Well, the timing is working out fairly well because I am due this year for an echocardiogram anyway (heart valve issues) so I'll talk to him about that when I see him for the EKG.

Also signed up for the plasma registry. I was wondering if vaccinations would make you eligible to donate as well, but I guess now I can donate convalescent plasma anyway.
Since I've been donating convalescent plasma I was going to ask about what effect having the vaccine would have on donating last week when I went in. But I was having a hypercardia episode while being prescreened and I couldn't donate. I forgot to ask.

UCO to Temporarily Shift to Virtual Instruction Amid COVID-19 Surge (https://www3.uco.edu/press/prdetail.asp?NewsID=28445)


The University of Central Oklahoma will adjust campus operations for the start of the spring semester and temporarily shift most in-person classes to synchronous virtual delivery through Jan. 31 due to the surge in reported cases of COVID-19 and related hospitalizations and deaths in Oklahoma County. Classes for the spring semester are set to begin Jan. 19.

The temporary shift to virtual instruction will not include classes such as labs, clinicals and fine arts, which will continue in-person as scheduled. Faculty will contact students regarding specific arrangements for their classes. Online classes will continue as planned.

Campus facilities will remain open, including the library, campus housing, residential dining, Wellness Center and athletics locations. Most campus services will continue to offer in-person options, including enrollment, admissions and financial aid.

Central will also adjust working arrangements as needed to reduce campus density. Campus events of 25 people or less or those with administration approval may continue as planned with required COVID-19 protocols in place. Athletic competitions will continue, following Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association guidance, with no spectators.

Campus operations will be reassessed prior to Feb. 1 to consider a return to in-person classes. The university is encouraging students, faculty and staff to continue reporting COVID-19 exposures and positive test results as well as practicing mitigation measures, including wearing a face mask, washing hands and social distancing when around others on and off campus.

This temporary shift follows the university’s COVID-19 decision-making framework for campus operations (http://www.uco.edu/files/covid-decision-making-framework.pdf) adopted last year. UCO will continue to provide updates, as needed, as the situation is monitored and conditions change.

For more information, visit www.uco.edu/coronavirus.

Interesting take on mask-wearing, makes sense to me.

Pro-mask or anti-mask? Your moral beliefs probably predict your stance (https://theconversation.com/pro-mask-or-anti-mask-your-moral-beliefs-probably-predict-your-stance-148774)

3,142 new cases today; 7-day rolling average 4,165 down from yesterday's all-time high.

34 additional reported deaths; 7-day rolling average 30.0 (record is 33.3).

Hospitalzations are 1,844 (-12).

ICU is 474 (-3).

We also have the highest positivity rate in the US now. https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/13/politics/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-state-reports-variant/index.html

Finally got that #1 spot.

From that article:


Rhode Island is the state with the most new cases per 100,000 population this week, followed by Arizona, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Utah, California, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Arkansas and North Carolina in the top 10.

Oklahoma has the highest test positivity rate this week, over 25.1%, followed by Utah, Nevada, Virginia, Arizona, Idaho, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Texas, all of which have test positivity rates between 20.1% and 25.0%.

Arizona has the highest number of admissions per 100 available inpatient hospital beds, followed by Arkansas, Maryland, Georgia, Oklahoma, California, South Carolina, Kentucky, District of Columbia, and Alabama.

I think new info needs to get out on where people think they are being infected by covid-19, so people can adjust their activities, if needed.

I think new info needs to get out on where people think they are being infected by covid-19, so people can adjust their activities, if needed.
Yes. I thought the Hot Five or whatever it was the HD called it was a really good thing. But it sure didn't last long.

From that article:

on a more positive Oklahoma is 41st in deaths per 100k population . https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/us-coronavirus-deaths-by-state-july-1.html

new Mexico which has much stricter lockdowns and half the population has almost double the death rate of Oklahoma

Probably because it kept on calling out (accurately) churches as being a main driver. I’m sure someone put a stop to that.

Anecdotally, it definitely feels like I’ve noticed more people that I know personally testing positive.

