COVID-19 Updae for Friday, July 31, 2020 Includes Latest Numbers from Macon County Public Health

Here is an update for this afternoon on how humanity is dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic that is caused by SARS CoV-2. The story is told through links to news outlets, research papers, and videos. They are presented without comment.

Data from Macon County Public Health as of July 31st and graph by Macon Media of data from May 30th to July 31st [LINK] 

Please note there is a gap for Saturdays and Sundays starting this past weekend since the health department will no longer be reporting numbers on those days.




456 Detected Cases (+6 in one day)
74 Active Positive (unchanged)
379 Recovered (+6 in one day)
3 Deaths (unchanged)

Testing Data for Macon County

4187 MCPH Tests (+73 in one day)
1427 Tests by Others (unchanged)
5614 Total Tests (+73 in one day)
305 Tests Pending Results (+68 in one day)




CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.




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Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 11,087 people in North Carolina are infected, 1,820 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 117,850 confirmed cases from 1,691,434 targeted tests, and 1,291 hospitalized and 1,865 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 118,387 people infected and 1,888 deaths.

North Carolina Coronavirus Map and Case Count [LINK]

Infographic from Johns Hopkins University [LINK]




Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]

---

Videos
(repeat from yesterday for those who missed this section)

Dr John Campbell

Coronavirus and Sepsis

---

White House Briefing (07-31-2020)

---

Research Papers, Clinical Trials and News About Such


[LINK]

Emergency Open-source Three-dimensional Printable Ventilator Circuit Splitter and Flow Regulator during the COVID-19 Pandemic [LINK]

A Case Series of 100 COVID-19 Positive Patients Treated with Combination of Ivermectin and Doxycycline [LINK]

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasal swabs using MALDI-MS [LINK]

Challenging COVID-19 with Creativity: Supporting Design Space Exploration for Emergency Ventilators [LINK]

COVID-19: Precautions with children in home mechanical ventilation [LINK]

Could prior exposure to common cold viruses affect the severity of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms? [LINK]

Rapid test for the determination of antibodies against Sars-Cov-2 [LINK]

Comorbidities for fatal outcome among the COVID-19 patients: a hospital-based case-control study [LINK]

The Folate Concentration and/or Folic Acid Metabolites in Plasma as Factor for COVID-19 Infection [LINK]

Circulating Mitochondrial DNA is an Early Indicator of Severe Illness and Mortality from COVID-19 [LINK]

Coronavirus Challenges in Primates, Compared [LINK]

No SARS-CoV-2 cross-neutralization by intravenous immunoglobulins produced from plasma collected before the 2020 pandemic [LINK]

Concerns about Waning COVID-19 Immunity Are Likely Overblown [LINK]









Masks, Masks, Masks
(Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!)

Detecting Covid-19 on the breath [LINK]

Examining the protection efficacy of face shields against cough aerosol droplets using water sensitive papers [LINK]

New study links Christian nationalism to going maskless and neglecting to social distance amid the COVID-19 pandemic [LINK]

US sheriffs rebel against state mask orders even as Covid-19 spreads [LINK]

McDonald's CEO says restaurants "might bring in law enforcement" if customers refuse to comply with mask policy [LINK]

---

Back to School

Download a PDF of "LIGHTING OUR WAY FORWARD: North Carolina's Guidebook for Re-opening Schools" [LINK]

Macon County Board of Education approves Plan B for upcoming school year [LINK]

Young Kids Could Spread COVID-19 As Much As Older Children and Adults [LINK]

SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Infection Among Attendees of an Overnight Camp — Georgia, June 2020 [LINK]

Indiana junior high student tests positive for COVID-19 on first day of school [LINK]

The Risk That Students Could Arrive at School With the Coronavirus: Large Parts of the Country would Likely See Infected Students if Classrooms Open Now [LINK]

AZ Charter school 'won't mandate a mask policy' as some parents want options that don't force masks [LINK]

Up to another 1,200 asked to quarantine after COVID-19 reported at Brevard graduations [LINK]

---

Sports, Entertainment and Other Crowded Venues


NFL players are opting to sit out the 2020 season due to COVID-19 [LINK]

6 MLB teams cancel games due to positive coronavirus tests [LINK]

20% Of Baseball Sidelined Today After Members Of The St. Louis Cardinals Test Positive For Coronavirus [LINK]

