Life Is Normal In Sydney - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 15, 2020, 11:59:41 pm
content: Some viewers wanted to see what life was like in Sydney recently, so Dave walked through a local shopping centre to show the current state of play here.

author: 1
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 12:48:04 am
content: I am extremely envious Dave. Very happy for you, but so much envy...

author: bsfeechannel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 12:56:47 am
content: Life is normal elsewhere. The new normal, that is.

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 01:11:24 am
content: Yeah Melbourne is pretty much getting back quickly. Which worries me of outbreaks. Now 17th day no cases in the state. Never thought we would get there.As said it'll never be normal again.....

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 01:51:22 am
content: Adelaide is a good example of what can go wrong very quickly ! Outbreak of 17 in 1 day, after months of zero. Hopefully tracing will kick in fast .. could scrub my intended 2 Dec trip.. oh well

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 03:58:16 am
content: Well done Australia. We are just too..... something! .... to do what it takes to get rid of it in Europe / USA.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 07:35:36 am
content: Quote from: digsys on November 16, 2020, 01:51:22 amAll it likely takes is one infected person with incredibly poor hygiene in the wrong environment.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 05:13:24 pm
content: I thought there where no more Covid-19 threads allowed? Anyway... life has been 'normal' in China as well for the past half year but the fact remains that a large portion of the world's population will become infected at some point. Normal today is just a stay of execution. Better stay vigilant until the majority of the people got a vaccination.

author: Syntax Error
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 05:46:15 pm
content: Not too different a scene to the UK, and we're in lock down! People are thinking that as there is a vaccine in the pipeline, the restrictions (and fines) are just a 'serving suggestion".A case of hands, face, whatever. Seriously, the message to our antipodean cousins is, don't get complacent and stay vigilant. And don't go kissing any Mink if that's your 'drongo thing'.This story is no real surprise to Europeans, although the 'experts' might now have to admit they were asleep at the wheel. Researchers find coronavirus was circulating in Italy in September 2019:https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/11/16/researchers-find-coronavirus-was-circulating-in-italy-in-september-2019/Stay safe.

author: DrG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 08:33:46 pm
content: Most atypical, but easily, the worst video with the "Dave" brand that I ever watched.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 10:58:58 pm
content: Quote from: DrG on November 16, 2020, 08:33:46 pmBecause some people asked to see what life was like in Sydney and I accurately reported that? Ok, sure.Sorry if facts about Sydney and how we live here trouble you.

author: DrG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 11:02:49 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 16, 2020, 10:58:58 pmI don't think you are sorry and how you live there does not trouble me. Making things up does not cut it and you know that and have said that to others many times.You want to know why it is your worst video? Or will you just call me a dick and delete my comments (something that you have never done to me but something that you threatened to do on the YT page in the comments). Yes or no?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 11:03:18 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 16, 2020, 05:13:24 pmWe are staying massively vigilant. Follow me on Twitter for stuff like this. Last week I posted how we are testing the sewage and they detected a small trace in western Sydney and went into full panic PR mode urging people in certain areas to get tested at one of our countless free walk-in or drive-through test facilities, and countless people complied.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 11:05:39 pm
content: You don't have any problems with pandemic-deniers or mask-refuseniks in Australia?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 11:08:53 pm
content: Quote from: DrG on November 16, 2020, 11:02:49 pmIt was sarcasm, of course I'm not sorry if you are upset about one of my videos.QuoteJust tell me if you want to tell me. You had the opportunity the first post, you didn't do it. You had the opportunity in your reply just now, you didn't do it. It's getting old already...QuoteIf you are going to be a complete dick then yes I will delete your comment on Youtube. In case you haven't noticed, there are several topics that turn ordinary people into complete raging lunatic dicks in comment sections on social media. Politics, religion, guns, and in recent times covid and masks. I'm no fool, I've been doing this for over a decade, I know that subjects like this will trigger people and they will go batshit crazy in the comments. Only other time I've threatened to delete comments in a video is one I did that involved Trump.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 11:10:36 pm
content: Quote from: SilverSolder on November 16, 2020, 11:05:39 pmSure we do. Humans are human everywhere.But generally everyone does pretty well at following the rules and advice here, probably one of the major contributing factors we've been so fortunate through all this.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 11:41:31 pm
content: Quote from: DrG on November 16, 2020, 11:28:46 pmBecause people on here use the forum as their means of seeing my new videos.But yeah, ok, thread locked.I even gave you the last say, I'm a nice guy.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 06:13:07 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 16, 2020, 11:41:31 pmActually, nah, bugger it. I'm not going to let one person lock my own thread for one of my own videos.I have a new tool that's coming shortly that lets me block people from certain threads, so any dicks can be blocked here as well.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 06:19:47 am
content: What is even going on here? Someone just comes out of nowhere and starts raging on this video? Why? If it's not interesting just don't watch it?

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 08:31:00 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 16, 2020, 07:35:36 amBeen in quite a few different hospitals during this lockdown period in Melbourne. So yeah didn't bother me much. But its easy to see how a tiny fail can lead to infections passing on. The hospitals are hyper vigilant some staff better than others. Yet I saw procedural fails every day. Like Ambos using "once use" arm cuffs for bloods, pathology in Hospitals....reuse the same over and over. Whether that's a fail isn't the issues its they use different protocols. ....Overall as said they are great but it only takes one slip-up even from the pro's. Appears most of the new infections in other states are incoming OS travellers passing it on.Oh Melbourne's gone quite mad with people now out and about we still have to wear masks. That's fine.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 08:39:04 am
content: Quote from: DrG on November 16, 2020, 11:28:46 pm

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 09:05:57 am
content: Quote from: james_s on November 17, 2020, 06:19:47 amBecause that's what a certain percentage of people do when the topic involved politics, religion, guns, social justice, or in 2020 covid and masks, guaranteed.

