corona virus alerts - Latest cruising Information for vessels/locations/rules

[rbk]

Originally Posted by Woodland Hills

One caveat regarding therapy: the precursor chemicals for many medicines come from China and with domestic as well as global demand it may not be possible to supply demand for many months. The factories are only just beginning to start up again and if there is a therapy it may be limited to professional athletes, celebrities, politicians and of course, the very wealthy.

HCQ (hydroxychloroquine)- "was approved for medical use in the United States in 1955. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system. In 2017, it was the 128th most prescribed medication in the United States with more than five million prescriptions"

Azithromycin- "was discovered in 1980, and approved for medical use in 1988. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system. The World Health Organization classifies it as critically important for human medicine. In 2016, it was the 49th most prescribed medication in the United States with more than 15 million prescriptions."

Both are generic drug in that there is no current patent on it so anyone can mass produce anywhere without repercussions. (biggest issue right now in getting ventilators out are patent and copyright infringements).

It should also bee noted that these treatments would only be supplied to those in serious or critical condition (current estimates <8000 in serious/critical condition worldwide) This is not an over the counter if you're feeling 'under the weather' treatment. This is to help get people off ventilators and free up critical care equipment.

[Singularity]

Originally Posted by rbk

HCQ (hydroxychloroquine)....Azithromycin...

It should also bee noted that these treatments would only be supplied to those in serious or critical condition (current estimates <8000 in serious/critical condition worldwide) This is not an over the counter if you're feeling 'under the weather' treatment. This is to help get people off ventilators and free up critical care equipment.

UK outlawed hoarding and export of hydroxychloroquine last week; presumably many other jurisdictions have similar policies in place. Problem otherwise is that it's conceivable that use of the meds prevents people from needing the ventilator in the first place...I don't know if anything's published yet.

It must be considered that the supply chains of these medications should be considered to be shallow in volume such that at any given time, only a small amount of medication may be available worldwide. This, coupled with an "instant insatiable global demand" for these meds creates a situation ripe for counterfeit/placebo medication to be sold as 'hydroxychloroquine' or 'azithromycin.'

People have already gone to the effort of making counterfeit N-95 respirators; it takes little more than a computer printer with labels and any kind of pills to create counterfeit meds. Caveat emptor.

[rbk]

Originally Posted by Singularity

UK outlawed hoarding and export of hydroxychloroquine last week; presumably many other jurisdictions have similar policies in place. Problem otherwise is that it's conceivable that use of the meds prevents people from needing the ventilator in the first place...I don't know if anything's published yet.

It must be considered that the supply chains of these medications should be considered to be shallow in volume such that at any given time, only a small amount of medication may be available worldwide. This, coupled with an "instant insatiable global demand" for these meds creates a situation ripe for counterfeit/placebo medication to be sold as 'hydroxychloroquine' or 'azithromycin.'

People have already gone to the effort of making counterfeit N-95 respirators; it takes little more than a computer printer with labels and any kind of pills to create counterfeit meds. Caveat emptor.

I read a medical report that highly suggests some physicians have self prescribed HCQ to themselves and family in an attempt to hoard. It is important to remember that 95% (current) cases are mild with potentially many more going unreported. It is the 5% in serious and critical condition that need to be addressed. It is a fact that most people who get this will recover without medical assistance. Panicking and hoarding by otherwise healthy individuals only detracts from those that need it most.

[Simi 60]

So this is the potential cure I linked to several days ago?

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3095898

https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2...ronavirus-cure

[rbk]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

So this is the potential cure I linked to several days ago?

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3095898

https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2...ronavirus-cure

Yes Australia advanced a clinical trial and use of hcq last week but it is not a cure. It is an effective treatment that can help reduce the severity and duration of the disease.

[smbdyiam2]

Originally Posted by rbk

Yes Australia advanced a clinical trial and use of hcq last week but it is not a cure. It is an effective treatment that can help reduce the severity and duration of the disease.

There is no cure for common cold either. There is treatment for it though. Kinda like old age . no cure but treatments.

[Singularity]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

So this is the potential cure I linked to several days ago?