---

COVID-19 in the USA


Shut it down, start over, do it right - An open letter to America’s decision makers, on behalf of health professionals across the country. [LINK]

Health officials: U.S. doesn't have capacity to return COVID-19 tests within 72 hours right now [LINK]

Lowe's shelling out $100M in coronavirus bonuses to hourly workers [LINK]

COVID-19 hospital data is a hot mess after feds take control [LINK]

Fauci on Coronavirus Misinformation: Virus Is Not a Hoax and Children Are Not Immune [LINK]

Washington, NC Mayor in the hospital on a ventilator for COVID-19 [LINK]

Florida: ‘How are the bars still open?’ State collects 171 complaints from Tampa Bay area [LINK]

Bryan Cranston Reveals Bout With COVID-19: “Keep Wearing The Damn Mask!” [LINK]

Dr. Fauci says coronavirus is so contagious, it won't likely ever disappear [LINK]

Husband of Las Vegas ER nurse dies of COVID-19 while laid off, medical bills mounting [LINK]

New York COVID-19 patient with 'zero' survival chance returns home after months on a ventilator [LINK]

Live updates: Millions to lose financial lifeline as Senate adjourns without reaching deal on coronavirus aid [LINK]

Fauci 'cautiously optimistic' coronavirus vaccine will be ready before end of 2020 [LINK]

N.J. coronavirus transmission rate is highest in 3 months. ‘Alarms are going off,’ Murphy warns. [LINK]

New data from Harvard researchers says Florida should enact stay-at home order [LINK]

---

COVID-19 Around the World

Tokyo Metropolitan Governor Koike of Tokyo Warns if Numbers Keep Increasing, He will declare an emergency in Tokyo [JAPANESE]

Watch: UAE police dogs detect Covid-19 at Dubai airport [LINK]






Published at 5:25pm on Friday, July 31, 2020

Read More

News and Weather Briefing for Friday, July 31, 2020

OUTLOOK

Typical mid-summer warmth will persist through the weekend, with numerous showers and thunderstorms each afternoon and evening. From Sunday through early Tuesday, Hurricane Isaias will pass near the Georgia and Carolina coasts. The storm`s most likely impact would be to enhance the risk of heavy rainfall across some portion of our area.



General Forecast Through Sunday Night


Today

Widespread fog in the morning. A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs ranging from the mid-70s in the higher elevations to the mid-80s in the lower elevations. Calm winds early, then increasing to come out of the northwest around 5 mph by midmorning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 2am, then patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the 60s. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with highs ranging from the mid-to-upper 70s in the higher elevations to the mid-to-upper 80s in the lower elevations. Calm winds in the morning, then increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with lows in the 60s. Winds out of the south wind around 5 mph becoming calm before midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with highs ranging from the mid-70s in the higher elevations to the mid-80s in the lower elevations. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with lows in the 60s. Chance of precipitation is 50%.



Hazards

Numerous thunderstorms are expected today, mainly in the afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms will also be slow-moving, producing heavy rain over a short period of time. Flooding of low-lying and poor- drainage areas will be possible. A few storms may produce more significant flash flooding. An isolated severe storm can not be ruled out.


Air Quality



A weak frontal boundary will remain stalled north of the NC/VA border. With ongoing south to southwesterly flow continuing to transport abundant maritime moisture to the region, diurnal heating may result in numerous to widespread shower and thunderstorm activity once again. The increased cloud cover and chances for precipitation will help to impede the formation of ozone, which should hold in the Code Green range. The continued chances for rainfall will also help keep fine particle pollution levels in check and should maintain PM in the Code Green range.



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Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
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All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your next project.


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Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)

Tropical Tidbit from Levi Cowan








Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Fri Jul 31 2020

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on recently upgraded Hurricane Isaias, located near the southeastern Bahamas.

1. An area of low pressure located a couple of hundred miles east-southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. This low has a small window of opportunity to become a tropical depression today while it moves northward at about 10 mph before environmental conditions become less conducive for development.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...40 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...medium...40 percent.

2. A westward-moving tropical wave located about 1000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles is producing a limited amount of shower activity. Some slow development of this system is possible while it turns northwestward over the western Atlantic early next week.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.


