ALL-PURPOSE COVID-19 SITUATION THREAD

[roacheyyy]

The AFL in Australia just announced the season will start tomorrow night until a player contracts the virus. Can't believe they're still going ahead with it

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https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/senat ... -316208628

OTTAWA (March 17, 2020) - An Ottawa Senators player has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The player has had mild symptoms and is in isolation.

The Ottawa Senators are in the process of notifying anyone who has had known close contact with the athlete and are working with our team doctors and public health officials. As a result of this positive case, all members of the Ottawa Senators are requested to remain isolated, to monitor their health and seek advice from our team medical staff.

The health of our players, fans, and community remains our highest priority. We will continue to do everything we can to help ensure our players, staff, fans and the greater community remain safe and healthy during this time of uncertainty due to the spread of the coronavirus.

[supersonic]

https://twitter.com/jeremycyoung/status ... 57696?s=21

We can now read the Imperial College report on COVID-19 that led to the extreme measures we've seen in the US this week. Read it; it's terrifying. I'll offer a summary in this thread; please correct me if I've gotten it wrong.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperi ... 3-2020.pdf

The Imperial College team plugged infection and death rates from China/Korea/Italy into epidemic modeling software and ran a simulation: what happens if the US does absolutely nothing -- if we treat COVID-19 like the flu, go about our business, and let the virus take its course?

Here's what would happen: 80% of Americans would get the disease. 0.9% of them would die. Between 4 and 8 percent of all Americans over the age of 70 would die. 2.2 million Americans would die from the virus itself.

It gets worse. People with severe COVID-19 need to be put on ventilators. 50% of those on ventilators still die, but the other 50% live. But in an unmitigated epidemic, the need for ventilators would be 30 times the number available in the US. Nearly 100% of these patients die.

So the actual death toll from the virus would be closer to 4 million Americans -- in a span of 3 months. 8-15% of all Americans over 70 would die.

How many is 4 million people? It's more Americans than have died all at once from anything, ever. It's the population of Los Angeles. It's 4 times the number of Americans who died in the Civil War...on both sides combined. It's two-thirds as many people as died in the Holocaust.

Americans make up 4.4% of the world's population. If we extrapolate these numbers to the rest of the world (warning: MOE is high here), this gives us 90 million deaths globally from COVID-19, in 3-6 months. 15 Holocausts. 1.5 times as many people as died in all of World War II.

Now, of course countries won't stand by and do nothing. So the Imperial College team ran the numbers again, this time assuming a "mitigation" strategy: all symptomatic cases in the US in isolation. Families of those cases quarantined. All Americans over 70 social distancing.

This mitigation strategy is what you've seen a lot of people talking about when they say we should "flatten the curve": try to slow the spread of the disease to the people most likely to die from it, to avoid overwhelming hospitals.

And it does flatten the curve -- but not nearly enough. The death rate from the disease is cut in half, but it still kills 1.1 million Americans all by itself. The peak need for ventilators falls by two-thirds, but it still exceeds the number of ventilators in the US by 8 times.

That leaves the actual death toll in the US at right around 2 million deaths. The population of Houston. Two Civil Wars. One-third of the Holocaust. Globally, 45 million people die: 7.5 Holocausts, 3/4 of World War II. That's what happens if we rely on mitigation & common sense.

Finally, the Imperial College team ran the numbers again, assuming a "suppression" strategy: isolate symptomatic cases, quarantine their family members, social distancing for the whole population, all public gatherings/most workplaces shut down, schools and universities close.

Suppression works! The death rate in the US peaks 3 weeks from now at a few thousand deaths, then goes down. We hit but don't exceed the number of available ventilators. The nightmarish death tolls from the rest of the study disappear.

But here's the catch: if we EVER relax suppression before a vaccine is administered to the entire population, COVID-19 comes right back and kills millions of Americans in a few months, the same as before.

After the 1st suppression period ends in July, we could probably lift restrictions for a month, followed by 2 more months of suppression, in a repeating pattern without triggering an outbreak or overwhelming the ventilator supply. Staggering breaks by city could do a bit better.

But we simply cannot EVER allow the virus to spread throughout the entire population in the way other viruses do, because it is just too deadly. If lots of people we know end up getting COVID-19, it means millions of Americans are dying. It simply can't be allowed to happen.

How quickly will a vaccine be here? Last week three separate research teams announced they had developed vaccines. Yesterday, one of them (with FDA approval) injected its vaccine into a live person, without waiting for animal testing. That's an extreme measure, but necessary.

