I posted the math. By the numbers cases are not rising in Oklahoma. At least not now and hopefully not again. Maybe they will. In the US yes they are. Mainly driven by a few states that are having exponential growth like everyone had last year.

You have to compare the same days this week to the same last week.

And it's ridiculous to think that Oklahoma would not be following the same trends in the U.S., especially given the fact we have fared much worse than national averages to date.

You have to compare the same days this week to the same last week.

And it's ridiculous to think that Oklahoma would not be following the same trends in the U.S., especially given the fact we have fared much worse to date.
I have to disagree. Day by day reports have been flakey in Oklahoma since day one. Average trends are the only worthy thing to try and track. I'm pretty sure that's why every single tracking source as a 3, 7 and or 14 day average.
And yes, Oklahoma could follow with the states that are rising. It could also follow with the states that aren't. I' going to give us the benefit of the doubt until bad happens.

^

You are arguing the math to prove your point now you want to say the numbers aren't reliable when it works against your assumption.

No. I'm not comparing daily numbers. I'm comparing averages of a week or more. Except for throwing in last Wed, Thur and Fri which I shouldn't have.

The past seven days have seen an increase in cases in Oklahoma by 13% over the previous seven days even when you exclude the 1,300 cases from backlog.

Pete, I think we are just lagging behind the other states. I'm thinking the states around those with high numbers will go up soon and then followed by states like Oklahoma. I think its premature to end mask mandates and social distancing. Yah we might have 25% of people vaccinated but what about the other 75% what about kids too young to be vaccinated, they get it and do get sick too. We dont know yet what the double mutations do, and what about others happening and possiblely breaking through? I just think we need to be on the side of caution. I'll just stay home as much as possible, shop when there are fewer to no people in stores and just stay away from other people esp those not wearing masks. I'm older over 60 and most likely not a good canidate for the vaccine due to a few medical reasons. I am not anitvac any more then someone with a nut allergy is not against other people eating nuts or peanuts.

I posted the math. By the numbers cases are not rising in Oklahoma. At least not now and hopefully not again. Maybe they will. In the US yes they are. Mainly driven by a few states that are having exponential growth like everyone had last year.

I will agree that what this Governor and admin has done with the numbers in the state makes it hard to know what is going on based on their releases.... and that's the way they wanted it.

"The past seven days has seen an increase in cases in Oklahoma by 13% over the previous seven days even when you exclude the 1,300 cases from backlog."

That's true. And not good. But we've had high weeks followed by low weeks and so on and so on.......
Don't I remember you saying often that trends are what matter? If not sorry and ignore the question.
I'll worry if it continues to climb but I'm going to remain positive until if and when it does. I'm sick of worrying about bad coming before it does. Nothing I can do about it that I'm not already doing anyway. I'm going to wait to worry until it does.

Ah Monday. So much to keep on in this tread. So nice when we don't have Covid on the weekend. Seriously how stupid is it not to be doing daily cases. Do we know out of how many test or did Oklahoma stop reporting that number also'

Ah Monday. So much to keep on in this tread. So nice when we don't have Covid on the weekend. Seriously how stupid is it not to be doing daily cases. Do we know out of how many test or did Oklahoma stop reporting that number also'
That will be in tonights EOR. But I've also stopped looking at them much and just look at the weekly report. I've spent too much time literally going crazy worrying about this thing.

That will be in tonights EOR. But I've also stopped looking at them much and just look at the weekly report. I've spent too much time literally going crazy worrying about this thing.

Family in town this past week and I went everywhere. I mean everywhere. Was I worried about it yes but it depends on when you go. Went to the zoo on Monday, Goro for lunch Fassler hall for dinner. Felt safe the whole time no one really around. Tuesday was Scissortail Park, Mariad Gardens, Fuzzy Tacos than Mary Eddys and then Retro Pub. Wednesday was Del Rancho, escape room then Eischen's. Thursday was rest day they went to the Mountains to hike. Friday was Plaza district at bit of furniture shopping and Ichiban which they loved and actually I did too. I don't do sushi but the Hibachi Chicken was great.

Only time I started to fell a little unsafe was Fuzzy Taco's on Tuesday. We got there a bit after 11 and only ones there but we left as soon as done eating as it was getting packed and line started to become out the door. All the other places we were never seated next to a table that had other people. Retro pub on Tuesday was just the 4 of us and one other couple. Del Rancho in Moore for Lunch was a little busy but not too bad.

