The coronavirus

hedonist

My niece works for a firm that has an executive suite in a building.  Someone in a suite across the hall tested positive for Covid, but the head of that firm neglected to share the news for several days.  Poor kid did the test, then quarantined herself until the (negative) results came.

I just wish people would be more responsible.  Not because of image or liability, but for simple compassion, integrity, and common sense.

oftenreading

One of the commonalities of the states seeing declining case numbers despite some level of opening up is early and ongoing mask use.

Merkin Baller

https://www.businessinsider.com/two-missouri-hairstylists-with-coronavirus-saw-140-clients-none-infected-2020-6

pjl44

oftenreading said:

Shouldn't be a surprise that we need to hear more details on a childcare/education program than what was included in a single tweet. There are plenty of reasons why the childcare issue needs to be addressed, not least of which is that more and more parents are being required to return to their workplaces (not just permitted, but required) without their regular childcare in place. Why would addressing that issue necessarily be the wrong thing to do?

Yeah, totally my bad. You can probably poke holes in it, but it's at worst a pretty novel approach to a big problem.

Halifax2TheMax

Flo Rida with 1/3 of the population of the U.K. is doing worse than the U.K. and is comparable to Wuhan, China at their peak. Can we call it the Flo Rida virus now? 

bbiggs

oftenreading said:

Shouldn't be a surprise that we need to hear more details on a childcare/education program than what was included in a single tweet. There are plenty of reasons why the childcare issue needs to be addressed, not least of which is that more and more parents are being required to return to their workplaces (not just permitted, but required) without their regular childcare in place. Why would addressing that issue necessarily be the wrong thing to do?

Addressing a childcare need is not a problem. It becomes questionable when the childcare need arises as a direct result of school closures due to COVID. The logic escapes me when it is suddenly okay to throw all of those kids in the same space because it’s childcare and not school.  It then becomes safe? 

bbiggs

Oh, and our governor is making all of the school districts pull a “gotcha” tomorrow. Within the same week that most schools rolled out plans, the governor is now set to announce a state mandate for no in class teaching to “start” the school year. Nice timing. I guarantee our kids won’t be able to step foot in a school this year. A shame. 

oftenreading

You bbiggs said:

oftenreading said:

Shouldn't be a surprise that we need to hear more details on a childcare/education program than what was included in a single tweet. There are plenty of reasons why the childcare issue needs to be addressed, not least of which is that more and more parents are being required to return to their workplaces (not just permitted, but required) without their regular childcare in place. Why would addressing that issue necessarily be the wrong thing to do?

Addressing a childcare need is not a problem. It becomes questionable when the childcare need arises as a direct result of school closures due to COVID. The logic escapes me when it is suddenly okay to throw all of those kids in the same space because it’s childcare and not school.  It then becomes safe? 

That does not appear to be what is happening, though. 

mcgruff10

As a teacher I have no clue what the right answer is. If a kid on my team gets covid then the entire team has to quarantine for two weeks. (80 kids six teachers. Core plus specials)
now if a teacher gets covid it is a whole
differnrnt ballgame.  Let s say I get covid, my entire team (80 kids, plus teachers) plus my wife s team (same school, 80 kids plus teachers), plus my daughters classmates and bus mates in high school plus my first grader in another school.  Plus my sixth grade grade son goes to school in another district so teachers plus students.  Etc etc. 
Craziness. 
Teaching is going to be very different come fall (no group work, peer to peer instruction, etc) however I m ready to teach either remotely or in person.  

bbiggs

mcgruff10 said:

As a teacher I have no clue what the right answer is. If a kid on my team gets covid then the entire team has to quarantine for two weeks. (80 kids six teachers. Core plus specials)
now if a teacher gets covid it is a whole
differnrnt ballgame.  Let s say I get covid, my entire team (80 kids, plus teachers) plus my wife s team (same school, 80 kids plus teachers), plus my daughters classmates and bus mates in high school plus my first grader in another school.  
Craziness. 
I m ready to teach either remotely or in person.  

