General Info

[GoodEnough]

Couple of things important to remember:

-Some of the COVID cases came in people who either had gotten only their first Pfizer / moderna shot, before the second or less than 2 weeks after the second shot (you are not fully protected until 2 weeks after the second shot).

-3700 cases out of 150 million Americans vaccinated is infintesimal but of course nothing is 100%, that was clear in the clinical trials.

-Of the cases. We don't know if some of those people were immunosuppressed or not.

-Clearly the vaccine is working. The numbers dropping in the USA are fabulous. The state where I live is fully open and we are looking forward to horse racing season. The other countries where vaccination uptake is good translates to a reduction of COVID cases.

-Will COVID go away. Probably not. But will the pandemic end with vaccination. It appears so.

As for the NY yankees, all these guys that got COVID vaccine got the single dose J&J shot which clearly has been shown to be less effective than either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, although all 3 vaccines reduce hospitalization due to COVID and that's really important. Only one got symptoms. They need to be more concerned about playing good baseball cause to date, their season has been up and down.

GG.

Philippines Travel Advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, June 17,2021.

The US Government posted the following today:

Reconsider travel to the Philippines due to COVID-19. Additionally, exercise increased.

Caution due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Read the entire Travel.

Advisory.

Read? The Department of State'sCOVID-19 page? Before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued aLevel 3 Travel Health.

Noticefor the Philippines due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the.

Country. ? Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower.

If you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international.

Travel, please review the CDC's specific recommendations.

For vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

There are restrictions in place affecting USA Citizen entry into the Philippines. Visit the.

Embassy'sCOVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and.

Conditions in the Philippines.

Do Not Travel to:

The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to crime, terrorism, civil.

Unrest, and kidnapping.

Marawi City in Mindanao due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Reconsider Travel to:

Other areas of Mindanao due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting possible kidnappings, bombings, and other.

Attacks in the Philippines. Terrorist and armed groups may attack with little or no warning.

Targeting tourist locations, markets / shopping malls, and local government facilities. The.

Philippine government has declared a State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless.

Violence in Mindanao.

[Geneva Guy]

Just a quick search on "Can vaccinated Covid patients spread Covid?" turned up somewhat different information. The brunt of these articles is that some persons who are fully vaxxed contract it, and there's little way of knowing who they spread it to (as they may be asymptomatic, if at all). Uncertainty.

https://news.yahoo.com/people-vaccin...121339654.html

From the article:

"These bits of evidence are promising. But without more studies, scientists cannot yet conclude that COVID-19 vaccines really do protect against all transmission. Studies attempting to directly answer this question through contact tracing are just beginning: Researchers will track COVID-19 infections among vaccinated and unvaccinated volunteers and their close contacts.

SNIP

The recent outbreak of infections among the vaccinated New York Yankees shows that vaccinated people not only can still get infected, they might also transmit the coronavirus to close contacts. Highly tested groups, such as professional sports teams, spotlight the fact that mild, asymptomatic infections among the vaccinated in the general population might actually be more frequent than reported. A similar outbreak in airport workers in Singapore shows that, even among the fully vaccinated, new and more infectious variants can spread fast."

And from a search on "have Covid vaccinated persons died of Covid after vaccination". From the CDC website, an article on 'breakthrough' cases, where fully vaxxed people later acquired Covid, and were hospitalized or died (see pic).

Hence, to be conservative, countries might require inbound tourists to isolate and swab for a while when they open up. Not sure if that helps.

Couple of things important to remember:

-Some of the COVID cases came in people who either had gotten only their first Pfizer / moderna shot, before the second or less than 2 weeks after the second shot (you are not fully protected until 2 weeks after the second shot).

-3700 cases out of 150 million Americans vaccinated is infintesimal but of course nothing is 100%, that was clear in the clinical trials.

-Of the cases. We don't know if some of those people were immunosuppressed or not.

-Clearly the vaccine is working. The numbers dropping in the USA are fabulous. The state where I live is fully open and we are looking forward to horse racing season. The other countries where vaccination uptake is good translates to a reduction of COVID cases.

-Will COVID go away. Probably not. But will the pandemic end with vaccination. It appears so.

As for the NY yankees, all these guys that got COVID vaccine got the single dose J&J shot which clearly has been shown to be less effective than either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, although all 3 vaccines reduce hospitalization due to COVID and that's really important. Only one got symptoms. They need to be more concerned about playing good baseball cause to date, their season has been up and down.

GG.