Family in town this past week and I went everywhere. I mean everywhere. Was I worried about it yes but it depends on when you go. Went to the zoo on Monday, Goro for lunch Fassler hall for dinner. Felt safe the whole time no one really around. Tuesday was Scissortail Park, Mariad Gardens, Fuzzy Tacos than Mary Eddys and then Retro Pub. Wednesday was Del Rancho, escape room then Eischen's. Thursday was rest day they went to the Mountains to hike. Friday was Plaza district at bit of furniture shopping and Ichiban which they loved and actually I did too. I don't do sushi but the Hibachi Chicken was great.

Only time I started to fell a little unsafe was Fuzzy Taco's on Tuesday. We got there a bit after 11 and only ones there but we left as soon as done eating as it was getting packed and line started to become out the door. All the other places we were never seated next to a table that had other people. Retro pub on Tuesday was just the 4 of us and one other couple. Del Rancho in Moore for Lunch was a little busy but not too bad.I also realized this afternoon that the constant doom and gloom predictions on here and the general complaining on most threads isn't helping my mental state in the least.

The somewhat saving grace has been our pace of vaccinations. But the slow growth in cases despite a shrinking population that is unprotected is something that is concerning.

I also realized this afternoon that the constant doom and gloom predictions on here and the general complaining on most threads isn't helping my mental state in the least.

I don't think it's ever truly going to go away. Will we be having over 300 or 400 cases a day maybe not but will we still be having cases weekly Probably. I have had both my shots so it's time to start living again. It's going to be like the flu it's never going to go away.

I also realized this afternoon that the constant doom and gloom predictions on here and the general complaining on most threads isn't helping my mental state in the least.

This is a very, very serious situation where well over half a million Americans have died and more are dying every day.

You might want to stay off the internet altogether and stop listening to the real authorities on this, the CDC, whose responsibility is to educate the public, not make everyone feel better.

I also realized this afternoon that the constant doom and gloom predictions on here and the general complaining on most threads isn't helping my mental state in the least.

Yeah the CDC has been beating the drumbeat about an imminent fourth wave for a few weeks now, but outside of a few locales we're just not seeing that at a broader, national level. The vaccines have been shown to be super effective at preventing the worst outcomes and even against symptomatic spread of the most virulent variants. There's a lot of reason to be hopeful and the official messaging is kinda missing that.

I hope this nasal spray against the virus is for real and will be the solution for vaccines ineffective against mutant strains.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/2689351/nasal-spray-kills-off-covid/

I hope this nasal spray against the virus is for real and will be the solution for vaccines ineffective against mutant strains.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/2689351/nasal-spray-kills-off-covid/

Why would you post about health item that people put into their bodies from a tabloid? C'mon. Media Literacy 101.

Also, all evidence suggests that the vaccines protect against the variants. 2/2 of misinformation in one sentence.

You have to compare the same days this week to the same last week.

And it's ridiculous to think that Oklahoma would not be following the same trends in the U.S., especially given the fact we have fared much worse than national averages to date.

Ok. Going by this logic.
Monday last week 226
Tuesday last week 120

Monday this week 206
Tuesday this week 109

Not rising based on that logic. Wouldn’t say dropping but just hovering but definitely not a spike but will see how rest of week plays out as Wednesday to Friday were in 400s last week

Why would you post about health item that people put into their bodies from a tabloid? C'mon. Media Literacy 101.

Also, all evidence suggests that the vaccines protect against the variants. 2/2 of misinformation in one sentence.

That's why I hope it's for real. Notice you use the word suggests. A study suggests that the Pfizer vaccine provides less protection against the South African variant than the original coronavirus. I'd be more concerned about the crazy misinfo still going out about the vaccines and possibly causing some people to change their minds getting them.

The issue with many (or even most) of the “less protection” headlines is actually figuring out what they mean by that.

The focus has always been to really prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. We didn’t expect the early results showing the 95% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic disease of any kind, that was a shocking bonus really and we were ready to approve anything that at least hit 50%.

So even the vaccines that are “less effective” seem to be mostly based on “someone got a vaccine, then they tested positive afterwards” at higher rates than people with the original strain. But they still didn’t have severe illness, got hospitalized at lower rates, and still had much lower death rates than unvaccinated people. So they are still effective in meeting the original goal. And they are also still effective at more than 50% when it comes to preventing any illness at all.