This is not easy and there’s no perfect answer.  As a teacher and a parent, if you had your way, would you prefer in class or e-learning? 

mcgruff10

bbiggs said:

mcgruff10 said:

As a teacher I have no clue what the right answer is. If a kid on my team gets covid then the entire team has to quarantine for two weeks. (80 kids six teachers. Core plus specials)
now if a teacher gets covid it is a whole
differnrnt ballgame.  Let s say I get covid, my entire team (80 kids, plus teachers) plus my wife s team (same school, 80 kids plus teachers), plus my daughters classmates and bus mates in high school plus my first grader in another school.  
Craziness. 
I m ready to teach either remotely or in person.  

This is not easy and there’s no perfect answer.  As a teacher and a parent, if you had your way, would you prefer in class or e-learning? 

There was an email sent yesterday from the district allowing parents to sign up their kids for virtual learning; my  wife and I will be sending our five kids to school.   Now grant it New Jersey is in a pretty good place.  If we start looking like Florida then we would pull them.  It is definitely a tough call.  

bbiggs

mcgruff10 said:

bbiggs said:

mcgruff10 said:

As a teacher I have no clue what the right answer is. If a kid on my team gets covid then the entire team has to quarantine for two weeks. (80 kids six teachers. Core plus specials)
now if a teacher gets covid it is a whole
differnrnt ballgame.  Let s say I get covid, my entire team (80 kids, plus teachers) plus my wife s team (same school, 80 kids plus teachers), plus my daughters classmates and bus mates in high school plus my first grader in another school.  
Craziness. 
I m ready to teach either remotely or in person.  

This is not easy and there’s no perfect answer.  As a teacher and a parent, if you had your way, would you prefer in class or e-learning? 

There was an email sent yesterday from the district allowing parents to sign up their kids for virtual learning; my  wife and I will be sending our five kids to school.   Now grant it New Jersey is in a pretty good place.  If we start looking like Florida then we would pull them.  It is definitely a tough call.  

Makes sense. Thanks for sharing. 

bbiggs

IL is in a pretty good place as well, but it appears the choice will be made for us. 

Halifax2TheMax

The Shamwow guy is back. We’re doomed. A sure sign of the apocalypse. Just when I was beginning to have hope too.

dignin

oftenreading said:

Massachusetts

How much the state improved:

Massachusetts started reopening on May 25. But since then, the rate of new cases has gone down, not up.

Between May 25 and July 10, the rate of daily new cases in Massachusetts has dropped by 75%, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Between April 15 and July 14, Covid-19 hospitalizations have dropped by about 84%, and the rate of new deaths has dropped by about 95%, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Health.

How they helped quell coronavirus:

Massachusetts waited to start reopening and was one of the last states to do so.

It also enacted a mask mandate before most other states did, on May 6. But unlike some states, the mandate in Massachusetts also applies to outdoor public areas where it might not be possible to stay 6 feet away from others.

How they're planning to keep Covid-19 under control:

Massachusetts is doubling down on testing to try to snuff out coronavirus in the state.

This month, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a "Stop the Spread" testing initiative that will last until mid-August.

The effort will focus on eight communities where the rates of Covid-19 are higher than the statewide average.

"The goal of this initiative is to provide widespread asymptomatic testing in an easy-to-access location within these communities" to help stop community spread, Baker said.

And Massachusetts is aiming to resume classroom education this fall -- but with face masks and distancing rules.

"Students in grade 2 and above are required to wear a mask/face covering that covers their nose and mouth," according to initial guidance from the state education department. The same applies to teachers and staff members.

For those unable to wear a mask, face shields may be used. And mask breaks should occur throughout the day if there's adequate distancing or ventilation.

New Jersey

How the state has improved:

New Jersey was hit hard early in this pandemic, with hospitalizations and deaths soaring. The state has the highest rate of Covid-19 deaths per capita: 175 per 100,000 people.

But now, New Jersey is among just a handful of states on track to contain Covid-19, according to CovidActNow.org, which tracks each state in four key areas: the infection rate, the test positivity rate, hospital capacity and contact tracing ability.

