Muh Muh Muh My Corona (virus)

Well, that guy’s gonna get raided by DeSantis’ thug squad.

 

keep them coming - maybe today you can break a record

 

Thanks, I'm sure he'll be OK.

 

We have a potential third variant.

LONDON (Reuters) - British scientists are trying to establish whether the rapid spread in southern England of a new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is linked to key mutations they have detected in the strain, they said on Tuesday.

The mutations include changes to the important “spike” protein that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus uses to infect human cells, a group of scientists tracking the genetics of the virus said, but it is not yet clear whether these are making it more infectious.

"Efforts are under way to confirm whether or not any of these mutations are contributing to increased transmission," the scientists, from the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, said in a statement (bit.ly/3mhpTJX).

The new variant, which UK scientists have named “VUI – 202012/01” includes a mutation in the viral genome region encoding the spike protein, which - in theory - could result in COVID-19 spreading more easily between people.

The British government on Monday cited a rise in new infections, which it said may be partly linked to the new variant, as it moved its capital city and many other areas into the highest tier of COVID-19 restrictions.

As of Dec. 13, 1,108 COVID-19 cases with the new variant had been identified, predominantly in the south and east of England, Public Health England said in a statement.

But there is currently no evidence that the variant is more likely to cause severe COVID-19 infections, the scientists said, or that it would render vaccines less effective.

“Both questions require further studies performed at pace,” the COG-UK scientists said.​

New coronavirus strain spreading in UK has key mutations, scientists say — Reuters

 

Any place else having delivery delays?

Governor warns second shipment of Pfizer vaccine to Florida on hold

 

Give me my Amazon!

I know the cold storage aspect means you can’t hijack every shipping service’s fleet to distribute this, but that’s what should be done if needed. I can wait a couple of weeks for my new Monopoly set.

 

An orthopedic specialist canceled my appointment for last Wednesday. "He is unavailable for 2 weeks," said the desk person. Rescheduled for tomorrow.
Tomorrow's appointment canceled yesterday. "His time away was extended," said the desk person. "He's got Covid, huh," I said. "Ummmm, yeah, but I'm not supposed to say," she said.

 

It is obvious!

 

An update. My son has been out of surgery for several hours and reported via text (accompanied by a selfie!) that he is uncomfortable and groggy from anesthesia, but otherwise fine. He'll likely be sent home this afternoon to sleep for about 12 hours. That's what I did after my early morning gall bladder removal in 2015. Thanks again to all well wishers.

 

Good news!