How are you all dealing with coronavirus and the restrictions... #2

@AzulOscuro - I like Spain too. After all I did live there. But I am partly of Czech ancestry and they have never won. There are lots of new candidates in the group of remaining teams. It should be interesting.


My husband got Sinocrap, unfortunately. He qualified in February because he works for the government and deals with people. The idea was to get people back into the office. The limited Pfizer doses were all going to health workers or highest risk people like those undergoing cancer treatment. He went when he qualified because he wanted at least some protection. In the end, he is still working from home with no return to the office date set.

If he had gone based on his age, without priority due to his job, he would have received Pfizer. That was the day I went and everyone got Pfizer. As they say, hindsight is 20/20. He had no way to know that we would start getting more Pfizer. Now a spokesperson from Sinovac says their vaccine's protection against Delta is 1/3 of its usual effectiveness. Just great!

Poor Pibe, what did Sinovac do to him? Something does not look right, haha! Sometimes it's either laughing or crying, so it's better to laugh.

I agree that at least the Minister in the UK resigned. After recent events, the top level Health Ministry officials all need to go, but they don't.

Former President Bachelet's mother died last year while she was in the US working for the UN. She came back to visit family but did not attend the funeral because of having to complete quarantine first. She has even commented about the woman that was given an exception, saying that even she knew she had to follow the rules, regardless of who she was. No special treatment. Why did they give this mystery woman an exemption?

@Discombobulated - Yeah, The being cooped up and not being able to travel is really wearing on me lately. Every day is the same and it is hard to take. We were very fortunate that we were able to take a short 4-day break in February 2020 to one of our favorite places about 350 km to the south. A friend came to pet sit at our house. I am eternally grateful she could do that considering that is the last time we could travel.


We used to travel a lot but cut back in 2017-2018 because we were finishing up saving for the house. We did some short trips but nothing like usual. 2019 as all about moving and getting settled into our home. We were looking to get back into more travel in 2020 but, of course we all know what happened. We took a week off recently but were locked down.

I feel like my husband is going to be much more concerned about COVID than me for a while because of the vaccine he got. If things open up, he will still want to be super cautious. And, he hasn't even seen the news about Sinovac and the Delta variant. I can't say I really blame him. I had my reasons for not wanting Sinovac and the news lately is proving me right. I would not feel protected either. It sucks.

I understand your concern.
We both, my partner and me got Sinovac, only that I’m still for receiving the second shot.
Is your husband already working with the population or he’s still working from home?
We have all such a problem, aren’t we? I’m gonna take my safety measures for a long time. I understand that for younger people is harder and for people who are more sociable and outgoing, but I don’t have this problem. And there are many people who are going to respect safety measures for a time, no matter if the authorities relaxed the measures. As we don’t trust them. lol!

Hey, it’s not needed you go with the next European Champion. lol! Each one goes with the team who has in his/her heart.
It’s said Americans, I mean...people from the States are not very fan of soccer but I see your Chilean guy put you into it.

I wonder what about if the vaccines that are supposed to go to people in the States who doesn’t want the vaccine, go to other people in other countries who can’t get a vaccine so far? Only a reflexion.
The thing is that being at the top, we sometimes lose perspective of how other countries have to fave to the same problems without the same means. The same I say for the UK, but in a different sense. I would ask them to go down their throne.
I guess Delta variant went there to give them a touch. Hope the lesson got learnt.

Noone is at the top of everything.

Still think that as (many other things) this is a virus transmitted by the rich and that is gonna be paid by the poor.

*hugs* that is really hard. Could you not get outside to nature somewhere? Drive up, get a little cottage, no contact with anyone... it'd be totally safe? Maybe not the same as a city trip but at least it's a change of scenery.

I'm also desperate for a holiday. I haven't even had any time off in months because I couldn't deal with just sitting at home and not having the distraction from work. But it's getting really hard now, I'm getting so annoyed with my job. Haven't slept well in probably almost 6 monts. My holiday will just be going to my home town, same as last year. But at least I'll be out of the city for a bit.

@AzulOscuro - Didn't you get Pfizer?