While testing has increased, the rate of new cases has decreased. New Jersey now has a test positivity rate of about 1.3%.

And the rate of transmission (Rt) is about 0.91, which means fewer and fewer people are getting infected.

How New Jersey helped changed its course:

In mid-March, Gov. Phil Murphy activated the National Guard and issued sweeping orders, including:

-- The closure of all schools and universities starting on March 18

-- The closure of all casinos, racetracks, theaters and gyms

-- The closure of all nonessential retail, recreational and entertainment businesses after 8 p.m. each day

New Jersey was the first state to issue a mask mandate, back on April 8.

Businesses must provide masks to employees and deny entry to any customer who refuse to wear them inside the business. Those riding public transit in the state must also wear face masks.

New Jersey also joined forces with New York and Connecticut on requiring visitors from hot-spot states to quarantine for 14 days.

How New Jersey is trying to keep Covid-19 under control:

Officials are urging residents not to get complacent just because the numbers have improved.

"Our rate of transmission is in a good place today, but only a week ago ... it was above 1.0," the governor said Monday.

"And if we change course, it's going to not only rise, but so will the number of positive test results, so will the number of hospitalizations, and so will the number, sadly, of residents who pass."

Vermont

How well the state is doing:

Vermont has the lowest test positivity rate in the nation -- 0.78% as of Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

It also has the 3rd lowest number of coronavirus cases per capita and the 10th lowest Covid-19 death rate of any state.

How they helped keep their numbers low:

Contact tracing has steadily improved in Vermont -- from an average of 2.7 contacts made per case in April to 4.8 contacts made per case in June.

As of last week, "2,469 contacts have been identified," the Vermont Department of Health said.

"172 contacts became a COVID-19 case. This means that this group of people knew to stay home, and likely did not spread the virus further."

How they're planning to keep Covid-19 under control:

When schools reopen this fall, "All staff and students are required to wear facial coverings while in the building, as well as outside where physical distancing cannot be maintained," according to guidance issued last month by state health and education officials. That guidance could change before the school year starts.

And despite having the lowest test positivity rate in the country, Vermont's state of emergency will be extended for another month, Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday.

"It's the vehicle we need to keep certain protections in place (and) control outbreaks as they come up, so we can keep the economy open and manage this ongoing crisis," Scott said.

"As long as the data stays consistent, we will stick with our effort to incrementally lift restrictions and get closer to a point where this order is no longer necessary."

It's  interesting because some people on this forum have argued that leadership doesn't really matter. That Americans will do what they are going to do regardless. These states show the opposite.

mcgruff10

dignin said:

oftenreading said:

Massachusetts

How much the state improved:

Massachusetts started reopening on May 25. But since then, the rate of new cases has gone down, not up.

Between May 25 and July 10, the rate of daily new cases in Massachusetts has dropped by 75%, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Between April 15 and July 14, Covid-19 hospitalizations have dropped by about 84%, and the rate of new deaths has dropped by about 95%, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Health.

How they helped quell coronavirus:

Massachusetts waited to start reopening and was one of the last states to do so.

It also enacted a mask mandate before most other states did, on May 6. But unlike some states, the mandate in Massachusetts also applies to outdoor public areas where it might not be possible to stay 6 feet away from others.

How they're planning to keep Covid-19 under control:

Massachusetts is doubling down on testing to try to snuff out coronavirus in the state.

This month, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a "Stop the Spread" testing initiative that will last until mid-August.

The effort will focus on eight communities where the rates of Covid-19 are higher than the statewide average.

"The goal of this initiative is to provide widespread asymptomatic testing in an easy-to-access location within these communities" to help stop community spread, Baker said.

And Massachusetts is aiming to resume classroom education this fall -- but with face masks and distancing rules.

"Students in grade 2 and above are required to wear a mask/face covering that covers their nose and mouth," according to initial guidance from the state education department. The same applies to teachers and staff members.