Probably because it kept on calling out (accurately) churches as being a main driver. I’m sure someone put a stop to that.
Yeah. I have really mixed feelings towards our church. On one hand I know they had a lot of pressure from people that wanted to have in person services. They promote distancing and masks but I see on the videos that people aren't doing a good job. No big surprise. On the other hand I for one think online is just fine and they have a very good production set up.

Probably because it kept on calling out (accurately) churches as being a main driver. I’m sure someone put a stop to that.

Co-worker found out this afternoon she tested positive for coronavirus. Dr estimated 4 days since exposure, which puts her at church on Sunday. People wearing/not wearing mask or correctly. Singing songs and modified communion service.

3,538 new cases today; 7-day rolling average now 3,923.

43 additional reported deaths; 7-day rolling averages is 31.7.

Hospitalizations are 1,847 (+3).

ICU is 470 (-4).

Stitt says COVID-19 hospitalizations have been 'pretty flat' for two months, but state data show a 50% increase (https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/stitt-says-covid-19-hospitalizations-have-been-pretty-flat-for-two-months-but-state-data/article_73fe440a-56a1-11eb-812a-d7c8d3a52411.html)

on a more positive Oklahoma is 41st in deaths per 100k population . https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/us-coronavirus-deaths-by-state-july-1.html

new Mexico which has much stricter lockdowns and half the population has almost double the death rate of Oklahoma

New Mexico is an old old old state

Stitt says COVID-19 hospitalizations have been 'pretty flat' for two months, but state data show a 50% increase (https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/stitt-says-covid-19-hospitalizations-have-been-pretty-flat-for-two-months-but-state-data/article_73fe440a-56a1-11eb-812a-d7c8d3a52411.html)

Why is he able to get away with spreading this nonsense? Is anyone questioning him and/or making him admit he is wrong?
I'm so tired of this useless "leader".

Why is he able to get away with spreading this nonsense? Is anyone questioning him and/or making him admit he is wrong?
I'm so tired of this useless "leader".

He is being increasingly called out, thus the article.

Tulsa World has done a very good job with this. I recently saw an article that summarized Stitt's many misleading (nice word) statements.

Whoever runs against him is going to have plenty of ammo.

Stitt says COVID-19 hospitalizations have been 'pretty flat' for two months, but state data show a 50% increase (https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/stitt-says-covid-19-hospitalizations-have-been-pretty-flat-for-two-months-but-state-data/article_73fe440a-56a1-11eb-812a-d7c8d3a52411.html)

Absolute moron with no regards for facts.

I don't remember there being much discussion about how he just basically just said schools teachers/kids shouldn't quarantined if they have been exposed, where basically every school superintendent said that was ridiculous. He's just making stuff up as he goes along.

I started typing some response to this newest Stitt crap multiple times and I give up. I'm not a good enough wordsmith to say how disgusting this is.

Rant alert, sorry.
Many on here might know that I'm a BIG OU and sports in general fan. And I listen to the Sports Animal on the way to, while at and on the way home from work. But there's a Oklahoma Mens Clinic commercial lately that says it's time to "Rip off these face diapers and get back to living". I've called/emailed the station and the clinic and pretty much got told thank you but we don't care about anything but $$$$.

^

Isn't that a 'low testosterone' place?

Talk about toxic masculinity.

Rant alert, sorry.
Many on here might know that I'm a BIG OU and sports in general fan. And I listen to the Sports Animal on the way to, while at and on the way home from work. But there's a Oklahoma Mens Clinic commercial lately that says it's time to "Rip off these face diapers and get back to living". I've called/ emailed the station and the clinic and pretty much got told thank you but we don't care about anything but $$$$.

Toxic masculinity has been a big problem with mask wearing, here in the US for sure, but probably in other countries. Disgusting that so many men (and companies) have such a buffoonish caricature of themselves and other men.

Rant alert, sorry.
Many on here might know that I'm a BIG OU and sports in general fan. And I listen to the Sports Animal on the way to, while at and on the way home from work. But there's a Oklahoma Mens Clinic commercial lately that says it's time to "Rip off these face diapers and get back to living". I've called/emailed the station and the clinic and pretty much got told thank you but we don't care about anything but $$$$.

