COVID-19 Thread

[J.R.E.]

This is breaking news within the last 30 minutes or so.  The governor of California has issued a stay at home order for the entire state of California :

https://fox5sandiego.com/news/california-news/gov-newsom-issues-statewide-stay-at-home-order/

Ray

[bocker3]

Dad covid negative. Pancreas again, same pattern for years.

Glad to hear he's negative!  This quarantine shit is scary stuff!!  Still worried about mom's issues.  We aren't getting much info and no one is allowed in to the hospital to see her.......

M

[zach]

Thanks Mike

Now is just a lousy time to have a medical emergency... covid or not.

With resources being prioritized, maybe worse for negative people.

[Sweet_C]

I’m in the u.s. and my main concern at the moment is over our inadequate healthcare system.  I’m seeing many reports of younger COVID sufferers being turned away even when they are showing severe symptoms. I’ve heard that some hospitals don’t admit patients until they are in need of a ventilator. 

It seems there is no consistency in who gets tested and who gets treated. My question is if we start to show symptoms, would it be a good idea to go to/consult our infectious disease doctor first instead of the ER? Also, Although it does not appear that having controlled HIV increases risk, would we still get priority for testing and treatment if we show symptoms? I’m wondering if this is a situation where ignorance about hiv among the general medical community may work in our favor.

[Jim Allen]

Thanks Mike

Now is just a lousy time to have a medical emergency... covid or not.

With resources being prioritized, maybe worse for negative people.

It's always a bad time but in the midst of this crisis it's even worse timing.
Hope your father feels better soon.

Hugs.

[Jim Allen]

Friday 20 March 2020
https://www.bhiva.org/joint-EACS-BHIVA-statement-on-risk-of-coronavirus-for-PLWH

Joint statement on risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) for people living with HIV (PLWH)
European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) and British HIV Association (BHIVA)

COVID-19 & HIV
So far there is no evidence for a higher COVID-19 infection rate or different disease course in people with HIV than in HIV-negative people. Current evidence indicates that the risk of severe illness increases with age, male sex and with certain chronic medical problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Although people with HIV who are on treatment with a normal CD4 T-cell count and suppressed viral load may not be at an increased risk of serious illness, many people with HIV have other conditions that increase their risk. Indeed, almost half of people living with HIV in Europe are older than 50 years and chronic medical problems such as cardiovascular and chronic lung disease are more common in people living with HIV. It has to be assumed that immune suppression, indicated by a low CD4 T-cell count (<200/µl) or not receiving antiretroviral treatment, will also be associated with an increased risk for a more severe disease presentation. No data are available with regard to pregnancy or potential perinatal transmission in the context of HIV.

[J.R.E.]

My Partner was reading the paper this evening, and asked me what blood type I was. I said I am  O+

He said according to this article you may be at lower risk of getting the Coronavirus.

Coronavirus is more prominent in type A blood. I asked him what blood type he is, Ed said, " I never known what type blood I have".

So far the heck of it I checked at Walmart and Walgreens, and they have home tests kits for this for about $12.00  I said you should know your blood type. I said be prepared to be pricked tomorrow !

Do many people here know their blood types ?  Just curious ! Anyway found the article interesting.



I can't find the link to the article that was in the paper, But did find this :

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/18/people-blood-type-may-greater-risk-coronavirus-say-scientists/

Ray

[J.R.E.]

Mike and Zach,   I hope your parents continue to improve, and can get back home soon.

Ray

[bocker3]

Thanks for the good wishes.  Now that we know Mom does NOT have Coronavirus, I'll stop posting about her in this thread -- just a final update.  Turns out that she had a stroke (plus a bad UTI).  It's left her completely confused and she is not lucid -- none of us (my 3 brothers nor I) have been able to have a cogent conversation with her and we can't visit her in the hospital because of the COVID-19 precautions.  She will be moved into a rehab. facility in the next day or two -- where we, again, won't be able to visit her.  Hopefully the rehab work will help her return to some normalcy.  There is still an unknown around how much she'll recover - but at least we now know what the problem is that needs to be addressed

Again -- thanks for the good wishes.