For those unable to wear a mask, face shields may be used. And mask breaks should occur throughout the day if there's adequate distancing or ventilation.

New Jersey

How the state has improved:

New Jersey was hit hard early in this pandemic, with hospitalizations and deaths soaring. The state has the highest rate of Covid-19 deaths per capita: 175 per 100,000 people.

But now, New Jersey is among just a handful of states on track to contain Covid-19, according to CovidActNow.org, which tracks each state in four key areas: the infection rate, the test positivity rate, hospital capacity and contact tracing ability.

While testing has increased, the rate of new cases has decreased. New Jersey now has a test positivity rate of about 1.3%.

And the rate of transmission (Rt) is about 0.91, which means fewer and fewer people are getting infected.

How New Jersey helped changed its course:

In mid-March, Gov. Phil Murphy activated the National Guard and issued sweeping orders, including:

-- The closure of all schools and universities starting on March 18

-- The closure of all casinos, racetracks, theaters and gyms

-- The closure of all nonessential retail, recreational and entertainment businesses after 8 p.m. each day

New Jersey was the first state to issue a mask mandate, back on April 8.

Businesses must provide masks to employees and deny entry to any customer who refuse to wear them inside the business. Those riding public transit in the state must also wear face masks.

New Jersey also joined forces with New York and Connecticut on requiring visitors from hot-spot states to quarantine for 14 days.

How New Jersey is trying to keep Covid-19 under control:

Officials are urging residents not to get complacent just because the numbers have improved.

"Our rate of transmission is in a good place today, but only a week ago ... it was above 1.0," the governor said Monday.

"And if we change course, it's going to not only rise, but so will the number of positive test results, so will the number of hospitalizations, and so will the number, sadly, of residents who pass."

Vermont

How well the state is doing:

Vermont has the lowest test positivity rate in the nation -- 0.78% as of Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

It also has the 3rd lowest number of coronavirus cases per capita and the 10th lowest Covid-19 death rate of any state.

How they helped keep their numbers low:

Contact tracing has steadily improved in Vermont -- from an average of 2.7 contacts made per case in April to 4.8 contacts made per case in June.

As of last week, "2,469 contacts have been identified," the Vermont Department of Health said.

"172 contacts became a COVID-19 case. This means that this group of people knew to stay home, and likely did not spread the virus further."

How they're planning to keep Covid-19 under control:

When schools reopen this fall, "All staff and students are required to wear facial coverings while in the building, as well as outside where physical distancing cannot be maintained," according to guidance issued last month by state health and education officials. That guidance could change before the school year starts.

And despite having the lowest test positivity rate in the country, Vermont's state of emergency will be extended for another month, Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday.

"It's the vehicle we need to keep certain protections in place (and) control outbreaks as they come up, so we can keep the economy open and manage this ongoing crisis," Scott said.

"As long as the data stays consistent, we will stick with our effort to incrementally lift restrictions and get closer to a point where this order is no longer necessary."

It's  interesting because some people on this forum have argued that leadership doesn't really matter. That Americans will do what they are going to do regardless. These states show the opposite.

I always believed the state level was more important than the federal level.

Spunkie

mcgruff10 said:

bbiggs said:

mcgruff10 said:

As a teacher I have no clue what the right answer is. If a kid on my team gets covid then the entire team has to quarantine for two weeks. (80 kids six teachers. Core plus specials)
now if a teacher gets covid it is a whole
differnrnt ballgame.  Let s say I get covid, my entire team (80 kids, plus teachers) plus my wife s team (same school, 80 kids plus teachers), plus my daughters classmates and bus mates in high school plus my first grader in another school.  
Craziness. 
I m ready to teach either remotely or in person.  

This is not easy and there’s no perfect answer.  As a teacher and a parent, if you had your way, would you prefer in class or e-learning? 

There was an email sent yesterday from the district allowing parents to sign up their kids for virtual learning; my  wife and I will be sending our five kids to school.   Now grant it New Jersey is in a pretty good place.  If we start looking like Florida then we would pull them.  It is definitely a tough call.  