I have KTOK play in the morning for my alarm, so I can hear the news, traffic, and weather, and I'm about to change my programming just because of this commercial. Every time I hear them mention "face diapers" I want to throw my echo across the room.

"Rip off these face diapers and get back to living"

That's some dark dark irony right there.

Those commercials are absolute trash. There’s also one that says “quit acting like a millennial” that I’m sure their target market gets a kick out of but it’s just garbage. Not surprised at all that they have one making fun of masks.

Rip off the face diapers and get back to dying.

Those commercials are absolute trash. There’s also one that says “quit acting like a millennial” that I’m sure their target market gets a kick out of but it’s just garbage. Not surprised at all that they have one making fun of masks.

Yea, that commercial also says something like "Women want Oklahoma Alpha Males." Those commercials are so hilariously cringy.

I'm so glad to see so many think like me. WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A FREAKIN PANDEMIC THAT'S KILLING SOME AND SERIOUSLY HARMING MANY MORE. Taking safety measures for a relatively short period of time ISN'T the end of the freakin world.

Rant alert, sorry.
Many on here might know that I'm a BIG OU and sports in general fan. And I listen to the Sports Animal on the way to, while at and on the way home from work. But there's a Oklahoma Mens Clinic commercial lately that says it's time to "Rip off these face diapers and get back to living". I've called/emailed the station and the clinic and pretty much got told thank you but we don't care about anything but $$$$.

Hahaha OMG I heard that commercial and just turned off the station. I can get sports info elsewhere. It's really funny that the writers of that ad -- and I've worked in advertising for 20 years -- think that is clever copy. As GoGator says it is totally cringeworthy. And, it is probably responsible for killing many people. At this point, there's nothing more that can be said to reach the anti-mask goons. It is what it is.

Props to the Millwood Superintendent!

NORMAN (KOKH) - A basketball game held in Norman was stopped short on Friday due to a lack of COVID restrictions.

Millwood Superintendent Cecelia Robinson-Woods says she went to watch her teams play basketball when she noticed a lot of the fans weren't wearing masks or social distancing.

Robinson-Woods says she found the school's principal to see if they could address the situation.

“I found the principal and had a conversation with the principal in which the principal said they don’t have to follow the governor’s executive order or any social distancing or mask rules," said Robinson-Woods. "So I asked her if she could at least keep her fans on their side of the court so my fans could social distance and feel safe. And she said no ma’am, if you guys don’t want to do it or don’t like it you can leave.”

It was at this point that the superintendent went to the locker rooms and told the teams they were leaving.

Robinson-Woods tells FOX 25 that she didn't feel safe leaving her students and families in the building.

https://okcfox.com/news/local/millwood-supt-pulls-basketball-team-off-court-after-lack-of-covid-restrictions

My guess the reason why so many people still don't take COVID-19 seriously is because it's still perceived to be a brief and mild illness. But if I'm right, why do so many thousands of people want tested for it every day? Even if it's often brief and mild, I still don't want it. It would be a drag with worry there could be after effects.

3,621 new cases today; 7- day rolling average 3,827.

27 more reported deaths; 7-day rolling average 30.6.

Hospitalizations are 1,866 (+19).

ICU is 499 (+29), an all-time high.

Props to the Millwood Superintendent!

NORMAN (KOKH) - A basketball game held in Norman was stopped short on Friday due to a lack of COVID restrictions.

Millwood Superintendent Cecelia Robinson-Woods says she went to watch her teams play basketball when she noticed a lot of the fans weren't wearing masks or social distancing.

Robinson-Woods says she found the school's principal to see if they could address the situation.

“I found the principal and had a conversation with the principal in which the principal said they don’t have to follow the governor’s executive order or any social distancing or mask rules," said Robinson-Woods. "So I asked her if she could at least keep her fans on their side of the court so my fans could social distance and feel safe. And she said no ma’am, if you guys don’t want to do it or don’t like it you can leave.”

It was at this point that the superintendent went to the locker rooms and told the teams they were leaving.

Robinson-Woods tells FOX 25 that she didn't feel safe leaving her students and families in the building.

https://okcfox.com/news/local/millwood-supt-pulls-basketball-team-off-court-after-lack-of-covid-restrictions

What was the score when the game was cancelled by Millwood?