I don't think it's ever truly going to go away. Will we be having over 300 or 400 cases a day maybe not but will we still be having cases weekly Probably. I have had both my shots so it's time to start living again. It's going to be like the flu it's never going to go away.

I agree and so do many public health experts. This is a virus here to stay.

The good news is that with time, we should know enough scientifically to make it almost a nonissue like other deadly disease in the past.

I agree and so do many public health experts. This is a virus here to stay.

The good news is that with time, we should know enough scientifically to make it almost a nonissue like other deadly disease in the past.

If we could achieve a high rate of vaccination all over the world, like with smallpox, it could be eradicated. This is why we don't get upset when we hear our federal dollars are being spent on vaccinations in developing countries.

Only 109 new cases today; 7-day rolling average 534.

4 additional reported deaths; 7-day rolling average 14.6.

Hospitalizations are 212 (+20).

ICU is 47 (-1).

"The past seven days has seen an increase in cases in Oklahoma by 13% over the previous seven days even when you exclude the 1,300 cases from backlog."

That's true. And not good. But we've had high weeks followed by low weeks and so on and so on.......
Don't I remember you saying often that trends are what matter? If not sorry and ignore the question.
I'll worry if it continues to climb but I'm going to remain positive until if and when it does. I'm sick of worrying about bad coming before it does. Nothing I can do about it that I'm not already doing anyway. I'm going to wait to worry until it does.

You should know where you statistically stand at this point. If you someone is old and overweight and are a good candidate for a vaccine, then I'm not sure why they haven't scheduled a vaccine. But this pandemic has shown that most people don't know how to do basic statistics.

Anyway, these surging NE states are showing signs of peaking out finally as they get deeper into spring. Looking back, the peeks that occurred probably had something to do with extreme cold and other unfavorable climate conditions. Hopefully, there isn't a secondary warm season peak that affects southern states around May/June like last year.

That's why I hope it's for real. Notice you use the word suggests. A study suggests that the Pfizer vaccine provides less protection against the South African variant than the original coronavirus. I'd be more concerned about the crazy misinfo still going out about the vaccines and possibly causing some people to change their minds getting them.

When you find information about an experimental medicine on a tabloid website, I wouldn't recommend posting it on public message boards and saying "I hope it's for real." You're essentially spreading health misinformation and it can cause harm to people. I always recommend what's called "lateral reading (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoQG6Tin-1E)" when you find something on an unfamiliar site. To check your claim, I searched "The Sun UK" and "Wikipedia" and was quickly able to know the site lacked credibility and it's not a source worth sharing.

But, yes, there's already good evidence the approved U.S. vaccines protect against the South African variant. Research is ongoing, but things look good.

When you find information about an experimental medicine on a tabloid website, I wouldn't recommend posting it on public message boards and saying "I hope it's for real." You're essentially spreading health misinformation and it can cause harm to people. I always recommend what's called "lateral reading (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoQG6Tin-1E)" when you find something on an unfamiliar site. To check your claim, I searched "The Sun UK" and "Wikipedia" and was quickly able to know the site lacked credibility and it's not a source worth sharing.

But, yes, there's already good evidence the approved U.S. vaccines protect against the South African variant. Research is ongoing, but things look good.

The experimental nasal spray against COVID-19 has at least two non-tabloid sources. They are:

UK Clinical Trial Confirms SaNOtize’s Breakthrough Treatment for COVID-19 - https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210315005197/en

Pharmacy Times saw fit to refer to it: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/clinical-trial-confirms-nasal-spray-efficacy-in-treating-reducing-transmission-of-covid-19

Sources I should have used in the first place.

Yes, it's always helpful to link to the sources that are most credible and I appreciate you searching more. However, I'm still not sure about the quality of these sources. First, a quick search showed that "Business Wire is an American company that disseminates full-text press releases..." So, I wouldn't consider a site that just releases "press releases" a credible source. Second, despite multiple searches, I could not find quality "about us" information "Pharmacy Times," which should at least be a red flag. Then, when I searched "SaNOtize's nasal Treatment" no credible sites showed up. Instead, it was a list of questionable sites, which suggests that this "news" could just be some corporate effort to gather attention. When you can't find any credible sources talking about a "breakthrough" treatment that could dramatically impact a worldwide pandemic, you should probably hesitate on sharing that information.

