Covid-19 in OKC (coronavirus)

[Pete]

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.

[dankrutka]

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."

[Pete]

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.

[dankrutka]

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:

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.

[Roger S]

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.

[dankrutka]

^^^
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.

[kukblue1]

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news...es/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.

[TheTravellers]

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.

[Pete]

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).

[DowntownMan]

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.

[oklip955]

As I have posted, I am not antivax but will not be getting vaccinated. Why because of previous issues with a shot several years ago that still is causing health issues. Due to a very bad outcome from it, the chances are not good for me on this. Its like a person who is allergic to chocolate cannot have it but is not against others eating it. I will just continue to social distance and wear a mask for the near future. I do want us to get to herd immunity but I will have to pass on it. There are other people for various health reasons have to pass. Hopefully we are the rare ones.

[Rover]

Non hepa filters rated MERV-13 can catch most viruses, but are more expensive.

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.

Thank God responsible people with a conscience are actually getting vaccinated and bringing down the transmission. This is proof the vaccines work as expected. It is a race to get enough vaccinated so the irresponsible ones who refuse to are at lower risk. There will always be those that piggy back off people who will do the right thing to experience the rewards they refuse to help create.

[kukblue1]

Not a thing on the local news that I heard of about breakthrough cases. We should be screaming the numbers from the roof tops. Get vaccinated only 4 people hospitalized and 1 death since being fully vaccinated. Scroll it on the bottom of the screen if you have too. Try to get people that at on the fence about getting the vaccine to get it . I know there are some that will never get it and some for medical reason but we still I would image still have many that are on the fence about it. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news...es/7238232002/

[OkiePoke]

Not a thing on the local news that I heard of about breakthrough cases. We should be screaming the numbers from the roof tops. Get vaccinated only 4 people hospitalized and 1 death since being fully vaccinated. Scroll it on the bottom of the screen if you have too. Try to get people that at on the fence about getting the vaccine to get it . I know there are some that will never get it and some for medical reason but we still I would image still have many that are on the fence about it.

Do you have a link to the death that you are talking about? I've not heard anything from a reputable source.

[BDP]

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-c...laces-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.

So, are you saying that people won't get a free vaccine if you inform them that they're 90%+ effective against a deadly contagious disease that has killed over half a million people in the US, produces variants as it spreads, and is increasing in the United States. But they will get it if they're told the vaccine will allow them to not wear a mask at wal-mart for 20 min or in line at the buffet, and, as a bonus, the President won't wear a mask in public either??

Maybe while we're at it we should tell them there's electrolytes in the vaccines, too.

[DowntownMan]

With the ups and downs of the hospital numbers (while really low) it’s hard to see the good news sometimes but here is something that shows the good in the numbers
Mayor hold just posted this

“ For the first time since June, 2020, hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the Oklahoma City metro have dipped below 110”

[kukblue1]

So, are you saying that people won't get a free vaccine if you inform them that they're 90%+ effective against a deadly contagious disease that has killed over half a million people in the US, produces variants as it spreads, and is increasing in the United States. But they will get it if they're told the vaccine will allow them to not wear a mask at wal-mart for 20 min or in line at the buffet, and, as a bonus, the President won't wear a mask in public either??

Maybe while we're at it we should tell them there's electrolytes in the vaccines, too.

Anything to get people vaccinated I don't care. If 20 minutes at walmart works so be it. There are people out there that say why get the vaccine for a virus that only has a 99% change of killing me. And yes if your under 40 might even be 45 you have a 99% chance of not dying. Those are the people you have to approach with a different method and if it's no mask it a buffet line so be it. I don't know what the answer is but try everything you got to get people the shot.

[kukblue1]

Do you have a link to the death that you are talking about? I've not heard anything from a reputable source.

Yes I edited my post. Just goes to confirm people are not hearing about it. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news...es/7238232002/ If it don't work just google Oklahoma Breakthrough cases.