My husband hasn't gone back to the office. With the latest talk about people that got Sinovac needing a third dose, I doubt he will go back any time soon. I read that Dominican Republic, which mainly uses Sinovac is also considering a third dose of another vaccine.

The US is starting to send vaccines to other countries. I heard Peru is getting 2 million dozes of either Pfizer or Moderna soon. Unfortunately, Chile and Uruguay aren't on the list of recipients at this time because we have "vaccines".

Here the virus was brought in by people that had money for international vacations. However, it has hit the poor hardest. The poor generally have more comorbidities like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes so they are more likely to get a bad case. Overcrowded conditions and the need to go out to work also play a role. If you are a professional living in a decent-sized house, it's more likely that you can work from home and it is easier follow the lockdown rules. A family of 8 living in a tiny apartment, not so much.


I actually played soccer as a kid and have followed it for years. Way back when for the 2010 World Cup, Chile had Marcelo Bielsa as coach. These days we have to take whoever we can get. Our current coach, Martín Lasarte is actually a step up from the last guy. Lasarte coached at Real Sociedad in Spain.

Thanks, that's a really good suggestion, unfortunately we don't drive so rely on public transport to get everywhere. Normally it isn't a problem to travel by bus or train but at the moment long journeys don't feel comfortable. Many people I know who do drive are going to cottages/self catering however. I envy them! Yes a change of scene would be so good!

I'm glad for you that it seems you're going to be able to travel home, and that hopefully will give you the respite you need. My son is also very stressed working from home with his job, it can be very isolating not to have support or distractions from colleagues. You deserve your break!

I guess I have to accept my situation. My brain does tend to be unhelpful and race ahead (thanks brain!) So I wonder if next year will be much the same too. I just wish there was an end date.

Yes @AzulOscuro my h is concerned about delta variant spread, it has been jumping in big leaps and there has been some concern over vaccine efficacy. He's classed as clinically vulnerable.

I guess to take a cab or a taxi is very expensive, isn’t it?

Oh, I see. Anyway, also with Pfizer ( the one I was shot), it has been talked about the possible need for a third dosage but so far, people is getting a high protection with two.

I go with you against Brazil for two reasons. To support you and also because of the coach. You named my own soccer team in Spain, La Real Sociedad de San Sebastián.

@AzulOscuro - I didn't know that was your team! Claudio Bravo, our national team's goalkeeper also played there for a long time. He's from our town so there is a Claudio Bravo Street near my house and a statue of him. He has a house in the area where he stays when he's here.

Oh, I remember him very well. I even saw him here when they came to play against my city’s team.
He was a very good goalkeeper.
I remember I used to joke with my brother who is also a follower of La Real around his surname.
I used to say, we can’t be beaten because just from the get go, we already have a goalkeeper whose surname has a victory word in his name ( we use here the expression -Bravo- addressed to someone who is brave or who has done something very well. 😀

Btw, I also used to play soccer. As a goalkeeper. 🥅

In relation to coronavirus here, contagious are unluckily increasing here ( my hairdresser
include 😱 ) but at least, hospitalisations aren’t.

I’m happily surprised that in spite of the fact that we can already be without a mask being outdoors and always we keep a safety distance, many people, me included still wear it. The thing is that while from the Government this measure has been relaxed, some scientists have said that it was a decision made too soon. And here, we are. Most of the population chose to follow scientists recommendation. I see it as very mature choice. 👍👍👍

I just heard on the news yesterday that Pfizer and Moderna offer a long protection, possibly even years, so no 3rd dose needed yet. However they are going to offer people who have received a first dose of AZ a second dose of an mRna vaccin in Germany.

And just read a study has shown J&J to be effective against the delta variant. A study of a grand total of 28 people. Forgive me for not feeling too relieved yet :| Also they confirmed it offers at least 8 months of protection. That's not all that long :/ then again with zero side effects, I wouldn't mind having to get a booster shot.

Yes it's all still uncertain, but I'm glad to read about possible long term protection from mRNA vaccines. Great news!

I'm wondering if this may depend on individual reactions too? Many years ago when working in a hospital I had to have a hepatitis vaccine for my own protection (everyone did) 20 years later I was volunteering in another hospital and occupational health screened my blood and found I still had immunity, they said that was unusual but not impossible- I was very young when I had the 1st vaccination and guess my immune response was pretty good!