Hurricane Isaias



Hurricane Isaias Special Discussion Number 12
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092020
1200 AM EDT Fri Jul 31 2020

An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter found that Isaias has become a hurricane. Maximum flight-level winds so far were 87 kt at 850 mb, with believable SFMR values of at least 65 kt. A blend of these values gives an initial wind speed of 70 kt. Some further strengthening is likely over the next 24 hours before increasing southwesterly shear could weaken the system. The intensity forecast is modified upward from 5-10 kt through 48 hours and unchanged after that time.

There are no changes to the previous track forecast.

Key Messages:

1. Isaias will produce heavy rains and potentially life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides across the Dominican Republic, northern Haiti, Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas.

2. Hurricane conditions and dangerous storm surge are expected in portions of the southeastern Bahamas overnight, central and northwestern Bahamas late Friday and Saturday, and Hurricane Warnings are in effect for these areas. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

3. Tropical storm conditions are possible along portions of the Florida east coast beginning Saturday, and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect. While storm surge watches are not currently needed for this area, they may be required on Friday if the forecast track shifts closer to the coast. Heavy rains associated with Isaias may begin to affect South Florida and east-Central Florida beginning late Friday night, potentially resulting in isolated flash and urban flooding, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas.

4. There is a risk of impacts from winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge late this weekend from the northeastern Florida coast and
spreading northward along the remainder of the U.S. east coast through early next week. The details of the track and intensity forecast remain uncertain, and it is too soon to determine the magnitude and location of these potential impacts, but interests along the entire U.S. east coast should monitor the progress of Isaias and updates to the forecast.


FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 31/0400Z 20.4N 72.2W 70 KT 80 MPH
12H 31/1200Z 21.6N 73.9W 70 KT 80 MPH
24H 01/0000Z 23.5N 76.1W 75 KT 85 MPH
36H 01/1200Z 25.2N 77.8W 75 KT 85 MPH
48H 02/0000Z 26.7N 79.0W 70 KT 80 MPH
60H 02/1200Z 28.3N 79.6W 65 KT 75 MPH
72H 03/0000Z 30.0N 79.5W 65 KT 75 MPH
96H 04/0000Z 34.6N 76.8W 65 KT 75 MPH
120H 05/0000Z 42.0N 69.0W 60 KT 70 MPH

---

End Daily Weather Segment

---

---

Begin COVID-19 Update




Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 116,087 people in North Carolina are infected, 1,820 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 117,850 confirmed cases from 1,691,434 targeted tests, and 1,291 hospitalized and 1,865 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 118,387 people infected and 1,888 deaths.

North Carolina Coronavirus Map and Case Count [LINK]

Data from Macon County Public Health as of July 30th and graph by Macon Media of data from May 30th to July 30th [LINK] 

Please note there is a gap for Saturdays and Sundays starting two weekends ago since the health department will no longer be reporting numbers on those days.




450 Detected Cases (+7 since Friday)
74 Active Positive (unchanged since Friday)
373 Recovered (+7 in one day since Friday)
3 Death (unchanged since Friday)

Testing Data for Macon County

4114 MCPH Tests (+97 since Friday)
1427 Tests by Others (+30 since Friday)
5541 Total Tests (+265 since Friday)
237 Tests Pending Results (+83 since Friday)


And here is the weekly Demographic Update from Macon County Public Health released on Wednesday, July 29th. The next demographic update will be on Wednesday, August 6th.




Infographic from Johns Hopkins University [LINK]





Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.




Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia






Published at 5:00am Friday, July 31, 2020

Read More

COVID-19 Update for Thursday, July 30, 2020 Includes Latest Numbers From Macon County Public Health

Here is an update for this afternoon on how humanity is dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic that is caused by SARS CoV-2. The story is told through links to news outlets, research papers, and videos. They are presented without comment.

Data from Macon County Public Health as of July 20th and graph by Macon Media of data from May 30th to July 20th [LINK] 

Please note there is a gap for Saturdays and Sundays since the health department will no longer be reporting numbers on those days.




450 Detected Cases (+7 since Friday)
74 Active Positive (unchanged since Friday)
373 Recovered (+7 in one day since Friday)
3 Death (unchanged since Friday)

Testing Data for Macon County

4114 MCPH Tests (+97 since Friday)
1427 Tests by Others (+30 since Friday)
5541 Total Tests (+265 since Friday)
237 Tests Pending Results (+83 since Friday)


---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT---

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Health & Fitness, home of #ResultsForEveryone and the FREE 7-Day Guest Pass.