I made an informed decision last June and sent mine off to school Mon-Tues (they cleaned Wednesday before the Thur-Fri group).

It was a hard call, but let's face it, we are a smart group here! It was a calculated risk, I kept my eye on the numbers.  It went off without a hitch in my case. Best wishes for you and your family.

dignin

mcgruff10 said:

dignin said:

oftenreading said:

Massachusetts

How much the state improved:

Massachusetts started reopening on May 25. But since then, the rate of new cases has gone down, not up.

Between May 25 and July 10, the rate of daily new cases in Massachusetts has dropped by 75%, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Between April 15 and July 14, Covid-19 hospitalizations have dropped by about 84%, and the rate of new deaths has dropped by about 95%, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Health.

How they helped quell coronavirus:

Massachusetts waited to start reopening and was one of the last states to do so.

It also enacted a mask mandate before most other states did, on May 6. But unlike some states, the mandate in Massachusetts also applies to outdoor public areas where it might not be possible to stay 6 feet away from others.

How they're planning to keep Covid-19 under control:

Massachusetts is doubling down on testing to try to snuff out coronavirus in the state.

This month, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a "Stop the Spread" testing initiative that will last until mid-August.

The effort will focus on eight communities where the rates of Covid-19 are higher than the statewide average.

"The goal of this initiative is to provide widespread asymptomatic testing in an easy-to-access location within these communities" to help stop community spread, Baker said.

And Massachusetts is aiming to resume classroom education this fall -- but with face masks and distancing rules.

"Students in grade 2 and above are required to wear a mask/face covering that covers their nose and mouth," according to initial guidance from the state education department. The same applies to teachers and staff members.

For those unable to wear a mask, face shields may be used. And mask breaks should occur throughout the day if there's adequate distancing or ventilation.

New Jersey

How the state has improved:

New Jersey was hit hard early in this pandemic, with hospitalizations and deaths soaring. The state has the highest rate of Covid-19 deaths per capita: 175 per 100,000 people.

But now, New Jersey is among just a handful of states on track to contain Covid-19, according to CovidActNow.org, which tracks each state in four key areas: the infection rate, the test positivity rate, hospital capacity and contact tracing ability.

While testing has increased, the rate of new cases has decreased. New Jersey now has a test positivity rate of about 1.3%.

And the rate of transmission (Rt) is about 0.91, which means fewer and fewer people are getting infected.

How New Jersey helped changed its course:

In mid-March, Gov. Phil Murphy activated the National Guard and issued sweeping orders, including:

-- The closure of all schools and universities starting on March 18

-- The closure of all casinos, racetracks, theaters and gyms

-- The closure of all nonessential retail, recreational and entertainment businesses after 8 p.m. each day

New Jersey was the first state to issue a mask mandate, back on April 8.

Businesses must provide masks to employees and deny entry to any customer who refuse to wear them inside the business. Those riding public transit in the state must also wear face masks.

New Jersey also joined forces with New York and Connecticut on requiring visitors from hot-spot states to quarantine for 14 days.

How New Jersey is trying to keep Covid-19 under control:

Officials are urging residents not to get complacent just because the numbers have improved.

"Our rate of transmission is in a good place today, but only a week ago ... it was above 1.0," the governor said Monday.

"And if we change course, it's going to not only rise, but so will the number of positive test results, so will the number of hospitalizations, and so will the number, sadly, of residents who pass."

Vermont

How well the state is doing:

Vermont has the lowest test positivity rate in the nation -- 0.78% as of Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

It also has the 3rd lowest number of coronavirus cases per capita and the 10th lowest Covid-19 death rate of any state.

How they helped keep their numbers low:

Contact tracing has steadily improved in Vermont -- from an average of 2.7 contacts made per case in April to 4.8 contacts made per case in June.

As of last week, "2,469 contacts have been identified," the Vermont Department of Health said.

"172 contacts became a COVID-19 case. This means that this group of people knew to stay home, and likely did not spread the virus further."

