Wednesday, 30 September 2020

Quebec reports 799 new cases of COVID-19 as hospitalizations increase by 35

Quebec reports 799 new cases of COVID-19 as hospitalizations increase by 35

Few weeks ago, Victoria was hit by a second wave of coronavirus outbreak and resulted in Stage 4 restriction lockdown. The number of infection cases soared to more than 700 cases a day.

No one wanted the lockdown to take place, which initially would last for 6 weeks, but it ended with an extention of another two more weeks.

The curve started to flatten, and eventually down to single digit a few days ago, and now back to low double digit. The low number as explained by the Premier was likely due to low number of people coming forward for testing, nevertheless it was comforting to see a decline in infection cases.

Even with tough restrictions, there were many defiant people who attended private parties, or refused wearing face masks.

Many people are not happy about the 5 km travel zone limit, while hospitality operators' patience is running out.

In about three weeks' time, restriction will be eased further, depending on the what will happen during this period. I like to see that the Premier is going to stand firm even though he will be labelled as a "dictator".

In my opinion, his hard line management style is justifiable. Many cities around the world are experiencing a resurgence of infections, and their governments and health authorities describe the situation as critical. Montreal in Quebec as at Sept 28, reported 799 new cases which brought the total to 73,450 cases since the start of the pandemic. Between Sept. 22 and 27. The total number of deaths in the province stood at 5,833.

Premier François Legault of Quebec pointed out that more than half the cases of community spread were happening in the younger population. Quebec would became Canada’s first province to reintroduce tough shut down measures.

Several cities in Ontario are posting record cases. According to The New York Times, "Epidemiologists attributed the growing numbers of case to inadequate contact tracing; an unwillingness to shut down schools and businesses; and people letting their guards down."

It is less likely for one to be infected in open space than at an indoor area, such as restaurant, religious assembly and at a friend's house.

So, keep you face mask on, wash your hands, observe social distancing and stay safe.

Thank you for reading.

Monday, 28 September 2020

Scott Morrison is accused of 'flat-out lying' over the Ruby Princess debacle

Scott Morrison is accused of 'flat-out lying' over the Ruby Princess debacle
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8637353/Scott-Morrison-accused-flat-lying-Ruby-Princess-debacle.html

New blame game emerged. The target is the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison. I have difficulty in accepting him as our national leader. I shall blog about the mishandling of Ruby Princess saga in due course, even the inquiry into the outbreak onboard the ship is closed.

Watch this space. Thank you for reading.



If only 'Dictator Dan' had been more dictatorial in the first place

If only 'Dictator Dan' had been more dictatorial in the first place
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/if-only-dictator-dan-had-been-more-dictatorial-in-the-first-place-20200925-p55zdc.html

Very soon, the second wave coronavirus outbreak saga will come to an end. I could not stop myself discussing Victoria’s politics and defending Premier Daniel Andrews’ tough stance after the initial mishandling the debacles.

In response to a linked article in a friend‘s Timeline on the subject of Andrews’ performance, I commented as follows:

I strongly disagree that other Premiers can do a better job, or just as good as Daniel Andrews. I am not a Andrews political supporter, but what I have observed of his performance in the past months, I think he had copped enough flacks for a bad run of the outbreak.

Unlike other states, Victoria had multiple hotspots. The blame should go the mindless individuals. Ruby Princess is one big cluster, and the tracing was not as difficult since the passengers after their bad experience, they were likely to be vigilant and cooperative in assisting the authority. Many people praised NSW Premier for prompt apology about the Ruby Princess debacle, but then she apologised after the close of the inquiry. On the contrary, Andrews said sorry unreservedly just before the close of the inquiry.

The organisation structure of the DHHS is not satisfactory, and CMO Brett Sutton is three diwn from the bureaucrat who was stood down after the inaptness in hiring the private security guards. Was he sidelined by Andrews or Sutton’s superior was the problem?

On hindsight, many become expert armchair general, complaining about bad modelling. The question is, “was there a previous pandemic to assure the model used give accurate prediction?” There are so many unknowns and variables, and assumptions are made more or less blindfolded. Probably billions of dollars have been spent worldwide in weather forecasting hardware and software, and yet we can’t rely on the forecast 100%. It is unlikely that the covid-19 modelling used by Victoria, or other states, can claim to be accurate and robust. The failure of the Hotel quarantine leads to spread of infection and deaths. In any language, it boils down to the failure is related to health, and therefore the top brass of DHHS must face the music, and pays the ultimate price.

I shall resume bringing you news update and more scientific research findings about this deadly virus soon.

Thank you for reading.



Wednesday, 23 September 2020

New Zealand identifies its first coronavirus case – seven months after infection

<b>New Zealand identifies its first coronavirus case – seven months after infection</b><br/>https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3102662/new-zealand-identifies-its-first-coronavirus-case-seven

The mystery is solved! A New Zealand man infected seven months ago, has been identidied as the first coronavirus case.

