First Covid 19 Death in Utah

[Rain]

40 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

I volunteered there too, I use to live in Kaysville and now in Layton. I had no problem volunteering there, but all this time I thought it was food being for those that can't afford to buy it, dummy me. In fact my family was a recipient when I was a child and my dad was laid off and he was working three jobs to support a family of eight.

Bertolli? They are paying their people and people do need that job. And they have all been together for a long time I'm thinking. Whereas people that haven't been around each other is different. And if you read the whole c/p it mentions they aren't able to keep the restrictions of 6 feet apart as the Deseret News mentions they do, so that's misleading. 

Also, I called the person over this in the church, left a message. Maybe he'll relieve my stress over it. Again, I don't mind if they are volunteers, but at this time?  

You were right with what you said above - we will just have to disagree on this.  I'm at peace about the situation because I can see the need and feel that those over it have much more information about the process than I do. I understand you feel differently.

Edited April 1, 2020 by Rain

[Calm]

49 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

 And the church is asking volunteers to put their lives on the line IMO, emphasis on "volunteer". The church isn't paying them,

So eliminate volunteer services that are dangerous in your view, such as Doctors Without Borders or shelters in dangerous areas, bringing in food and helping rebuild in earthquake or flood prone areas?

 

[Amulek]

47 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

I shopped Walmart online and there is plenty of pasta, it's limited, so no food storage, but it will get them by.

I hate to point out the obvious, but if there really was "plenty" of pasta then, by definition, it wouldn't need to be limited.

I went to a physical grocery store on Saturday, shortly after it opened, and the pasta isle was pretty bare; they even had restrictions on ramen noodles. 

This seems to be one of the commodities where demand still outpaces supply, so I can certainly understand the desire to want to maintain production if at all possible. 

 

[Raingirl]

1 hour ago, Tacenda said:

I shopped Walmart online and there is plenty of pasta, it's limited, so no food storage, but it will get them by. And the church is asking volunteers to put their lives on the line IMO, emphasis on "volunteer". The church isn't paying them, so not giving a job to someone, like those that are working to make pasta. I think it's awful, I would think this in my very staunch LDS life as well. So if they are asking 49 stakes times 20, that's a whole lot of people. Luckily, I don't see many signing up, hope people won't. 

So you are hoping that vital food production is slowed or even stopped in a time of worldwide crisis.

I can’t even begin to find the words to express how I feel about such a viewpoint.  And if I could, I’d probably get booted from the board.

But I’m not surprised that a church critic sees this pandemic as simply another way to attack the church and its members.

I am glad there are more people who are willing to help others get the food they need, than there are people who would stand in their way. 

[Rain]

59 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

I volunteered there too, I use to live in Kaysville and now in Layton. I had no problem volunteering there, but all this time I thought it was food being for those that can't afford to buy it, dummy me. In fact my family was a recipient when I was a child and my dad was laid off and he was working three jobs to support a family of eight.

Bertolli? They are paying their people and people do need that job. And they have all been together for a long time I'm thinking. Whereas people that haven't been around each other is different. And if you read the whole c/p it mentions they aren't able to keep the restrictions of 6 feet apart as the Deseret News mentions they do, so that's misleading. 

Also, I called the person over this in the church, left a message. Maybe he'll relieve my stress over it. Again, I don't mind if they are volunteers, but at this time?  

ETA: c/p pertaining to the distance working together..

We are trying to maintain as much as possible the social distance requirement, however if you have served

at the mill you know that during production that is not possible.

ETA again: out of posts, I may need to use my edit function until it goes away, to answer your reply if you give one.

ETA thrice: Okay Rain, I'm sorry for my continuing to beat this to a pulp. I understand you have enough going on, I'm sorry, just read about your missionary daughter. Take care!!

To be clear my missionary is my son and we were discussing a missionary sister from rongo's former ward.  The struggles I am dealing with are elsewhere. 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

I have a member of my extended family in the Hospital with this virus right now. I have a granddaughter who has not been home in a week, she is staying with us right now. This is becoming more unnerving every day. 

[california boy]

29 minutes ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

I have a member of my extended family in the Hospital with this virus right now. I have a granddaughter who has not been home in a week, she is staying with us right now. This is becoming more unnerving every day. 

Hang in there Bill.  This too shall pass.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

26 minutes ago, california boy said:

Hang in there Bill.  This too shall pass.

