OT: aOSU Moving all Classes Online for the Rest of the Month due to Coronavirus
Not released to the public yet, but OSU students have received an email from their president that the university will be moving all lectures, exams, etc. online until the end of the month because of newly confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Ohio. They are currently on spring break until next Monday.
No OSU students or faculty have been confirmed to have the virus, but looks like they're taking steps to prevent that from happening.
March 10th, 2020 at 10:40 AM ^
You can’t compare mortality rates of a virus that has come and gone and one that is just starting. At this time, only the sickest people are tested for covid. The more we test, the lower the mortality will be. It has already gone from 5.2% in January to 2.3% today. If we only tested critically ill people for the flu, it’s mortality rate would be astronomical. You simply can’t make that statement yet.
That's incorrect thinking.
I see, you're a mind reader. Good for you.
My point was that although there are obvious differences between these two bugs, their transmissibility, mortality rate, etc., it's not like these kinds of outbreaks haven't happened in the recent past. Also important: although the mortality rate of the 2009-10 outbreak is estimated to be just 0.02%, the number of cases was more than 700 million worldwide. Again, this outbreak is very unlikely to reach even a significant fraction of that number.
It's about slowing down the exponential growth so the medical system doesn't get overwhelmed. There are some testimonials from doctors in Lombardy out there. It's pretty scary what happened there when Italy took a laissez faire attitude. Same thing that happened in Wuhan. Countries that took more proactive measures much more quickly (especially South Korea) seem to be doing much better. And SK hasn't had to go nearly as extreme as China or Italy did.
Good post. I think the SK model makes the most sense. Their stats are probably the most reflective of reality as well. I think it’s highly infeasible, and probably unethical, to force the entire global population to quarantine at the same time (which would be required for eradication in the absence of a vaccine). So having closer monitoring in place, and clear guidance for those infected, seems to be the most effective method at slowing the spread. In the end, the majority of humans on the planet will probably get this. Everyone getting it at the same time would be worse.
SK seems like the type of place that would euthanize everyone who has the virus.
March 10th, 2020 at 10:45 AM ^
I think you got your Koreas mixed up
its about trying to “flatten the curve” of infections vs time.
no, young people are not at risk. But since this is highly contagious, with zero herd immunity, no vaccine and a mortality rate Estimated to be about 10x an average flu this could produce a serious strain on the health institutions in the US. And yes, young people could carry the disease to spread to older people who are more at risk of serious complications.
they are trying to prevent hospitals being over run with patients 55+ y/o about 6-8 weeks from now. And also save some of their lives.
This is exactly right. From a transmissibility perspective, the worst thing about this bug is that those who have it and are contagious are very likely unaware. So, like any respiratory virus outbreak (including cold and flu), it's important to do things that limit the spread: wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose with your arm when you sneeze, avoid direct contact with at-risk people and groups, etc.
March 10th, 2020 at 10:56 AM ^
People need to stop falsely calling this "a contagious flu." The death rate for coronavirus is 10x higher than the normal flu. The hysteria right now is likely irrational, but at the same time this is something that is definitely rightfully being taken seriously
I'd bet all the Columbus bars are packed next week (when the students are back from spring break). So there will still be crowds of students. Just not in brick & mortar classrooms.
I don't know. I suppose it limits OSU's own potential liability.
March 10th, 2020 at 12:40 AM ^
Student groups still have to meet, kids live together, work together, etc. It's impossible for everyone to stay away from others for very long on a college campus.
This does allow students to go back to hometowns if they are inclined, and stay away from other students or help in case a family member needs the help. Which could potentially be useful for someone.
March 10th, 2020 at 12:45 AM ^
University of Washington announced this last week.
Surprisingly enlightened decision out of Columbus. Good for them.
I know it’s wrong, but I keep picturing that bobbing bird that Homer Simpson used to make it look like he was on his computer becoming their valedictorian.
Stanford did this a few days ago
March 10th, 2020 at 10:04 AM ^
FUCK STANFORD oh wait this is smart!
I dislike when people use the "abundance of caution" justification to defend sweeping decisions since it Is so vague and could be applied to almost anything. The data itself show that school age children and young adults are not the demographics at high risk by this virus (as well as the various strains of influenza and many other infectious diseases already out in the population). The most at-risk groups are mainly the elderly and people with compromised immune systems - i.e. people that can control their own degree of interaction with the outside world. The level of panic and response to this is excessive.
this read exactly like an anti-vaxxer's comment against the flu vaccine.
I'm not certain how questioning the scale/scope/efficiency of a disease response is akin to a conspiracy theorist rant... but you probably aren't looking to have a rational dialogue here anyway.
March 10th, 2020 at 10:05 AM ^
Is every professor and support staff at Ohio State under the age of 50?
How many of those employees of 50+ years of age also have compromised immune systems (which is a critical factor looking at the data on the infections and mortalities)? Those are the individuals who should be isolating themselves to prevent infection (not just from coronavirus, but myriad strains of influenza, pneumonia, staph, pertussis, shigellosis, norovirus, SARS, MERS, TB, and a whole host of other communicable diseases that people get exposed to every day). An entire society should not shut down simply because a small portion has an increased risk of contracting a disease - there are more practical ways to address that.
March 10th, 2020 at 11:39 AM ^
People need to realize this is not about trying to prevent people in low risk groups from getting the flu. It is about people from low risk groups not unintentionally spreading the flu TO the higher risk groups.