Now, though, they have to monitor the test subject for 14 months to make sure the vaccine is safe. This part can't be rushed: if you're going to inoculate all humans, you have to make absolutely sure the vaccine itself won't kill them. It probably won't, but you have to be sure.

Assuming the vaccine is safe and effective, it will still take several months to produce enough to inoculate the global population. For this reason, the Imperial College team estimated it will be about 18 months until the vaccine is available.

During those 18 months, things are going to be very difficult and very scary. Our economy and society will be disrupted in profound ways. And if suppression actually works, it will feel like we're doing all this for nothing, because infection and death rates will remain low.

It's easy to get people to come together in common sacrifice in the middle of a war. It's very hard to get them to do so in a pandemic that looks invisible precisely because suppression methods are working. But that's exactly what we're going to have to do. /end

[supersonic]

https://omny.fm/shows/talk-is-jericho/t ... ith-dr-ale

Dr. Alex Patel educates us about coronavirus, dispelling some myths and conspiracy theories, and offering sound advice for staying healthy during this pandemic. He speaks to transmission, death rate, those most at risk, and some of the simple things you can do to ensure the well-being of yourself and those around you. He talks about COVID-19’s origins, it’s similarities to SARS, and why the coronavirus outbreak has led to such extreme social distancing and societal shutdowns. He also talks about a possible vaccine, virus mutations, coronavirus shelf life, and when the world may return to some semblance of normal.

[Shanahan]

We will live like this for next 12 to 18 months. Sitting home and cashing acheck from the government until this is over

[supersonic]

We will live like this for next 12 to 18 months. Sitting home and cashing acheck from the government until this is over

I'm predicting society reforms in 2 years.

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https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/n ... 863086001/

The border between Canada and the U.S. will close for nonessential travel.

President Donald Trump confirmed the news in a tweet on Wednesday morning. "We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!" Trump tweeted.

"I just spoke to President Trump again this morning and we have agreed that both Canada and the United States will temporarily restrict all nonessential travel across the Canada-U.S. border," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a news conference on Wednesday morning.

Vice President Mike Pence said in a Wednesday briefing the decision was "by mutual consent."

U.S. flights headed to Canada will indeed fly as scheduled, though passengers will face screening, according to the U.S. State Department. Those arriving must self-isolate for 14 days, and anyone exhibiting symptoms won't be allowed to enter Canada.

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https://t.co/XwcEuQTu5U?amp=1

Endeavor, Live Nation Entertainment and Sinclair Broadcast Group are among the prominent industry firms facing new financial pressure because of their high debt loads and vulnerability from the widespread shutdown of sports leagues, concerts and other live events.

The timing of Sinclair Broadcast Group’s $9.6 billion acquisition of 21 regional sports networks from Disney could not have been worse given the unforeseen sports blackout.

Moody’s Investors Service, one of the three major credit rating agencies, flagged the problem from sports-related shutdowns in a research note issued Tuesday. An extended shutdown could be brutal for companies that don’t have diversified operations.

Sinclair’s biggest problem is the lack of readily available replacement programming for its regional sports networks. At the end of 2019, Sinclair had $11.1 billion in total debt.

“Standalone RSNs, along with Leagues and teams, face the most risk,” Moody’s Begley wrote. “This is because they cannot easily replace the live game programing, nor lost revenue.”

Jeff Krolik, president of Diamond Holdings, the unit that houses Sinclair’s RSNs, said the channels were working closely with teams and leagues to carry classic games and alternative programs.

“There is no doubt that the current crisis is disrupting the sports media landscape in ways once unimagined. But no matter what happens, there will always be an appetite for sports on television, whether it’s a live or a classic game,” Krolik said. “Even in the absence of current live sports, these assets remain extremely valuable, as we anticipate that fans across the country will still tune in to relive some of their teams’ most exciting and classic games. Further, these assets continue to have tremendous long-term value. As of now, this postponement of games is exactly that – a postponement – ultimately sports will return this year and we believe there will be minimal impact in the long-term.”

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New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton tested positive, and with that, at least person at some level in each of the big four North American sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) has tested positive. Two players on the Los Angeles Lakers have tested positive, as has Boston Celtics player Marcus Smart. One person involved with the Denver Nuggets as well as two with the Philadelphia 76ers have also tested positive.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/20 ... test-news/

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order starting Thursday evening. “This is a moment we need to make tough decisions," Newsom said at an online news conference. It is the strongest statewide restriction yet aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus. The announcement follows similar orders issued in the past few days across the San Francisco Bay area and Los Angeles.