HOURS OF OPERATION - 24/7 Access

STAFFED HOURS:
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Saturdays 10am-5pm
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- 3pm-7pm Family Swim
Saturday 10am-5pm Family Swim
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Full update on reopening and safety protocols >> franklinhealthandfitness.com/fhf-covid-19

#ResultsForEveryone

There are also On-Demand Fitness Videos located at https://franklinhealthandfitness.com/blog/

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Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 116,087 people in North Carolina are infected, 1,820 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 117,850 confirmed cases from 1,691,434 targeted tests, and 1,291 hospitalized and 1,865 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 118,387 people infected and 1,888 deaths.

North Carolina Coronavirus Map and Case Count [LINK]

Infographic from Johns Hopkins University [LINK]




Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]



Videos


Dr John Campbell

Update, UK, US and Global



<





COVID-19 & Mask Myths DEBUNKED!




Ultra High-Tech Ways Scientists Might Defeat COVID-19


<


President Trump Participates in a Roundtable on Donating Plasma


<



Evidence favouring the efficacy of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 therapy [LINK]

Coronavirus Briefing: Dr. Mandy Cohen (07/30/20)


<






Pandemic Heroes

Multiple Miami Dolphins donating plasma after recovering from COVID-19
[LINK]




Research Papers, Clinical Trials and News About Such



Georgia News Anchor Becomes First Person to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Shot in Phase 3 Trial
[LINK]

Physical exercise as a tool to help the immune system against COVID-19: an integrative review of the current literature
[LINK]

Experts study COVID-19 and cannabis use
[LINK]

Ohio's Board of Pharmacy bans the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat or prevent COVID-19
[LINK]

We Thought It Was Just a Respiratory Virus We were wrong.
[LINK]

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine prevents SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in rhesus macaques
[LINK]

Experimental COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Upper and Lower Airways in Nonhuman Primates
[LINK]

Development of Remdesivir as a Dry Powder for Inhalation by Thin Film Freezing
Immune system variation can predict severe COVID-19 outcomes
[LINK]

Factors determining different death rates because of the COVID-19 outbreak among countries
[LINK]

Age-Related Differences in Nasopharyngeal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Levels in Patients With Mild to Moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
[LINK]

Potential benefits and risks of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation to patients with COVID-19
[LINK]

Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health: summary
[LINK]

Colchicine Reduces Lung Injury in Experimental Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
[LINK]


Aerosol and surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2 observed in quarantine and isolation care [LINK]

Blood nitrate and nitrite modulating nitric oxide bioavailability: Potential therapeutic functions in COVID-19
[LINK]

COVID-19 and Hypercoagulability: Potential Impact on Management with Oral Contraceptives, Estrogen Therapy and Pregnancy
[LINK]

Clinical features, ventilatory management, and outcome of ARDS caused by COVID-19 are similar to other causes of ARDS
[LINK]

Inflammation resolution: a dual-pronged approach to averting cytokine storms in COVID-19?
[LINK]





Masks, Masks, Masks
(Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!)

Exhaled breath is a significant source of SARS-CoV-2 emission
[LINK]

Close-range exposure to a COVID-19 carrier: transmission trends in the respiratory tract and estimation of infectious dose
[LINK]

Turning Point USA deletes anti-mask meme after co-founder dies of coronavirus complications
[LINK]


‘Flood’ of GOP Congressional Staffers Say They’re Being Forced to Work on Capitol Hill Without Masks: Report [LINK]

Dr. Fauci recommends wearing goggles to prevent catching the coronavirus [LINK] [LINK]



Back to School

Download a PDF of "LIGHTING OUR WAY FORWARD: North Carolina's Guidebook for Re-opening Schools" [LINK]

Rapid Review: What is the specific role of daycares and schools in COVID-19 transmission?
[LINK]

Video: Parent (who is also a teacher) on Wisconsin Covid-19 school reopening task force is heard calling teachers "pussies" over a hot mic; is removed from task force
[LINK]

Researchers find COVID-infected children are major carriers, further complicating the school-reopening debate
[LINK]

TN to not collect data on cases in schools.
[LINK]




COVID-19 in the USA


3 Months Of Hell: U.S. Economy Drops 32.9%, In Worst GDP Report Ever
[LINK]

Almost 30 Million in U.S. Didn’t Have Enough to Eat Last Week
[LINK]

Herman Cain Dies From Coronavirus at 74
[LINK]

Nurse brawls with Chicago subway passenger who blames health care workers for coronavirus
[LINK]


Florida reports 253 new coronavirus deaths in third straight daily record [LINK]





CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.




Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published at 6:00pm on Thursday, July 30, 2020

Read More

News and Weather Briefing for July 30, 2020

OUTLOOK

An active weather pattern will persist across the region into the weekend with typical mid-summer warmth and numerous to widespread showers and thunderstorms each afternoon and evening. From Sunday onward, our attention will turn to the tropics.


DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Health & Fitness, home of #ResultsForEveryone and the FREE 7-Day Guest Pass.

HOURS OF OPERATION - 24/7 Access

STAFFED HOURS:
Monday - Friday 8am – 7pm
Saturdays 10am-5pm
Sundays 12pm-5pm

POOL HOURS:
Monday-Friday 8am-7pm
- 8am-3pm Adult Swim Only (18 and up)
- 3pm-7pm Family Swim
Saturday 10am-5pm Family Swim
Sunday 12pm-5pm Family Swim

A full update on reopening and safety protocols >> franklinhealthandfitness.com/fhf-covid-19

#ResultsForEveryone

There are also On-Demand Fitness Videos located at https://franklinhealthandfitness.com/blog/



General Forecast Through Saturday Night


Today

Widespread dense fog in the morning. Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Highs ranging from the lower 70s in the higher elevations to the lower 80s in the lower elevations. Light and variable winds. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the 60s. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Highs ranging from the mid-70s in the higher elevation to the mid-80s in the lower elevations. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the 60s. Light winds out of the west. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. Partly sunny, with highs ranging from the mid-70s in the higher elevations to the mid-80s in the lower elevations. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with lows in the 60s. Chance of precipitation is 60%.


Hazards

Thunderstorms will be numerous to widespread again today and Friday, mainly in the afternoon and evening. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning and gusty winds could accompany any storm. Thunderstorms will also be slow-moving, producing heavy rain over a short period of time. Flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas will be possible. A few storms may produce more significant flash flooding. An isolated severe storm can not be ruled out.

Air Quality



An H5 low will move across eastern Canada today, resulting in an upper-level trough over the eastern US. A shortwave is expected to move into the mid-Atlantic region, which will help provide lift; with abundant moisture in place, this will result in widespread showers and thunderstorms and plentiful cloud cover. The unsettled weather will help keep air quality Code Green.



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Weather Sponsor



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your next project.


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Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)

Tropical Tidbit from Levi Cowan








Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Thu Jul 30 2020

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on recently upgraded Tropical Storm Isaias, located over the northeastern Caribbean Sea.

1. A broad area of low pressure, associated with a tropical wave, located a few hundred miles southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some development of this system is possible during the next day or two before environmental conditions become unfavorable.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...10 percent.

Potential Tropical Cyclone NINE



Tropical Storm Isaias Discussion Number 7
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092020
1100 PM AST Wed Jul 29 2020

Observations from recent scatterometer passes over the system show that it now has a sufficiently well-defined center to be designated as a tropical cyclone. The current intensity is estimated to be 45 kt, but these winds are currently occurring over the Atlantic waters well to the north and northeast of the center. Since the cyclone is expected to move over Hispaniola on Thursday some weakening is likely within the next 24 hours. However since Isaias has such a broad wind field, the weakening will probably not be as significant as in a typical tropical cyclone with a small radius of maximum winds. Also, a re-formation of the center to the north of Hispaniola may occur. Later in the forecast period some strengthening is likely, although this may be offset by southwesterly wind shear on the order of 20 kt in 2-3 days. The official forecast is close to the intensity model consensus but well below the latest LGEM guidance.

The scatterometer data show that the center of the system is south of the previously estimated track, so there is a lot of uncertainty in the initial motion estimate of 285/17 kt. Isaias should move on a west-northwestward to northwestward track on the southern and southwestern side of a mid-tropospheric ridge. In 2-3 days, the system is expected to turn north-northwestward due to a weakness in the ridge and an approaching trough. Later in the forecast period, the trough should cause Isaias to turn toward the northeast. The official track forecast is a little to the east of the previous one and a little west of the simple and corrected dynamical model consensus tracks. It should be noted that further adjustments to the forecast tracks are indeed possible, especially after Isaias moves north of Hispaniola.