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3095898

https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2...ronavirus-cure

They are potential treatments that have been known about for a long time (~15+ years for chloroquine). They've been referenced several times here.

Reducing symptoms may not be enough reason to use them...if they prevent respiratory failure/requiring a ventilator, that'd be good, if they are shown to prevent death of course even better. IF they just reduce symptoms...then it gets a lot more complicated quickly.

[Montanan]

Cuba closes borders to non-residents over virus

21/03/2020

Havana (AFP)

Cuba announced on Friday the closure of its borders to non-residents due to the coronavirus pandemic, having previously tried to remain open to keep its key tourism industry alive.

"We're going to regulate the entry at the country's borders, allowing only Cuban residents to enter," said President Miguel Diaz-Canel after updating Cuba's number of confirmed cases to 21, with one Italian tourist having died.

Diaz-Canel said Cubans abroad could come home and foreigners in Cuba would be allowed to leave.

Economically crippled by US sanctions, Cuba is largely dependent on its tourism revenue.

The measure will come into effect on Tuesday and will last for 30 days. There are 60,000 tourists currently in Cuba.

"Next week no tourists" will enter the country, said Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, adding that almost all hotels on the island would close.

Until now, Cuba had bucked the regional trend of closing its borders to foreigners.

That generated heavy criticism from a worried population where 20 percent are over 60 and there are often cuts in the water supply and a lack of soap.

Washing hands regularly is one of the main pieces of advice that health authorities have given people to help them avoid contracting the virus.

[merrimac]

Can we please keep this related to boating please? I can read the news elsewhere!

[Montanan]

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced Friday afternoon that she was issuing a Stay Home mandate to help slow the spread in one of the areas of the country that has seen a skyrocket in the number of COVID-19 cases.

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting that there are 537 cases of the COVID-19 virus in the state. At least 14 people have died. Most of them have been in the New Orleans area.

“We are trying to keep city government rolling and solvent,” Cantrell said. “We are ready to enforce.”

She said the city has not seen the curve of coronavirus flatten.

Businesses need to find a way to keep people at home. RTA will only offer essential services. City leaders are expecting a large number of results which will be “very sobering.” There will be a substantial spread of COVID-19, the mayor said.

“You can go to the grocery, healthcare facilities, pharmacies and takeout restaurants,” Cantrell said. She added that people will still be able to do recreational activities, like bike riding and walking. Residents just should not do those activities in large groups.

[robert sailor]

Originally Posted by Singularity

They are potential treatments that have been known about for a long time (~15+ years for chloroquine). They've been referenced several times here.

Reducing symptoms may not be enough reason to use them...if they prevent respiratory failure/requiring a ventilator, that'd be good, if they are shown to prevent death of course even better. IF they just reduce symptoms...then it gets a lot more complicated quickly.

I think if you do your homework you will find that there is no cure or treatment known to work on the coronvirus. A French Doctor did a very small sampling group of 20 people and published a report but at this point and time it means nothing however it's been hyped by lots of people including the President of the USA. They are now starting to put the drugs thru blind tests and compare to placebo's but the results of that study will take some time. This is a common reaction as everyone is looking for the magic elixir but most of these bits of magic end up failing so I wouldn't get my hopes up too much.

[Montanan]

Tourist trips to Belgium in particular will be banned,’ the country’s interior minister said.

By HANNE COKELAERE 3/20/20, 4:50 PM CET Updated 3/20/20, 6:45 PM CET
Belgium has decided to close its borders for "non-essential inbound and outbound travel" to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Interior Minister Pieter De Crem said on Friday.

“Tourist trips to Belgium in particular will be banned and border checks will apply henceforth,” De Crem said, adding that every breach will be "strictly sanctioned." The checks apply to travel by road, air and rail.


Exceptions apply to cross-border workers and health staff, as well as the transportation of goods. Belgians who are currently abroad are also allowed to return.

But people who cannot demonstrate why their travel is essential "will be sent back when they try to enter Belgium," De Crem said at a press conference. People traveling for work are advised to carry a certificate from their employer, although that's not mandatory.

Federal police and local police districts are in charge of implementing the decision. Border checks have already been rolled out starting 3 p.m. on Friday.

