Collapse of tourism industry because of Covid-19, has caused US$ 2 trillion loss to the global GDP

Tuesday, December 29th 2020 - 09:38 UTC

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International arrivals fell by 72% over the first ten months of 2020, with restrictions on travel, low consumer confidence and a global struggle to contain the COVID-19 virus, all contributing to the worst year on record in the history of tourism. Read full article

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Chicureo
The CDC (USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevencion) quietly updated their guidelines to say that masks don't work if you've come into close contact with someone for 15 minutes or more, according to the CDC website.

The media is almost completely ignoring this fact.

According to the CDC, anyone who has symptoms or tests positive is a risk to others even if masks are worn.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html

Exposure to

* Person with COVID-19 who has symptoms (in the period from 2 days before symptom onset until they meet criteria for discontinuing home isolation; can be laboratory-confirmed or a clinically compatible illness)
* Person who has tested positive for COVID-19 (laboratory confirmed) but has not had any symptoms (in the 2 days before the date of specimen collection until they meet criteria for discontinuing home isolation).

Note: This is irrespective of whether the person with COVID-19 or the contact was wearing a mask or whether the contact was wearing respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE).

I have previously highlighted the current quandary about Sweden refusing to lock its country down — by allowing its citizens to live freely. Businesses, schools and restaurants have been allowed to remain open — and masks are rarely used. Current WHO statistics show Sweden's mortality rate to BELOW the European average.

When this parallax result is mentioned — the obvious irony is completely ignored.

Something similar can be seen today in Florida, where the governor there has allowed his state to completely reopen — while we see a complete stark opposite COVID enforcement approach, especially in New York City where its famed attractions and restaurants have been closed with BILLIONS of dollars in lost revenues.

This COVID19 has supposedly has become now more dangerous and requires us to yield our basic freedoms and embrace more enforced government control — while TRILLIONS of dollars are lost.
Dec 29th, 2020 - 12:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Skip
Masks work!
Lockdowns work!

Sweden's model didn't work. Norway's did.

Florida isn't working.
1.3 million cases and 21,400 dead.

If both these examples actually used more masks, locked down harder and restricted movements, their economies could be almost back to normal now.

Florida had nearly 70,000 and Sweden had over 32,000 cases in the past week

If that is a measure of success, then it is a pretty fucked measure.
Dec 30th, 2020 - 11:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Think
Geeeeeeeeee....
As they say in Germany...:
Even a blind Kangaroo does sometimes find a Wombat berry... ;-)
Dec 30th, 2020 - 12:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Chicureo
Skip & Estimado THINK

It's the devil in the details and the devil himself will cite scripture to prove his point.

Both you are laser focused on the stark contrast in the difference between Sweden an Norway — instead of examining the overall European numbers — which clearly show the Swedish mortality rate to be BELOW the average.

This occurred while Sweden kept their society open and very few wore masks in public — allowing businesses to continue normally, schools and restaurants to remain open.

As of the 26th, Chile has gone into a strict lockdown due to the new COVID19 strain. We also have been advised one particular case has now been diagnosed with this mutation — but there are reports that it it may even be less virulent than the original.

Meanwhile the media has been lecturing the World and inflating the hysterical social isolation nonsense — destroying lives as well as eliminating civil liberties in an Orwellian '1984' nightmare.

I'm not denying the virus is dangerous and I do believe the vaccines will assist in achieving an eventual herd immunity — but it's unfortunate how educated people can be so gullible in this mass hysterical overreaction.

As far as Florida and New York, I would again expose your diabolic statistical misinformation. People are actual fleeing NYC for Florida to live in freedom like the Swedes.

Many already feel NYC is “dead”: https://nypost.com/2020/08/17/nyc-is-dead-forever-heres-why-james-altucher/

In any case, I do hope the ones you hold dear will survive this pandemic that has been exceptionally brutal to the old and infirm.

Chile has suffered 16K deaths attributed to the virus in a total overall population of 19 million inhabitants. I suggest you two use a simple calculator and do the basic math — because the statistics will reveal actual reality.

¡SALUD!
Dec 30th, 2020 - 02:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Think
TWIMC...

I'm just laser focused at pestering a couple of..., quite diverse but fairy similar..., Insufferable Southern Hemisphere Navel-Gazing Belly-Buttonless Besserwisser Marsupialists..., in here at MercoPress...

Capisce...?
Dec 30th, 2020 - 03:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Chicureo
Estimado THINK

Frankly, I have personally nothing really to complain about. Although we are all saddened by the pandemic fatalities — 2020 has consequentially been very profitable and enjoyable for my entire extended family.