[FuriousGeorge]

Well, you can go to Mexico. They don't seem to care down there. It's still incumbent on citizens to get vaccinated so the population achieves herd immunity and then all this nonsense ends. I do suspect that very soon countries will open up to those with proof of vaccination. The lack of tourism dollars is hurting them. Although I have no desire to go back to PH until everything is back to normal. Gogo bars, High Society (looks like it's now called Gold Bar), and all the rest of the fun stuff opening will draw me back. This will require the citizens to get vaccinated. And recent reports say that Duterte is damn serious about compelling the populace to do it, which I celebrate.

Again. Then why are we stuck and can't go anywhere. It makes no sense. Don't get the vaccine and you can't go anywhere, get the vaccine and you can't go anywhere. Yeah that sounds reasonable.

[WestCoast1]

That's improvement slow but improving. I have a question. According to the CDC. WHO and pretty much every news channel on TV the vaccine works. Get the vaccine and you cannot catch or spread it. Here in the US mask are just about gone except for very few places or while flying. Then why in Gods name if we are vaccinated can't we travel to Asia. I'm not a risk to anyone according to the experts. Can anyone answer this question?

Just a quick search on "Can vaccinated Covid patients spread Covid?" turned up somewhat different information. The brunt of these articles is that some persons who are fully vaxxed contract it, and there's little way of knowing who they spread it to (as they may be asymptomatic, if at all). Uncertainty.

https://news.yahoo.com/people-vaccin...121339654.html

From the article:

"These bits of evidence are promising. But without more studies, scientists cannot yet conclude that COVID-19 vaccines really do protect against all transmission. Studies attempting to directly answer this question through contact tracing are just beginning: Researchers will track COVID-19 infections among vaccinated and unvaccinated volunteers and their close contacts.

SNIP

The recent outbreak of infections among the vaccinated New York Yankees shows that vaccinated people not only can still get infected, they might also transmit the coronavirus to close contacts. Highly tested groups, such as professional sports teams, spotlight the fact that mild, asymptomatic infections among the vaccinated in the general population might actually be more frequent than reported. A similar outbreak in airport workers in Singapore shows that, even among the fully vaccinated, new and more infectious variants can spread fast."

And from a search on "have Covid vaccinated persons died of Covid after vaccination". From the CDC website, an article on 'breakthrough' cases, where fully vaxxed people later acquired Covid, and were hospitalized or died (see pic).

Hence, to be conservative, countries might require inbound tourists to isolate and swab for a while when they open up. Not sure if that helps.

[Locamotive]

Yep, these graphics are 100% legit. Although different vaccines have different success rates as far as infection, they essentially all have 100% efficacy rates as far as keeping the vaccinated person from getting seriously ill or dying. One of my best friends is an ER doctor at a major hospital, and has never seen anyone even get admitted for covid after getting vaccinated.

Again. Then why are we stuck and can't go anywhere. It makes no sense. Don't get the vaccine and you can't go anywhere, get the vaccine and you can't go anywhere. Yeah that sounds reasonable.

[Member #4794]

Looks like face shields are here to stay. Dutarte walked back his comments on face shields. The Philippines always has to be unique doesn't it.

"Face shields still mandatory.

Duterte ends confusion, heeds experts' advice, cites Delta variant threat".

https://manilastandard.net/news/top-...mandatory.html

[Member #4794]

You just reminded me to check my Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles which were always promoted as "never expiring". Seems they will now expire 31 Jan 2022.

PAL is filing for bankruptcy I wonder if they will wipe out the miles during the debt restructuring. PAL is in deep financial trouble.

"PAL parent on 'final stages' of restructuring as loss mounts to P73 billion".

https://www.philstar.com/business/20...ts-p73-billion

[BrizLad]

The emails states that GetGo points must be redeemed by June 15,2021. Problem: The email was sent to me on the morning of June 17, two days later. Good job!

You just reminded me to check my Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles which were always promoted as "never expiring". Seems they will now expire 31 Jan 2022.

[FuriousGeorge]

Yep, these graphics are 100% legit. Although different vaccines have different success rates as far as infection, they essentially all have 100% efficacy rates as far as keeping the vaccinated person from getting seriously ill or dying. One of my best friends is an ER doctor at a major hospital, and has never seen anyone even get admitted for covid after getting vaccinated.

A few more. From the DOH, showing 4 major vaccines as 100% effective. My question:

Is that possible? 100% protection from severe symptoms and death? Don't the vaccines themselves cause illness or even death in a small number of cases? Don't they all have different efficacy rates? Don't a small number of cases have major Covid symptoms or death after full vaxxing?

* It mentions clinical trials. Does the layman understand that? Do I understand that?

