I first wish that all people are safe from this virus, especially to those teams that are based in China. Also I do wish that the teams can safely fly out without getting stopped.
I was just wondering if any of FRC games would be effected or implement any safety measure(Talking more of the competitions that are centered around Los Angeles). Recently there was a news that Korean Air attendant was diagnosed of CORVID-19, who had traveled through all around in koreatown in Los Angeles, not to mention the one of the first virus holder coming out in Orange County. It also seems that many masks are selling out of stock for people to buy. Will there be any safety measures for these competition? Would we still have the finalist handshake before the finals?
I’m sure this is concern for many other people and I also wanted to bring this to attention for those who weren’t aware of this situation.
As a parent/mentor who is north of 50 yrs old and diabetic, I have concerns about teams traveling from or through areas which have community transmission of SARS-COV-II. WHO recently estimated the case fatality rate as 3.4%, and being a person in a high risk group I will be wearing a respirator at our team’s regional for Week 2 (Arkansas regional in Little Rock). While there isn’t documented community transmission from the exact locations of any of the teams participating, I have concerns that there hasn’t been sufficient SARS-COV-II testing to rule out community transmission in all areas. I recommend for all participants to cover your coughs, wash hands frequently, etc. One news source I have found helpful in tracking this disease is at: https://bnonews.com/index.php/2020/02/the-latest-coronavirus-cases/ Good luck at Regionals and stay safe!
I hope none. I mean, there is so much fear around it but it’s not actually that bad. Those afraid of getting a normal flu during flu season are much more rational than those freaking out about the Wuhan virus, because it wouldnt affect most people. Calm down, guys.
Since the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is not transmitted through the air there is no need to wear a mask or respirator unless you are taking care of someone with the disease or you have symptoms yourself. You can’t randomly breathe in the coronavirus as it only travels in droplets. In fact, an improperly worn mask can be worse then no mask at all as it can trap these droplets near your face. The most effective way of preventing transmission is washing your hand as the droplets can be washed off your hands with normal soap and water. Masks should only be worn if someone suspects they have been in contact with the disease and start to exhibit symptoms(at this point they should no longer be in attendance at a public event).
I am not a medical professional but masks should be reserved for the infected, their caretakers, medical professionals, and researchers.
If N95 respirators do not work, then why are they recommended for healthcare workers? There are many documents that say that they do remove viruses on particles in the air. Data show that transmission of SARS-COV II is intermediate between “droplets” and “aerosol”, so the 6 ft guideline may not be enough. I think they issued that guidance because of the shortage of respirators - and I agree we need to protect healthcare workers so they’re around in case this (not a pandemic) hangs around for a long time. The few respirators I have were purchased way in advance - are not contributing to the current shortage. I do agree that surgical masks (an entirely different animal) are most effective when placed on a sick person to catch the viruses at the source. They are of limited use for those who want to avoid catching the virus because they are not air tight.
If you were a member of a high risk group that WHO says has a 1 in 11 chance of dying with this virus, you would think differently. Regular flu has only 0.05% mortality rate. I am not a fear monger, but I stick to the facts. Also, there are a lot of people who are in high risk groups - people with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and the elderly. That is a substantial portion of the population.
My team was in the Great Northern Regional during week one and the finalist teams did not shake hands nor did any the award winners shake hands with the judges because of the virus. Being that my team won the regional, we did go on the field but we did some kind of weird elbow touch thing instead of shaking hands with the judges.
You can still go out during the handshake window and walk by the other alliance and do any of:
fist bump
elbow bump
foot bump
nod
bow
made a nice gesture
It’s about showing respect. The actual handshake isn’t the important part.
That said, we are all touching a good number of common objects at the event. So the “wash your hands regularly and don’t touch your face” is going to be more important.
The 2,700 people you site dead because of covid-19 might disagree that it’s “not actually that bad.”
We should be doing our best to avoid deaths, even if it isn’t the worst plague ever, it can still destroy families.
You sight the flu having a larger impact, but of course it does, it’s worldwide already, and has existed for years. Why would we expect a, as of yet, very uncommon virus, to have killed as many as one of the most prolific viruses ever?
In addition, many fellow PNW teams are in school districts that have stopped extracurricular travel and field trips. A very unfortunate situation. We will see how this effects later PNW tournaments and district champs/Houston.
This depends on the age group.
So far for ages 0-9, no deaths.
But for the elderly, close to 15%. That is significant.
I have mentors that are in that age bracket.
We dont know what the long term effects are for Coronavirus. Today i read that someone’s pet got it from the owner.
I dont recall the common flu being able to transmit to pets and such.
Even if one “is only hospitalized”, the effects can be quite devastating. My recent 2 hour long visit to the Emergency Room cost me almost $400. If my employer’s insurance did not cover most of the cost of the services, it would have been closer to $2000. Someone getting sick, away from home and needing a week or two in a hospital to recover can go bankrupt if their insurance coverage is inadequate or they go to the wrong hospital.