Just our acquisitions of two very valuable vacation properties during this panic at liquidation cost, may sound Machiavellian — yet seizing opportunities is like catching the morning's dawn rising above the Andes. Who dares wins!

And the few voices that cry out for freedom are brutally crushed by the jackboot oppression that you and Skip blindly support. https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2020/12/23/delingpole-eric-clapton-sings-anti-lockdown-song-trolls-mock-his-dead-kid/

Although ma mariée enchantresse is both angry and frustrated with having to cancel our New Year's gran fête in Viña del Mar— the Summer weather here in Chicureo is actually nicer and we have far better free mobility within our community.

Late last night, ma mariée finished Marquez's 'El amour en los tempos del cólera' and on this morning's brisk walk discussed why love affairs are highly more dangerous than any other disease. I tried to debate the plot, but mariée insisted her passionate version was superior.

Trying to express reason and logic when some people become far too passionate to just realize basic common sense.

Currently we've been enjoying the bountiful ripe apricots, nectarines, plums and pluots that we've been sharing with friends and neighbors. (We been making refrigerator preserves with most of it.)

As fruit seems to be about two weeks seasonally early, we're considering decamping to the farm for making traditional preserves this next week.

¡Saludos!
Dec 30th, 2020 - 05:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Think
Geeeeeeee...

That was ghe Shilean one...

- Now we'll just have to patiently wait for the Oztralian Navel-Gazing Belly-Buttonless Besserwisser to tell us about his perfect life in Oz...

Chuckle chuckle...
Dec 30th, 2020 - 06:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Pugol-H
Whatever level of lockdown worked with the old variants of the virus, don’t work with these new far more transmissible strains.

Levels were falling in the UK. lockdowns were working and then suddenly for the same containment measures, levels started rising rapidly. This was the new strain which is now rapidly replacing all other strains.

As a result levels of lockdown have just been increased again.

On the up side the AstraZenica vaccine has now been approved here, much cheaper and easier to use than the others and available in quantity. They start with it at the beginning of January.

We should see a serious difference in things by Easter.
Dec 30th, 2020 - 06:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Think
TWIMC...

- On the up side the Swedish Astra-Zeneca Covid19 vaccine..., that has been being fabricated in Argentina since November 2020..., has just been approved by the Argentinean “ANMAT” a couple of hours ago and they have already been contracted and paid for the delivery of some 25,000,000 doses by mid January 2021...

https://www.lanacion.com.ar/sociedad/coronavirus-anmat-aprobo-uso-vacuna-astrazeneca-argentina-nid2556083

- Much cheaper and easier to use than the other vaccines indeed..., (except for the Russian one..., already being inoculated to our front line health workers..., which next version will be in lyophilizided powder form ..., as easy to use and transport as NESCAFE)..., available in quantity and... INDUSTRIA ARGENTINA...:-)

Think is happy...
Dec 30th, 2020 - 06:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Chicureo
Pugol-TTWH & Estimado THINK

I assume you are referring to the variant strainVUI-202012/01 which has frightened health agencies worldwide. Supposedly 70% more transmisible than what we've been experiencing.

I still stand with my earlier opinion that the Swedes did the correct thing. Science is only slightly more capable of understanding and managing COVID than they were during the Spanish Flu epidemic a century ago.

History will tell...

I'm also pleased our Argentine cousins have embraced a domesticly produced and proven vaccine.

I would not be surprised if we find ourselves being offered me vaccines to address future viral mutations each year.

Respectfully, Cheers!
Dec 30th, 2020 - 07:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Think
Goooooooood..., Shicureo...

Do stand firm on your earlier opinions..., with President Re-elect Trump holding your one hand and the “Kraken” holding the other...
Dec 30th, 2020 - 08:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Pugol-H
Except of course the Russian vaccine is what $15-20 a shot, compared with the UK Oxford/AstraZeneca at €1.78 a pop.

Actually they are running trials in Russia using combinations of the two vaccines, looking for synergic effects.

Apparently the new S. African variant may be even more transmissible than the UK one.
Dec 30th, 2020 - 08:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Think
Geeeeeee...
Anglo Turnips are like Ex PresidentTrump..., they can't stop lying...

Just look at the complete false info from Anglo Turnip Pugol-H just above...,about prices of some Covid19 vaccines...