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 12:30:02 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 17, 2020, 09:05:57 amThe topic is known contentious thru the world and many countries struggling with acknowledgment let alone control. Australia hasn’t fixed nor cured it but has managed to control the pandemic somewhat so a facsimile normality has returned. We are still in quite some restrictions in Victoria but are soon ending or stage reducing. We do all household shopping by home delivery for example. I’m a prime example staying isolated safe due to medical issues so we focus on contact minimisation. I see lots of Dr thru Telehealth. It would do me in, without doubt. Some Asian nations have been controlling similar such pandemics long before Covid 19 and are better at self isolation and control and have fared better than many but it’s still an unending battle for them.The methods of control was a matter of angst between our states and federal government yet it was controlled thru lockdowns, isolation, masks. This has had a huge fincinial impact on all indeed not doing so does as well. But it has worked, has failed and been corrected, yet only time will tell. Even the Spanish flu taught humanity this. You can argue hey it hasn’t gone away! Fair call hopefully we can contain it enough till vaccines are available or enough for our medical systems to cope. Both look like happening. Yes I have been told this by DRs (back in March when first happening (I was in hospitals then)) either we will all get it or we will develop a vaccine one or the other. But at that early point they were worried about medical systems not coping, the stats then, much was unknown.Yes not everyone agrees it’s (methods of control) worth it nor if it’s right yet it has worked so far. But we must be vigilant to keep it controlled complacency is a trap for all. I really feel for the young and old in our society. The impact on them is huge and societies around the world will never be the same.Who knows maybe we will be hit with more than one wave as we open up more, more than one mutation? I fear our federal government is not fully engaged with the isolation control method and has dismissed control to the states. Yes we are not a large nation like America but I feel if they, a juggernaut in comparison, can put their collective efforts to it, they can do anything they desire wrt controlling it.I’m prayin for ya brothers!

author: DrG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 02:49:04 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 17, 2020, 06:13:07 amGot it - now I have a clearer understanding about your real position on censorship and YT. I deleted my post that explained why I don't like the video but left my post that simply says that, in my opinion, it is the worst video under the brand. I am fine leaving it at that, I know I made my point whether it was popular or unpopular and that is enough for me.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 06:14:08 pm
content: Quote from: wasyoungonce on November 17, 2020, 12:30:02 pmI don't think the crisis is all bad either... People have had to learn to cope (which grows you as a person). More people are allowed the freedom of working from home, and are proving to conservative managements that it actually works very well for most employees, with productivity remaining as high or higher for many companies. These kinds of changes are positive and likely to last.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 06:34:40 pm
content: The work from home thing is great, it would be fantastic if much of that flexibility at least in the tech industry sticks around post-Covid. I was fortunate to work for a company that already allowed work from home several days a week and now that I've been doing it full time I have saved a bundle on bus fare and food since I'm eating at home instead of going out to lunch every day. I find that I spend more hours working on average than I did before, but by the time you factor in not having to commute I devote less of my life to my job, I'm less drained when I sign off in the evening and overall even with Covid I feel happier and less stressed overall than I did before the pandemic. I was already a homebody and introvert so the lifestyle changes required have been relatively minor, about the only thing that really bugs me is not being able to visit with my parents on a regular basis.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 06:53:19 pm
content: Our company's managers report that we have never been as productive as we are now. The massive amount of commuting time saved, and the effects of quiet concentration, is working!Even the extrovert sales people aren't that impacted, they can spend all day on the phone at home just as much as at work!

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 07:53:51 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 16, 2020, 11:03:18 pmGood! Though the title of the video could be interpreted as if people are ignoring the Covid-19 pandemic. Maybe a better title would be 'Life looks normal in Sydney'.Oh, and forgive me for not following you on twitter. Time does not permit me to do that.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 08:09:27 pm
content: Quote from: SilverSolder on November 17, 2020, 06:53:19 pmThe only downside for me has been that my partner works 4 10 hour days at a job that can't be done remotely so she's at home one of the days each week that I'm working and I don't think she really understands that interrupting me every 5 minutes with some random comment, question, pointing out something cute that one of the cats is doing, etc breaks my concentration and can have a drastic hit in my productivity for the afternoon. It's still a net gain though as I'm not spending over 2 hours total commuting the 3 days a week I used to go downtown and I get 4 days a week with the house all to myself like a big private office. Sure beats trying to focus in an open layout with people constantly doing different things all around me.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 08:51:18 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on November 17, 2020, 08:09:27 pmI'm not a big fan of open layouts either, but it is the future I think... smaller offices where you just borrow a desk for the day, with only 20% - 40% of the workforce physically present on any given day.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 10:07:16 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 17, 2020, 07:53:51 pmNo point. The same people will just be as pissed off as they are now.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 10:14:54 pm
content: Quote from: DrG on November 17, 2020, 02:49:04 pmI'm willing to bet you don't.QuoteLOL, whatever happened to "You give it out can you take it?"And BTW, it's demonstrably not the worst video I've done based on the thumbs ratio.