Caveat: I am not arguing against vaccinations, but I question that graphic.

[WestCoast1]

A few more. From the DOH, showing 4 major vaccines as 100% effective. My question:

Is that possible? 100% protection from severe symptoms and death? Don't the vaccines themselves cause illness or even death in a small number of cases? Don't they all have different efficacy rates? Don't a small number of cases have major Covid symptoms or death after full vaxxing?

* It mentions clinical trials. Does the layman understand that? Do I understand that?

Caveat: I am not arguing against vaccinations, but I question that graphic.

[Locamotive]

Even before this the supplies of Pfizer were increasing. I got my second dose about 2 weeks ago and my wife and 21 year old son got their first doses of Pfizer today. Davao appears to be doing a reasonably good job in getting this into people's arms as soon as it arrives in the city and there appears to be an increasing number of vaccination sites throughout the city, or at least around the most heavily populated areas.

GE.

That's improvement slow but improving. I have a question. According to the CDC. WHO and pretty much every news channel on TV the vaccine works. Get the vaccine and you cannot catch or spread it. Here in the US mask are just about gone except for very few places or while flying. Then why in Gods name if we are vaccinated can't we travel to Asia. I'm not a risk to anyone according to the experts. Can anyone answer this question?

[WestCoast1]

Some Gen Info stuff.

First, a gent on the Board recently mentioned Ivermectin as a Covid treatment. Apparently a sitting US senator also mentioned it on youtube and had his account suspended.

Second, a few days ago Cebu Pacific sent me a standard email regarding changes to their rewards program. I opened it but didn't look carefully at the date at the time. The emails states that GetGo points must be redeemed by June 15,2021. Problem: The email was sent to me on the morning of June 17, two days later. Good job!

[GoodEnough]

Interesting.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...rt-2021-06-20/

"MANILA, June 20 (Reuters) - The Philippine government has signed a supply agreement for 40 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc (PFE. N) and BioNTech SE, (22 UAy. DE) in its biggest coronavirus vaccine deal to date.

Deliveries of the vaccine will begin in late September, Carlito Galvez, head of the government's COVID-19 vaccine procurement, said on Sunday. It "will significantly boost our national immunisation programme and will enable us to realise our goal of achieving herd immunity by year-end," he said."

Even before this the supplies of Pfizer were increasing. I got my second dose about 2 weeks ago and my wife and 21 year old son got their first doses of Pfizer today. Davao appears to be doing a reasonably good job in getting this into people's arms as soon as it arrives in the city and there appears to be an increasing number of vaccination sites throughout the city, or at least around the most heavily populated areas.

GE.

[Free2]

Interesting.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...rt-2021-06-20/

"MANILA, June 20 (Reuters) - The Philippine government has signed a supply agreement for 40 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc (PFE. N) and BioNTech SE, (22 UAy. DE) in its biggest coronavirus vaccine deal to date.

Deliveries of the vaccine will begin in late September, Carlito Galvez, head of the government's COVID-19 vaccine procurement, said on Sunday. It "will significantly boost our national immunisation programme and will enable us to realise our goal of achieving herd immunity by year-end," he said."

[Beavis]

I must make a correction. I took a 10 minute walk in the late morning, and another in the late afternoon. The number of shields out there, whether perched on top of heads, worn correctly, or being carried in someone's hand was at most 20% (less, really). On the afternoon walk I was only one of a handful that had one (I was going to meet a hussy for coffee, the shop refuses anyone without both mask and shield).

Also, regarding the mask. I saw folks who weren't wearing one. Perhaps I just hadn't noticed before. The people who didn't have a mask were working sari's, carindarias, moveable fruit stands, stalls, or other employees who were ferrying products from a delivery truck into a business. Those walking on the street, customers in the mall, and employees in the mall all were wearing their mask. At the resto where I ate breakfast this morning (and eat several times a week), I noticed no employees were wearing a mask. In fact I don't recall them wearing a mask for some time (interesting, how you miss something right in front of you). Should the people who handle food be required to wear a mask? They do at fast food joints, and they separate themselves from you with plexiglass -- who's afraid of who?

I think the Filipinos are becoming just as tired of the BS as everyone else is. Many places still require a face shield to enter. I keep 2 in my car just in case, the big stores require them but then again once inside it depends on who is working. If you walk the back streets over half won't be wearing a mask and many that are have them pulled down. Back to the original point was being worried about having to wear a face shield in public which isn't or never really has been a problem (at least in my observations). 7,000 islands so I can only speak for Olongapo and Angeles City.