Mike

[Jim Allen]

Hi Mike,

I'm very sorry to hear this. Hope her recovery goes well and that the corona crisis & restrictions pass quickly so you can see her again soon. 

Jim

[Jim Allen]

Few updates from https://www.poz.com/tag/coronavirus

- Kaletra HIV Combo Is Not Effective Against New Coronavirus
The protease inhibitor combination did not work significantly better than supportive care overall, though those treated earlier might benefit.
https://www.poz.com/article/kaletra-hiv-combo-effective-new-coronavirus

- No Proof That HIV Med Prezista Treats COVID-19, Warns Drugmaker
What’s more, reports that Kaletra can fight the novel coronavirus have not been confirmed. https://www.poz.com/article/proof-hiv-med-prezista-treats-covid19-warns-drugmaker

- USA - A State-by-State Guide to the Novel Coronavirus
U.S. state health departments are providing information about COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. https://www.poz.com/article/statebystate-guide-novel-coronavirus

[fabio]

So,people haven't been staying much inside the I houses and complete lockdown might be inevitable.
My biggest fear right now is getting my meds as fast as possible tomorrow,otherwise I'll be out of meds in just a week. I can't even get the ferry to take them myself,since no-one is allowed out or in of the island.
I hope I will be able to pull through this.....

[Jim Allen]

In all fairness odds seemed to be heading towards that direction from the start if you ask me.

If you can't get your meds this week, in the event of a lock down I'm sure there will be arrangements for prescriptions. If not then worse case scenario you will be without for a few weeks, it's best avoid but I would see no reason to panic either if it was me.

[leatherman]

If not then worse case scenario you will be without for a few weeks

a quick note in a "worst case scenario",  don't half-ass take your meds. Either take all your meds every day.... or don't take them at all.

Resistance develops when your adherence is erratic or incomplete. In other words, skipping every other day or skipping a day, then taking meds a couple of days, then not taking meds a few days is the way the level of meds in your system will not stay high enough to stop HIV but will stay enough for HIV to learn to mutate around that med.

If you can't get meds or run out of meds, it's better to take your regular doses until you run out and then quit taking your meds altogether. taking only a few of your meds (if your regimen is more than 1 pill a day) or spacing out the doses is a big risk for resistance. However, stopping altogether preserves the effectiveness of a regimen once restarted.

[TGun]

Just curious if anyone knows how the Covid-19 tests actually work.   I am anticipating my employer MANDATING a test here in the next few weeks and I am scared to death that the test may also inadvertently test for other viruses and somehow my status then becoming known, which would create huge problems and be a career ender most likely... if anyone can please shed some light on this topic it would be appreciated.

[bocker3]

I would think that this test would be specific for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 
I simply can't imagine that HIV would be detected.

I know there are new tests coming now, but I believe initially they were using a PCR technology (Polymerase Chain Reaction).  Again, these tests are looking for SPECIFIC viral markers.

I think you are fine here.

MIke

[fabio]

I just saw that the lockdown will happen and people will need to fill out forms online to go out (supermarket etc),Idk if the post office will be open or not,but I'll phone in the ward tomorrow and see if I can actually get meds or not. I am feeling like I can't even breathe or walk. And it's not like I didn't  call sooner and they denied me and said "call later" twice.
Anyways,I'll sew what happens tomorrow.

[Jim Allen]

I just saw that the lockdown will happen and people will need to fill out forms online to go out (supermarket etc),Idk if the post office will be open or not,but I'll phone in the ward tomorrow and see if I can actually get meds or not. I am feeling like I can't even breathe or walk. And it's not like I didn't  call sooner and they denied me and said "call later" twice.
Anyways,I'll sew what happens tomorrow.

