Coronavirus fears shut bars, borders; WHO urges world to ‘test, test, test’

At least the US is admitting they got it wrong and are now moving in the right direction.

Donny hasn’t admitted anything, nor will he.

Japan won't do this until is far too late.

Agreed.

@bass4funk

Clearly we can't rely on the J-gov or media. And the vast majority of Japanese are also not going to want to stick their necks out and demand change. The low number of confirmed deaths so far is feeding the denial and complacency. I fear this is going to come back and kick Japan in the backside. Hard.

@Chip Star

At least the US is admitting they got it wrong and are now moving in the right direction. Japan won't do this until is far too late.

But the lack of testing we are seeing in Japan screams of denial, complacency and incompetence.

As does the lack of testing in the US. Denial and incompetence on the part of Donny.

Newsom praised Donny for Donny’s handling of the cruise ship issue, not the Donny’s overall handling of this situation. Let’s not do a Fox “News” and over exaggerate. There’s also Newsom’s track record of bipartisanship during crisis, something conservatives could learn from.

Japan has freedom of expression and press, which are the first amendment rights that allow the media to accurately report in Donny ‘a incompetence (and allow Fox “Mews” to constantly spew inaccuracies and conspiracy theories.

The reason the Japanese press can’t push Abe is because of the press clubs here. If the media steps out of line, they are booted from the press clubs and no longer have access.

But, let’s not let facts stand in the way of our posting.

Yes there are challenges, and of course, testing alone is not the panacea. But the lack of testing we are seeing in Japan screams of denial, complacency and incompetence.

I completely agree which is why I was stating that you will not see a massive push that will heavily criticize Abe and to push for answers.

It’s hilarious that anyone thinks Fox “News” covers Donny fairly given they constantly praise him and rarely call out his incompetence.

They do and more often than the liberals realize since they’re working overtime to trash him as much as they possibly can, but Napolitano, Shep Smith, Geraldo, Fox and Friends, Tucker, Cavuto, Wallace, he gets it all the time, but the difference is when they see him doing something positive, they give him credit when credit is due. Even Gavin Newsom cut through the spin and praised the President on his handling of this crisis. Liberals can and should criticize the President, we all do, but at least liberals don’t have to work overtime to just dig into something when there’s nothing in order to boost their ratings, it’s not helping much. In Japan’s case you have a different culture and the media can’t push Abe’s administration in the same way as in the US media can, they don’t have the same First amendment rights like we do.

They’re more expected to follow and favor or cast the administration in a more positive light.

Zichi

There are many pitfalls with the testing.

Yes there are challenges, and of course, testing alone is not the panacea. But the lack of testing we are seeing in Japan screams of denial, complacency and incompetence.

It’s hilarious that anyone thinks Fox “News” covers Donny fairly given they constantly praise him and rarely call out his incompetence.

I completely agree that the MSM doesn’t treat Donny fairly. It’s not like it simply reports the words and actions of the president.

Why do some people think ratings is casually correlated with credibility? Given the number of retractions Fox “News” has to issue - Seth Rich, pizzagate, etc. - and the average IQ of its viewers (extremely low, which is why they love all the pretty lights and being told how to think), we know ratings don’t mean credibility.

Has nothing to do with FNC, they criticize him on a lot of occasions, he’s not always happy with them either, but at least they cover him fairly unlike the msm. If they spoke the truth that would be fine, more credibility and less retractions for them, but they never learn, that’s why their ratings are always in the toilet. One reason why the media is overly incompetent is not because they tell the news as they should (and haven’t for quite some time now) the ONLY thing they focusing is just solely as an armed mouth piece for the faltering left.So you think Donny is competent?

Chip Star, hahaha, you never been to Chinese filthy wet markets, have you ?

Well, the majority of wet market in other countries doesn't have or nurture any strain of corona-virus, didn't they?

Wuhan wet market closes amid pneumonia outbreak

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202001/01/WS5e0c6a49a310cf3e35581e30.html

Yeah, the media is incompetent for reporting Donny’s words and actions! How dare the media not just follow Fox “News” and just swing off everything Donny says?! Smh.

The Dems keep trying to take action to help alleviate this issue, but the republicans keep obstructing and Donny keeps downplaying the seriousness of it. Dear lord!