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 10:38:11 pm
content: I heard that the common cold is also a corona virus. Let’s hope that all this accelerated research into a vaccine will have some spinoff benefits for a cure for the common cold and other things. As they say, it’s an ill wind that blows nobody no good.

author: DrG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 11:05:34 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 17, 2020, 10:14:54 pmPerhaps, it went the way of you giving me the last word.You made a crappy video that had nothing to do with EE at all. I criticized it and mocked you for it - maybe I am sorry about the mocking because that may have been too harsh albeit humorous [I checked it with my thumps ratio], but I told you exactly why.You really can't take that? You are supposed to be the big swinging dick mate, a little criticism and you tilt? If you need to surround yourself with only people who will always tell you that you are great, then you really can't take it, you can only dish it out.You set a policy for no covid threads, you removed that policy for yourself so you could post the video, you locked the thread because you are a nice guy, then you unlocked the thread a few hours later, because you felt like it. It is your site; ban, unban, delete, undelete, lock, unlock, create policy, cancel policy, decide I'm a dick, (that's two feet of dick and a bucket of balls, to you son), do whatever you want. In the scheme of things, it is just not that important.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 11:41:52 pm
content: Quote from: DrG on November 17, 2020, 11:05:34 pmThat's not what all your verbosity says.Quote from: DrG on November 17, 2020, 11:05:34 pmDidn't seem like a decision to me - just an observation.QuoteYep, it is Dave's site - and he has every right to do whatever he wants with it. It is what it is and I'm OK with that. That said, I'm often impressed by his patience in dealing with "difficult" personalities - but, then, that's probably from developing a thick skin from a global audience of varying attitudes and agendas.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 11:56:34 pm
content: For my own two cents' worth from a bit farther west in Sydney, the mask usage is slightly higher. For every two masks seen in Dave's video, you'll see three out here.Aussies don't like being ordered around any more than anyone else, but if simple precautions can reduce the risk of harm, then many will adopt them.For example- Keeping at least 1.5m apart- People are likely to wash hands more than they used to- Eating in rather than going to a restaurant (which has a financial upside)- Wearing masks... and so on.Quote from: nctnico on November 17, 2020, 07:53:51 pmI'd go along with that for a more precise title - but, as Dave said, that wouldn't make much of a difference to the armchair warriors.I might be tempted to add: "but a little quieter".

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2020, 12:07:03 am
content: Quote from: DrG on November 17, 2020, 11:05:34 pmNo.The policy never included any mention of what covid discussion would by allow by whom and when, if ever.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2020, 12:14:20 am
content: It's worth the effort to keep things civil... at least try to!

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2020, 01:26:55 am
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on November 18, 2020, 12:07:03 amBottom line is the policy is whatever Dave says it is, and he's free to change it at any time for any reason without notice. As long as people behave and stay civil it's pretty rare for threads to get locked. I've seen some forums where power tripping moderators just have the have the last word on absolutely everything and then lock a thread without giving anyone a chance to explain anything or counter.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 18, 2020, 07:22:13 am
content: Quote from: DrG on November 17, 2020, 11:05:34 pmThat's why it's on the 2nd channelQuoteHint, neither are you.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2020, 01:57:18 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 17, 2020, 10:07:16 pmProbably but the title would be less click-bait-esque

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 20, 2020, 06:05:32 am
content: Part 2:

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2020, 06:44:23 am
content: Paradise.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 20, 2020, 06:53:27 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 19, 2020, 01:57:18 pmErr, I'm in the Youtube business competing for everyone's attention against millions of other creators. Click bait of some level is required.Just with my own audience the average subscriber probably is subscribed to dozens of other channels also all releasing content every couple of days or whatever, so every youtuber is actually in a constant battle to appeal to even their own loyal subscribers.

author: sandalcandal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 20, 2020, 11:13:40 am
content: Corona craziness aside, these walk and talk videos are very chillEdit: Also some nice lightweight insight into the Sydney real estate market, might be moving offices there in the near future.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2020, 02:39:43 pm
content: Wow, clearly I need to visit Sydney at some point...

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 08:31:19 am
content: Quote from: sandalcandal on November 20, 2020, 11:13:40 amI'd do commercial realestate videos, but Louis Rossmann has cornered the marketCan't compete with batshit crazy New York and all those dumps everyone loves the see.I'd love to be able to buy a dump and do it up, but they just don't exist here.

author: sandalcandal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 09:16:26 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 21, 2020, 08:31:19 amHaha yep, first-world problems. Things are too stable and sane to be interesting in Australia. Really are the lucky country... though I have seen alocal YouTube comediandigging upsome dirt...

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 10:33:01 am
content: Quote from: sandalcandal on November 21, 2020, 09:16:26 amNever heard of that guy before, that's epic level takedownUsing the guys own AirBnB mansion estate to shoot the video is the best use of Patreon funds I've ever seen!

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 10:51:43 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 21, 2020, 10:33:01 amI have. Plenty more like him. I found him just too selective when it comes to reporting scandals.

author: sandalcandal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 10:53:22 am
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on November 21, 2020, 10:51:43 amAs selective as Sky News?Edit: I think I'll cut it off here before I get too dragged into political shit but friendlyjordies has plenty more videos that make Australian Politics as fun as US politics.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 10:58:01 am
content: Quote from: sandalcandal on November 21, 2020, 10:53:22 amI suppose if you watch enough of both, you wind up seeing nothing but twitter recital.

author: sandalcandal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 11:00:20 am
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on November 21, 2020, 10:58:01 amReminds me of a video that makes people angry

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 11:11:40 am
content: Quote from: sandalcandal on November 21, 2020, 11:00:20 amRemember, the name of the game is sexing-up the age old talking points. How someone can find a way to spend half an hour telling the audience that a pollie is a corrupt POS is more interesting than the content itself.

