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New Covid variant *title edited by MNHQ at OP's request*

998 replies

Wingingthis · 25/11/2021 11:56

Can anyone talk some sense about how dangerous this is or is it just the media over exaggerating?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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MaxNormal · 26/11/2021 18:29

"Storm in a teacup, all cases observed very mild so far".

Link

manolantern · 26/11/2021 18:37

@Mixingvax

I saved this meme on The 9th sept but had seen it before haha they knew it was coming!
Hah, that's great! Edited a bit since 2025 has come early...
New Covid variant *title edited by MNHQ at OP's request*
JesusIsAnyNameFree · 26/11/2021 19:01

@EileenGC

This is how the second Hong Kong case became infected with the new variant, having travelled from Canada, not SA, and having had no contact with the original case. Link is in German but this is a basic translation of what happened:

Yuen Kwok-yung, a leading microbiologist at Hong Kong University, says the 36-year-old apparently sometimes wore a mask with a valve (breathing) flap, and sometimes no face mask at all, when he opened the door of his room to take meals, or to take garbage out in the aisle. This may have led to virus particles being able to spread in the hotel corridor, which the experts also criticize as not being adequately ventilated.

Wear a proper mask people!

Well, it's properly in the wild then. Buckle up.
Naughtynovembertree · 26/11/2021 19:17

Where a mask and do all you can to encourage "breeze" and ventilation.

The ventilation message has been utterly lost in the UK and a trickle down situation has been employed where people who have don't care about the covid have control over the basics of opening or shutting windows.

I see adults in flimsy tops, complaining of the cold and slamming windows shut.

DespairingHomeowner · 26/11/2021 19:24

@EileenGC

This is how the second Hong Kong case became infected with the new variant, having travelled from Canada, not SA, and having had no contact with the original case. Link is in German but this is a basic translation of what happened:

Yuen Kwok-yung, a leading microbiologist at Hong Kong University, says the 36-year-old apparently sometimes wore a mask with a valve (breathing) flap, and sometimes no face mask at all, when he opened the door of his room to take meals, or to take garbage out in the aisle. This may have led to virus particles being able to spread in the hotel corridor, which the experts also criticize as not being adequately ventilated.

Wear a proper mask people!

FAKE NEWS ALERT

Checked out the name and it’s a microbiology professor from HK, no other source has picked up this story

I’ll be waiting for a more reliable source

julieca · 26/11/2021 19:27

@MaxNormal cases were detected two weeks ago. It is far too early to know. It might be fine. But neither you or anyone else knows yet.

EileenGC · 26/11/2021 19:37

@DespairingHomeowner it's on many (reliable) European news outlets. I haven't seen it in a UK source yet (bar The Independent) but it's being reported in many other countries.

We can't deny this is virus that is being transmitted through particles in the air (I do apologise for my not-perfect English here) so masks and especially ventilation in indoor spaces should be implemented as much as possible.

SmellyOldOwls · 26/11/2021 19:39

If Sajid Javid is worried, then I'm worried. Because he basically doesn't give a fuck at the best of times.

Grabbobabbo · 26/11/2021 19:45

The scientists who are usually pretty chill on twitter are worried this time. When Francois Balloux is worried, I'm worried.

AppleDaily · 26/11/2021 19:58

This is the same story that Eileen linked (about the new variant crossing a quarantine hotel corridor to infect the guy opposite), in the South China Morning Post, a reputable Hong Kong English-language paper.

www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3157419/no-need-be-selfish-choice-coronavirus-masks

DespairingHomeowner · 26/11/2021 20:08

@AppleDaily, @EileenGC

I did check this story, however it refers to a past event “: Thankfully, it did not result in a wider outbreak, but guests in 12 other rooms on the same floor had their isolation period extended for another 14 days as a precaution.”

If this was the story (it’s been spread airborne in a hotel) - other sources would have picked up

This is the story as is: nothing at all about the new variant which would be most newsworthy element:

1
Yuen Kwok-yung holds a mask with air valves to protect against Covid-19. Photo: RTHK
Yuen Kwok-yung holds a mask with air valves to protect against Covid-19. Photo: RTHK
Wearing a mask has long been recognised as pivotal to Hong Kong’s success in keeping Covid-19 largely under control. But with the pandemic dragging on for nearly two years, the practice may have been taken for granted by some.
The use of a mask of a “selfish” design, which filters air breathed in, but not out, by a guest has been blamed for a recent cross infection at a quarantine hotel. The case underlines the need for renewed awareness of the proper use of masks during a prolonged battle.
The 36-year-old man from South Africa wearing the reusable mask was suspected to have infected another guest in an opposite room at the Regal Airport Hotel. Leading microbiologist Professor Yuen Kwok-yung described the type of mask as “selfish”.
Thankfully, it did not result in a wider outbreak, but guests in 12 other rooms on the same floor had their isolation period extended for another 14 days as a precaution.