[BDP]

Anything to get people vaccinated I don't care. If 20 minutes at walmart works so be it. There are people out there that say why get the vaccine for a virus that only has a 99% change of killing me. And yes if your under 40 might even be 45 you have a 99% chance of not dying. Those are the people you have to approach with a different method and if it's no mask it a buffet line so be it. I don't know what the answer is but try everything you got to get people the shot.

You're probably, so sadly, correct. Misinformation got them to illogically ignore the pandemic and its devastation on people's lives, I guess maybe misinformation is the way to trick them into doing the logical thing to get out of it?

Maybe we should tell them that COVID-19 turns them into MSM loving satanists and the vaccine is 90% effective at preventing that. That is, the best thing for us right now is for journalists to not report on the facts of what's happening and just bull**** people into getting the vaccine... for the good of the people, of course!

Kidding aside, I do get it. And it's really discouraging. The first ME generation is in charge and the (possibly) second ME generation (Gen Z) are both mostly asking "what's in it for ME" to get the vaccine. But I'm just uncomfortable with the idea that we need to dumb down the reporting to convince them that it's just the right thing to do for the community. If they don't get that now, they never will. So, let's not start asking the "MSM" or whatever to become a state propaganda machine to put forth untruths for an end. The thing is, and this has been the thing all along, the truth should be enough for people to get motivated to do what is best for their fellow countrymen, their neighbors, not to mention their vulnerable loved ones.

I mean, it'd be easy for us to come up with some catchy hashtag or bull**** meme to get people to get the vaccine, wear a mask, and continue to social distance until we reach a point where a pandemic that has effected he entire world for over a year can be contained and declared under control by people who know what they're talking about. And that'd be great, but if that's what it takes, then we're screwed beyond what covid has done and can do.

[d-usa]

Make some grants for pharmacies to have them give a $20 gift card with every vaccine. People do anything for a gift card.

[DowntownMan]

Make some grants for pharmacies to have them give a $20 gift card with every vaccine. People do anything for a gift card.

Daily drawings at the sites to win a big screen tv. That would get this crowd for sure. People will do anything for that free 70 inch tv.

[kukblue1]

Daily drawings at the sites to win a big screen tv. That would get this crowd for sure. People will do anything for that free 70 inch tv.

Casinos can do win a trip to Vegas. I'll even get a third shot . Really anything it takes. I'm even a little torn on the vaccine passports. I say no but I think for the summer if you want to go to an event you need to prove a covid test or the vaccine. I'm sure that is how some of the sports teams are letting in fans in New York. Concerts this summer could be something too for only vaccinated people. I'm not saying a permit solution but just a June, July, Aug thing. I know it would never work just thinking out loud.

[Pete]

I took some time to tabulate the percentage of vaccinated by state (from https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tra...vaccinations):

Oklahoma is currently #29:

1 NH 80.8
2 CT 77.7
3 NM 77.6
4 VT 76.0
5 MA 75.0
6 ME 74.9
7 RI 73.2
8 SD 71.8
9 NJ 70.5
10 AK 70.4
11 WI 69.7
12 NY 69.5
13 ND 68.9
14 MD 67.2
15 MN 67.1
16 IA 66.6
17 DE 66.6
18 PA 66.5
19 VA 66.4
20 HI 66.1
21 CA 66.0
22 CO 65.8
23 NE 65.5
24 WA 65.2
25 IL 64.6
26 KY 63.7
27 MT 63.4
28 OH 62.7
29 OK 62.5
30 KS 62.3
31 FL 62.3
32 AZ 61.9
33 MI 61.6
34 OR 61.5
35 WV 60.5
36 NV 59.5
37 NC 59.5
38 UT 58.3
39 MO 57.1
40 TX 57.0
41 SC 56.4
42 WY 55.9
43 IN 54.7
44 ID 54.5
45 LA 53.5
46 AR 53.4
47 TN 52.1
48 GA 51.4
49 MS 49.2
50 AL 46.7

[d-usa]

Is that completely vaccinated, or does it count people partially vaccinated?

[Pete]

^

It's total doses.

So, in Oklahoma's case, it doesn't mean that 62.5% of the population has had at least one dose.