author: sandalcandal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 11:29:51 am
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on November 21, 2020, 11:11:40 amThat's ignoring the fact hesometimesbrings original research and reporting to the tableinstead offact checking mediaand providing entertaining commentary which is his bread and butter.Edit: Don't disagree, his biggest value is sexing-up Aussie politics for an audience that otherwise wouldn't care otherwise.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 11:34:16 am
content: Will watch those links to videos when I get a chance.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 02:32:11 pm
content: The new "normal" over here to get a haircut:- make an appointment- wear a mask- sanitize your hands while entering- get your hair washed (no dry cuts allowed)- enjoy the trash bag fashion - oops - throw-away cape- get your haircut (nothing fancy allowed, like dyeing or highlights - the ladies are upset by that)- pay haircut + extra charge for hygiene measures + tipNo coffee, no boring magazines, and no waiting.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 03:42:44 pm
content: Quote from: madires on November 21, 2020, 02:32:11 pm

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 07:41:20 pm
content: Life is not so normal in neighboring South Australia:https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/11/18/936175398/south-australia-enters-circuit-breaker-coronavirus-lockdown

author: retiredfeline
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 08:29:43 pm
content: Quote from: David Hess on November 21, 2020, 07:41:20 pmCheck the latest news, that link is 4 days old, the order has been relaxed. The situation changed dramatically when the authorities found out that a case lied, he had been working at a pizza shop instead of just buying a pizza so it was less infectious then they thought. But there is still a cluster they are dealing with.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2020, 11:49:45 pm
content: The thing that we have seen over and over again is that due to the way this stuff quietly spreads during the incubation period, everything is fine and then suddenly the sh!t has hit the fan and by the time you have any indication that anything is wrong it's already too late to stop it. If the preventative measures are working then people get the impression that such measures are unnecessary.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2020, 07:53:31 am
content: Life is normal in Auckland too although sales have fallen some compared to when in lockdown.....seemed like everybody needed a new scope to keep themselves occupied.How's everybody else making out with their businesses ?

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2020, 10:24:02 am
content: Quote from: james_s on November 21, 2020, 11:49:45 pmAdd ignorant people and we have the next wave. Over here the second wave started with some younger people ignoring measures (hopping from one party to another) and family festivities (weddings etc.). Great super-spreader events! For example, a wedding with 55 guests caused 7 COVID-19 fatalities.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2020, 01:21:21 pm
content: Quote from: madires on November 22, 2020, 10:24:02 amNaming and shaming them probably works...

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2020, 03:10:17 am
content: Quote from: sandalcandal on November 21, 2020, 11:29:51 amItisvery "NSW-centric", so viewers from other States can hardly be blamed if their "eyes glaze over" after listening for a while.Over on Whirlpool, people continually make references to places like "the Shire", which are meaningless to those from other States, apart from confirming our opinion that NSW politics are mind-numbingly boring!I'm glad that WA never went down the path of blatant political party involvement in local government.Don't think we don't have crooks, though----the Perth City Council have just had a whole bunch of new councillors elected, after the City was run by a commission for the last couple of years.The crooks are much more likely to be apolitical crooks, though!

author: sandalcandal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2020, 03:32:41 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on November 23, 2020, 03:10:17 amHe did a bunch on QLD with their recent elections and campaigns.https://youtu.be/p7iZDNVO7Y4https://youtu.be/RTphssOcaPgmany more, you can look on his channel. Though he does tend towards NSW. WA politics could well be an another country though let's be honestStill does get some coveragehttps://youtu.be/-G2lBAbcWoY

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2020, 04:04:56 am
content: For those interested, this is a graph of our daily locally transmitted cases per day for the last 6 months in our state.

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2020, 09:16:14 am
content: VIC is a little better atm zero new cases for 18 days and now zero cases all cured (or passed). Its took a hell of an effort, I think it hit the teens etc hardest....difficult to mate in that environment!But hey the latest SA outbreak showed how easy it is to go bad. That was again an issue of international visitors and quarantine failure. Its still effed up after all this time it can go bad in mere days!Its just crazy stuff.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2020, 03:54:26 pm
content: I just read that Qantas is to require proof of vaccination from travelers, going forward...That is likely to happen everywhere, it seems to me.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2020, 04:10:19 pm
content: Quote from: SilverSolder on November 24, 2020, 03:54:26 pmAlright so long as they guarantee that screaming babies are to be in any other fuselage than the one I'm riding in.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2020, 06:41:34 pm
content: Quote from: SilverSolder on November 24, 2020, 03:54:26 pmThat seems like a no-brainer. I'd expect most employers to require that too for anyone not working 100% remotely. Even with our backwards broken medical system in the US vaccination will be available at little or no cost for most people so there is very little excuse for not getting vaccinated. They really ought to require proof of vaccination to ride on mass transit too, and to enter businesses.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2020, 07:41:26 pm
content: Quote from: SilverSolder on November 24, 2020, 03:54:26 pmSomehow that gives me an uneasy feeling. Next thing you know vaccinated people need to stitch a yellow 5 pointed star on their clothes with a V (for vaccinated) on it.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2020, 10:13:54 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 24, 2020, 07:41:26 pmMore like UNvaccinated people will be made uncomfortable...

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2020, 10:23:57 pm
content: Quote from: SilverSolder on November 24, 2020, 10:13:54 pmThat's the general idea. People who refuse to get vaccinated and thus deliberately make themselves a danger to the rest of society *should* be made to feel uncomfortable. There are legitimate reasons that a small percentage of people cannot be vaccinated but these are few and far between. I'm ok with people doing whatever they please at home or on some private island, but as soon as they're out mingling in society there are rules that we all need to follow.More like UNvaccinated people will be made uncomfortable...

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2020, 11:02:50 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on November 24, 2020, 10:23:57 pmWhat I don't understand is why a few muppets who aren't vaccinated would annoy you, if, you are indeed vaccinated yourself?I don't understand. Why do you care?