Try to remain calm. Without your HIV meds it's not like you will drop dead overnight. If they have forms for supermarket visits then there will be similar for meds hopefully. Anyhow, don't panic, just see about getting information over the next few days

[fabio]

Thank you,I  am calmer now and reading both your posts. The post office I take my meds at hasn't updated any news so maybe it will stay open. Tomorrow will tell. Again thank you so much.

[Grasshopper]

@Fabio: you have to take a ferry to the mainland where you pick up your meds at a postoffice ? A postoffice ?

[fabio]

Either get the meds from my local post office or go by ferry to the main land (if the post is closed) and get the meds at the wards pharmacy. It's really inconveniently stupid,but it's the only thing I can think of.
If it comes to it and both these are impossible I might contact the government and try to ask them to go there and get them myself or have them delivered some way or another. I'm not losing hope yet.

[fabio]

Good news: The post is open and I can get my meds by filling a form to go out.
I thank you so much for calming me down,I'm sorry I went blabbering and panicking. Again thanks.

[Jim Allen]

Good news: The post is open and I can get my meds by filling a form to go out.
I thank you so much for calming me down,I'm sorry I went blabbering and panicking. Again thanks.

Relax, absolutely nothing to apologize for.

Glad to hear everything is fine. 

[J.R.E.]

For those in the U.S. or anywhere else that watched the Coronavirus update this afternoon on TV, Did ANYONE,  catch Trumps response, to being told that Mitt Romney was in self isolation.  I was watching it live,  and pick it up pretty easily.

If that was not meant as a snide remark about Romney, I don't know what is.

It's a short video starts at around 10 seconds, when the reporter informs trump of which senators are in isolation. And informs him that Rand Paul Tested positive.  What a Dirt bag trump is.  I think I saw a little smile try to form on his face :

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/03/trump-responds-mitt-romney-self-quarantine-gee-too-bad.html

https://twitter.com/ABC/status/1241859642084466689

The link to that video was deleted here's another.


Ray

[Delby]

Hi All

Hope our community is doing ok and keeping safe. We’re doing ok. Trying to keep the kids busy with plenty of walks and activities. Although they are closing a lot of the outdoor spaces in the UK as people aren’t behaving responsibly. I think a full lock down over the next few days is highly inevitable.

I just wanted to share some positive news with you. Lloyd Russell-Moyle, a Labour MP in the UK tested + for Covid 2 weeks ago. He is also HIV +. He’s just announced on his twitter feed that he’s almost made a full recovery.

https://mobile.twitter.com/lloyd_rm

The take home on this virus is that each person responds differently. There are many many reports of young and fit healthy people, currently in critical care and fighting for their lives against Covid. The statistics show that there is a 0.4% rate of mortality for 30-40yr olds so casualties in this age group of healthy people are unfortunately inevitable.

I hope the good news above alleviate some of the fear we pozzers have all had around Covid, including myself. We must all try to keep safe. Things are going to get quite ugly out there. It will become dark but we will rise again. Take care of yourself. Your loved ones. Your mental health and remember that today doesn’t last forever. Things will eventually change for the better.

Delby x

[Jim Allen]

Hope everyone is doing well.

No major developments here in Ireland, just some further travel and shopping restrictions.

Best, Jim 

[virgo313]

MCO (movement control order) just extended for 2 more weeks here. Till 14 Apr.
No problem heading to hospital to refill meds. A bit bored.

[daveR]

We are expecting a big announcement here in Thailand tomorrow. All travel between provinces is expected to be stopped and a 7pm to 7am curfew is amongst the rumours. I am due a hospital visit in May but went this morning and got an additional 3 months medication. Brings my stash up to 6 months worth. Just in case they crack down harder. I would rather be looking at my meds instead of for them.
I hope others can build up a small stock, just in case this drags out.

Take care
Dave

[Jim Allen]

COVID-19 Advice for People With HIV From the Experts Who Know
Interim guidance from HIVMA and AIDSinfo covers lab visits, opioid treatment programs, pregnant women and other HIV-related topics.