Monday last week 226
Tuesday last week 120
Wednesday last week 464

Monday this week 206
Tuesday this week 109
Wednesday this week 406

Still lower than last weeks numbers each day this week

Hospitalization down by 7 as of last nights report to 213 as of 4/13

406 new cases today; 7-day rolling average 340.

25 additional reported deaths; 7-day rolling average 14.1.

Hospitalizations are 205 (-7).

ICU is 53 (+6).

Anything yet on "breakthrough" cases in Oklahoma. What are we in terms of people with both shots? Is Oklahoma even tracking breakthrough cases?

Anything yet on "breakthrough" cases in Oklahoma. What are we in terms of people with both shots? Is Oklahoma even tracking breakthrough cases?

Ranked 23rd.
Fully Vax'd - 31.5%
One Shot - 35.7%

Ranked 23rd.
Fully Vax'd - 31.5%
One Shot - 35.7%

So about 1.2 million full vax'd. I'm sure they are keeping track of breakthrough cases I wonder if they will get released. I think it would be very helpful.

So about 1.2 million full vax'd. I'm sure they are keeping track of breakthrough cases I wonder if they will get released. I think it would be very helpful.

Given the way Oklahoma residents are probably hesitant on vaccine anyway, let’s not release breakthrough cases as this would probably just add to hesitation or lack of desire to get it because they will say why get it if I can still catch virus.

Just keep getting more shots in arms and keep the cases going down to convince those holdouts that they need to get it because it works

It’s just important to emphasize that breakthrough cases are still more mild and avoid the worst outcomes. It’s not like “breakthrough” cases means you’re not protected.

Given the way Oklahoma residents are probably hesitant on vaccine anyway, let’s not release breakthrough cases as this would probably just add to hesitation or lack of desire to get it because they will say why get it if I can still catch virus.

Just keep getting more shots in arms and keep the cases going down to convince those holdouts that they need to get it because it works

We are all ready doing a poor job with the narrative. I'm starting to see why people don't want to get the shot. When you see the President outside wearing a mask it doesn't help. When news 9 runs a story on how variants are dangerous it doesn't help. When National media keeps saying cases in 20 states are rising after we gave a record number of shots it doesn't help. Dr Fauci says it's not ok to go out to eat https://www.eatthis.com/news-fauci-covid-risk-places-vaccine/ I think the narrative of 200 breakthrough cases, or whatever the number might be, out of 1 million with no hospitalizations would be a much better narrative that what is happening now.

We are all ready doing a poor job with the narrative. I'm starting to see why people don't want to get the shot. When you see the President outside wearing a mask it doesn't help. When news 9 runs a story on how variants are dangerous it doesn't help. When National media keeps saying cases in 20 states are rising after we gave a record number of shots it doesn't help. Dr Fauci says it's not ok to go out to eat https://www.eatthis.com/news-fauci-covid-risk-places-vaccine/ I think the narrative of 200 breakthrough cases, or whatever the number might be, out of 1 million with no hospitalizations would be a much better narrative that what is happening now.

I agree. Until national government messaging and media changes to show you can do things once you’re vaccinated then you’re going to have hold outs because what’s the point getting it if they feel nothing will change for them mask wise/restrictions wise. We need public figures to show they feel safe (not masked) and not worried once vaccinated to give confidence in vaccines.
I’m two weeks past my second shot and While I’ll continue to wear mask anywhere I’m required to, it’s off anywhere it doesn’t have to be on as I feel safe. And I also don’t really get in close contact with crowds anyway hence why I never had any close contacts or quarantined this last year with the virus.

^

There have been tons of new guidelines from the CDC about how it's safe to travel if you're fully vaccinated, safe to gather in groups if everyone is vaccinated, etc.


There are still tons of cases (rising nationwide) and we won't have this under control until over 70% of the entire population is fully vaxxed. And, there is still a decent percentage of the population that says they'll never take the vaccine, so it's not a given when or even if that will happen.


This is not the time to claim victory and act like everything is fine. We are still in a very critical period and after everything we've all been through, responsible leaders are merely trying to keep things in hand until we can reach that critical vax threshold.


Just read the CDC guidelines (you know, the internationally respected experts) and stop expecting them to pump sunshine when we are still in the middle of a deadly pandemic.