Key Messages:

1. Isaias will produce heavy rains and potentially life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides across the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, northern Haiti, and over the southeastern Bahamas.

2. Tropical storm conditions are likely across portions of the
the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico through tonight and will spread westward to portions of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos and the Central Bahamas on Thursday and Friday. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for these areas. Do not focus on the details of the track forecast, as rainfall and wind hazards will extend far from the center of the system.

3. While this system could bring some rainfall and wind impacts to portions of Cuba, the northwestern Bahamas, and Florida later this week and this weekend, it is too soon to determine the location or magnitude of those impacts. Interests there should monitor the progress of this system and updates to the forecast over the next few days.


FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 30/0300Z 15.8N 67.0W 45 KT 50 MPH
12H 30/1200Z 17.6N 69.3W 45 KT 50 MPH
24H 31/0000Z 19.4N 72.2W 40 KT 45 MPH...INLAND
36H 31/1200Z 21.4N 74.8W 45 KT 50 MPH...OVER WATER
48H 01/0000Z 22.9N 77.3W 50 KT 60 MPH
60H 01/1200Z 24.8N 79.2W 55 KT 65 MPH
72H 02/0000Z 26.6N 80.2W 55 KT 65 MPH...INLAND
96H 03/0000Z 30.0N 80.5W 55 KT 65 MPH...INLAND
120H 04/0000Z 35.0N 77.0W 50 KT 60 MPH...INLAND

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End Daily Weather Segment

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Begin COVID-19 Update




Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 116,087 people in North Carolina are infected, 1,820 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 117,850 confirmed cases from 1,691,434 targeted tests, and 1,291 hospitalized and 1,865 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 118,387 people infected and 1,888 deaths.

North Carolina Coronavirus Map and Case Count [LINK] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/north-carolina-coronavirus-cases.html

Data from Macon County Public Health as of July 27th and graph by Macon Media of data from May 30th to July 27th [LINK] 

Please note there is a gap for Saturdays and Sundays starting two weekends ago since the health department will no longer be reporting numbers on those days.




448 Detected Cases (+3 in one day)
72 Active Positive (+1 in one day)
373 Recovered (+2 in one day)
3 Death (unchanged in one day)

Testing Data for Macon County

4114 MCPH Tests (+42 in one day)
1335 Tests by Others (unchanged in one day)
5449 Total Tests (+42 in one day)
255 Tests Pending Results (-12 in one day)

And here is the weekly Demographic Update from Macon County Public Health released on Wednesday, July 29th. The next demographic update will be on Wednesday, August 6th.




Infographic from Johns Hopkins University [LINK]



Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]



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Published at 4:45am Thursday, July 30, 2020

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COVID-19 UPdate for Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Includes Latest Numbers From Macon Public Health

Here is an update for this afternoon on how humanity is dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic that is caused by SARS CoV-2. The story is told through links to news outlets, research papers, and videos. They are presented without comment.

Data from Macon County Public Health as of July 29th and graph by Macon Media of data from May 30th to July 29th [LINK] 

Please note there is a gap for Saturdays and Sundays starting this past weekend since the health department will no longer be reporting numbers on those days.




448 Detected Cases (+3 in one day)
72 Active Positive (+1 in one day)
373 Recovered (+2 in one day)
3 Death (unchanged in one day)

Testing Data for Macon County

4114 MCPH Tests (+42 in one day)
1335 Tests by Others (unchanged in one day)
5449 Total Tests (+42 in one day)
255 Tests Pending Results (-12 in one day)

And here is the weekly Demographic Update from Macon County Public Health released this afternoon (July 29th)






Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 97,958 people in North Carolina are infected, 1,629 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 99,778 confirmed cases from 1,394,864 targeted tests, and 1,115 hospitalized and 1,634 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 99,803 people infected and 1,652 deaths.

North Carolina Coronavirus Map and Case Count [LINK]

Infographic from Johns Hopkins University [LINK] https://bao.arcgis.com/covid-19/jhu/county/37113.html




Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]

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Videos
(repeat from yesterday for those who missed this section)

Dr John Campbell

European Second Wave








How Robots Are Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in India



The robo-doctor will see you now. Her name is ELF. A humanoid robot, she simulates face-to-face interactions between doctors and patients at a major hospital in India. She helps reduce human interaction to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Rajeev Karwal. He is the chairman of Milagrow Robots, a technology company in Gurgaon, India, that makes ELF and other robots revolutionizing healthcare.