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2020, 04:33:35 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 24, 2020, 07:41:26 pmWhen I travelled by ship to the UK from Oz in the 70s, I had to carry an "International Vaccination Certificate" with my Passport to get into most countries.(from memory, it was yellow).Some still require one.

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2020, 06:15:40 am
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on November 24, 2020, 11:02:50 pmAustralia is a little different you have to be vaccinated for childhood and other infectious our you will not get the Australian government childcare supplement payments nor a childcare.. Not sure on school placement. The only reason you do not need is a medical exception for anaphylactic reactions or something.Ok I know that'll be contentious in other places....it is here, only be a small number. I think the reasoning is not all vaccinations for life are infact for life they do wear off. I got the Mumps a few years back despite having the immunisation as a kid. Infectious disease Dr said he's seeing it more and more. Also some people like younger children may not be able to have the immunisation yet (I have no idea just say'in) so its for their protection as well.I read most vaccinations need 95% coverage to be effective.https://www.aph.gov.au/about_parliament/parliamentary_departments/parliamentary_library/pubs/rp/budgetreview201516/vaccinationAs for Covid......I have no idea how the government will roll it out or ask citizens to have it, nor do I know if it will be mandatory, probably not, but its a pandemic not a flu so who knows atm?. I will.....pretty quickly.This is Australia not other nations, although New Zealand is pretty much the same aligned. Edit: Actually NZ is not compulsory atm they are looking at it after a recent measles outbreak..

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2020, 06:36:41 am
content: Quote from: SilverSolder on November 24, 2020, 03:54:26 pmWhether this is a good idea or not may be up for debate but it's a debate to be had by the government and its people not some company trying to protect its bottom line.I strongly doubt they would have any legal standing on trying to enforce such a thing without government backing

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2020, 07:30:48 am
content: Quote from: AlfBaz on November 25, 2020, 06:36:41 amDon't too sure about this, it's their workplace so if you wanna enter it abide by their rules !Sure there's likely to be a shitstorm about this however IMO you'll see more of this in the future and especially in Oz.Everyone wants to get back to 'business as usual' and compulsory vacs will speed this along.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2020, 01:53:10 pm
content: Quote from: wasyoungonce on November 25, 2020, 06:15:40 amVaccinations are generally not contentious in European countries either. Similar rules are in place, i.e. you have to have certain vaccinations... or else they will make life hard for you.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2020, 07:49:40 pm
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on November 24, 2020, 11:02:50 pmBecause it can easily be more than "a few" and because vaccinations only work if we achieve herd immunity. It's like asking why a few idiots dropping a deuce in the pool would annoy me. A relatively small number of unvaccinated people can spoil the whole effort for everybody and in the US where this whole thing has become so political I expect there will be millions who refuse to get vaccinated. It could result in this pandemic never ending.

author: dcac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2020, 10:35:08 pm
content: Hearing about massvaccination I can’t help thinking about what happened here in Sweden during the 2009 Swine flu (pandemic). Even though there were relatively few confirmed cases of the flu the media driven panic was about as total as it could get and Sweden was very eager to buy vaccine as soon as it became available. The vaccine was called Pandemrix and was hastily developed at least in the aspect that it was ‘boosted’ by a controversial substance called Squalen. But Sweden bought about 10 million doses anyway and about 6.1 million was used equating to about 60% of Sweden’s population being vaccinated.Then during 2010-2011 symptoms of the rare but quite devastating illness Narcolepsy was noticed especially among youngsters 12-18 years old. About 500 cases but the exact number is still being debated and probably is considerable higher - a figure of 4000 has been mentioned. It has been confirmed though it was Pandemrix that caused it - but other factors also played in. i.e. due to the cold weather in Sweden we usually have a more aggressive immune system than people who live in warmer climate.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2020, 11:00:20 pm
content: The media hype surrounding other pandemics caused a lot of people to blow this one off I think. Covid is clearly a different beast than any other disease that has gone around in my lifetime though. I've never seen hospitals fill up like they have been during this mess. A friend of the family works in a hospital near here and mentioned that they're currently around 80% full and there is a lot of concern that they'll have to start triaging and deciding who to provide lifesaving care to unless infection numbers drop. I think December is going to be particularly grim.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 02:23:21 am
content: Quote from: dcac on November 25, 2020, 10:35:08 pmIIRC Australia bought and stockpiled a similar number os doses of that (or similar). I don't believe it was ever used, I don't recall anyone ever actually getting the vaccination. It was just completely fogotten about. The biggest news story at the time was that a few footballers stopped playing because they had a runny nose.Ah, here is a link:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_swine_flu_pandemic_in_Australia#Health_recommendations

author: dcac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 01:43:22 pm
content: I think in Sweden the swine flu was only really noticed by the media - if anyone actually had it they probably didn’t know it - at least not that it was that specific flu.I clearly remember though how aggressive the vaccination campaign was - media even drew a picture - those who did not get vaccinated should not really expect to receive any other health care if they got sick.This time with Covid though Swedish media was like - first they considerably downplayed the risk of it ever reaching us - then they were very reluctant to enforce any restrictions i.e. Sweden actually had to be ordered by the European Union to close any borders - and then Swedish media even made fun of our neighbouring countries like Denmark for being very restrictive of swedes entering into Denmark. And now Swedish media slowly more and more seem to promote vaccination is a must.