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https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe- ... eek-307086

In one of the most bizarre periods of time for both professional wrestling and the world in general, this year's WWE WrestleMania will not be live and will instead be filmed this Wednesday and Thursday at the Performance Center in Orlando, FL.

The specifics were first reported by PWInsider's Mike Johnson and confirmed by both Dave Meltzer and POST Wrestling's John Pollock. This year's two night event will also feature segments and matches from other non-disclosed locations, but it's unclear when those will be taped.

Johnson confirmed this week's taping schedule which was first reported by Pollock Friday and confirmed by Meltzer. The next two SmackDowns were set to be filmed today (Saturday) while NXT content is on deck for Sunday. On Monday, the next two Monday Night Raws will be filmed with WrestleMania coming the two days after that.

What happens after the two nights of WrestleMania, scheduled for Saturday, April 4th, and Sunday, April 5th, is still unclear as the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic. As many states enact 'shelter in place' mandates in an effort to curb the spread of the virus, Florida has yet to do so. However, that may be taken out of their hands if the United States decides to take a more aggressive step in that direction.

WrestleMania was scheduled for a one day event in Tampa, FL, before WWE announced the decision to run the show in their Performance Center in front of no fans instead. There will be no Hall of Fame or TakeOver as part of the lead-up as in years past.

[supersonic]

https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe- ... eek-307086

In one of the most bizarre periods of time for both professional wrestling and the world in general, this year's WWE WrestleMania will not be live and will instead be filmed this Wednesday and Thursday at the Performance Center in Orlando, FL.

The specifics were first reported by PWInsider's Mike Johnson and confirmed by both Dave Meltzer and POST Wrestling's John Pollock. This year's two night event will also feature segments and matches from other non-disclosed locations, but it's unclear when those will be taped.

Johnson confirmed this week's taping schedule which was first reported by Pollock Friday and confirmed by Meltzer. The next two SmackDowns were set to be filmed today (Saturday) while NXT content is on deck for Sunday. On Monday, the next two Monday Night Raws will be filmed with WrestleMania coming the two days after that.

What happens after the two nights of WrestleMania, scheduled for Saturday, April 4th, and Sunday, April 5th, is still unclear as the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic. As many states enact 'shelter in place' mandates in an effort to curb the spread of the virus, Florida has yet to do so. However, that may be taken out of their hands if the United States decides to take a more aggressive step in that direction.

WrestleMania was scheduled for a one day event in Tampa, FL, before WWE announced the decision to run the show in their Performance Center in front of no fans instead. There will be no Hall of Fame or TakeOver as part of the lead-up as in years past.

[supersonic]

http://www.fightingfortruckers.com/lawm ... gD7vjSnbNY

At this time, many truck drivers who are courageously serving as THE supply chain for America are getting screwed as a result of COVID-19 responses on the road. Using the link provided above, please contact your appropriate local political offices to advocate for them to have access to rest stops, proper restrooms, drive-through restaurant ordering, and timely services for delivering shipments.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/o ... 899848001/

Veteran International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told USA TODAY Sports Monday afternoon that the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games are going to be postponed, likely to 2021, with the details to be worked out in the next four weeks.

“On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided,” Pound said in a phone interview. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.”

[supersonic]

https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/rey- ... -36-307256

On Tuesday's post-Raw edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that both Dana Brooke and Rey Mysterio are in quarantine and will not be on the WrestleMania 36 card.

Meltzer did not have any details on either person's medical condition other than to say people are being cautious if they are feeling sick due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.si.com/wrestling/2020/03/24 ... network-tv

A number of the matches previously scheduled for NXT TakeOver: Tampa Bay are now set to air in the month of April on the USA Network, Sports Illustrated has learned.

Beginning Wednesday, April 1, NXT will add some additional excitement to its weekly TV programming by airing the matches planned for TakeOver on a weekly basis. Paul “Triple H” Levesque is expected to be on this week’s edition of NXT as part of the announcement.

[supersonic]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics ... index.html

Washington (CNN)White House and Senate leaders struck a major deal early Wednesday morning over a $2-trillion package to provide a jolt to an economy struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic, capping days of marathon negotiations that produced one of the most expensive and far-reaching measures in the history of Congress.

"Ladies and gentleman, we are done," White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland said right before 1 a.m. after leaving Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office following negotiations that have gone around the clock since last Friday. "We have a deal."