How they're planning to keep Covid-19 under control:

When schools reopen this fall, "All staff and students are required to wear facial coverings while in the building, as well as outside where physical distancing cannot be maintained," according to guidance issued last month by state health and education officials. That guidance could change before the school year starts.

And despite having the lowest test positivity rate in the country, Vermont's state of emergency will be extended for another month, Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday.

"It's the vehicle we need to keep certain protections in place (and) control outbreaks as they come up, so we can keep the economy open and manage this ongoing crisis," Scott said.

"As long as the data stays consistent, we will stick with our effort to incrementally lift restrictions and get closer to a point where this order is no longer necessary."

It's  interesting because some people on this forum have argued that leadership doesn't really matter. That Americans will do what they are going to do regardless. These states show the opposite.

I always believed the state level was more important than the federal level.

It has been but I think that's probably more to do with a lack of leadership from the top. The governors that ignored Trump and did their own thing are currently in much better shape than those who took their lead from Trump.

Also, if we think macro governing level has more of an impact, why is a Repub Trumpy governor ordering cities in his state to not make masks mandatory? Taking away their choice. It kinda defies conservative logic to me. If states know best to handle their unique situation, wouldn't we further conclude that cities would know even better? I'm left scratching my head.

Halifax2TheMax

dignin said:

mcgruff10 said:

dignin said:

oftenreading said:

Massachusetts

How much the state improved:

Massachusetts started reopening on May 25. But since then, the rate of new cases has gone down, not up.

Between May 25 and July 10, the rate of daily new cases in Massachusetts has dropped by 75%, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Between April 15 and July 14, Covid-19 hospitalizations have dropped by about 84%, and the rate of new deaths has dropped by about 95%, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Health.

How they helped quell coronavirus:

Massachusetts waited to start reopening and was one of the last states to do so.

It also enacted a mask mandate before most other states did, on May 6. But unlike some states, the mandate in Massachusetts also applies to outdoor public areas where it might not be possible to stay 6 feet away from others.

How they're planning to keep Covid-19 under control:

Massachusetts is doubling down on testing to try to snuff out coronavirus in the state.

This month, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a "Stop the Spread" testing initiative that will last until mid-August.

The effort will focus on eight communities where the rates of Covid-19 are higher than the statewide average.

"The goal of this initiative is to provide widespread asymptomatic testing in an easy-to-access location within these communities" to help stop community spread, Baker said.

And Massachusetts is aiming to resume classroom education this fall -- but with face masks and distancing rules.

"Students in grade 2 and above are required to wear a mask/face covering that covers their nose and mouth," according to initial guidance from the state education department. The same applies to teachers and staff members.

For those unable to wear a mask, face shields may be used. And mask breaks should occur throughout the day if there's adequate distancing or ventilation.

New Jersey

How the state has improved:

New Jersey was hit hard early in this pandemic, with hospitalizations and deaths soaring. The state has the highest rate of Covid-19 deaths per capita: 175 per 100,000 people.

But now, New Jersey is among just a handful of states on track to contain Covid-19, according to CovidActNow.org, which tracks each state in four key areas: the infection rate, the test positivity rate, hospital capacity and contact tracing ability.

While testing has increased, the rate of new cases has decreased. New Jersey now has a test positivity rate of about 1.3%.

And the rate of transmission (Rt) is about 0.91, which means fewer and fewer people are getting infected.

How New Jersey helped changed its course:

In mid-March, Gov. Phil Murphy activated the National Guard and issued sweeping orders, including:

-- The closure of all schools and universities starting on March 18

-- The closure of all casinos, racetracks, theaters and gyms

-- The closure of all nonessential retail, recreational and entertainment businesses after 8 p.m. each day

New Jersey was the first state to issue a mask mandate, back on April 8.

Businesses must provide masks to employees and deny entry to any customer who refuse to wear them inside the business. Those riding public transit in the state must also wear face masks.

New Jersey also joined forces with New York and Connecticut on requiring visitors from hot-spot states to quarantine for 14 days.

How New Jersey is trying to keep Covid-19 under control:

Officials are urging residents not to get complacent just because the numbers have improved.

