2019 Novel Coronavirus Covid-19 Discussion

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#2672201 12-Mar-2021 10:59

antonknee:

Australia travel bubble - yes it's time. Obviously there are risks but I think we can manage these. It's quite right that if we do get a case from AU there were be a massive media upheaval, but that can't be helped when a significant quantity of journalists in this country are little more than hacks.

Use that as an opportunity to reduce overall MIQ numbers and free up some hotels to be used as hotels again. If we kept the same overall number of MIQ places we increase our risk exposure massively, simply because it will mean more people coming from Covid hotspots rather than the current 40% from effectively Covid-free Australia. Ultimately reducing the number of people coming here from Covid hotspots reduces our risk and the likelihood of a case leaking from the border.

Our response to the pandemic has hardly been perfect but overall it has been very, very good. I think a lot of people simply want to complain because they don't like the colour of the current government, and are not actually pointing out valid criticisms of our response. That said, there are some aspects of our response that deserve to be challenged and should be improved - but I would also say some commenters (not referring to GZers) don't do this constructively.

100%

Ive not been in favour of the bubble, I saw too may risks on both sides. But it can't stay like this forever. Outbreaks will happen as long as we freely and happily bring back Kiwis, but the recent recoveries from an outbreak on both sides have been acceptable. That's the turning point. Its time to push that button. The Govt will lag on that Im sure, and the recent AUS-NZ deportation issues aren't a great help either.

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#2672220 12-Mar-2021 11:35

Auckland out of Alert Level 2 at 12pm (midday) today.

Scott3

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#2672274 12-Mar-2021 13:35

New (non peer reviewed) real world data from Istrail on the Pfizer vaccine released.

In summary: The Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine 97% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 cases and 94% effective against asymptomatic infection

https://investors.pfizer.com/investor-news/press-release-details/2021/Real-World-Evidence-Confirms-High-Effectiveness-of-Pfizer-BioNTech-COVID-19-Vaccine-and-Profound-Public-Health-Impact-of-Vaccination-One-Year-After-Pandemic-Declared/default.aspx

Note that the B.1.1.7 (UK) strain is dominant in Israel, real world data about is performance against the more concerning Brazil strain is lacking, but It did do well against it in lab trials.

In summery, I am even more happy with out countries decision to go exclusively with the Pfizer vaccine.

[edit] There is more uncertainly around the South African Strain. Doesn't really change my stance above, but will watch with interest:

https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210309/s-african-variant-challenges-pfizer-moderna-vaccines

Oblivian

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#2672290 12-Mar-2021 14:02

The sad thing about our population is even if Herald posted that the same 400 comments would appear

My choice
98% survival rate
Fda rushed
Not tested
Human guinee pigs
Why won't you posted the reaction and death figures

Etc etc

The last few articles have been quite disproportionately voiced in the wrong direction

tdgeek

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#2672294 12-Mar-2021 14:07

Scott3:

New (non peer reviewed) real world data from Istrail on the Pfizer vaccine released.

In summary: The Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine 97% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 cases and 94% effective against asymptomatic infection

https://investors.pfizer.com/investor-news/press-release-details/2021/Real-World-Evidence-Confirms-High-Effectiveness-of-Pfizer-BioNTech-COVID-19-Vaccine-and-Profound-Public-Health-Impact-of-Vaccination-One-Year-After-Pandemic-Declared/default.aspx

Note that the B.1.1.7 (UK) strain is dominant in Israel, real world data about is performance against the more concerning Brazil strain is lacking, but It did do well against it in lab trials.

In summery, I am even more happy with out countries decision to go exclusively with the Pfizer vaccine.

Thats huge. Where effectiveness is very very close to trial based efficacy

tdgeek

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#2672295 12-Mar-2021 14:09

Oblivian: The sad thing about our population is even if Herald posted that the same 400 comments would appear

My choice
98% survival rate
Fda rushed
Not tested
Human guinee pigs
Why won't you posted the reaction and death figures

Etc etc

The last few articles have been quite disproportionately voiced in the wrong direction

What can you do? I know a few "normal" people who are like that. When we all get vaccinated, NZ will have herd immunity, thereby giving this lot a strong amount of protection. But if they get infected, that's too bad, you had the choice

GV27

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#2672298 12-Mar-2021 14:15

Really excited for the future of mRNA vaccines given the success of the Pfizer stuff. It really is brave new world stuff.

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Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

Scott3

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#2672299 12-Mar-2021 14:16

tdgeek:

Thats huge. Where effectiveness is very very close to trial based efficacy

From Israel we already knew that the Pfizer jab was extremely effective at stopping people getting badly sick, but the bit about being 94% effective against asymptomatic infection is as you say huge.