From what I've read in older people the response may be less robust. In UK from September all over 50s will be given a booster (this 49 year old will miss out!!) not sure what type but they are saying mixing vaccines seems to build immunity so it may be different to whatever the 1st one was.

Yes @AzulOscuro it would be expensive. Plus it's difficult and very expensive to book any holiday accommodation now, because people are staying in UK in greater numbers the demand is very high.

This is within myself - I need to accept this situation. It isn't changing, no holiday this year. I am processing my disappointment, and my feelings of envy and unfairness. No it's not fair but life generally isn't and it isn't helping me to dwell on it.

I'm pleased for my family and friends who have travelled and had a nice time.

I need to dig deep within myself. What can I do to meet my needs. What makes me feel better. I need to focus on my wellbeing and manage my anxieties.

@BreakForTheLight. At least J&J is showing better data than Sinovac. Here people that began vaccination in February have already begun seeing a decline in the limited protection they had! It's also apparently worse when Delta is considered. The lab spokesman recognized as much.

Even so, supposedly people are coming from China next week to discuss setting up the Sinovac lab here to make vaccines no one will want.


Here they extended lockdown again. A friend asked me why. I told her it was because we weren't pandemic fatigued enough! That got a good laugh out of her. We had that short reprieve in May/early June that many municipalities did not have. Most of the places where they announced a move to phase 2 had been in lockdown for over 90 days so they loosened things up whether or not the numbers warranted it.

Our municipality also says it is because we are doing better at testing/tracing and active searches for cases. It's true. They have received praise many times over the pandemic for having better contact tracing than other areas. But it screws us over. If they weren't doing that, we'd have fewer cases on the books.

I completely understand your disappointment @Discombobulated. I am also having to accept that I don't know when things will be good enough here that we will be able to travel. And, we really can't go anywhere until my husband gets some sort of booster or new vaccination course.

Surprise, surprise! A night at club in NL has resulted in a cluster of at least 60 confirmed infections so far. What a shocker! They require a negative test but apparantly people can get in with "fake" test results or scan a code from their friends.
I guess the European app thing works in the same way that the QR-code can be scanned multiple times, but that is why you are supposed to check the code AND someone's ID.

Not in favour of another lockdown but they have opened up WAY too fast over there. They don't even require masks *inside* anymore, except on public transport. Bunch of idjits in the government. It'll feel weird going to the store there when Germany still requires FFP2 masks in several places. NL is acting like corona is gone completely.

Today I learned that people are also considered "fully vaccinated" immediately after their 2nd shot or 1 shot of J&J. Every other sensible country requires a two week waiting period, some even longer.

Quarantine after coming in from a high risk country is advised, but not required. Another news article today mentioned ony 1/4 of the people traveling into NL actually stick to a quarantine.

How can they not have learned anything at all after over a year of this mess??

I understand you guys. I understand your husband doesn’t feel safe enough since he’s a high risk person.
If it’s of any consolation, I’m not gonna go to anywhere either this year, other than a couple of escape to a near beach. But, it will be go and return in the same day.
Take your relaxing time, ordering food outside, looking for a place in nature to visit, maybe a town you don’t still know, guys. In order to change a little your routines. Many times, there are interesting things to discover at the very place you are in or close places. It’s a time to discover what’s there. And still you can have romantic dinner outside.

Anything show a better data than Sinof@ckingcrap.

Because this virus was especially dangerous to ederly people. Many other parts of the population didn’t even care from the beginning. Because we have become, how to say it softly, a bunch of self-centred people. It took a long time but this is what we have now. A bunch of people who don’t care at all about the others. The Jungle law.
Me, me, me and then me. This is what matters.

I say this with sadness because as a teacher, and my other coworkers were and are trying to work against this Egotistic view, but we can’t fight against all what is going on in the society.

I get that young people want to live, I really do. The ones who are using false test results - now those are selfish arseholes.

But I mostly blame the government. They're making such a bloody wreck of it. They see countries around us going back to stricter measures due to the delta variant and what do they do? Release everything. I just don't understand it.