Incompetence

aka: msm

In addition to that there also seems to have been a deliberate decision to discourage testing to keep the numbers down for political reasons. So its a combination of incompetence and sheer repugnant selfishness.

On the plus side it seems to have dawned on him as he watched the market tank yet again yesterday that the Federal government that he is in charge of needs to do something real to address this.

Interesting, I was thinking the exact same thing.

Dr. Rob Davidson, a U.S. doctor's point of view.

As an ER doc trying to treat patients who may have COVID-19, I can't underscore enough how much harder the lack of testing is making our job. Yes we're used to making life-or-death decisions with limited information, daily. But this scenario is very different. Here’s why:

For us data is everything. Board Certified Emergency Physicians (ER docs) are trained in pattern recognition & rely on research to know when the preponderance of evidence directs us toward one or another path of treatment that could significantly help or harm our patients.

With COVID-19, we doctors have very little evidence-based data on the basic science of transmissibility, incubation period or even what measures would be taken to protect patients (& providers). Our best evidence? What has occurred in China, South Korea & Italy thus far...

But the difference with these other countries with COVID-19 is that at the earliest point possible, a huge testing regime was used to determine the extent of the virus in the hospitalized “very sick” population & the "walking well” less-sick population. We don't have that.

Here's the kicker: WHO had a test that worked, but it was rejected by the U.S. in January. Then, initial attempts to make our own test failed. As a result, as an ER doc I can't get most patients tested. And it's now known that the virus has been here for several weeks.

The only path forward is a massive testing regime ID’ing relatively healthy individuals who are infected.Only then can containment stop the spread in communities. And perhaps the more "walking well" positives we get, the more we can convince people that the threat is real.

To be blunt: Our ability to fight this virus has been seriously hurt by right-wing pundits & the President, who convinced people it's “just a cold” and will go away “like that.” For us ER docs to do our job, those comments need to stop. And massive testing needs to start.

And before someone else jumps in and says that's what they are doing and that's why the test are so low, don't be so naive. There are numerous posters on these threads starting to recount stories of being turned away and told no test despite showing all the right symptoms.

The anecdotal evidence from posters combined with the low number of tests being done demonstrates Abe’s government’s incompetence on this.

It must really burn Abe and the right wingers in Japan that South Korea’s response to this issue has been so much more advanced than Japan’s.

@Chip Star

We wouldn’t be dealing with tis if China had health standards and didn’t let the filthy wet markets continue.

Think about how much better of a position we would be in had China not tried to hide this at first and then shared information appropriately.

Thanks, China.

True, but you actually sound like Trump, lol. No use in crying over spilt beer.

@zichi

I'm sorry but that just isn't possible. So with limited test kits how do the authorities decide who is tested first?

No one is suggesting we need to test the entire population. People are suggesting that we should be using the capacity we have to test potential cases i.e. people displaying respiratory symptoms and people who have been in contact with confirmed cases.

And before someone else jumps in and says that's what they are doing and that's why the test are so low, don't be so naive. There are numerous posters on these threads starting to recount stories of being turned away and told no test despite showing all the right symptoms.

It's not entirely the Japanese government's fault for the lack of testing. 

Yes, it is. The government is meant to ensure there are proper resources available in emergencies, which the Japanese and American governments have failed miserably to do.

There must be a reason

Incompetence.

BINGO! ROFL!

It's not entirely the Japanese government's fault for the lack of testing. If they said "everybody, get tested if you feel unwell" you'd suddenly have 125 million people rushing to the nearest testing facility.

American's are stocking up on toilet paper, guns and ammo! Guess they think someone might steal it?

I've heard from friends in Washington, Oregon and Arizona who've said they've never seen so many people 'open carrying'. Pistols on hips, rifles slung over shoulders. Tetchy shoppers heavily armed - what could go wrong.

Incompetence.

In addition to that there also seems to have been a deliberate decision to discourage testing to keep the numbers down for political reasons. So its a combination of incompetence and sheer repugnant selfishness.

On the plus side it seems to have dawned on him as he watched the market tank yet again yesterday that the Federal government that he is in charge of needs to do something real to address this.

There must be a reason

Incompetence.

When is Donny going to stop obstructing and allow the US to catch up to South Korea in dealing with this issue? Smh.

There must be a reason

So basically everything the WHO says needs to be done isn't being done in Japan. Restaurants, bars and movie theatres are operating like nothing has changed. People are clogging the subways like always. Testing is ludicrously inadequate.