Monday last week 226
Tuesday last week 120
Wednesday last week 464
Thursday last week 483

Monday this week 206
Tuesday this week 109
Wednesday this week 406
Thursday this week 302

Still lower than last weeks numbers each day this week
There might be many states increasing but I don’t think you can say nationwide which would imply it’s happening everywhere. I don’t believe these stats showing day to day comparisons show an increase. I’ll agree it’s not decreasing but I don’t see a rise in Oklahoma (yet)

Hospital count Down 8

^

There have been tons of new guidelines from the CDC about how it's safe to travel if you're fully vaccinated, safe to gather in groups if everyone is vaccinated, etc.


There are still tons of cases (rising nationwide) and we won't have this under control until over 70% of the entire population is fully vaxxed. And, there is still a decent percentage of the population that says they'll never take the vaccine, so it's not a given when or even if that will happen.


This is not the time to claim victory and act like everything is fine. We are still in a very critical period and after everything we've all been through, responsible leaders are merely trying to keep things in hand until we can reach that critical vax threshold.


Just read the CDC guidelines (you know, the internationally respected experts) and stop expecting them to pump sunshine when we are still in the middle of a deadly pandemic.

From the CDC there are guidelines yes but how many are going to the CDC site. It's the messaging from the Media and people in Washington DC that is wrong (at least to mean and i'm sure others that are on the fence about getting the shot) when it comes to what you can do when Vaccinated. Maybe this should go in the vaccinated thread. IF the CDC says it's ok to gather with other people with no mask which I think they have than why am I watching these 5 people talking about court packing all standing outside all with mask on? I'm sure they all been vaccinated? So if I still have to wear a mask I still have to social distance and I never go out much in the first place than why should I get vaccinated? If the goal is to get 70% vaccinated I think we could be doing a better job of convincing people that are on the fence.

I agree. Until national government messaging and media changes to show you can do things once you’re vaccinated then you’re going to have hold outs because what’s the point getting it if they feel nothing will change for them mask wise/restrictions wise. We need public figures to show they feel safe (not masked) and not worried once vaccinated to give confidence in vaccines.
I’m two weeks past my second shot and While I’ll continue to wear mask anywhere I’m required to, it’s off anywhere it doesn’t have to be on as I feel safe. And I also don’t really get in close contact with crowds anyway hence why I never had any close contacts or quarantined this last year with the virus.

It's so easy to understand and they keep doing it anyway.

Take this brand new vaccine.
Can i have my freedom back?
No.
Ok I'm not taking it.

There might be many states increasing but I don’t think you can say nationwide which would imply it’s happening everywhere.

That's not what nationwide means; it means the entire nation. Of course some states are up and some are down but the totals for the entire country -- cumulatively -- have been rising.

The U.S. had more than 78,000 new cases yesterday and more than 900 deaths. Those numbers are not good.

It's so easy to understand and they keep doing it anyway.

Take this brand new vaccine.
Can i have my freedom back?
No.
Ok I'm not taking it.

Except that's not at all what is happening.

The new CDC guidelines are all about relaxed precautions if you have been fully vaccinated and of course almost all states and cities are systematically reducing restrictions.

From the CDC there are guidelines yes but how many are going to the CDC site. It's the messaging from the Media and people in Washington DC that is wrong (at least to mean and i'm sure others that are on the fence about getting the shot) when it comes to what you can do when Vaccinated. Maybe this should go in the vaccinated thread. IF the CDC says it's ok to gather with other people with no mask which I think they have than why am I watching these 5 people talking about court packing all standing outside all with mask on? I'm sure they all been vaccinated? So if I still have to wear a mask I still have to social distance and I never go out much in the first place than why should I get vaccinated? If the goal is to get 70% vaccinated I think we could be doing a better job of convincing people that are on the fence.

Because we are very far away from reaching the threshold needed for herd immunity and leaders are trying to set a good example by using an abundance of caution.

Noboby is forcing YOU to wear a mask while outside.

And you also don't know if the people you see have been vaccinated or not.

302 new cases today; 7-day rolling average 314.

21 additional reported deaths; 7-day rolling average 13.0.

Hopsitalizations are 196 (-9).

ICU is 47 (-6).

https://www.wsj.com/articles/cdc-identifies-small-group-of-covid-19-infections-among-fully-vaccinated-patients-11618490232. Back to my original question. It says 40 States reported in. Is Oklahoma one of those states does anybody know?

^

From that article:


These so-called breakthrough cases, which are defined as positive Covid-19 test results received at least two weeks after patients receive their final vaccine dose, represent 0.008% of the fully vaccinated population.