Yes, the motives are not being questioned but the methodology is. Is this really the most effective way of presently the elderly (and really more the subset of elderly persons with weakened immune response systems) from being exposed to this new disease (not to mention the host of other communicable diseases already established in the greater population)? And for how long? The coronavirus will not simply receed - it will become just another illness in the background of modern life (despite if/when a vaccine makes it to market). What is needed is thoughtful action on the individual scale and composure - not rash, sweeping responses.
March 11th, 2020 at 10:58 AM ^
it is no longer the containment stage. it is the mitigation stage.
it is to prevent over burdening the health institutions. italy is having a shortage of not only materials but also healthcare professionals because they are also getting infected. that not only effects people with covid-19 but other patients with other diseases.
this is a public issue, not something that can be accomplished at the 'individual scale' as you describe it. that's why it's called 'public health' of the 'communities'.
and yes, arguing 'i as a healthy individual who will have mild reactions to the virus should not be restricted in my liberties so that others who are not so fortunate may be protected and any efforts to do that is overkill' is the same as anti-vaxxers' logic. 'my unvaccinated kid's classmate is immunocomprimised? too bad, weak genes, that kid should live in a bubble, not impede in my kid's liberty to be unvaccinated.'
This is a conversation going on at universities all over the nation. My daughter goes to Clemson and they are telling students to take their books, laptops, tablets, etc with them in case they need to move all classes online after spring break which is next week. Currently they are monitoring one potential case of a non-student which I'm assuming is an employee.
How convenient. Should change the name from The Ohio State University to Ostensible State University.
amirite?
s/
So no change to Justin Fields' academic life.
What would you guys put the % at that there is some sort of change to the NCAA Tournament because of the virus? I'm not suggesting full on cancellation, but I would put it at around 10-20% that there are serious restrictions put on attendance at the tournament.
I think that is low...I think 90%+ chance there are major changes including all out no attendance allowed. The state of ohio mandated no crowds for the arnold classic and were prepared to file a lawsuit if they allowed crowds to watch.
I'd be on the betting side of no spectators being allowed
As a side note the arnold classic is an event that draws folks from all over the world so I understand it is a bit different but it's also a metric ton of revenue for our city and the state played it extra cautious knowing they would lose millions and millions of dollars.
I disagree with this take. We’ll see, but the NCAA has proven over and over that money talks. They don’t want to refund tickets, and they want merchandise sales. Granted, TV revenue is probably higher than ticket/merchandise, so maybe it’s not that big of a deal. I think very low ~10% chance that the NCAA puts any restrictions at all on attendance. If something happens like you state (no spectators) it will be bc state or fed govt gets involved.
Wait, so you are telling me that all their classes weren't always online???
THEEEEE online state university!
look for the collective GPA for OSU athletes to significantly rise since now it will be easier for their (remote) tutors to take all their (athlete's) tests, etc
Its only a matter of a couple of weeks before all colleges shut down.
Actually shut down? Or force remote classes?
If you mean the former, that's not going to happen. Not unless we are on the verge of a Walking Dead-esque global apocalypse where basic necessities of life are falling apart. And I'll tell you that's not going to happen, either. The universities (at least the public ones) can't shut down because I believe they lose funding for the time they are closed. That would be absolutely disastrous for universities like Michigan that are big-time research institutions.
But if you mean shut down in-person classes in favor of remote classes, then yeah I could see some version of that happening.
March 10th, 2020 at 10:01 AM ^
the world......
How do you take Underwater Basket Weaving and Intro to Team Sports online?
For underwater basket weaving a web cam and a bath full of water will do.
That means more time for football practice!
Everyone is on the Justin Fields plan now!
Not a bad idea, to be honest. They're the biggest or second biggest student body population in the country. And I'd assume their spring break is this month anyway. Curious if Michigan will follow suit at some point.
The University is seriously considering it and there is a very good chance it will happen sometime this semester per some faculty members.
March 10th, 2020 at 10:17 AM ^
Why just the month? Can the virus not survive in April?
March 10th, 2020 at 12:06 PM ^
If this virus follows the same transmission pattern as the flu, it will slow down with the arrival of warmer weather. That appears to be likely given that the vast majority of cases/deaths are in the northern hemisphere (which is in winter), while the southern hemisphere (which is in summer) and tropics are seeing far fewer.
March 10th, 2020 at 10:19 AM ^
TIME TO PANIC!!!! On the bright side maybe John O'Neil will get what's coming to him.
March 10th, 2020 at 10:20 AM ^
The facts are COVID-19 has a mortality rate of 109%. This shit can kill you twice. We need to wash the hands of the dead.
March 10th, 2020 at 10:22 AM ^
The Ohio State difference.
March 10th, 2020 at 10:44 AM ^
If no students at OSU have coronavirus, then what is even the point of this? It's a precaution against nothing at this point. Is their goal to quarantine all students in hope of preventing the coronavirus, which at this point no one has, from spreading? And do they really think that kids aren't going to go out to bars and hangout with each other in public places? If there were confirmed cases in Columbus or at OSU, then I think this would make sense, but I don't believe there are
March 10th, 2020 at 11:08 AM ^
Thanos will find a way.
March 10th, 2020 at 12:21 PM ^
So they are stopping in-person classes but the dorms, libraries etc. will still be open, and the city of Columbus is otherwise not shutting down at all. Feels like security theater. If they really are serious about this they should shut the dorms down and send everyone home. If they are taking online classes, they have no need to be physically in Columbus in close proximity with each other.
What do you do for the freshman from out of state who is living in the dorm and working to pay for school? Or the foreign grad student who can't just go back home?
They made the perfectly reasonable cost/benefit analysis and determined that remote classes is an easy way to avoid unnecessary contact without shutting down the entire university economy.