The same Anglo Turnip that some six days ago happily (but falsely stated) that...:
***”Interesting to note the impending deal (Brexit) includes the BOT’s.”***

Capisce...?
Dec 30th, 2020 - 08:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Chicureo
Estimado THINK

That Anglo Turnip you refer to actually is an Anglo-African residing in Colonia Nervia Glevensium — that reflects the wide range of costs for vaccines. I know for a fact that the Russian virus was costing CLP140K per dosage (roughly $189) at one pharmacy in Chile and frankly the actual cost in Argentina as is most things in your country — undetermined truth.

Sincerely we are very happy for your citizens and the actual real cost is inconsequential — instead we should all celebrate our society's triumph in rapidly developing many effective vaccines worldwide.

Tonight's fare is simply cold thinly sliced marinated beef tongue with a baguette sandwich and a beefsteak tomato salad. Although I suggested a red, ma mariée has coquettly insisted a chilled champenoise instead.

We've decided to begin our family annual fruit preserves making at the farm, starting Monday.

¡Saludos!
Dec 30th, 2020 - 09:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Think
I note that you don't want any further debate 'bout the Argie IFE...
Better so... There are some things that are better left dormant..., hermanito...
Dec 30th, 2020 - 10:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Pugol-H
Stink
Do try and keep up.

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-russia-vaccine/russia-eyeing-foreign-markets-says-sputnik-covid-19-vaccine-to-cost-under-20-idUKKBN28415W

”MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine will cost under $20 per person on international markets.”

“Pfizer-BioNTech, which costs 15.5 euros per shot, but more expensive than the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, which will be sold in Europe for around 2.5 euros per shot.”

Yep, this “fake news” gets everywhere, you shouldn’t believe everything you are told, even when it’s me telling you.
Jan 01st, 2021 - 01:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Pogul-X
https://www.politico.eu/article/belgian-secretary-of-state-accidentally-reveals-eu-vaccine-prices/

“According to the screenshot published by HLN, the EU is spending between €1.78 and $18 per coronavirus vaccine. The price per dose listed for each of the six vaccines was as follows:”

Oxford/AstraZeneca: €1.78

Johnson & Johnson, $8.50

Sanofi/GSK: €7.56

BioNTech/Pfizer: €12

CureVac: €10

Moderna: $18
Jan 01st, 2021 - 02:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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DemonTree
Happy new year everyone. Let's hope they get these vaccines administered quickly, because the lockdowns are spreading nearly as fast as the virus.
Jan 01st, 2021 - 09:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Skip
Deaths per million
Sweden 864.12
European Union 826.17 (Sweden ranks 10/27)
Europe as a whole 728.64
Denmark 211.66
Finland 99.27
Iceland 84.98
Norway 79.87

“Swedish mortality rate to be BELOW the average” is blatantly misinformation… or are we calling them alternative facts these days?

Sweden’s death rate sits at 26th globally, one rank below Chile’s, 3 below Brazil, 6 below Argentina and 12 below the US. No one is seriously claiming any of these countries are being effective during this pandemic. Countries that used actual science and real lockdowns don’t even get in the top 100 - not the perfect life Think alluded to but much closer than the dysfunction you both endure.

It will be interesting to see how Sweden’s new lockdown laws that will be passed in January will change the situation.

So, let me see, it is alright to restrict rights to save lives when it comes to abortion. But to restrict rights to save lives during a pandemic is the “jackboot of oppression”? God save us from the hypocrisy of the lunatic fringe whose definition of rights is whatever they want them to be.

Lockdowns and masks work. There is empirical evidence to prove it. I am yet to see a lockdown become permanent - indeed, most are pathetically short to be effective. And of this I can attest to personally after living under one of the world’s most strictest for 111 days. Wasn’t permanent at all and it is hard to feel oppressed when the dying stops.

From what I can see, the pandemic is not just a reflection on effective government (severely lacking in much of Europe and all of the Americas) but really shows how much community is sacrificed at the alter of an American-centric idea of freedom that places the individual above all other considerations.

I hate to break it to you, but the vaccines don’t stop you getting COVID and most likely don’t stop you spreading it if you have it.

This pandemic isn’t even half over!
Jan 02nd, 2021 - 12:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Pugol-H
Vaccines, or at least the Oxford/AstraZeneca and BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines, do seem to be 100% effective at stopping you from getting the serious form of the illness.

Some people still got the virus, but no one needed hospitalisation and a ventilator.

What is worrying Governments now, is the more transmissible forms of the virus swamping healthcare capacity with serious cases.

However I agree this “ isn’t even half over!”
Jan 03rd, 2021 - 06:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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