This is my hope and prayer, but I thank you for reminding me. I pray my faith and theirs, as well as all who love them, brings down the blessings of heaven. When I am sick, which is often, I cope, but when those I love are sick, I find it hard to breathe, think, or even eat, due to worry. This may not seem the macho thing, and though others may see it, as “Faith Overflowing”, but my love for them, causes me to “bargain” for their lives and safety. As I always stand watch, and remain ready to take their places, least one hair upon their heads be harmed. I am a husband, a father, and a Papa, it just how I am wired, to do all I can, “to protect and worry”. When I am unable to do that, I turn to a loving God, who’s Grace is sufficient for us all. Which is why I am now asking, unceasingly! 

[mfbukowski]

On 3/29/2020 at 8:32 PM, Tacenda said:

My husband was speaking to her on the phone when he found out, I just asked him what she said when he told her that wasn't a good idea. She said, "Well, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh"

Thank God she makes her own decisions.

For many of the golden years are not so golden.

[Kenngo1969]

4 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

I have a member of my extended family in the Hospital with this virus right now. I have a granddaughter who has not been home in a week, she is staying with us right now. This is becoming more unnerving every day. 

I am so sorry that this has, quite literally, hit so close to home for you.  I hope you find "the peace that passeth all understanding" even amidst this turmoil (see Phillippians 4:7).  Godspeed and best wishes to you and yours.

[Calm]

On 3/30/2020 at 9:48 AM, Tacenda said:

My voice is alternate on this board, I haven't brought this up anywhere else. I only get my true feelings out on this board usually. Or test them out for feedback or even for helping if it truly does help. 

My apologies to you for my heavy hand.  I will add "I was wrong" if they actually change their recommendation, instead of just admitting being wrong in the way I pushed against your efforts.  I was thinking in a crisis best to rely on best sources for info, in this case expert medical ones.  Now it appears they may be changing their tune, so it appears the question was not as settled as they presented:

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/31/824560471/should-we-all-be-wearing-masks-in-public-health-experts-revisit-the-question

Edited April 2, 2020 by Calm

[Tacenda]

18 hours ago, Raingirl said:

So you are hoping that vital food production is slowed or even stopped in a time of worldwide crisis.

I can’t even begin to find the words to express how I feel about such a viewpoint.  And if I could, I’d probably get booted from the board.

But I’m not surprised that a church critic sees this pandemic as simply another way to attack the church and its members.

I am glad there are more people who are willing to help others get the food they need, than there are people who would stand in their way. 

There is plenty of food, IMO. And one can make pasta at home. It takes flour, oil, water and eggs. One can live w/o pasta. Life or death would be the need of ventilators, masks, disinfectants etc. The production of pasta can resume later. I worked at this mill. It's impossible to be six feet apart, as noted in the note on the sign up spreadsheet that it won't be doable. I spoke with the man in charge last evening, he said it's still going to happen because they can under the crisis facility label that they are listed as. Sure they can say that, especially if there is a crisis of no food, I get that. But we are in the heat of the moment and we've been ordered to stay home. To me, now isn't the time to ask for 840 people to sign up to volunteer to make pasta.

I sent this text after speaking to him, maybe I'm wacko for doing that. Side note, you say I'm a critic so to me that means everything I say negative about the church should be discounted. But if I were another poster that is a total believing member and criticise I would be in the clear I guess. C/P text below:

This is **** ******* again. I'm very concerned still, that all these people signing up to help at the mill will not be safe. The action that the church is taking is irresponsible. Why the need for pasta? One can buy some at the store, of course some stores have a limit of 2 pkgs. per customer on the day you shop. But those that bought thousands of pounds were gearing up for the end of days at the food storage stores through the church, I'm thinking. Of course as you say, the mill has clearance as a crisis facility, but there is no crisis to be able to have pasta, masks and ventilators or disinfectants sure, but not pasta. The church as you know has wealth enough to provide for those that don't have the capability to pay for pasta at the store. These volunteers are going in like everything is ok, and giving freely, possibly their lives. I hope you and others rethink this choice.

[smac97]

Hello All,

 

Some potential good news:

PITTSBURGH (WJAC) — Scientists with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have announced a potential vaccine against COVID-19.

Scientists say they’ve tested the vaccine in mice, and it produced antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 at quantities they believe could be enough to neutralize the coronavirus.

The paper, which appeared in EBioMedicine, is the first study to be published after critique from scientists at outside institutions that identifies a possible vaccine for COVID-19, health officials said.

