.Take part today (UK, 16+) #pwME info@decodeME.org.uk - 0800 196 8664 #DecodeMEStudy #pwME #MillionsMissing)

Dysautonomia Society (💜We aim to increase global awareness of Dysautonomia. Join us!)

Mast Cell Disease Society (Transforming lives of patients and families while finding a cure for #mastcelldisease since 1995. #Mastocytosis #MCAS #HereditaryAlphaTryptasemia #raredisease)

Mast Cell Action (We exist to promote progress in the awareness, diagnosis and treatment of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and to provide support to people affected by MCAS)

Awareness for POTsies (POTS, Chronic Illness, & Mental Health Support. Compassion, Awareness, Education, Empowerment)

linktr.ee/longcovidlife

linktr.ee/longcovidfam (Long Covid Families)

Long Covid Kids (UK, Ireland)

Clinically Vulnerable Families

Abrome (Self-Directed Education community)

Long COVID Physio

NotRecovered.org (Support for chronically ill)

Covid Persistente México Comunidad Solidaria

Long Covid Latin America (Twitter & Instagram) & André Saravia (Twitter & Instagram)

Long Covid Chile (Instagram, Twitter & YouTube)

Linktr.ee/wearebodypolitic (Support for chronically ill)

Linktr.ee/patientled (Patient led research)

Long Covid Advocacy

RTHM.com (RTHM Health, biotechnology research. Transforming care for complex illnesses starting with long covid).

Linktr.ee/covidisntover (Virtual hangout)

CovidSafeDentists.ca

CovidConsciousTherapists.com

Covid Safe Cuties (dating) Twitter & Instagram

CovidMeetUps.com (Covid safe networking & listings)

Linktr.ee/PenGwenWithLC (Project in progress for long haulers)

Bheecollective.org (Send letters to White House)

International Long Covid Awareness

MandateMasksUS.org

PandemicAidNetworks.org (Organizing and info hub)

High Impact Strategies (S4HI builds the power of chronically-ill & disabled people, our groups & networks. #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #PandemicsAreChronic)

Birch Health (Twitter & Instagram (Infographs and amplifying stories of black, indigenous and racialized peoples)

The Chronic Collaboration

Linktr.ee/equiinstitute

CoalitionForCovidJustice.com

Long Covid Justice

Linktr.ee/Project_N95 (PPE)

Linktr.ee/DonateAMask (PPE)

Clean Air Crew (Airborne pandemic tips and tools)

Clean Air Stars (Helping businesses protect their customers from viruses like SARS-CoV-2)

Aaron Collins (@/masknerd) Twitter & YouTube "Goal is to test and evaluate the best masks out there."

Breathe Safe Air (Everything that you need to know about air pollution. Respirators, masks, air purifiers, monitors and more)

Clean Air Club (Ensuring accessible and cleaner air for Chicago artists and venues. ☁️ a new project by @/nora_barnacles)

*List updated periodically*

You are not alone

Your life has inherent worth

Sars CoV-2 and long covid are real

The pandemic is not over

[cosmicanger]

Don’t forget, disease is also a weapon of war #CovidIsntOver

[spooniestrong]

Sign on Rite Aid pharmacy door that reads: "Masks are not required for patients in our Consultation Room unless mandated by state law or local government ordinances. "

Which loosely translates to "We care more about appeasing the covidiots than healthcare and protecting the immunocompromised."

Eff you, @riteaid 🖕

#SpoonieStrong 😷💙🥄 #WearAFuckingMask #KeepMasksInHealthcare #CovidIsntOver

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SpoonieStrong (@therealspooniestrong)

[aunty-matter]

Had a Dr.’s appointment yesterday. I had a TeleHealth visit for obvious reasons. (#CovidIsntOver)

The doctor asked about insurance, and I explained we are self-pay. He only mentioned it because insurers aren’t allowing TeleHealth visits anymore and won’t reimburse people if they choose to use it.

Feels like the people pushing to declare the pandemic over really want to hurt anyone who doesn’t comply with the lie.

[laurellynnleake]

MORE RESOURCES

CovidActionMap.org/ - Find mutual aid groups and mask blocs across the globe on the COVID Action Map! You can also add your own groups on there if they haven't been logged.

CleanAirCrew.org/ - Tips and tools for DIY air filtration.

Masks 4 All - reddit.com/r/Masks4All/ - Info on buying/wearing respirator masks

How to Get On - HowToGetOn.wordpress.com/ Self-advocacy guide for anyone homebound/bedbound (USA)

How To Talk To Your Loved Ones About COVID - https://covid.tips/

COVID Meetups - COVIDMeetups.com Finding local friends and businesses.

COVID Isn't Over - https://linktr.ee/covidisntover Virtual events & resources for/by the “still coviding“ community.

COVID-Conscious Solidarity Database - tinyurl.com/cocosdb "Currently sick" resources.

OKAY it has been a day of being sad and panicky. Time to move.