Its like everyone expects those stupid masks they are wearing is going to protect them.

This needs to change NOW. The government is asleep at the wheel on this.

Tourists arriving in NZ with no plans to self isolate have started to be deported. Deportation has serious consequences for future travel. It’s hard on people but really needs to be done I think.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120344713/coronavirus-tourist-to-be-deported-from-nz-for-having-no-plans-to-selfisolate

Sales of guns and ammunition are soaring across the US as coronavirus hysteria prompts some Americans to turn to firearms.

The type of guns being bought is reflective of the fear prevalent among customers. There is almost no interest in hunting rifles and there is a massive demand for AR-15 semi-automatic assault-style rifles.

Firearms are already the second most prevalent killer of children in the US after car crashes. In the 14- to 17-year-old bracket, gun injuries are the highest single cause of death

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/16/us-sales-guns-ammunition-soar-amid-coronavirus-panic-buying

Rather than fear, far too many people in Japan simply dont take it seriously. Very few people are taking any precautions such as avoiding gatherings, social distancing etc.

Clubs in Shibuya and Roppongi is still mostly open with gatherings while over 1000 on any given night.

People cite low death rate but that’s only if it is within health care capacity, and Nagoya seems to be running out with only around 100 cases.

once health care capacity runs out, the 5% critical people will most likely die, and the next 12% severe patients would have many deaths as well.

This disease have clear potential to reach 10%+ case fatality rate once it overwhelms a health system, and Japan’s health system seems no where near prepared for it.

The above picture makes me realize once again that health care workers have always put themselves on the frontlines. Hats off to each involved in this struggle. Americans need to say Make America Healthy Again, MAHA. Start by electing politicians who care about health - for all. Elect those who'll prioritize funding programs that put health at or near the top of the priority funding list, ahead of programs that primarily the richest and most powerful.

@Zichi

In Japan there are 130 million people but there isn't 130 million test kits and if there were it would take more than 60 million hours to take them and analysis the results. There are not enough labs and technicians.

Why do you want to test everybody at the same time ? No countries is doing it and I didn't see anybody asking for it either. I guess most people understand that is not doable. There is a margin in between testing 100 news people(recent number, high variability through time) a day and 12000000. Abe claimed Japan could test up to 6000 person a day, even reserving 50% of test kits for re-test of people, that still left a good amount of tests kits available.

@blahblah

Remember they re-test people so they testing less than 100 news people doesn't mean they didn't not test other people : you can add 1 test for every discharged people and for every new infected cruise people for example.

Do not think too far about it. Possibly the government is just not so interested in the disease (except for the bother to their economics and politics plan).

The WHO is a complete joke, why, because if they have or had any morals in what they do the WHO should have this type event under control. What this is showing is WHO is good at stimulating FEAR and MIND CONTROL. This event is creating more stress on people than the virus itself, I wonder what the suicide rate is at right now? How many people are getting medications for stress, what is the financial stresses for people? Who are the winners here? Yes, it is that easy to control the human in the name of science.

Ok Sunday Japan had over 60 cases with 107 tests, so they immediately suppressed testing to only 43 on Monday and “lowered” daily cases to 33.

Great observation.

Japan will never test as Japan needs to conceal and suppress reported numbers for Olympics and tourism.

Ok Sunday Japan had over 60 cases with 107 tests, so they immediately suppressed testing to only 43 on Monday and “lowered” daily cases to 33.

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000164708_00001.html#kokunaihassei

All the while there’s repression of speech of anyone who speaks about Japan’s low testing or question Japan’s government line that there’s no community spread in Japan, only small “clusters”

The WHO says test, test, test.

Trump said, weeks ago, that anyone who wanted to be tested could be tested.

In reality, almost no one is able to get tested in the USA, because of Trump's utter incompetence. Why should we expect the man who is incompetent in trade policy, in foreign policy, in fiscal policy, to be any better at public health policy?

When is Donny going to stop obstructing and allow the US to catch up to South Korea in dealing with this issue? Smh.

One of the biggest problems is the "you can't get tested unless you're showing symptoms" mentality. How will we ever know where the hot spots are for this virus? How will we know if we can infect someone else?

I'm starting to worry that a very large percentage of the population has already been exposed to this virus.