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Research Papers, Clinical Trials and News About Such

Using the nation’s most powerful supercomputer, ORNL researchers discover new patterns in systems responsible for COVID-19 symptoms [LINK]

Some scientists are taking a DIY coronavirus vaccine, and nobody knows if it’s legal or if it works [LINK]

Taking the Long View: Could COVID-19 Have Seasons? NASA Searches for Signals in Earth Data [LINK]

Symptom Duration and Risk Factors for Delayed Return to Usual Health Among Outpatients with COVID-19 in a Multistate Health Care Systems Network — United States, March–June 2020 [LINK]

FDA Insight: Vaccines for COVID-19, Part 1
(Transcript and audio of podcast) [LINK]

FDA Insight: Vaccines for COVID-19, Part 2
(Transcript and audio of podcast) [LINK]

The minimal effect of zinc on the survival of hospitalized patients with Covid-19: an observational study LINK]

Acoustic syndromic surveillance using phones [LINK]

High prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza A virus (H1N1) co‐infection in dead patients in Northeastern Iran [LINK]

Sarah Gilbert on how her team is making the Oxford coronavirus vaccine – and why we should be optimistic [LINK]

Immune T Cells May Offer Lasting Protection Against COVID-19 [LINK]

SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells in healthy donors and patients with COVID-19 [LINK]

Case characteristics, resource use, and outcomes of 10 021 patients with COVID-19 admitted to 920 German hospitals: an observational study [LINK]

Persistent heterogeneity not short-term overdispersion determines herd immunity to COVID-19 [LINK]

Risk assessment of airborne transmission of COVID-19 by asymptomatic individuals under different practical settings [LINK]

Serology profile and effects of influenza vaccination on COVID-19-positive symptomatic and asymptomatic patients [LINK]

Blood type and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 [LINK]

Yale to lead trial of potential COVID-19 treatment [LINK]

Pfizer and BioNTech Pick a Vaccine Candidate [LINK]

Covidization of research: what are the risks? [LINK]

Effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19: A Tale of Two Models [LINK]

Mutation that made coronavirus more infectious may make it more vulnerable to vaccines [LINK]

Harvard researchers figure out why coronavirus causes loss of smell [LINK]

Lifting the lid on coronavirus flatulence [LINK]

Study identifies six different "types" of COVID-19 [LINK]

Xprize launches $5 million rapid COVID testing competition [LINK]

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The Hydroxychloroquine Debate


Can Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Be Used to Treat Coronavirus (COVID-19)? [LINK]

Hydroxychloroquine is not indicated for COVID-19 under any circumstances [LINK]

Former FDA head Scott Gottlieb: "We can definitively say hydroxychloroquine doesn't work" [LINK]

Preliminary Injunction Sought to Release Hydroxychloroquine to the Public [LINK]

No evidence of clinical efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection with oxygen requirement: results of a study using routinely collected data to emulate a target trial [LINK]

---

Masks, Masks, Masks
(Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!)

Minnesota GOP official who posted image linking mask wearing to Nazi Germany resigns [LINK]

Two Trader Joe’s customers were asked to put on masks. They attacked employees instead, police said. [LINK]

Officers arrest gym owner for refusing to force members to wear face masks during workouts [LINK]

Louis Gohmert, who refused to wear a mask, tests positive for coronavirus [LINK]

Face Mask Tyranny is Here





New coronavirus prevention rules in Romania: Masks compulsory in crowded outdoor venues [LINK]

Dutch government will not advise public to wear masks [LINK]

Dallas: 14 members of family test positive for Covid-19 and grandma dies after holding mask-free party [LINK]

Nurses catch coronavirus after patient refused to wear face mask : The Asahi Shimbun [LINK]

---

The Debate About the America's Frontline Doctors Press Conference


Squarespace shuts down America’s Frontline Doctors website over hydroxychloroquine claims [LINK]


America's Frontline Doctors Summit - Session 1 [LIVE STREAM]




American life has fallen casualty to a massive disinformation campaign. We can speculate on how this has happened, and why it has continued, but the purpose of the American Frontline Doctor's Summit is to empower Americans to stop living in fear. Join the summit live as we:

- Create the opportunity for frontline doctors to talk directly to the
American people.
- Educate and inform Congresspersons, who have also been subject
to widespread misinformation.
- Build alliances, as it falls to us physicians to heal our nation.