Nothing new as such regarding risks, etc.

https://www.poz.com/article/covid19-advice-people-hiv-experts-know
In the section for all people with HIV, AIDSinfo notes that:

• The limited data currently available do not indicate that the disease course of COVID-19 in persons with HIV differs from that in persons without HIV. Before the advent of effective combination antiretroviral therapy…advanced HIV infection [such as when a CD4 cell count is less than 200] was a risk factor for complications of other respiratory infections. Whether this is also true for COVID-19 is yet unknown.
• Some people with HIV have other comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular disease or lung disease) that increase the risk for a more severe course of COVID-19 illness. Chronic smokers are also at risk of more severe disease.
  
• Thus, until more is known, additional caution for all persons with HIV, especially those with advanced HIV or poorly controlled HIV, is warranted.

P.S

A dedicated thread for sharing thoughts and ideas related to keeping busy and maintaining mental health during this time of physical distancing and/or isolation has been opened in the off-topic section: https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=74042.0

Please continue to post any other coronavirus updates, comments or questions in this thread within the "living with HIV" section.  I will continue to merge any new posts into one of the two Coronavirus threads, this effort is not only to avoid duplication but also to ensure people who want to discuss it can and, with the latest information.

Additionally, this means that members who are finding the topic particularly distressing or those wishing to take a break from COVID-19 can and aren't confronted with dozens of separate threads across the forum.

Best, Jim

[zach]

Jim, have there been actual cases of coinfection?

[fabio]

Complete lockdown here,we have to fill forms to go to supermarket,it's been raining too so I can't stay and sunbathe in the terrace. It's probably the 3rd day of this,I'm really jealous of the ones living on the country side (police won't patrol there). Been trying to exercise a bit (and watch what I eat haha)
I hope everyone is doing well,the news make me quite sad about what's happening to Italy right now. Here in Greece we have 820 with the virus,or close to that and 15 dead.
I hope you are safe with your families and wanted to say that we will all get through this,we are a good community (although an internet community,we are a strong one).
All the best from me.

Fabian

[Jim Allen]

Jim, have there been actual cases of coinfection?

PLHIV acquiring COVID19 you mean?

Yeah, at least I've seen a few claims from people online who are living with HIV to have COVID-19.
Also, in at least one of the lopinavir-ritonavir reports, PLHIV were excluded, because of concerns about the development of resistance to lopinavir-ritonavir if used without combining with other antiretrovirals, so from that, we could conclude at least a few people living with HIV had COVID19 in order to be considered and excluded from the trial.  Cao B, Wang Y, Wen D et al. A Trial of Lopinavir-Ritonavir in Adults Hospitalized with Severe Covid-19. N Engl J Med 2020; doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2001282

Reporting so far has not called out HIV specifically as comorbidity or a factor in illness progression, now I have not seen any case studies, that could be there is nothing of interest to report medically speaking and/or in the mess nobody has time to write up immaterial case reports.

Although it seems reading all the expert options and publications, (Keeping up with them is a struggle) the message seems consistent that disease course of COVID-19 in persons living with HIV doesn't differ from HIV neg people.

Nothing new as such regarding risks, etc.

https://www.poz.com/article/covid19-advice-people-hiv-experts-know
In the section for all people with HIV, AIDSinfo notes that:

• The limited data currently available do not indicate that the disease course of COVID-19 in persons with HIV differs from that in persons without HIV. Before the advent of effective combination antiretroviral therapy…advanced HIV infection [such as when a CD4 cell count is less than 200] was a risk factor for complications of other respiratory infections. Whether this is also true for COVID-19 is yet unknown.
• Some people with HIV have other comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular disease or lung disease) that increase the risk for a more severe course of COVID-19 illness. Chronic smokers are also at risk of more severe disease.
  
• Thus, until more is known, additional caution for all persons with HIV, especially those with advanced HIV or poorly controlled HIV, is warranted.