Get it? No tests, no cases counted.

that person

Test, test, test....

exactly what Japan is not doing

I swear you beat me to it VERBATUM

Drive through testing actually helps protect health care professionals and members of the public as those who are sick are essentially self isolating in their cars. Much safer than going in to a hospital or doctors surgery.

Japan is very smart not to jump in the drive-thru testing bandwagon. Not only does it endanger frontline health workers but it's also ineffective since there's no cure. Some things are better unbeknownst to you, Coronavirus being one of them. If you feel sick, just stay home drink water and watch TV. You are also being patriotic by not letting the world know you've had a Coronavirus lol

Well, most countries and people are doing just that as you mentioned, but with all that when is Japan going to start testing people and start to take this more seriously?

So when will testing start in Japan? This is getting really out of hand now.

Japan is very smart not to jump in the drive-thru testing bandwagon. Not only does it endanger frontline health workers but it's also ineffective since there's no cure. Some things are better unbeknownst to you, Coronavirus being one of them. If you feel sick, just stay home drink water and watch TV. You are also being patriotic by not letting the world know you've had a Coronavirus lol

Yes they should be testing more people. EVEN THOSE WITH MILD SYMPTOMS.

They aren’t testing people with mild symptoms of corona. A friend has similar symptoms to corona and he called the corona virus hotline but they said that because he has no high fever it’s not necessary to test for corona. He also asked if he could go out. They said YES. Therefore the case number of corona is low compared to other countries. Cause they are only counting those with severe symptoms. All the while people with mild symptoms are running about spreading it around.

Correction above; during the DENG regime

What were you doing in the filthy market 

It was during the Mao years. I was on a government sponsored tour showcasing the wonders of Chinese life.

you don't upset China when you need help, unless you are crazy.

I believe that international cooperation is the key, not veiled threats from the various regimes and their supporters.

The governments of China and the US have behaved appallingly. This needs to change.

PTownsend said "I have. Years ago in Guangzhou. I was repulsed."

What were you doing in the filthy market ? Have you seen any homeless people ? or beggars ?

*Chip Star, give me some real information about China, or the benefit of the doubt, as Americans say.*

I have. It’s not my problem if your government doesn’t allow you to view that information because it wants it’s citizens ignorant.

Chip Star, hahaha, you never been to Chinese filthy wet markets, have you ?

I have. Years ago in Guangzhou. I was repulsed.

You you won't because you can't find one.

Information and data of any sort from totalitarian regimes like China's can't be trusted.

Chip Star, give me some real information about China, or  the benefit of the doubt, as Americans say.

You you won't because you can't find one.

Haha. If your government allows you to view this website, here’s your non-existent wet markets:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-chinese-wet-market-photos-2020-1%3famp

Since when this judge relies on information from google ?

You can’t rely on information from google because you cannot access google since your government prefers its citizen to be ignorant.

Chip Star siad "Nope, and I won’t ever because I don’t want to catch whatever new virus will undoubtedly arise from them in the future."

You you won't because you can't find one.

Since when this judge relies on information from google ?

Chip Star, hahaha, you never been to Chinese filthy wet markets, have you ?

Nope, and I won’t ever because I don’t want to catch whatever new virus will undoubtedly arise from them in the future.

Chip Star, hahaha, you never been to Chinese filthy wet markets, have you ?

We wouldn’t be dealing with tis if China had health standards and didn’t let the filthy wet markets continue.

Think about how much better of a position we would be in had China not tried to hide this at first and then shared information appropriately.

Thanks, China.

Whatever advised, WHO is failing global trust. Many have been confused and misled by WHO statements with erroneous info. Director-General Tedros is a pro-Beijing panda hugger.

Over 126 million people. Just 825 confirmed cases?

Abe's decision for not testing general population is very disappointing. If northeast asia can first walk out this crisis, Japan still has the chance for the Olympics. But you have to be actively show the number to calm down the concerns.

Japan isn't a poor country, why it made a poor decision ?

The issue of not testing in Japan stems from the fact that Japanese tend to avoid conflict and/or responsibility even when something is deadly wrong. Takata and TEPCO are just two examples, and now COVID-19. Sweep it under the rug so as not to disturb the wa. The Japanese government is too reluctant to admit their fault.

Test, test, test....

exactly what Japan is not doing