Yesterday, I made a post detailing the cdc announcement that there will no longer be an isolation requirement for covid. If you are one of the thousands of people rightfully raging in my notes, here's some steps to focus on.

We're not gonna give up. I've seen quite a few comments with things like 'what's the point', 'why should I even try anymore' etc etc and what we're not gonna do is give them what they want! It helps the eugenics cause to be apathetic and listless. We've made it this far, we will continue to make it. I know it's hard, but I am at least right here with you. Give yourself whatever time you need to grieve, and then I need you to get up.

If you have stopped masking for any reason, or you haven't upgraded to a respirator style mask, now is the time to change or start. From now on, we will be living in a country where you could assume there are multiple covid positive people in the room with you at all times. Surgical masks will not handle that load, and cloth masks will be even less effective at that point. Obviously, this is an unprecedented situation we're putting these masks in, and I'm not gonna sit here and pretend to be an expert that can tell you with certainty that even respirators will hold up with this amount of viral load for a long period of time, but it's the best and strongest tool we have. I'm considering using my p100 more, so that's always something to consider as well (and they make you look like a cool raver when you wear them!!!). You can buy all sorts of masks here, there's more links in the comments of my original post, and most states have their own mask blocs. To find them, go to Instagram and type "[your state] mask bloc". Here is a google doc of verified advocacy groups and mask blocs all across the country here is a diy fit test kit you can buy for $30 (unfortunately they are sold out right now. shocker.) PLEASE remember to take a layered response in these times. Masks are not the only tool in our arsenal. PLEASE for the love of God keep up with your vaccinations. Make a corsi-rosenthal box or buy a high quality air purifier if you can afford it--at the very least our homes can be safe havens (you can even put a hepa filter on your furnace!!!! And in your car too!!!!!). Use CPC Mouthwash, nasal irrigation, and nasal sprays like this one. Make it a routine: you come home, you shower, you brush your teeth, you rinse your nose, you change your clothes. And, like I said in another one of my posts, DO NOT TAKE OFF THE MASK.

3. If you would like an outlet for your rage and you're into calling your reps, feel free to calmly but firmly let the cdc have it at these numbers!!!!!

[alt text: a tweet by user silly_paulie that reads:

"Disdain for the CDC unites us all. Call today and demand isolation policies be returned to 10 days, and reducing it further to 1 day would be criminally dangerous. Call both:

404-639-7000 (press 8)

800-232-4636"

end text.]

4. If you need more outlets for your rage, I STRONGLY encourage you to get involved with your local union. Moreso than calling the CDC, tbh. I've seen multiple comments telling people just to lie about your symptoms to get more sick time off, but since there's no legal precedent to allow employees sick time for covid, all that's gonna do is get people fired. I truly believe in my lefty heart that the ONLY way we're getting anything close to mitigation is through labor rights. Even the standard for the fucking flu is 3 days, and that's nowhere near as contagious or disabling as covid. I say this as a high risk person with a neuromuscular disability: covid is an intersectional issue, but where we have the most leverage to get what we need is through labor rights.

It is NOT safe for workers to be working while ill with a Level 3 Biohazard (same as TB and the FUCKING PLAGUE. Seriously we have more regulations around fucking lice)

It is NOT safe to willfully EXPOSE your employees to a Level 3 Biohazard

It is NECESSARY for all employees to be allowed up to 10 days to recover fully from Covid-19, in order to avoid possible further injury from or hospitalization

You will NOT die or be disabled for the sake of the wealthy!!!!!

(and while you're at it, ask for better air filtration too!!!! At least 5 air changes an hour, MERV-13 air filters!! Then we won't have to constantly worry about virus bs and policy changes in the first place!!!!)

5. Closing statements. Nothing has changed with covid, this is just policy. Covid still isn't magic, she still has to get in you before she can do damage--mask up, arm your home with clean air, and don't let her. It's always worse toward the end. This is not the time to give up, it's time to dig in your heels and get to work. There are so many good things happening with covid. They are finding encouraging treatments for long covid. Finally, after years of nothing, a new prophylactic for the high risk was submitted for emergency use to the FDA, and it looks like this time it's built to last against new mutations. Covid is here to stay for the rest of our lives, but the real science hasn't given up on taking the worst of its teeth out. We WILL get to the point where the extreme fear of catching covid is nothing but a bad memory for EVERYONE. All I need you to do is commit to the belief that you're gonna survive long enough to be in that moment with the rest of us.

Now stay safe, and give em hell!!!!!

[hcldr]

HCSM News

About Hydroxychloroquine https://t.co/8mp3Bb8vxo #hcldr #hcsm #qualitychat #primarycare #MedEd #HIT #FMRevolution #health20 #sm4ph #dpc #Health #healthylifestyle #healthcare #antiviral #COVID19 #Covid #CovidVaccines #CovidIsntOver #pharmacy #Medical #medicine https://t.co/BVg42N2h8n

— anti care (@care_anti) Mar 22, 2023