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 10:06:39 pm
content: WhoooFinally in Victoria (a smallish Australian state ~ 6.4million) pronounced Covid free 28 days....now pronounced "eliminated".Well...at least till it all efff's up again. It wasn't easy it was hard lockdowns, twice, finally almost normal as long as manage incoming properly. Lets hope we learned our lessons. Lots still wearing masks....including me.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-27/victoria-28-days-no-coronavirus-cases-australia/12924922

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 10:19:18 pm
content: Quote from: dcac on November 26, 2020, 01:43:22 pmIn Australia, there was a small hardcore of vociferous people deriding the very effective methods we used here & promoting the "Swedish model" as the answer to the pandemic.Thankfully, they were ignored, & we went with much more restrictive measures which worked.The idea that effective methods were "so damaging to the economy" that we should just "learn to live with a few thousand deaths" has been proven to be bullshit, as the economies in countries which did little or nothing to combat corona virus, resulting in massive hospitalisation (& deaths) have been hit just as hard, if not harder.There are some "Swedish Models" I would embrace with alacrity, but not this one!

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2020, 11:53:52 pm
content: Quote from: dcac on November 25, 2020, 10:35:08 pmThen again the swine flu (or Mexican flu as we call it over here) was nowhere near as problematic (deaths and hospitalisations) compared to Covid-19. You can't even start to compare.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 03:49:03 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on November 26, 2020, 10:19:18 pmAFAIK there is no firm evidence as to what aspect(s) of these "restrictive measures" were the major contributing factor that stopped it here.Or that those measures will be as effective in other locations.Basically "we did a bunch of stuff and something worked".And given that there was no control experiment, you don't know if less harsh measures would have had the same result.QuoteYou don't actually know that wouldn't have happened anyway given that various circumstances are diferent in other countries and cities.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 05:01:27 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 27, 2020, 03:49:03 amWell, the other countries where "all hell broke loose" were a pretty close approximation to a control experiment!In WA, in particular, closing the State borders "hard" meant that the "lockdown" was less restrictive than other States as well as being substantially shorter.We were able to return to very much closer to normality than was the case elsewhere in Australia.Ok, we were perhaps fortunate in having a much less "porous" border, because most of our population lived a fair distance from our borders, as did those of SA & the NT.The "bunch of stuff" we did was pretty much the same stuff which was effective against the Spanish Flu in 1918/19, (although "effective" is relative with that incredibly virulent disease), & in many pandemics over history.Sometimes it is is best to stick to how things were done in the past, as they mostly worked!QuoteRestrictive measures certainly did impact the economy, but "let 'er rip" would not have been beneficial either-------- sick people can't work, or buy stuff, plus it costs a lot of money to keep large numbers in hospital, even if most of them didn't die.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 05:41:58 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on November 27, 2020, 05:01:27 amNo they are not, and this is the problem with how almost everyone analyises this, they ignore factors like poulation density, climate, culture etc, whichsurelyhave to play a large role, perhaps adominaterole in spread.Sydney & Melbourne, our most dense cities barely scrape in thetop 1000list in the worldhttps://architectureau.com/articles/australian-cities-among-the-largest-and-least-densely-settled-in-the-world/You simply can't say that other cities and countries are remotely close "controls" when you have population density off several orders of magnitude, and a climate that's radically different, not to mention other factors.

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2020, 09:54:33 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 27, 2020, 03:49:03 amActually I disagree. We had way to many citizens (Mainly city) going rouge doing the wrong things spreading the pandemic. Disobeying travel and contact restrictions. Just look at the rich tossers who bugged out of the state illegally travelling. It’s deplorable. This happened time and time again. Certain sectors of society were worse than others. IMHO the only way to stop it was to come down like a hammer.The fact that we are now pandemic eradicated quicker than NSW is testament. NSW had the it floating around not quite zero cases till around 2 weeks ago (approx). VIC was the same Months back but it got worse quickly out of control. VIC needed a major dose of tough love, quickly. If we went like NSW, and it worked, out state would still have cases nor would any other state allow travel to us till fixed. The quickest path to fix was isolation. People can argue the costs but I argue the costs not to we’re higher. I saw many business doing very well under COVID-19 smaller business ...not so much. Appears the federal government abandoned themPretty sure if you ask an economist they say suppression a dr will say isolation. In any case it’s fluid we have eradicated it for the moment but it only take one slip up. Luckily chances are low atm.I did see, sadly, someone here in VIC just died from Covid19 complications months after having it. The amount of those who have major organ damage is a huge concern for their futures.Well....that’s my daily rant....I feel better now

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2020, 03:01:00 am
content: Quote from: wasyoungonce on November 30, 2020, 09:54:33 pmThen present the actual evidence.My argument is that there was (obviously) no control experiment, and there aremanyvariables involved, so it's just not possible to know what actual tangible effect the lockdowns had.QuoteYou can't know that because there is no control experiment.Remember, even during a strict lockdown approximately 30%-40% of the workforce is still out there travelling and doing essential work, you just don't see it, but society still has to tick over and keep those shelves stocked.I'm not saying lockdown don't work, they obviously help, and in theory are hte ultimate way to stop the spread. But I'm just tired of people speaking in absolutes about it when the whole thing is a messy and complicated multi-variant analysis problem where lockdowns are only one piece of the puzzle. And unfortunately it's the piece of the puzzle with the highest cost to society.