^

From that article:

Do you think we will ever see the numbers from Oklahoma? I would imagine at some point we will but when? What I'm saying is the sooner the better if they are really good like this it might push the people on the fence to get the vaccine. Speaking of that how many are we giving in a day now. Has it really treaded down.

I'm sure we'll eventually see breakthrough numbers shared in Oklahoma.

The OK Department of Health has a lot of motivation to publish such statistics because they want absolutely everyone to understand the benefits of vaccination so they can reach as high a percentage of the population as possible.


And I will reiterate that I strongly disagree that leaders are somehow sending mixed messages or that their actions discourage vaccination. They are trying to lead by example until we get to a much safer place, and we still have a long way to go. If anything, they are sounding some alarms because states and municipalities have been completely abandoning safeguards when anyone who really knows about this subject is saying it's still too darn early.

I actually agree with both sides of the discussion here. On one hand, Pete is correct that we're still in a pandemic, the CDC has released updated guidelines for vaccinated folks, and we need to proceed with caution. On the other hand, I do think the media is focusing way too much on "scariants," incredibly rare blood clots (pausing J&J use feels like a big picture mistake to me), and there is not near enough celebration in the effectiveness of these vaccines. I know "if it bleeds it leads," but I can't help that suspect that is at least partially fueling vaccine hesitancy. It's incredible that people are misinformed enough that they're weighing whether getting a vaccine is good for the health because the evidence is overwhelming that these vaccines are life savers.

So, I really get both sides of this. Let's continue to be careful, but also celebrate the milestones for those who are vaccinated.

I read everything about the CDC guidelines on mainstream media sites.

There are also stories about new variants but when you quickly scan them, you find that the current vaccines generally have them covered. I don't agree that "the media" is focusing on negative stories. They are right to point out we are not through this disaster and that there is still a lot of risk out there, but they also have plenty of stories about the updated guidelines, roll-back of restrictions, cause for optimism, etc.


As a consumer of news, you have a responsibility to seek and actually read factual information from reputable sites. I get tired of people blaming "the media" when if you actually stick to good sources and don't go seeking information from Facebook and highly biased sites, all the information you need to know is right there in front of you and it's super easy to find.


This thread is a great example of how people post and state tons of misinformation instead of just paying the slightest attention to what the CDC -- the organization this country has put in charge of all of this -- keeps repeating. But they can't make you listen - that's up to you.

I generally agree with a lot of your sentiment, but let me provide you an example of where the media—across many sites and levels—has struggled. Even though we've known for over a year that COVID-19 is almost completely spread indoors, major and local media outlets across the country frequently post stories of people gathering (for spring break, a festival, etc.) outdoors with scary headlines. I consistently have seen scary COVID headlines paired with pictures of beaches even when the article doesn't mention them. To be clear, beaches are very safe and a great activity for mental health. I recently saw many major outlets positively cover a moron who walks around Florida beaches dressed as the grim reaper chastising people for being there. Media outlerts should be showing images of people eating in restaurants or working in crowded spaces like kitchens or on assembly lines, but they almost NEVER do.

Moreover, it's important to also recognize that the CDC and WHO have made quite a few blunders throughout this pandemic. Remember, the CDC said not to wear masks when the science was already very clear in this, particularly due to the Diamond Princess cruise ship in January 2020. Both organizations lagged 6-8 months behind clear science in officially stating COVID primarily spreads via aerosols.

I get your overall point, but I do think media outlets and the CDC have made some mistakes along the way that they shouldn't have made. I do NOT blame the media for most misinformation. They've done fine overall. Social media companies and some politicians like Stitt and Trump were terrible sources of misinformation and primary reasons why many conservatives, in particular, are vaccine hesitant today. So, I agree that it's probably more helpful to be specific instead providing general claims about "the media."

Of course some mistakes were made along the way. We simply know more today than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow.

That's the nature of science, especially when something happens that is unprecedented: You learn and you keep refining and improving.


I have personally never had a problem finding good information and sound advice by just listening to the CDC and WHO. People go looking for information elsewhere (specifically TV and radio opinion spewers) and then claim, "I don't know what to believe". That is an active choice and there are plenty of bad actors who take advantage.