The infection occurred in late February after exposure to a visitor from Italy but the family suffering symptoms was not tested at the time, because their cases did not the case definition of the time.

The man recently developed a sore throat and sought testing. His weak positive result and serology test results and case history indicated an old infection of the virus.

Thank you for reading.

News Corp slammed for "unbalanced" reporting on Victorian Premier as poll shows majority support him

News Corp slammed for "unbalanced" reporting on Victorian Premier as poll shows majority support him
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/news-corp-slammed-for-unbalanced-reporting-on-victorian-premier-as-poll-shows-majority-supports-him

According to the Newspoll, Daniel Andrews' decision of the tough lockdown in Victoria has the support of at least 62% of the population.

Unfortunately, many friends and family members are divided, due to News Corp publications which have continued to spin a negative portrayal of Daniel Andrews.

In my early days, I did instigate sacking of the Premier for his mishandling of several past debacles, including not cancelling the Grand Prix earlier and not initiating a lockdown earlier. I am not going to repeat what I have blogged many times why I change my view about him.

When the pandemic is over, many previously dissatisfied Victorians will be thankful on reflection as they compare Victoria's coronavirus fatality and damaged economy with other countries which take an easy way out.

Please do follow the government's advice, and stay safe. After all, who wants to be unpopular, especially the government in power?

Thank you for reading.



Sunday, 20 September 2020

China biopharmaceutical leak infects thousands with bacterial disease in Lanzhou city

China biopharmaceutical leak infects thousands with bacterial disease in Lanzhou city
https://hongkongfp.com/2020/09/18/china-biopharmaceutical-leak-infects-thousands-with-bacterial-disease-in-lanzhou-city/

The following report is translated from people.cn dated 27 December 2019

On December 26, the official website of Gansu Provincial Health Commission issued a report on the investigation and handling of Brucella antibody positive events from Lanzhou Institute of Veterinary Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences:

1. Event Summary

On November 28, 2019, two students from the foot-and-mouth disease prevention and control technical team of the Lanzhou Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (hereinafter referred to as the Lanzhou Institute of Veterinary Research) tested positive for Brucella antibodies.

On November 29, the number of Brucella antibodies in the team increased to 4, and then the students of the team were tested for Brucella antibodies, and the antibody-positive persons were successively detected, which caused all the students to worry about it. The students go to the hospital or CDC for the Brucella antibody test on their own.

The report is in Chinese and can be found by clicking on the link

http://yuqing.people.com.cn/n1/2019/1227/c429781-31524939.html


Why misinformation about COVID-19’s origins keeps going viral

Posted to Facebook on 20/9/2020 at 8:58 am
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/09/coronavirus-origins-misinformation-yan-report-fact-check-cvd/

Is it science fiction or science fact? Is it the work of a misguided professional putting years of hard work on the line to gain recognition and alleviate to stardom?

There are a lot research done on bats, known to carry similar virus. An experiment on an virus that went wrong sounds more plausible than a creation of a new one.

Trust is earned, and recognition by peers takes time. Many experts do not gain recognition overnight. Indeed, many are silent achievers, and their names are never known to the public.

I love travelling, but have no idea who invented the jet engine. At the home front, I have no idea who invented the gas cooker, induction hot plate and microwave oven, all these replace the wood and charcoal stoves.

There are a lot of fake news, and they do spread faster than real news. I hope my fellow readers help to pass on real news rather than fake ones.

The linked article is very informative and interesting. Enjoy.

Thank you for reading.



Saturday, 19 September 2020

Scientists dismiss theory that coronavirus was developed in Chinese labs

Posted to Facebook on 19/9/2020 at 9:44 PM
Commenting on ""
https://en.as.com/en/2020/09/18/latest_news/1600419725_620901.html

I can't think of a good reason what Li Meng Yan is trying to achieve. Is she being honourable and honest by publishing her theory that coronavirus was developed in China? Is she being revengeful to settle some old scores with her former superior?

Was her research data the property of the rightful owner, China? Has her paper been scrutinised by peer review?

It is a very sad case indeed. So it is ok for her whistle blow, if it is found her claim to be true, but Julian Assange has to receive harsh treatment for what he had done.

Her claim seems to be questionable, and disputed by scientists and researchers in several countries.

How likely are these professionals being corrupted and colluded to dismiss her theory? I think the answer is a definite NO. I rest my case.

Thank you for reading.



Thursday, 10 September 2020

How sewage testing is helping Victoria detect coronavirus

How sewage testing is helping Victoria detect coronavirus
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-09/why-victoria-is-using-sewerage-testing-to-help-detect-covid-19/12645276

I have been wondering for months and raised the question in this group regarding where the coronavirus will go to when flushed down the toilets, or through our washing the hands, and what damage can they cause in time to come?

I am also troubled by the disposal of millions of used masks in our household garbage, which presents another environmental pollution.

I have been using washable mask, and hopefully no coronavirus are adhered to it, or else they will go down the washing basin, or down the drain.

Thank you for reading.