In short it means that there is a realistic prospect of getting herd immunity in NZ, even without having a vaccine approved for kids (as long as the south African strain or other new strains don't beat the vaccine).

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#2672331 12-Mar-2021 15:10

GV27:
Really excited for the future of mRNA vaccines given the success of the Pfizer stuff. It really is brave new world stuff.

Thats the other thing that grinds the gears, with the 'its rushed' brigade. And comparing to flu jab that needs to be changed and updated 'whatif'isms

Rna, stopping it before it can start regardless of whats in it. Vs inert strains Teaching the body that change

Those 'research' people online wouldn't know the difference if it hit them, but still lump in the same boat without understanding the beauty of it

Hardly rushed when you've been working on it for 12yrs, struggling with limited resources. Then all of a sudden had massive money, multiple labs and support at disposal to make the testing and trial abilities better, and as a result faster. Not.. rushed.

It's like winning lotto. More money at your disposal means you get nicer things faster. But don't get accused of rushing anything there :)

tdgeek

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#2672332 12-Mar-2021 15:11

Scott3:

From Israel we already knew that the Pfizer jab was extremely effective at stopping people getting badly sick, but the bit about being 94% effective against asymptomatic infection is as you say huge.

In short it means that there is a realistic prospect of getting herd immunity in NZ, even without having a vaccine approved for kids (as long as the south African strain or other new strains don't beat the vaccine).

Agree. I always felt that effectiveness in the real world might be 70%, read that her and elsewhere. Thats ok, as long as the vaccination is a very high & of th population, but 90%+ wow, thats great news

Scott3

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#2672349 12-Mar-2021 15:53

Oblivian: The sad thing about our population is even if Herald posted that the same 400 comments would appear

My choice
98% survival rate
Fda rushed
Not tested
Human guinee pigs
Why won't you posted the reaction and death figures

Etc etc

The last few articles have been quite disproportionately voiced in the wrong direction

Remember that only a very small (but very vocal) portion of the population are true conscientious objectors when it comes to vaccines. Little point exerting the effort to changes these peoples mind, they are so small in number they are unlikely to have a material impact on the likes of herd immunity.

Those who are simply hesitant are a much larger group. I think most of these will come around once many of their friends, celebs they look up to etc are vaccinated. Also the probable need for vaccination for MIQ free travel will motivate some. And others will become motivated when the media starts talking seriously about opening back up to tourism etc.

With other vaccines (Measles etc.) my understanding is those who didn't get around to getting vaccinated, or didn't know they should outnumber the above group. (As an example I am of an age where they only gave one measles vaccine, didn't find out untill the last outbreak that I should have a second one).

I do think we should be considering legislation to provide false health advice, and the media have a responsibility to keep it off their platforms, comment sections etc.

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#2672352 12-Mar-2021 16:08

I agree with the above. The conspiracy nutters are a tiny minority and not worth worrying about. People who are reasonable but hesitant aren't a problem either as they can be educated.

It's the "can't be bothered" crowd that I'm more worried about. Just look at the number of people who are too lazy to scan QR codes.

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#2672356 12-Mar-2021 16:21

alasta:

I agree with the above. The conspiracy nutters are a tiny minority and not worth worrying about. People who are reasonable but hesitant aren't a problem either as they can be educated.

It's the "can't be bothered" crowd that I'm more worried about. Just look at the number of people who are too lazy to scan QR codes.

Agreed. Those who think that everyone else will do it, and don't do it because... Herd Immunity.

Thing is, if you understand what Herd Immunity is, then you should know enough to help provide it!

Even if I was reluctant, and wasn't worried about myself, I'd do it based on the evidence, because there are people who genuinely cannot make use of it.

It's my responsibility to the rest of NZ to do it.

DS248

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#2672360 12-Mar-2021 16:32

Scott3:

...

Those who are simply hesitant are a much larger group. I think most of these will come around once many of their friends, celebs they look up to etc are vaccinated.

...

Happened to hear a bit of talkback radio while driving a few days ago (think is was Magic Talk, or something like that). Presenters weren't bad but a few of the callers ....!

One interesting part was results of a poll the station or group they belonged to had done (poll may even have even been on their FB page - was not initially paying much attention).

As I recall the results were:

- not entirely surprising, 70% of those who had responded said they were unlikely to(?), or would not get vaccinated (subgroup: listeners who responded to the poll)

- more interestingly, 99% of respondents said they would not be influenced by sporting or other celebs promoting vaccination (or getting vaccinated ... don't recall exactly which)

- and 96%, not influenced by politicians promoting/getting vaccinations.

So at least on this topic, it seems 'celebs' may not have as much influence as supposed?

Tinkerisk

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#2672369 12-Mar-2021 17:13

We're facing the third wave right now in GER. That's what happens when openings are pushed too hard by (no) time, money and travelling ...

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