People in breach of the travel restrictions risk fines up to €4,000 and three months in prison.

Belgium earlier this week tightened measures to curb the spread of the virus, closing non-essential shops, banning social gatherings and asking that everyone stay home.

Friday's decision follows warnings that cross-border tourism — often to the Belgian coast or the Ardennes — was a "particularly large burden" on Belgian efforts to counter the spread of the virus, De Crem said, noting that the Dutch North Brabant region near Belgium and areas just across the German border are heavily affected by the virus.

Authorities in the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and the U.K. had been briefed on Belgium's decision, which "can count on a great deal of understanding," De Crem said.

In a press briefing earlier today, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he was “very surprised” that some Dutch citizens had been traveling to Belgium to refuel their cars or spend the day. “I’m appealing to everyone: Don’t cross the border for day trips or outings, guys, this is not business as usual.”

The new rules also prevent Belgian residents from moving to a second residence on Belgian territory. "The message is: Stay home and take care of yourself. If you take care of yourself, you're also taking care of others," De Crem said.

People with travel plans who are left in doubt on whether this measure affects them are advised to contact the crisis center, a spokesperson said.
https://www.politico.eu/article/belg...ential-travel/

[Montanan]

More on Monroe County / Florida Keys closure

The Florida Keys are closing for all tourist and leisure visitors.

Unless directed by the state or CDC, the County will continue to keep its county-owned parks and beaches open. County officials see it as a space where residents can practice social distancing that is productive for mental and physical health. There were no issues at the parks and beaches reported today. Users must follow the directive of the State that says all congregating must be done in small groups of less than 10 people. Law enforcement is doing regular patrolling of all areas. County-owned playgrounds are being sanitized twice daily until further notice.

Citing concerns for increasing threats to the Florida Keys from COVID-19, Monroe County officials announced Thursday it is closed to all tourists and leisure visitors, lodging establishment are no longer accepting reservations until further notice, including extending extensions of current reservations, and by 6 p.m. on Sunday, all hotels, short term (less than 28 days) vacation rentals, and other transient rentals like marinas, RV parks, and timeshares will cease renting to tourists for 14 days. The ban does not include rentals for military, first responders, health care workers, and construction workers actively engaged in projects in Monroe County.

[rbk]

Originally Posted by robert sailor

I think if you do your homework you will find that there is no cure or treatment known to work on the coronvirus. A French Doctor did a very small sampling group of 20 people and published a report but at this point and time it means nothing however it's been hyped by lots of people including the President of the USA. They are now starting to put the drugs thru blind tests and compare to placebo's but the results of that study will take some time. This is a common reaction as everyone is looking for the magic elixir but most of these bits of magic end up failing so I wouldn't get my hopes up too much.

The limited clinical trials the French (team not single Dr) did, the two months of first hand use by the Chinese and the current trial with over 300 participants (China) 1500 (Minnesota) almost a month in, showing up to a 70% full recovery within 72 hours is good cause for hope. People need some hope right now at the very least to reduce the panic. US hospitals stocked up on HCQ at the end of January based on reports from the Chinese hence the shortage, not to mention several countries ramping up production as well as 3 major pharma companies (Novartis, Mylan and Teva) fast batching it to overstock, they started almost a month ago. One is batching the US (Philadelphia I think) with one company having a planned 50 million available by mid-April and another 130 million by end of May. Sounds like people who know better know something.

[rbk]

I agree hoarding may be a problem and is already becoming a reality but the fact these are generic drugs is the biggest benefit. Average price for Azithromycin regiment is $4 HCQ is $25; that’s not per pill but a complete regiment of either. I’ve been on Azithromycin a few times and averaged 3 weeks. I’ve no experience with HCQ but imagine 1-3 pills a day for 3-7 days? These are so affordable that one company has offered to donate all production in the next three months towards world supplies. IF this pans out we have a great chance to reduce the impact on our healthcare systems until a vaccine is produced.

I will also add that in fall 2019 the price of HCQ doubled due to low demand and limited runs; the primary company responsible reversed that last month to the lower price and ramped up production.