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2020, 04:13:26 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on December 01, 2020, 03:01:00 amLook I know you will disagree but the control is VIC. It was clear of the pandemic (classed eradicated) before NSW yet was in a far far worse situation (case numbers) than NSW 4/5 months ago. Yes it was hard but this is the ultimate control or comparison. Sure it's not a proper control ...good enough for me.The issue we had was citizens not obeying social distancing or contact numbers which escalated the covid cases to out of control rapidly. ....4 months later...pandemic classed eradicated.Look at the stage Victoria was in....there was no other way. Restrictions were placed with a 2nd wave but they didn't work. Thus we went to lockdown. Which has worked. Harsh but worked. Oh daughters BF a machinist for ARB ....received bonuses during lockdown...business was booming. Yes it true not all the state was locked down mainly just the city and not all workers. One of my daughters is a federal statistician (crim stats) she had no problem working from home. Small business....yeah they suffered badly.Me...I can sit at home order parts have broken telescope controllers sent to me...fix...send back...I don't get out much!FWIW....Rightly or wrongly.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2020, 09:16:24 pm
content: I think it's quite obvious the lockdowns worked here. It became so politicized in the US that some areas aggressively locked down while others didn't and the results have been predictable. Seattle was initially the epicenter but it was brought under control. Then just as one would expect, we had large spikes after holidays and all the various protests that took place over the summer and another large spike as we get into the winter holidays. You can also look at our politicians themselves, one side has been preaching caution while the other has been blowing it off. It's no surprise that dozens of prominent members of the latter side have been confirmed Covid cases while there have been none that I've seen reported on the other.Unfortunately once things start to get under control people start to get careless and it doesn't seem to occur to them that at one point we had ONE confirmed case which exploded into a nationwide pandemic, so if we manage to get it down to an unrealistic level of ONE known infection it can explode just as quickly as it did the first time. Bottom line is that a vaccine is crucial to stopping it.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2020, 11:48:22 pm
content: In the end the term 'lockdown' is as descriptive as 'fruit basket'. You have to clearly define which fruits and how many before you can say something sensible about it. If you look at what governments are calling a lockdown you'll notice a lockdown can mean a wide mix of measures which ultimately try to keep people from mixing too much.

author: Syntax Error
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2020, 12:33:51 pm
content: This thread will become a moot point. Yah.BBC News: Covid-19 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine judged safe for use in UKhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55145696That's right, a certified Covid19 vaccine for mass roll out.British Government Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on the 2nd December in Parliament, "today is a triumph for all those who believe in science"Believe in science

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2020, 01:56:47 pm
content: Don't assume a vaccine is a total cure -not even for a second-. All the vaccine does is prepare the immune system for an attack. Less people will become seriously ill (and die) but there will still be a large number of casualties from Covid-19 in the next 12 months. The difference is that health care systems are less likely to be swamped.

author: DrG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2020, 03:36:07 pm
content: There are those that profess the opinion to not “hold out hope for an effective vaccine any time soon”. There are also those that claim that manufacturing a safe and effective vaccine takes “10+ years or more”. There are many other ways to diminish the impact of an effective vaccine.We now have, at least two, effective mRNA vaccines, where, previously, we never had a single one for anything. As noted, British approval has already been granted and US (EU) approval is likely on the way in a matter of weeks. We have, likely, at least three more vaccines (using more conventional processes, e.g., viral vector) that will surface in the next few months.In addition, we have, at least two, effective monoclonal antibody treatments (Lilly, Bamlanivimab, US EU approval; Regeneron, Casirivimab+ Imdevimab, US EU approval). The MCAs are effective, non-vaccine, treatments for before CoVid-19 sends you to the hospital.What we are seeing, in my opinion, is the greatest accomplishment by worldwide medical science in my lifetime, and in an astoundingly short period of time. It has been our best hope to defeat the pandemic and our hope is being realized – nobody rationally believes it is solved overnight. It is not a question of a glass half empty or half full, it is that we have another glass and that makes me happier than a nerd with a new chip!

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2020, 05:53:10 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 03, 2020, 01:56:47 pmThe trials of the different vaccines showed a success rate between 70 and 94%. Another point to note is that the Oxford and Russian vaccines use a problematic vehicle for delivery which works very effectively but only once, because your body will create antibodies not just for COVID-19 but also for the vehicle virus. If someone's immune system already encountered the vehicle virus naturally or via some other vaccine, the Oxford/Russian vaccine won't work at all.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2021, 08:09:26 pm
content: Quote from: DrG on December 03, 2020, 03:36:07 pmIn a way it reminds me of the immense technological development that came out of WWII. As terrible as it was, it ushered in the modern world that we know. Airplanes went from fragile, cantankerous wood and fabric contraptions to modern sleek all metal monoplanes, controllable pitch and constant speed propellers, engines an order of magnitude more powerful, pressurization for high altitude flight and even jets near the end, all in the space of 4 or 5 years. Major developments in radio took place eventually leading to practical television, radar, sonar and other communications technology. Mass production at scales unlike anything the world had ever seen before, it was a second industrial revolution. As a side note, I became aware relatively recently that much of the world has a less positive memory of that war, but the USA emerged virtually unscathed as an industrial and economic titan so most Americans reflect fondly on the post-war period as a time of unparalleled success and prosperity.Anyway back on topic, I contract on the side doing medical equipment repair and facilities maintenance work for one of the largest veterinary hospitals in the area and they informed me that both employees and part time contractors qualify as essential medical workers in my state, so I was able to get the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine last week. So far so good, had very mild soreness at the injection site for about 24 hours starting the day after I got it, and one day where I felt very tired and a tad achey like I get sometimes when I'm just starting to get sick with something. That cleared right up and the next day I felt great. Got an appointment scheduled for the second dose in early Feb at which point I'll feel a little more comfortable going to the store when I need something. I'll keep wearing a mask when I'm out and try to distance myself so I don't spread anything to anyone else but the risk to myself at least is dropped down to within my comfort level. Hopefully they can really ramp up the production and distribution of that stuff soon so that everybody can get it.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2021, 10:26:34 pm
content: Q: Does the vaccine stop the new and improved U.K. super strain?