The story is about what type of mask to use, & supposed ‘infected person’ was not infected with new variant…

DespairingHomeowner · 26/11/2021 20:09

@SmellyOldOwls

If Sajid Javid is worried, then I'm worried. Because he basically doesn't give a fuck at the best of times.
But, ^ this
Carrotte · 26/11/2021 20:11

@SmellyOldOwls

If Sajid Javid is worried, then I'm worried. Because he basically doesn't give a fuck at the best of times.
Yeah he's normally quite relaxed about anything major
Carrotte · 26/11/2021 20:12

@Naughtynovembertree

Where a mask and do all you can to encourage "breeze" and ventilation.

The ventilation message has been utterly lost in the UK and a trickle down situation has been employed where people who have don't care about the covid have control over the basics of opening or shutting windows.

I see adults in flimsy tops, complaining of the cold and slamming windows shut.

I opened the window on the bus last week and people glared at me!
AppleDaily · 26/11/2021 20:20

Sorry Despairing, I linked the op-ed rather than the news article.

The article makes it clear that the hotel cross-infection incident was with this new variant (they call it 'Botswana' in the heading):

"A Covid-19 patient whose “selfish” valve-style face mask was blamed for a cross infection in a quarantine hotel last week has been found to be carrying a new variant of the virus with a high number of mutations, marking the first known appearance of the strain in Hong Kong."

www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3157410/coronavirus-quarantine-hotel-guest-linked-cross

DespairingHomeowner · 26/11/2021 20:30

@AppleDaily: thanks for updated link, it checks out so I stand corrected

I also see the story has been picked up by German press

www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/ungewoehnliche-infektion-mit-neuer-corona-variante-was-vor-zimmer-5112-im-regal-airport-hotel-in-hongkong-geschah/27838028.html

Hmm… think I’ll be planning a quiet weekend and hoping we have more news v soon

EileenGC · 26/11/2021 20:34

[quote DespairingHomeowner]@AppleDaily: thanks for updated link, it checks out so I stand corrected

I also see the story has been picked up by German press

www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/ungewoehnliche-infektion-mit-neuer-corona-variante-was-vor-zimmer-5112-im-regal-airport-hotel-in-hongkong-geschah/27838028.html

Hmm… think I’ll be planning a quiet weekend and hoping we have more news v soon[/quote]
That's exactly the same article I linked in my original comment which you called 'FAKE NEWS ALERT'. Did you even read it before typing the reply...?

Tealightsandd · 26/11/2021 20:36

If we haven't already, now is the time for the UK to step up orders for monoclonal antibodies.

Plus the Merck antiviral pill (ideally we'd also order a good supply of the even more effective Pfizer anti viral bit I suspect the majority will initially go to the USA).

Tealightsandd · 26/11/2021 20:45

And also masks (preferably FFP2 or 3s, but any type is better than none). Whether 10, 25, 50%, or more effective, they do something. As Tesco says, every little helps. And, minority of genuine exceptions aside, it's such a simple and easy measure.

The WHO did warn about Vaccine Plus over Vaccine Just.

Re monoclonal antibodies. Yes expensive. But cheaper than full hospitals and long-term Long Covid costs. Cheaper than lockdown too. Then again I don't suppose cost is the main barrier to boosting our supply. There's a worldwide demamd and corresponding shortage. Still, we should at least get the advance orders in.

nether · 26/11/2021 21:07

Monoclonal antibody therapy is most likely to be used on those with immune suppression (as despite jabs they might not have formed their own response) and perhaps some other co-morbities

Doubledoors · 26/11/2021 21:20

I am so sick of politely arguing with people about windows! Why haven’t the government made their messaging clearer on this? Ventilation is one of the most effective (yet easiest!) things we can do, and STILL I’m finding people are looking at me like I’ve just set fire to their car when I crack one window open 2 inches in a cramped meeting room when no bastard can be bothered wearing a mask! Ffs!

Tealightsandd · 26/11/2021 21:37

@nether

Monoclonal antibody therapy is most likely to be used on those with immune suppression (as despite jabs they might not have formed their own response) and perhaps some other co-morbities
We shouldn't have to ration the treatment.

Particularly not for any underlying higher risk factor - including socioeconomic.

But yes, for now the immunocompromised have priority. For example, two of the most deadly comorbidities when it comes to risk of serious illness or death from Covid. Heart conditions and diabetes. (NB. Some conditions have a higher risk of hospitalisation...but from the actual underlying condition as opposed to from COVID).

Meanwhile, we need to order more now - so we can expand their use. There might be a current supply shortage but let's at least get it on order.

Tealightsandd · 26/11/2021 21:38

There's less need to ration in the USA.

TokyoSushi · 26/11/2021 21:41

@SmellyOldOwls

If Sajid Javid is worried, then I'm worried. Because he basically doesn't give a fuck at the best of times.
Completely agree with this!!
Thewiseoneincognito · 26/11/2021 21:47

Even if this is only half as bad as they’re alluding to then the government must immediately implement our plan B and prepare a Plan C. It’s Black Friday weekend and the stores are jam packed full of people without face masks on, almost like we’ve put down the Welcome mat for Omicrom to start to work it’s way through the population.

The game has changed now, we need to get serious in order to prevent the potential disaster of this variant. Act now before it’s too late and we’re back in lockdown waiting for vaccine tweaks to be redistributed to us all.

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