[Jim Allen]

it's been raining too so I can't stay and sunbathe in the terrace.

Terrace ... Well, looking on the bright side, at least you have a terrace for when the sunny weather returns. 
Stay safe and, enjoy the rain from the window.

[Jim Allen]

https://www.poz.com/article/supply-hiv-hepatitis-meds-secure-says-gilead

Supply of Our HIV and Hepatitis Meds Is Secure, Says Gilead
The assurance arrives as the pharma giant cuts off most emergency access to remdesivir, a potential COVID-19 treatment.

[Jim Allen]

Ireland has gone into 3/4 lockdown.

https://www.thejournal.ie/leo-varadkar-coronavirus-5060475-Mar2020/
Taoiseach tells everyone in Ireland to stay at home for two weeks from midnight tonight, with only specific listed exemptions

Late-night thought, every generation growing up has that big historical event that as a child sticks with them for life. Neil Armstrong on the moon 1969, Berlin wall 1989,  9/11 2001, just thinking prehaps for my kids, it's going to be the COVID19 the year the world paused.

How is everyone else doing?

[J.R.E.]

How is everyone else doing?

Ed and I are doing great so far.  We're just following all the guidelines that are in place,  Social distancing etc.

We go shopping once every 5 days. And we don't hord. We get out and walk everyday, We're doing about 2 miles a day.

Ed and I love cooking, so no problem there. But previous to all this we went out almost daily and had lunch.  We are also supporting our local restaurants that remain open for take-out, By ordering and taking out when we decide not to cook.

We are also doing plenty of projects around the house, that keeps us busy.


Stay well Everyone---Ray

[Jim Allen]

Ed and I are doing great so far.  We're just following all the guidelines that are in place,  Social distancing etc.

We go shopping once every 5 days. And we don't hord. We get out and walk everyday, We're doing about 2 miles a day.

Ed and I love cooking, so no problem there. But previous to all this we went out almost daily and had lunch.  We are also supporting our local restaurants that remain open for take-out, By ordering and taking out when we decide not to cook.

We are also doing plenty of projects around the house, that keeps us busy.


Stay well Everyone---Ray

Sounds like you are coping well and got a routine going. The going out for short walks is a good one.

Keep staying safe, best Jim.

[happy74]

I am here a Hong Kong people also under this coronavirus pandemic at the early stage but we are all really alert and good experience as we faced 2003 SARS. I know most western countries thinking of Asian is overreacting about putting on "MASKS" which is useless at all. However, i really pleased you all even positive and negative people. Don't under estimate this virus. Please pay your responsibility to yourself and others , Mask can protect you get rid of 2 orifice not contacting the droplets when you are in bus, taxi or other crowded place, it can minimize you to touch your face, on the other hand, put on mask can protect others as the virus having no symptoms at the beginning but can be transmitted to others. We have many cases that they exposed in bars, restaurants, church as they are neglecting on not putting on masks during gatherings. Moreover, as you know for testing the virus result is just the same as testing HIV and hepatitis. These 2 disease would be given you knowledge that they have a long period of time with no symptoms but can be transmitted by blood and body fluid. Coronavirus is by droplets.
Please be aware  yourself with good protection and best personal hygiene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLvg0KnTKhU

[Jim Allen]

I am here a Hong Kong people also under this coronavirus pandemic at the early stage but we are all really alert and good experience as we faced 2003 SARS. I know most western countries thinking of Asian is overreacting about putting on "MASKS" which is useless at all. However, i really pleased you all even positive and negative people. Don't under estimate this virus. Please pay your responsibility to yourself and others , Mask can protect you get rid of 2 orifice not contacting the droplets when you are in bus, taxi or other crowded place, it can minimize you to touch your face, on the other hand, put on mask can protect others as the virus having no symptoms at the beginning but can be transmitted to others. We have many cases that they exposed in bars, restaurants, church as they are neglecting on not putting on masks during gatherings. Moreover, as you know for testing the virus result is just the same as testing HIV and hepatitis. These 2 disease would be given you knowledge that they have a long period of time with no symptoms but can be transmitted by blood and body fluid. Coronavirus is by droplets.
Please be aware  yourself with good protection and best personal hygiene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLvg0KnTKhU

Hiya,

Appreciate the thought, and facemasks sound nice but it would have limited impact on the spread within the gen population under isolation and were hygiene conditions are practised well.