McConnell was preparing to take to the floor to announce that a deal had been reached on the proposal.

The full details have yet to be released. But over the last 24 hours, the elements of the proposal have come into sharper focus, with $250 billion set aside for direct payments to individuals and families, $350 billion in small business loans, $250 billion in unemployment insurance benefits and $500 billion in loans for distressed companies.

The package, if it passes Congress, would be the most significant legislative action taken to address the rapidly intensifying coronavirus crisis, which is overwhelming hospitals and grinding much of the economy to a halt.

[supersonic]

https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/roman ... -36-match/

Pro Wrestling Sheet has learned Roman Reigns will not be part of the WWE Universal Championship match at WrestleMania 36 as planned.

Sources with knowledge of the situation tell us Reigns expressed to WWE that he didn’t feel comfortable doing anymore of the Performance Center shows during the coronavirus pandemic because he’s immunocompromised from his battle with leukemia and didn’t want to risk his health.

We’re told WWE honored his request and he will now be replaced by someone else in the match against Goldberg, though it’s unclear who at this time.

As we previously reported, Stephanie McMahon detailed the many safety precautions the company is currently taking while filming shows during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes taking people’s temperatures and making sure they’re in perfect health before entering the WWE Performance Center, as well as not allowing anyone inside who has been out of the country (or in touch/contact with anybody who has been out of the country).

WrestleMania is scheduled to air April 4 and 5 on WWE Network and PPV.

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https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/289 ... ent-health

All Utah Jazz players and staff have been cleared by the Utah Department of Health after completing their respective periods of isolation and quarantine following exposure to the coronavirus, according to a team official.

The Jazz will continue to practice social distancing and limiting time outside of their homes to essential activities, in accordance recommendations from the NBA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The players and staff no longer pose a risk of infection to others, regardless of prior testing status, according to the Utah Department of Health.

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https://twitter.com/StephanieCNews/stat ... 1691341824

. @MyNews13 #Watchdog investigation: why is @WWE holding live television in Orlando while other pro sports leagues have suspended events nationwide during COVID-19 pandemic? @GovRonDeSantis office sent me statement- professional sports are "critical to Florida's economy". 1/1

I have asked how @WWE is "critical to Florida's economy": no audience, only essential personnel- what revenue is being generated and if so- how is it benefiting Florida residents and taxpayers? I'm waiting on @GovRonDeSantis office to respond. @MyNews13 #n13covid19

Could politics be in play for @WWE to be deemed essential personnel? We have asked @GovRonDeSantis office about this. @Linda_McMahon is wife of @WWE CEO @VinceMcMahon. She served on @POTUS Cabinet & now runs Pro-Trump Superpac “America F1rst Action”. @WWE live tv is in Orlando.

SUPER DUPER THEORY:

WWE has threatened that if Florida wouldn't give exception to allow live programming, then WrestleMania bids would become more favorable elsewhere. WWE's motivation is to avoid any potential TV contract violations after already losing the KSA revenue for the foreseeable future, as well as deciding to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the XFL.

[supersonic]

https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe- ... ness-order

WWE is now considered "essential business" in Florida, but before the April 9 order, they were told multiple times to stop running events.

Stephanie Coueignoux of Spectrum News 13 and Jon Alba of Spectrum Sports 360 in Orlando report that the Orange County Sheriff was called multiple times to the WWE Performance Center and told WWE they were not in compliance with the initial stay-at-home executive order and had to close down.

As previously reported, Linda McMahon's Super PAC committed nearly $20 million to the state of Florida on April 9, the day the new executive order was signed.

The decision to add WWE to "essential business" came from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and not Orange County, where the Performance Center is located.

[famicommander]

That's some scummy stuff even by WWE standards.

Also Vince filing Chapter 11 on the XFL and stiffing all his small time creditors, despite the fact that he sold off over 400 million dollars in WWE shares to fund the XFL. There's no god damn way the XFL lost that much money this year.

Also hopefully tonight on Dark Side of the Ring they shed some mainstream light on Vince helping Snuka get away with murder.

[supersonic]

https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/dona ... rt-economy

During his press conference on Tuesday, Donald Trump discussed re-opening the economy and putting together a group of advisors, all from the sports world, to help him in doing so. Trump named WWE Chairman "The Great" Vince McMahon and UFC President Dana White as part of the advisory team.

Other names mentioned:

* NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
* NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
* NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
* MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred
* New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft
* Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban