Coronavirus - Your Experiences from your part of the world - Discuss

[Thin Lizzy]

So... sounds like the regular, albeit occasionally deadly, flu. I got a flu that lasted about a week in college some years back. Bedridden, violent vomiting, delirium , you name it. A cough that felt like a knife twisting in me. The college stopped classes for a week and we stayed in our dorms. Then it passed and back to work we went.

Too bad we didn't have the internet then. We could have collapsed the global economy!

You seem very knowledgeable about China. Just wondering what you think about the future of the Chinese economy.

[Hypertrophy]

Yes, but it is far more infectious than flu.

Actually that hasn't been determined yet. It doesn't form an aerosol like measles (the most infectious disease measured to date) and only transfers attached to droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing or via fecal matter. Lots of published papers pointing that out. It "lives" so to speak (no virus is actually alive - https://www.livescience.com/58018-are-viruses-alive.html) for up to a few days on surfaces but the jury is still out on that. Contrast to bacterium which can live for months on surfaces.

This isn't the most deadly or the most infectious flu out there - not by a long shot. The mutated Spanish Flu virus of 1919 killed in 24 hours. Lots of bodies were buried in the abandoned Erie Canal near where I used to live in Upstate NY because the death rate was so high they couldn't dig holes fast enough.

[Flexacon]

Actually that hasn't been determined yet. It doesn't form an aerosol like measles (the most infectious disease measured to date) and only transfers attached to droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing or via fecal matter. Lots of published papers pointing that out. It "lives" so to speak (no virus is actually alive - https://www.livescience.com/58018-are-viruses-alive.html) for up to a few days on surfaces but the jury is still out on that. Contrast to bacterium which can live for months on surfaces.

This isn't the most deadly or the most infectious flu out there - not by a long shot. The mutated Spanish Flu virus of 1919 killed in 24 hours. Lots of bodies were buried in the abandoned Erie Canal near where I used to live in Upstate NY because the death rate was so high they couldn't dig holes fast enough.

Even if the infectious rate was low the virus is able to spread before infected people start to show symptoms.

The lowest estimate has an infectious rate higher than seasonal flu. Once the number asymptomatic cases are established the infectious rate will only get higher. You would have to be in serious denial to think this wasn't more infectious than seasonal flu.

Also despite the similar symptoms this isn't a flu.

[Teutonic Knight 1]

Russia

We are staying home

IDIOT !.

[Hypertrophy]

You seem very knowledgeable about China. Just wondering what you think about the future of the Chinese economy.

I've done business directly with Chinese entities since 2000 and have visited their factories and government facilities quite a number of times so I have developed a perspective that has served me well. A couple of things you should know about their economy:

1) The typical small business (less than about 500 employees) is leveraged up the wahoo. Government loans at 0-1% interest are the primary funding for "desired" industries. In return for this free money the government in essence owns you and definitely micromanages you.

2) Most Chinese businesses operate on a very low corporate profit margin- in fact less than 5%. The primary business goal is to employ people.

They never factor in money for R&D, new product development, etc. That is why Chinese companies rip off patents and copy everything in sight. They also don't have a cash reserve that is very big. A downturn in the economy and poof they are gone quickly.

3) The Chinese philosophy for gaining control of an industry is to undercut everybody else. But this only works if Beijing gives the company cash to sell at less than market rate, and often at less than cost to manufacture. Once the Chinese take over an industry, quality suffers and ultimately the industry collapses down to nearly nothing because no one invests in anything new and the price keeps getting lowered till there is no profit left. So paying back the government gets very difficult.

The average Chinese company has a lot of debt, a lot of global industries have advanced faster than the Chinese can keep up, and the Chinese government has spent huge sums on other things like military expansion that has sucked the well dry. This virus is about the worst thing that could have happened. I have read conspiracy theories that the Chinese did this on purpose to kill the US economy. Well if so, it's a murder suicide .

My guess, and it's just a guess, is China is going to have a very bad short term future. Trump has hurt them badly with the tariffs (and I am in total agreement because China  has tacked on a 27% tariff on my goods since day 1).  Add to that the virus has the world now taking a second look at the real cost of doing business with China and you have a recipe for disaster.

As a tech business i have decided to no longer source anything from China and to require 100% payment upfront for anything i sell to them. I have talked to a number of other business owners in the US and was surprised to hear them saying the same thing. So something is up and i will be interested to see how it plays out.

[Thin Lizzy]

I've done business directly with Chinese entities since 2000 and have visited their factories and government facilities quite a number of times so I have developed a perspective that has served me well. A couple of things you should know about their economy:

1) The typical small business (less than about 500 employees) is leveraged up the wahoo. Government loans at 0-1% interest are the primary funding for "desired" industries. In return for this free money the government in essence owns you and definitely micromanages you.

2) Most Chinese businesses operate on a very low corporate profit margin- in fact less than 5%. The primary business goal is to employ people.

They never factor in money for R&D, new product development, etc. That is why Chinese companies rip off patents and copy everything in sight. They also don't have a cash reserve that is very big. A downturn in the economy and poof they are gone quickly.

3) The Chinese philosophy for gaining control of an industry is to undercut everybody else. But this only works if Beijing gives the company cash to sell at less than market rate, and often at less than cost to manufacture. Once the Chinese take over an industry, quality suffers and ultimately the industry collapses down to nearly nothing because no one invests in anything new and the price keeps getting lowered till there is no profit left. So paying back the government gets very difficult.

The average Chinese company has a lot of debt, a lot of global industries have advanced faster than the Chinese can keep up, and the Chinese government has spent huge sums on other things like military expansion that has sucked the well dry. This virus is about the worst thing that could have happened. I have read conspiracy theories that the Chinese did this on purpose to kill the US economy. Well if so, it's a murder suicide .

My guess, and it's just a guess, is China is going to have a very bad short term future. Trump has hurt them badly with the tariffs (and I am in total agreement because China  has tacked on a 27% tariff on my goods since day 1).  Add to that the virus has the world now taking a second look at the real cost of doing business with China and you have a recipe for disaster.

As a tech business i have decided to no longer source anything from China and to require 100% payment upfront for anything i sell to them. I have talked to a number of other business owners in the US and was surprised to hear them saying the same thing. So something is up and i will be interested to see how it plays out.

Awesome post, Thanks 🙏

[Griffith]

I've done business directly with Chinese entities since 2000 and have visited their factories and government facilities quite a number of times so I have developed a perspective that has served me well. A couple of things you should know about their economy:

1) The typical small business (less than about 500 employees) is leveraged up the wahoo. Government loans at 0-1% interest are the primary funding for "desired" industries. In return for this free money the government in essence owns you and definitely micromanages you.

2) Most Chinese businesses operate on a very low corporate profit margin- in fact less than 5%. The primary business goal is to employ people.

They never factor in money for R&D, new product development, etc. That is why Chinese companies rip off patents and copy everything in sight. They also don't have a cash reserve that is very big. A downturn in the economy and poof they are gone quickly.

3) The Chinese philosophy for gaining control of an industry is to undercut everybody else. But this only works if Beijing gives the company cash to sell at less than market rate, and often at less than cost to manufacture. Once the Chinese take over an industry, quality suffers and ultimately the industry collapses down to nearly nothing because no one invests in anything new and the price keeps getting lowered till there is no profit left. So paying back the government gets very difficult.

The average Chinese company has a lot of debt, a lot of global industries have advanced faster than the Chinese can keep up, and the Chinese government has spent huge sums on other things like military expansion that has sucked the well dry. This virus is about the worst thing that could have happened. I have read conspiracy theories that the Chinese did this on purpose to kill the US economy. Well if so, it's a murder suicide .

My guess, and it's just a guess, is China is going to have a very bad short term future. Trump has hurt them badly with the tariffs (and I am in total agreement because China  has tacked on a 27% tariff on my goods since day 1).  Add to that the virus has the world now taking a second look at the real cost of doing business with China and you have a recipe for disaster.

As a tech business i have decided to no longer source anything from China and to require 100% payment upfront for anything i sell to them. I have talked to a number of other business owners in the US and was surprised to hear them saying the same thing. So something is up and i will be interested to see how it plays out.

Great post and glad to hear you and others will no longer be doing business with China.

[Hypertrophy]

Even if the infectious rate was low the virus is able to spread before infected people start to show symptoms.

The lowest estimate has an infectious rate higher than seasonal flu. Once the number asymptomatic cases are established the infectious rate will only get higher. You would have to be in serious denial to think this wasn't more infectious than seasonal flu.

Also despite the similar symptoms this isn't a flu.

A lot of the terms used here - flu vs coronavirus, are used interchangeably but you are correct- they are different. Symptoms however are nearly identical.

I find it odd that you comment that a person is in serious denial when no one has any idea of the number of people infected since testing has only recently begun. Sorry but your opinion is no more valid than mine. Until we actually know the total number of people infected and the total number who have died directly from the virus we won't know squat. Unlike global warming, epidemiology isn't a religion.

[loco]

I've done business directly with Chinese entities since 2000 and have visited their factories and government facilities quite a number of times so I have developed a perspective that has served me well. A couple of things you should know about their economy:

1) The typical small business (less than about 500 employees) is leveraged up the wahoo. Government loans at 0-1% interest are the primary funding for "desired" industries. In return for this free money the government in essence owns you and definitely micromanages you.

2) Most Chinese businesses operate on a very low corporate profit margin- in fact less than 5%. The primary business goal is to employ people.

They never factor in money for R&D, new product development, etc. That is why Chinese companies rip off patents and copy everything in sight. They also don't have a cash reserve that is very big. A downturn in the economy and poof they are gone quickly.

3) The Chinese philosophy for gaining control of an industry is to undercut everybody else. But this only works if Beijing gives the company cash to sell at less than market rate, and often at less than cost to manufacture. Once the Chinese take over an industry, quality suffers and ultimately the industry collapses down to nearly nothing because no one invests in anything new and the price keeps getting lowered till there is no profit left. So paying back the government gets very difficult.

The average Chinese company has a lot of debt, a lot of global industries have advanced faster than the Chinese can keep up, and the Chinese government has spent huge sums on other things like military expansion that has sucked the well dry. This virus is about the worst thing that could have happened. I have read conspiracy theories that the Chinese did this on purpose to kill the US economy. Well if so, it's a murder suicide .

My guess, and it's just a guess, is China is going to have a very bad short term future. Trump has hurt them badly with the tariffs (and I am in total agreement because China  has tacked on a 27% tariff on my goods since day 1).  Add to that the virus has the world now taking a second look at the real cost of doing business with China and you have a recipe for disaster.

As a tech business i have decided to no longer source anything from China and to require 100% payment upfront for anything i sell to them. I have talked to a number of other business owners in the US and was surprised to hear them saying the same thing. So something is up and i will be interested to see how it plays out.

Interesting read.  Thank you!

[Rascal full]

A lot of the terms used here - flu vs coronavirus, are used interchangeably but you are correct- they are different. Symptoms however are nearly identical.

I find it odd that you comment that a person is in serious denial when no one has any idea of the number of people infected since testing has only recently begun. Sorry but your opinion is no more valid than mine. Until we actually know the total number of people infected and the total number who have died directly from the virus we won't know squat. Unlike global warming, epidemiology isn't a religion.

Haha high five to that! I have really appreciated both yours and Thin Lizzy's insights as of late. Nice to hear some intelligent thought that isn't full of panic.

[Tapeworm]

I go through a police checkpoint twice a day in Western Australia going to and from work. They want you to roll down your window and have a close conversation every time.  None of them have masks on. They're idiots. Imperious idiots with guns. Can't wait to see what happens when they insist I take off my mask and I refuse.

[Teutonic Knight 1]

I go through a police checkpoint twice a day in Western Australia going to and from work. They want you to roll down your window and have a close conversation every time.  None of them have masks on. They're idiots. Imperious idiots with guns. Can't wait to see what happens when they insist I take off my mask and I refuse.

Cops get anti Tetanus shots, lasts for 5 years !.

[cart@@n]

Brazil.

Business closed with exception of supermarkets, gas stations and drugstores. Restaurants/fast food joints operating only with delivery food.

People still free to walk around.

[Griffith]

Besides alcohol sales being forbidden, so are cigarettes. So at the moment it is illegal to buy alcohol or cigarettes.

[dearth]

In my part of the world, unfortunately the president is a 70+ year old man child with the intelligence and temperament of a 6 year old.
Just yesterday he bragged about being #1 on facebook during a briefing that was supposed to be on the coronavirus.
He was insidiously placed in this position by the Kremlin with a little help from disenfranchised white voters that felt they were losing their white privilege.
Little did they know they were just part of Putin's plan.

[Marvin Martian]

Since Getbiggers are from all over the world we have a unique opportunity to get first hand information from a number of different countries.

How is it where you are?

Are you in a lock down? Can you still walk the streets freely? Are the gyms closed? Do people make an effort to keep distance from eachothers? Are there any shortage in foods or medicine? Do you know anyone who been sick? Have you been sick yourself?

Are you that fat fck from Florida - Shizzo? If so come on man - you don’t belong here.
If not I apologize

[AbrahamG]

In my part of the world, unfortunately the president is a 70+ year old man child with the intelligence and temperament of a 6 year old.
Just yesterday he bragged about being #1 on facebook during a briefing that was supposed to be on the coronavirus.
He was insidiously placed in this position by the Kremlin with a little help from disenfranchised white voters that felt they were losing their white privilege.
Little did they know they were just part of Putin's plan.

Might be your best post yet!
 

[Ropo]

Stockholm/Sweden (The Capital)

I only go out (wearing my Anti-Corona Armor consisting of Goggles, Mask, Plastic Gloves, Coat etc covering my whole body) when shopping these days.

We need a  photo about that 

[harmankardon1]

I go through a police checkpoint twice a day in Western Australia going to and from work. They want you to roll down your window and have a close conversation every time.  None of them have masks on. They're idiots. Imperious idiots with guns. Can't wait to see what happens when they insist I take off my mask and I refuse.

They pulled me over yesterday hassling me out cause I was just driving around, I put my window down 1cm.

If they hassle you out ask for their details and tell them you are going to make a complaint for harassment, bad behaviour etc, watch them change their tune. Complains made against them give them a lot of trouble.

[Vince B]

Cops get anti Tetanus shots, lasts for 5 years !.

So, what happened to your mate Iron Cross? 

I thought a traveller like you would be in quarantine by now.

[Ropo]

Since Getbiggers are from all over the world we have a unique opportunity to get first hand information from a number of different countries.

I am in Finland..

How is it where you are?
 
Quite good, in fact. Only 1500 has covid 19, so far only 19 deaths, and statistics are going downwards by the lockdowns..

Are you in a lock down?

Yes, voluntarily, because it seen to me smart in this situation..

Can you still walk the streets freely?

Yes, inside the county, I can walk, I can drive etc. but not over the county line.

Are the gyms closed?

Most of them are still open, just few is closed, but who is stupid enough to go there? Pause of few weeks is far more easy to catch up, than two weeks in hospital bed/ICU

Do people make an effort to keep distance from eachothers?

Some are, some not, because intelligence is not evenly distributed even among Finns. Those who have a brains keeps the distance each others, who have not, doesn't.

Are there any shortage in foods or medicine?

Not really, there would be some items which may take time to get, but shortage? No.

Do you know anyone who been sick?

Nope. Social distancing is working..

Have you been sick yourself?

No

There is some things which works for our benefit in time like this, for example, in scandinavia we take our shoes off when we get inside our apartments, so we doesn't smear all that street crap in our homes. We are masters of social distancing by nature, just about 98% of finns would like live alone in the woods. We also have quite efficient universal health care, and our employers are obliged to arrange work health services to employees, so if we have some basic disease, diabetes, blood pressure etc. it is in good care, because you get most of the medicines, health checks,  treatments etc. for free. But that is pure communism as you know, even if it help save our lives at the moment..

[galain]

Since Getbiggers are from all over the world we have a unique opportunity to get first hand information from a number of different countries.

How is it where you are?

I'm in southern Germany near the Black Forest. It was already a pretty quiet life - just gone a little quieter.

Are you in a lock down?

Yes. Essential businesses still running but they're quite strict on what that means. Supermarkets, pharmacies, hardware stores, some factories....no food places are open, schools have been closed, no retail to speak of other than supermarkets. Only two people allowed out together unless you're from the same household. Fines and possible imprisonment for people caught ignoring this.

Can you still walk the streets freely?

Yes - no problem as long as it's only with one other person and maintaining a 2m distance.

Are the gyms closed?

Yes

Do people make an effort to keep distance from eachothers?

Yes - Germans are good soldiers and generally do what they're told to do. I've seen a few kids in the skatebowl who weren't limiting their numbers but otherwise, most people are doing what's expected of them.

Are there any shortage in foods or medicine?

Yes. No toilet paper, things like flour and yeast are hard to find. Don't know about medicines.

Do you know anyone who been sick?

Yes

Have you been sick yourself?

Both my wife and I think we have/had the virus. We were in a hotspot in France at the start of the breakout. My wife is also a school teacher and her school is also a designated hotspot with many infections. She was sent home with all the symptoms but when she tried to call the health authorities and report herself, they didn't want to know. She said she's been in Strasbourg (the epicentre in France) two weeks before. They asked exactly when - turned it out was 15 days before she got sick. They told her it was nothing to worry about - they're only interested in people who were in hotspots in the 14 days before she called, so she couldn't have caught anything (how German is that?).

I developed a cough which has since gone but I've been struggling to breathe for the last two weeks. It got so bad on Monday my wife called the our GP who called the health department who called us - spoke to my wife (I wasn't capable) and said if it's just breathing problems it's probably nothing to worry about, I don't need a test. Makes you wonder how accurate the statistics are if they're refusing to test people who only have some of the symptoms.

(just to finish the story, we called the GP back and the local hospital. Both said if I wasn't dying hospital is not the place to be - told my wife that if she notices my lips and/or fingers turning blue she should call again).

I'm still here - still holding onto things so I can suck in air. Hopefully this goes away soon.

There are things I like about living in Germany but the bureaucracy isn't one of them.

[Teutonic Knight 1]

So, what happened to your mate Iron Cross? 

I thought a traveller like you would be in quarantine by now.

Have U miss me so much,  .

Needed refreshment 

Love those 5 Stars Hotels "quarantines" 

I have Elite Visa/Vaccinations papers, every courier flight have 2 extra passangers seats.

Banning locals from the beach or golf clubs is over the top !.

[falco]

Here in Portugal, population 10 million, has 246 deaths and 9900 confirmed cases, 68 recovered.
Most people remain inside their homes, but there is still alot of travel. Yesterday very strict laws passed to enforce confinement.
Gyms are all closed, so are restaurants and pretty much everything besides supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations.

[Griffith]

In South Africa, almost 2500 arrested so far for breaking lockdown rules.