So far it does seem to have triggered mass panic, the spread of illness, misuse and to shortages in PPE equipment for front-line care staff in nations like The Netherlands and Ireland. In the Netherlands, it got so bad that the red-cross was collecting them from the public to be put back into use within care settings where they are needed and do make a real impact.

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/would-everyone-wearing-face-masks-help-us-slow-pandemic

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/should-i-wear-a-mask-to-protect-against-the-coronavirus

https://www.trouw.nl/binnenland/grootste-zorg-van-ziekenhuizen-misschien-wel-het-dreigend-tekort-aan-mondkapjes~b2a5363b/?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

[Jim Allen]

I've been getting a lot of PM's & Emails with concerns these past few days, it's understandable, I am committed to answering everyone, as soon as I can but please be patient. Thanks. 

P.S If anyone wants to talk through skype, just let me know.

[xiskza]

I really dont know what to feel. I read corona only isn't dangerous to those who are undetectable and CD4 of +500. I'm neither of those, so I'm feeling quite alarmed. I also take care of my 2 elderly parents who have chronic illnesses, and I definitely don't want to pass it on to them

I'm also weary about getting medication. The place where I'm being followed and have my blood drawn is at the center of the pandemic in my country. People who are getting treated at that hospital, are all at the infectious diseases wing, which is where I go normally.

I probably can skip getting my blood drawn, but I can't skip the appointment so that I can get my meds at least. But I'm just too afraid to go to that wing now of the most infected hospital in the country.

[fabio]

Is there a way to get them sent via post,because that's how I get mine. Try to ask in the ward if they can send it to you.

[Jim Allen]

Is there a way to get them sent via post,because that's how I get mine. Try to ask in the ward if they can send it to you.

@xiskza

I would agree it can't hurt to ask if they can post out medication to you or make alternative arrangements.

Same as with my clinic that is a lead in COVID care, I somehow doubt though they would have regular appointments coming into direct contact with or into the same space of people in care for COVID19, they are bound to have made arrangements on-site for separation and infection control.

But give them a ring if you are concerned.

[Seahawks206]

I'm new here and I was just reading through everyone's post. As everyone else I am also concerned. I'm definitely no doctor but, according to what I've been reading from reliable sources most people with HIV and over 200 CD4 counts show no difference in the course corona virus takes from someone who doesn't. But really there is not enough data to support anything at this point.

If you are under 200 CD4's or even over try to follow CDC's recommendations and being extra vigilante when dealing with this. Stay home as much as possible, wash your hands, don't touch your face, practice social distancing and maintain a positive attitude. Attitude seems to be very important, I'm reading about people in their 90's who have recovered and the main thing they had in common was a positive attitude and or a faith they will get better. The mind is powerful, when I'm anxious I feel chest tightness right away and can even make my body temp rise so I really believe the state of mind is important. 

I wish there was something to ease everyone's concerns, but right now no one really knows what's going to happen. Try to focus on the things you can control like staying at home, social distancing and washing your hands and not touching your face especially when out in public. I know some people with HIV and Corona virus who are recovering just fine. I personally carry around a spray bottle with alcohol and wipes to spray down elevator buttons and door handles when I go out, they are touched so often. It helps me and others in my building.

Hope everyone is well! 

From Seattle,
Eddie

[Jim Allen]

@Eddie,

Welcome to the forum, as a new member of the HIV community can you please open an introduction thread and introduce yourself to the forum. I presume you are living with HIV? So let us know how are you doing, how the treatment is going etc.  It's standard for new members.