For sure, I haven't had a problem either, but news organizations are still making some of the same mistakes now... a year into this. For example, news organizations far too often misrepresent emerging research by making scary claims that are not even in the study. Just this last week, Reuters and many other news organizations completely misread a study and wrote panic-inducing headlines saying "South African variant may evade protection from the Pfizer vaccine.” This is NOT what the study said. In fact, the study was almost all good news. From Zeynep Tufekci's newsletter (https://www.theinsight.org/p/always-read-the-methods-section?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjozMzAwMTM0LCJwb3N0X2lk IjozNTIwMTEwMiwiXyI6IjdSTjZjIiwiaWF0IjoxNjE4NTI2NT UwLCJleHAiOjE2MTg1MzAxNTAsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xMTg0Iiwi c3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.2ls5OtXl23lNK3bexkL2p 0kIS4UKhkhEuqC-P9eMrQM):

But you know what the paper does not say, imply, or hint at? There is nothing in the paper to suggest the “South African variant may evade protection from the Pfizer vaccine,” as Reuters or many other news organizations claim, beyond what we already know: there will be a few breakthroughs even with the mRNA vaccines, because that’s just reality with almost all vaccines, and it’s possible more of those breakthroughs will be the South African variant because of its effect on neutralizing antibodies.

In fact, the author of the study said:

there were no B.1.351 cases at all two weeks after the second dose.

Tufekci concludes:

But for the reporting on a paper, any paper? And creating so much unnecessary panic and despair over the wrong thing? The first question, always, should be: did the reporter read and understand the methods section? If the answer is not yes, maybe it’s not necessary to write that piece or that headline, yet.

This is just one example, but "the media" is misreporting stories like this far too often still. I still do not see "the media" as being a primary problem (they're doing lots of good reporting too), but they still need to be more careful in thinking through their headlines, images, and overall messages. But, like you said, if you keep up with the emerging research and read critically, it's not hard to differentiate between credible and incredible claims.

I have personally never had a problem finding good information and sound advice by just listening to the CDC and WHO. People go looking for information elsewhere (specifically TV and radio opinion spewers) and then claim, "I don't know what to believe". That is an active choice and there are plenty of bad actors who take advantage.

Being engaged to someone that has been working on the frontlines in a local hospital. We've taken it very seriously and stayed informed by others in the medical field but it's just mind blowing how many of her colleagues still don't. It's not a large percentage by any means but that anyone in the medical field is still against masks and vaccines just frustrates me and there are a few at this hospital..... And not to make this political but the one thing they have in common is they all support a certain former president.

^^^
Unfortunately, I've also learned that medical professionals (who do not specialize in infectious diseases) are also prone to health misinformation and poor COVID practices. I've witnessed school nurses who provide poor advise to schools (often based off narrow readings of CDC releases) or general doctors who dismiss the threat for those with certain blood types. It's been frustrating that those in health care wouldn't be leaders during a pandemic. Having said that, I want to be clear that I'm not knocking the entire profession at all as they have provided wide leadership... it's just not everyone.

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/04/16/oklahoma-sees-some-5800-cdc-breakthrough-covid-vaccine-cases/7238232002/ Only 1 person has died. Very good numbers. These should be the numbers we are pushing. This should be all over the news yet now that I think about it I didn't hear one word about in on news 9 at 9 this morning.

Being engaged to someone that has been working on the frontlines in a local hospital. We've taken it very seriously and stayed informed by others in the medical field but it's just mind blowing how many of her colleagues still don't. It's not a large percentage by any means but that anyone in the medical field is still against masks and vaccines just frustrates me and there are a few at this hospital..... And not to make this political but the one thing they have in common is they all support a certain former president.

At this point, with all the science about masks working and multiple vaccines out there, if anybody is still anti-vax, fine, here's your Darwin Award Nominee Certificate. And yes, I'm fully aware of those that cannot be vaccinated due to their circumstances, and I feel for those people, but not for the willingly-anti-vax.

273 new cases today (down from 416 last Friday): 7-day rolling average 294.

10 additional reported deaths; 7-day rolling average 13.0.

Hospitalizations are 215 (+19).

ICU is 54 (+7).

273 new cases today (down from 416 last Friday): 7-day rolling average 294.

10 additional reported deaths; 7-day rolling average 13.0.

Hospitalizations are 215 (+19).

ICU is 54 (+7).

Good to see that every single day has been under the same 5 days last week when it comes to new case counts. I would say based on this which is official numbers from our state health dept that Oklahoma numbers are not yet rising or spiking. I don’t see any indication of the “poop” spike that was claimed. Our numbers have fluctuated daily from 100-400 but the average has stayed close to 300 Over the last few weeks.