Unfortunately, it was a Christian school that refuses to help protect others. Doesn’t seem like Christ like behavior in the least.

KOCO says the other school was Community Christian. My kid goes to Mount St Mary and they are following the masking and social distance rules

KOCO says the other school was Community Christian. My kid goes to Mount St Mary and they are following the masking and social distance rules

KOCO did a better job of reporting this story when the Norman school was named. FOX reporting was incomplete and lacking. Color me shocked.

3,314 new cases today; 7-day rolling average 3,374.

35 additional deaths, 7-day rolling average 32.3, an all-time high.

Given that funerals can not be held, and the presumably increased cremation rate in the state, I wonder how many religions will start to view cremation as preferred alternative to burial?

Went to visit our baby girl’s grave this morning and noticed so many canopies set up for upcoming funerals. More than I have ever seen out there. Sad...

I have heard that the UK variant is expected to become the most widely spread COVID variant here in the states by March from CNN last night.

Can anyone here in the know explain how that virus is different from the one here now? I believe LA county just saw it’s first UK variant case.

I have heard that the UK variant is expected to become the most widely spread COVID variant here in the states by March from CNN last night.

Can anyone here in the know explain how that virus is different from the one here now? I believe LA county just saw it’s first UK variant case.

From what I've heard it just is more contagious or spreads more easily but it's not more lethal.

From what I've heard it just is more contagious or spreads more easily but it's not more lethal.

The March prediction about the UK variant is from the CDC's Jan. 12th, 2021 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Here's the first paragraph:

On December 14, 2020, the United Kingdom reported a SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC), lineage B.1.1.7, also referred to as VOC 202012/01 or 20I/501Y.V1.* The B.1.1.7 variant is estimated to have emerged in September 2020 and has quickly become the dominant circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant in England (1). B.1.1.7 has been detected in over 30 countries, including the United States. As of January 13, 2021, approximately 76 cases of B.1.1.7 have been detected in 10 U.S. states. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that B.1.1.7 is more efficiently transmitted than are other SARS-CoV-2 variants (1–3). The modeled trajectory of this variant in the U.S. exhibits rapid growth in early 2021, becoming the predominant variant in March. Increased SARS-CoV-2 transmission might threaten strained health care resources, require extended and more rigorous implementation of public health strategies (4), and increase the percentage of population immunity required for pandemic control. Taking measures to reduce transmission now can lessen the potential impact of B.1.1.7 and allow critical time to increase vaccination coverage. Collectively, enhanced genomic surveillance combined with continued compliance with effective public health measures, including vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine, will be essential to limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Strategic testing of persons without symptoms but at higher risk of infection, such as those exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or who have frequent unavoidable contact with the public, provides another opportunity to limit ongoing spread.

Key takeaway from the paper's Discussion section:

Currently, there is no known difference in clinical outcomes associated with the described SARS-CoV-2 variants; however, a higher rate of transmission will lead to more cases, increasing the number of persons overall who need clinical care, exacerbating the burden on an already strained health care system, and resulting in more deaths.

Full report: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7003e2.htm?s_cid=mm7003e2_w

Have you all noticed a marked drop in cases when looking at the cumulative US case count curve? It started a week or two ago. I know it could just be the Simpson paradox or some other goofy data issue; however, I wonder if we're starting to see these vaccinations starting to have an effect? I sure hope we are...

I guess in the UK, they're vaccinating 4x's more per day than total covid case counts in that day. Curious how we're doing?

Have you all noticed a marked drop in cases when looking at the cumulative US case count curve? It started a week or two ago. I know it could just be the Simpson paradox or some other goofy data issue; however, I wonder if we're starting to see these vaccinations starting to have an effect? I sure hope we are...

I guess in the UK, they're vaccinating 4x's more per day than total covid case counts in that day. Curious how we're doing?I've noticed that. There are also 30 states with an Rt at 1 or less. For a while there were less than 10.