"Our rate of transmission is in a good place today, but only a week ago ... it was above 1.0," the governor said Monday.

"And if we change course, it's going to not only rise, but so will the number of positive test results, so will the number of hospitalizations, and so will the number, sadly, of residents who pass."

Vermont

How well the state is doing:

Vermont has the lowest test positivity rate in the nation -- 0.78% as of Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

It also has the 3rd lowest number of coronavirus cases per capita and the 10th lowest Covid-19 death rate of any state.

How they helped keep their numbers low:

Contact tracing has steadily improved in Vermont -- from an average of 2.7 contacts made per case in April to 4.8 contacts made per case in June.

As of last week, "2,469 contacts have been identified," the Vermont Department of Health said.

"172 contacts became a COVID-19 case. This means that this group of people knew to stay home, and likely did not spread the virus further."

How they're planning to keep Covid-19 under control:

When schools reopen this fall, "All staff and students are required to wear facial coverings while in the building, as well as outside where physical distancing cannot be maintained," according to guidance issued last month by state health and education officials. That guidance could change before the school year starts.

And despite having the lowest test positivity rate in the country, Vermont's state of emergency will be extended for another month, Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday.

"It's the vehicle we need to keep certain protections in place (and) control outbreaks as they come up, so we can keep the economy open and manage this ongoing crisis," Scott said.

"As long as the data stays consistent, we will stick with our effort to incrementally lift restrictions and get closer to a point where this order is no longer necessary."

It's  interesting because some people on this forum have argued that leadership doesn't really matter. That Americans will do what they are going to do regardless. These states show the opposite.

I always believed the state level was more important than the federal level.

It has been but I think that's probably more to do with a lack of leadership from the top. The governors that ignored Trump and did their own thing are currently in much better shape than those who took their lead from Trump.

Also, if we think macro governing level has more of an impact, why is a Repub Trumpy governor ordering cities in his state to not make masks mandatory? Taking away their choice. It kinda defies conservative logic to me. If states know best to handle their unique situation, wouldn't we further conclude that cities would know even better? I'm left scratching my head.

You want a real knee slap hoot n holler? Go back to page 1 of this thread and read forward, paying attention to the dates of posts, data presented and comments made.

A more coordinated and sustained federal response on certain aspects of how to address this pandemic would have made a difference. We know this now and we knew it then but you know, Team Trump Treason.

Who here wouldn’t prefer to have had Obama at the helm at the beginning of the outbreak? Be honest.

What % of the US population dying makes you wish we were better or more like other nations that have or are doing a much better job?

dignin

Halifax2TheMax said:

dignin said:

mcgruff10 said:

dignin said:

oftenreading said:

Massachusetts

How much the state improved:

Massachusetts started reopening on May 25. But since then, the rate of new cases has gone down, not up.

Between May 25 and July 10, the rate of daily new cases in Massachusetts has dropped by 75%, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Between April 15 and July 14, Covid-19 hospitalizations have dropped by about 84%, and the rate of new deaths has dropped by about 95%, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Health.

How they helped quell coronavirus:

Massachusetts waited to start reopening and was one of the last states to do so.

It also enacted a mask mandate before most other states did, on May 6. But unlike some states, the mandate in Massachusetts also applies to outdoor public areas where it might not be possible to stay 6 feet away from others.

How they're planning to keep Covid-19 under control:

Massachusetts is doubling down on testing to try to snuff out coronavirus in the state.

This month, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a "Stop the Spread" testing initiative that will last until mid-August.

The effort will focus on eight communities where the rates of Covid-19 are higher than the statewide average.

"The goal of this initiative is to provide widespread asymptomatic testing in an easy-to-access location within these communities" to help stop community spread, Baker said.

And Massachusetts is aiming to resume classroom education this fall -- but with face masks and distancing rules.

"Students in grade 2 and above are required to wear a mask/face covering that covers their nose and mouth," according to initial guidance from the state education department. The same applies to teachers and staff members.