Thank you.

As for COVID19, yeah, plenty is known, and things are being updated as info comes out.  Understand not everything is known but that's not possible either, but anyone focusing on what isn't known and what is outside their control is not helping themselves. 

Summary so far from experts and reliable sources is there is factually nothing to suggest with a good CD4 count and UD viral load as a group we are more or less vulnerable so far for this virus. It also depends if individuals have other underlying health issues. Anyhow, the same precautions apply, follow the published advice, normal hygiene steps and physical distancing during this outbreak like everyone should be doing.

Those with untreated HIV or with low CD4 counts might fall into a group with slightly higher risk. There is not much that individuals can do other than follow the published advice, normal hygiene steps and physical distancing.

Jim

Reliable sources:
https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=73775.0

[J.R.E.]

 

And of course, you have the crazy religious ones, that can't seem to follow county and state orders.

Pastor arrested in Tampa:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/pastor-of-tampa-church-that-held-2-large-sunday-services-arrested-jailed/ar-BB11VzzL?li=BBnb7Kz

And in Louisiana, a hotbed of infection this nutjob:


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/louisiana-church-defies-covid-19-order-holds-sunday-services/ar-BB11SYNG?li=BBnb7Kz


Ray

[Jim Allen]

Crazy is this:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-52088987

He put his wife in the boot (Trunk) of the car 

A driver flouted the coronavirus lockdown to pick up £15 windows with his wife in the boot of his car.

The man, who had bought the windows on eBay, was stopped by police on the M6 in Cheshire on Sunday after collecting his purchase in Salford.

Police said his wife had to sit in the boot as she "could not fit in the vehicle" for the return journey to Coventry.

North West Motorway Police issued the man with a traffic offence report.

After the force tweeted news of the 220-mile round trip people reacted with a mixture of shock and disbelief.

[J.R.E.]

Finally, after receiving a lot of pressure, from many Floridians and others, the Governor of Florida  has issued a statewide stay at home order effective Midnight on April 2nd.
Florida corona-virus cases have been increasing dramatically, and he has been refusing to put this order in place.  The pressure got to him ! He is also a real buddy of trump.

https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/coronavirus/2020/04/01/ongoing-coronavirus-coverage

"STATEWIDE — Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday he'll order Floridians to limit movement to only "essential services."

The mandate, via executive order, comes amid ongoing pressure that DeSantis issue a statewide stay-at-home order as coronavirus cases continue to grow."

[Jim Allen]

https://www.poz.com/article/diabetes-lung-disease-heart-disease-appear-raise-covid19-risk

In Short:

Diabetes, Lung Disease and Heart Disease Appear to Raise COVID-19 Risk

This finding, which is in keeping with initial studies out of China and Italy, is preliminary as the CDC continues to gather data.

An initial analysis of a small subset of more than 120,000 COVID-19 cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that people with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic lung disease and cardiovascular disease, appear to be at higher risk for severe disease associated with the new coronavirus than people without these conditions.

These findings are in keeping with previous studies out of China and Italy, where the coronavirus outbreak first spread especially widely, as well as other sources.

The researchers had at their disposal data on the presence of underlying health conditions among 7,162 (5.8%) of the 122,653 people with COVID-19. Thirty-eight percent of these individuals had at least one underlying health condition or other risk factor. The most common such conditions were diabetes (11%), chronic lung disease (9.2%) and cardiovascular disease (9.0%). These conditions were followed by being immunocompromised (3.7%) and having chronic kidney disease (3.0%). Less than 1% had chronic liver disease.

The study authors did not report any data regarding people living with HIV. Although being immunocompromised is a COVID-19 risk factor, experts say that HIV-positive people who had a fully suppressed viral load thanks to antiretroviral treatment do not appear to be at greater risk because of their HIV status.

[wardp]

Hi, just wondered how everyone around the world is managing their 6 monthly testing and replenishing their arvs during pandemic?