I think this is the likely scenario:

https://twitter.com/ScottGottliebMD/status/1350808526390767618

As current epidemic surge peaks, we may see 3-4 weeks of declines in new cases but then new variant will take over. It'll double in prevalence about every week. It'll change the game and could mean we have persistent high infection through spring until we vaccinate enough people.

I think this is the likely scenario:

https://twitter.com/ScottGottliebMD/status/1350808526390767618

As current epidemic surge peaks, we may see 3-4 weeks of declines in new cases but then new variant will take over. It'll double in prevalence about every week. It'll change the game and could mean we have persistent high infection through spring until we vaccinate enough people.

Maayyyyyybe. However, I'm wondering how much this new variant has already spread. The fact that it's in more than 10 states already tells me that it's likely everywhere and clearly spreading in the community. The US is just notoriously bad/slow/whatever with gene sequencing of this virus. We'll see though.

Maayyyyyybe. However, I'm wondering how much this new variant has already spread. The fact that it's in more than 10 states already tells me that it's likely everywhere and clearly spreading in the community. The US is just notoriously bad/slow/whatever with gene sequencing of this virus. We'll see though.

The original covid-19 started spreading slowly last spring and then spread exponentially. That's how pandemics work. This new variant will spread at an even steeper curve unless/until we drastically increase vaccinations.

1,837 new cases today; 7-day rolling average 3,081 down from an all-time high of 4,256 five days ago. Let's hope this trend continues.

7 additional deaths; 7-day rolling average 31.3.


Updated hospitalizations numbers will be out tonight.

From what I've heard it just is more contagious or spreads more easily but it's not more lethal.

It's worth pointing out that the new COVID strain is not more lethal for an individual, but because it is 50% more likely to spread, it will be much more lethal for society. The new strain could increase deaths substantially. Be careful folks.

Stitt with his mask down at a kids basketball game. Of course.

https://www.thelostogle.com/2021/01/18/surprise-kevin-stitt-still-refuses-to-follow-own-public-health-advice/?fbclid=IwAR0VTJ2fdKGMBjKtCI2DZyNoe3RH1_Q0NmXVk8aP JTqIG5z6OzYGi1FknKk

After starting way below the national average, Oklahoma is now #10 in per capita Covid infections.

#Top10State

Just saw a study published out of Israel that shows Pfizer’s vaccine prevents the transmission of covid. Nobody has really had a chance to study this, so this would be pleasant news if it holds true. Fingers crossed!

I also read that only 25 (!!!), yes 25, doses of covid vaccine have gone to 3rd world countries. Guinea is the only country to distribute any vaccine. The disparity in vaccines is going to bring about a major moral dilemma. It’s really sad...and then you have cuomo telling Pfizer to sell directly to New York. Seems like that could devolve into a major issue if cities start undercutting the government.

After starting way below the national average, Oklahoma is now #10 in per capita Covid infections.

#Top10State

also 10th best in death rate per 100k pop

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/us-coronavirus-deaths-by-state-july-1.html

also 10th best in death rate per 100k pop

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/us-coronavirus-deaths-by-state-july-1.html

Because our infections came long after the pandemic had started and health care became more educated based on what happened early on.

If you look at the lowest death rates, they are generally among the states with the highest per capita infections.

If you look at the lowest death rates, they are generally among the states with the highest per capita infections.


i think it also has to do with the massive increase in testing as this has moved forward

1,558 new cases today, the lowest in 2 weeks. 7-day rolling average now 2,988.

43 additional reported deaths, 7-day rolling average 33.3, an all-time high.


Hospitalization data was not released yesterday due to the holiday but will be updated tonight.

Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully we're on the other side of the holiday peak. Now for the "lull" before March or so when B.1117 and other variants take over.

Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully we're on the other side of the holiday peak. Now for the "lull" before March or so when B.1117 and other variants take over.

Do you have a list of known variants?

Do you have a list of known variants?

https://github.com/hodcroftlab/covariants/blob/master/README.md

Extra info: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/01/coronavirus-evolving-same-mutations-around-world/617721/

Also extra info from NY Times (if you hit your read limit, open this link in a private or incognito web browser tab): https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/health/coronavirus-mutations-B117-variant.html