author: MK14
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2021, 11:01:47 pm
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on January 16, 2021, 10:26:34 pmThey are not 100% sure, but they believe it is rather or very likely, the current crop of vaccines (Western ones) do prevent it.But there are concerns that some of the other new strains of the Virus, such as, possibly the so called, South African ones and especially the Brazilian one (I might have the wrong South American Country here), may not be. Unfortunately.Which might be a factor, in why the UK has very recently, urgently somewhat closed all its borders (starting early this coming Monday) to outsiders (approximately). I.e. they either can't come, or need testing and a 10 day quarantine.N.B. I might get the details a bit wrong, as there is so much information, constantly changing news about it, and different people can say different things etc etc.EDIT:But on the other hand:The Western Vaccines probably will still reduce the severity of the illness, and hence be likely to save your life from the virusIt is claimed, they can somewhat rapidly, make new vaccines, for the new variants. In fact, some sources, warn that we may need fresh vaccinations, as often as every 6 months (hopefully not, but they warn it is a possibility)EDIT:On reflection. It is best to get advice from an official source.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2021, 12:03:48 am
content: Quote from: MK14 on January 16, 2021, 11:01:47 pmI'll watch the TV news tonight. They'll have the right answer.

author: MK14
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2021, 12:07:47 am
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on January 17, 2021, 12:03:48 amIt's a potentially life threatening thing. So, I don't want to risk spreading/starting false information, due to mistakes in my comprehension, of the current situation.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2021, 12:26:28 am
content: Quote from: MK14 on January 17, 2021, 12:07:47 amYou obviously have no future in politics, especially right wing politics.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2021, 05:41:50 am
content: Bottom line is nobody really knows if it will protect against the new strain. As we experienced with the original virus, it's brand new so the data simply doesn't exist and all anyone can do is speculate based on what is known. I heard that the prevailing opinion among experts is that it is likely to protect against that too but we won't know until there has been time to study it. I also read that mutations are the norm rather than the exception with viruses, so I would expect there will be multiple mutations. The vaccines that have been approved so far train the body to go after the protein spikes on the outside of the virus so there is optimism that it will work against other similar coronaviruses but we'll have to wait and see.

author: DrG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2021, 04:16:51 pm
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on January 17, 2021, 12:03:48 amI thought you were still under No TV After Lights Off?

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2021, 04:51:39 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on January 17, 2021, 05:41:50 amProblem there is that the main mutations seem to be with the Spike protein itself... so as it's what is directly and uniquely targetted by the current mRNA vaccines, it's hard to say if it's going to be effective.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2021, 06:46:38 pm
content: Quote from: SiliconWizard on January 17, 2021, 04:51:39 pmWell that's why I say that nobody really knows, I was only repeating what I read, that they were optimistic and that preliminary evidence suggests that it works against currently known mutations but it's too soon to say for sure and nobody knows what other mutations will appear. Either way though, we have a completely new vaccine technology on our hands, it's a breakthrough that could pave the way for much more rapid development of effective vaccines for other viruses.

author: DrG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2021, 07:26:40 pm
content: To elaborate on some of what has been said..and at the risk of TL;DR...and with the qualification that I am not a virologist, I offer my opinion also.The virus is not alive. It is a pathogen that enters a normal cell and hijacks it to produce copies of itself. The infected cell is no longer doing what it is supposed to be doing and if you have enough infected cells, you have problems.The more copies you make the more likely that you will get a copy error. That is, the copy is not identical to the virus that infected the cell to make copies. That is what the mutation is; an error in the copy. Those "errors" can then go on to engineer reproduction of more of the "erroneous" copies.Only a portion of the mutations are “biologically significant”. Minor mutations are sometimes used forensically to monitor pandemic spread and the like. Some mutations could significantly decrease the ability to infect and, thus, decrease spread. Mutations could, potentially, make a virus that is much more deadly. Those could, paradoxically, also decrease spread because the host does not stay alive long enough to easily spread the infection (something like Ebola, in comparison to SARS-CoV-2).Some mutations could make the virus more transmittable and that’s what the concern is here. Simplistically and somewhat figuratively, the mutation could produce longer and sharper spikes; functionally enhancing penetration into the cell.The mRNA vaccines are unique in that they carry instructions to cells to make a compound. Literally, they are mRNA (instructions) attached to lipids (to get the cell to take them in) where they instruct the cell to make and release this compound. It’s a program, written in genetic C if your cells were a C compiler with a CPU– crazy cool stuff.The presence of that compound is designed to stimulate your immune system (which is multidimensional and much more than just T-cells) to look for and neutralize that compound. Within important limits, anything else that looks like that compound also gets destroyed. Therein lies the vaccination; create an immune response that will include recognition of the virus. So, although, the vaccine does not target anything directly, the compound it instructs the cell to make has some characteristics in common with the virus – like a sequence of proteins that are in common with a subset of the virus’ spike proteins.At this point, I am unaware of ANY evidence that mutations that have spread are resistant to the immune activity created by the mRNA vaccines. But, this can be evaluated and is being evaluated because everyone expected mutations. Pfizer has already released some early datahttps://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.07.425740v1showing that their vaccine is effective against one mutation. That is what the vaccine makers will be doing; testing their efficacy against mutations.It is like when somebody you know wears an eye patch. You still know who it is even though some of the face is obscured. Wear a full ski mask and maybe then you don’t recognize them.We may get to a point, at some time, when the mRNA program has to be rewritten, and that is likely what they would do, probably including a mixture; a “multi strain” vaccination like we see with the seasonal flu.Edit: The NYT just published an in depth and illustrated article about the mutations if you are interested. Very well done I think.https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/health/coronavirus-mutations-B117-variant.html