And people ARE worried about the delta variant and fear another lockdown coming in fall. That creates the attitude of "enjoy your freedom now while you still can." Which will also increase the spread like a domino effect.

@BreakForTheLight - that last comment of yours is what happened here. They opened up interregional travel over the Southern Hemisphere summer with a "vacation pass". People crowded the typical vacation areas, feeling like they had to take advantage of the opportunity because there might be another lockdown in the fall/winter. Cases spiked again and by mid- to late-March many areas were back in lockdown.

Cases are showing a downward trend. Unfortunately deaths remain high, over 150 most days and sometimes over 200. The only times they are lower are when weekend results are reported since fewer people report deaths over the weekend. I have a feeling the higher deaths are in the older groups that are seeing a declining immune response. The 70+ age group in ICUs started to rise a few weeks ago and now the same is happening with 60+. They really need to get a move on the third dose of a better vaccine for those that were vaccinated early on. Other countries that used the Chinese vaccines are already doing it.

At least it was announced that the last three municipalities in our region, including mine, are being let out of lockdown this Thursday.

We are having all restrictions removed on 19th July, including social distancing and face coverings although we are projected to have increases in cases and more deaths.

The reasoning is it's better to remove them now in summer (children off school, not flu season) than winter.

I'm really not sure what to make of it. They say live with it like we do the flu but flu has a season it's not a year long thing.

Well another scandal with the Health Ministry. There is a second case of the Delta variant brought in by a baby arriving from the US. Again, the family didn't do the required hotel quarantine.

The initial story was that the family was given special permission to go to the US and return (usually if you leave you are not supposed to come back until the borders open for widespred travel) because the husband was going to participate in an important event at the While House. That was a total lie. They went to some sort of conservative Christian conference, which doesn't fit under one of the allowed reasons to leave and return.

The baby was not tested upon arrival because they don't test children under 2 years of age when they arrive in the country. The case was discovered because the baby started to have symptoms and they took her to a health clinic and the doctor ordered a test.

Now it has come out that the father of the baby is the brother-in-law of the Interior Minister's chief of staff. Hmm, do you think that may have helped gotten them approval to travel? The chief of staff just announced he is resigning.

I am really starting to wonder how many more cases there are of people entering and not quarantining and of well-connected people being given permission to travel without a valid reason. I know someone from New Zealand that wants to return to his country. He bought a one way ticket and doesn't plan to come back for a while, but it took applying three times to get approved to travel. I guess he doesn't have friends or family in high places.

Here I am, waiting for the security minutes after receiving my second shot of Pfizer. The people I could tell to about, showed deeper secondary effects with the second dosage.
There’s something I don’t understand. Maybe it’s because my appointment was set early in the morning (you know how Spanish people is, lol) but I never had to wait in a queue and there many people here. I think that if there are vaccines enough the thing should be faster. At this rate, we are gonna get herd immunity when the cows come home.

@rechu, Some Spanish people I listen to speak on the radio and who for several reasons received in Chile the the first two dosages of Sinocr@p, got infected with the virus after that. 🙄

I'm feeling the 'have fun now' pressure because I am worried about restrictions coming back when Delta starts spreading like crazy here.


There are so many conflicting reports. I saw the articles @Discombobulated mentioned about mRNA providing long-lasting immunity, even against Delta, no boosters required. Then the other day I saw that Pfizer seems 64% effective against Delta. Singapore came out with a similar report (and has mostly used mRNA). Is immunity waning or is Delta different enough or some combination of the two? Why are those results so different from the study that showed long lasting immunity?

I am also worried because a close family member will not get vaccinated. He suggests it's due to conspiracy theory type reasons, but I believe it's really due to needle phobia. I don't know how to convince him.

@rechu I am impressed the chief of staff is resigning! This pandemic has shown how the rich and powerful live very different lives compared to the rest of us. A US conservative Christian conference sounds like a super spreader event. If they don't even care about exposing their own baby to that, they couldn't care anything about the health of strangers. I was interested to see articles this morning stating that the Russian Orthodox church is strongly encouraging the vaccine.