For those unable to wear a mask, face shields may be used. And mask breaks should occur throughout the day if there's adequate distancing or ventilation.

New Jersey

How the state has improved:

New Jersey was hit hard early in this pandemic, with hospitalizations and deaths soaring. The state has the highest rate of Covid-19 deaths per capita: 175 per 100,000 people.

But now, New Jersey is among just a handful of states on track to contain Covid-19, according to CovidActNow.org, which tracks each state in four key areas: the infection rate, the test positivity rate, hospital capacity and contact tracing ability.

While testing has increased, the rate of new cases has decreased. New Jersey now has a test positivity rate of about 1.3%.

And the rate of transmission (Rt) is about 0.91, which means fewer and fewer people are getting infected.

How New Jersey helped changed its course:

In mid-March, Gov. Phil Murphy activated the National Guard and issued sweeping orders, including:

-- The closure of all schools and universities starting on March 18

-- The closure of all casinos, racetracks, theaters and gyms

-- The closure of all nonessential retail, recreational and entertainment businesses after 8 p.m. each day

New Jersey was the first state to issue a mask mandate, back on April 8.

Businesses must provide masks to employees and deny entry to any customer who refuse to wear them inside the business. Those riding public transit in the state must also wear face masks.

New Jersey also joined forces with New York and Connecticut on requiring visitors from hot-spot states to quarantine for 14 days.

How New Jersey is trying to keep Covid-19 under control:

Officials are urging residents not to get complacent just because the numbers have improved.

"Our rate of transmission is in a good place today, but only a week ago ... it was above 1.0," the governor said Monday.

"And if we change course, it's going to not only rise, but so will the number of positive test results, so will the number of hospitalizations, and so will the number, sadly, of residents who pass."

Vermont

How well the state is doing:

Vermont has the lowest test positivity rate in the nation -- 0.78% as of Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

It also has the 3rd lowest number of coronavirus cases per capita and the 10th lowest Covid-19 death rate of any state.

How they helped keep their numbers low:

Contact tracing has steadily improved in Vermont -- from an average of 2.7 contacts made per case in April to 4.8 contacts made per case in June.

As of last week, "2,469 contacts have been identified," the Vermont Department of Health said.

"172 contacts became a COVID-19 case. This means that this group of people knew to stay home, and likely did not spread the virus further."

How they're planning to keep Covid-19 under control:

When schools reopen this fall, "All staff and students are required to wear facial coverings while in the building, as well as outside where physical distancing cannot be maintained," according to guidance issued last month by state health and education officials. That guidance could change before the school year starts.

And despite having the lowest test positivity rate in the country, Vermont's state of emergency will be extended for another month, Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday.

"It's the vehicle we need to keep certain protections in place (and) control outbreaks as they come up, so we can keep the economy open and manage this ongoing crisis," Scott said.

"As long as the data stays consistent, we will stick with our effort to incrementally lift restrictions and get closer to a point where this order is no longer necessary."

It's  interesting because some people on this forum have argued that leadership doesn't really matter. That Americans will do what they are going to do regardless. These states show the opposite.

I always believed the state level was more important than the federal level.

It has been but I think that's probably more to do with a lack of leadership from the top. The governors that ignored Trump and did their own thing are currently in much better shape than those who took their lead from Trump.

Also, if we think macro governing level has more of an impact, why is a Repub Trumpy governor ordering cities in his state to not make masks mandatory? Taking away their choice. It kinda defies conservative logic to me. If states know best to handle their unique situation, wouldn't we further conclude that cities would know even better? I'm left scratching my head.

You want a real knee slap hoot n holler? Go back to page 1 of this thread and read forward, paying attention to the dates of posts, data presented and comments made.

A more coordinated and sustained federal response on certain aspects of how to address this pandemic would have made a difference. We know this now and we knew it then but you know, Team Trump Treason.

Who here wouldn’t prefer to have had Obama at the helm at the beginning of the outbreak? Be honest.

What % of the US population dying makes you wish we were better or more like other nations that have or are doing a much better job?

Bingo.