Session #2 has been removed from Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. Watch it on Gab. [LINK]

Gab.com responds to the video removal from maistream socil media platforms [LINK]

Why Did They Censor 'America's Frontline Doctors'?




A viral video made by medical professionals opposing the prevailing mainstream view of how to manage the coronavirus outbreak was nearly sent down the memory hole in an effort seemingly coordinated by all social media outlets. Why are alternate scientific views held by bona fide scientists not allowed in the United States? Also in today's Liberty Report: Suicides versus Covid; Vietnam versus Sweden; Senate comes to the rescue?



"America's Frontline Doctors" COVID-19 video - debunked by Coronavirus expert Professor Ben Neuman




KC doctors say viral video makes misleading claims about COVID-19




Hydroxychloroquine: Why a video promoted by Trump was pulled on social media [LINK]

---

Back to School

Download a PDF of "LIGHTING OUR WAY FORWARD: North Carolina's Guidebook for Re-opening Schools" [LINK]

After Initially Giving Them A Choice, Columbia University Pressures Faculty To Hold In-Person Classes [LINK]

Teachers union authorizes strikes if schools reopen without certain safety measures [LINK]

More Than 6,300 Coronavirus Cases Have Been Linked to U.S. Colleges [LINK]

Conservative think tank leader says schools should reopen since most Texans dying from COVID-19 are elderly or Hispanic [LINK]

Gov. Lee unveils state’s guidelines for reopening Tennessee schools [LINK]

Texas schools closed by local health orders won’t get full funding for remote-only learning, based on AG letter [LINK]

Parents in a county with one of Georgia's highest coronavirus rates are protesting to get children back in school [LINK]

Orange County [California] Board of Education Decides To Sue Gov. Gavin Newsom Over School Closures [LINK]

---

Sports, Entertainment and Crowded Venues


The Sturgis Rally is Still Happening [LINK]

Hamptons Chainsmokers concert DJ'ed by Goldman CEO is under investigation [LINK]

Miami Marlins players reportedly went out in Atlanta before team's COVID-19 outbreak [LINK]

NC Governor Places 11pm Curfew on Alcohol Sales for Onsite Consumption [LINK]

8 Cape Cod lifeguards test positive for COVID-19 after party [LINK]

Here's where county COVID-19 rates must be for Oregon schools to reopen
Oregon counties must have fewer than 10 cases per 100,000 people for three weeks straight before in-person classes resume [LINK]

NFL-More players opt out of season as training camps open-reports [LINK]

Two Yellowstone National Park concession workers, three visitors test positive for coronavirus [LINK]

---

COVID-19 in the USA

Domestic Violence, Eviction, Finances Drive Virus Legal Aid Rise [LINK]


Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation sponsors free COVID-19 testing in Highlands and Cashiers [LINK]

Federal coronavirus "red zone" of severe outbreaks expands to 21 total states [LINK]

Data Analysis: COVID-19 Is Filling Up Hospitals In Small Cities [LINK]

Mounting poisonings, blindness, deaths as toxic hand sanitizers flood market [LINK]

COVID-19 is killing a Texan every 6 minutes, 16 seconds [LINK]

'I don't wish this on anyone:' Young single mother of three dies from COVID-19 [LINK]

Women who survived coronavirus angry after persistent symptoms dismissed as ‘anxiety’ by doctors [LINK]

Fauci says there are early signs coronavirus outbreaks are brewing in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee [LINK]

Third infant with COVID-19 dies in Alabama [LINK]

In Miami, Long Lines for Covid-19 Tests Frustrate Residents [LINK]

---

COVID-19 Around the World

India coronavirus: 'More than half of Mumbai slum-dwellers had Covid-19' (indicates IFR of 0.05% to 0.1%) [LINK]

After backlash, Madrid rows back on COVID 'immunity card' [LINK]

Post COVID-19 flooding causing misery for millions of migrant workers [LINK]

Emirates will pay $1,765 for your funeral if you catch COVID-19 while traveling [LINK]

apan reports 1,133 Coronavirus infections nationwide. Highest single day total. First time COVID-19 cases have been reported in all 47 prefectures. [LINK]

Sweden’s Actual COVID-19 Results Compared to What Modelers Predicted in April [LINK]

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CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published at 6:00pm on Wednesday, July 29, 2020

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