“We had previous experience on SARS-CoV in 2003 and MERS-CoV in 2014. These two viruses, which are closely related to SARS-CoV-2, teach us that a particular protein, called a spike protein, is important for inducing immunity against the virus. We knew exactly where to fight this new virus,” said co-senior author Andrea Gambotto, M.D., associate professor of surgery at the Pitt School of Medicine. “That’s why it’s important to fund vaccine research. You never know where the next pandemic will come from.”

“Our ability to rapidly develop this vaccine was a result of scientists with expertise in diverse areas of research working together with a common goal,” said co-senior author Louis Falo, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of dermatology at Pitt’s School of Medicine and UPMC.

Scientists say they’re calling the vaccine PittCoVacc, which is short for Pittsburgh Coronavirus Vaccine.

The vaccine works the same as a flu shot, scientists say, using lab-made pieces of viral protein to build immunity.

When tested in mice, PittCoVacc created a surge of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 within two weeks of receiving the treatment, scientists say.

Thanks,

 

-Smac

 

[The Nehor]

10 minutes ago, smac97 said:

Hello All,

 

Some potential good news:

PITTSBURGH (WJAC) — Scientists with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have announced a potential vaccine against COVID-19.

Scientists say they’ve tested the vaccine in mice, and it produced antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 at quantities they believe could be enough to neutralize the coronavirus.

The paper, which appeared in EBioMedicine, is the first study to be published after critique from scientists at outside institutions that identifies a possible vaccine for COVID-19, health officials said.

“We had previous experience on SARS-CoV in 2003 and MERS-CoV in 2014. These two viruses, which are closely related to SARS-CoV-2, teach us that a particular protein, called a spike protein, is important for inducing immunity against the virus. We knew exactly where to fight this new virus,” said co-senior author Andrea Gambotto, M.D., associate professor of surgery at the Pitt School of Medicine. “That’s why it’s important to fund vaccine research. You never know where the next pandemic will come from.”

“Our ability to rapidly develop this vaccine was a result of scientists with expertise in diverse areas of research working together with a common goal,” said co-senior author Louis Falo, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of dermatology at Pitt’s School of Medicine and UPMC.

Scientists say they’re calling the vaccine PittCoVacc, which is short for Pittsburgh Coronavirus Vaccine.

The vaccine works the same as a flu shot, scientists say, using lab-made pieces of viral protein to build immunity.

When tested in mice, PittCoVacc created a surge of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 within two weeks of receiving the treatment, scientists say.

Thanks,

 

-Smac

 

While it is good to see progress this thing is still at least a year away unless they really loosen testing restrictions. Things that work okay in mice do not always work in people. Before the current testing regimen we had a few vaccines with a higher lethality rate than the disease.

That said this is a fast animal test result and a very positive step. Hopefully it pans out in humans. I also like the design. Not needing strict temperature controls for storage would make this easier to deploy, particularly in less developed nations.

[Tacenda]

12 hours ago, Calm said:

My apologies to you for my heavy hand.  I will add "I was wrong" if they actually change their recommendation, instead of just admitting being wrong in the way I pushed against your efforts.  I was thinking in a crisis best to rely on best sources for info, in this case expert medical ones.  Now it appears they may be changing their tune, so it appears the question was not as settled as they presented:

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/31/824560471/should-we-all-be-wearing-masks-in-public-health-experts-revisit-the-question

You're fine Calm, thanks!

[Tacenda]

10 hours ago, Tacenda said:

There is plenty of food, IMO. And one can make pasta at home. It takes flour, oil, water and eggs. One can live w/o pasta. Life or death would be the need of ventilators, masks, disinfectants etc. The production of pasta can resume later. I worked at this mill. It's impossible to be six feet apart, as noted in the note on the sign up spreadsheet that it won't be doable. I spoke with the man in charge last evening, he said it's still going to happen because they can under the crisis facility label that they are listed as. Sure they can say that, especially if there is a crisis of no food, I get that. But we are in the heat of the moment and we've been ordered to stay home. To me, now isn't the time to ask for 840 people to sign up to volunteer to make pasta.

I sent this text after speaking to him, maybe I'm wacko for doing that. Side note, you say I'm a critic so to me that means everything I say negative about the church should be discounted. But if I were another poster that is a total believing member and criticise I would be in the clear I guess. C/P text below:

This is **** ******* again. I'm very concerned still, that all these people signing up to help at the mill will not be safe. The action that the church is taking is irresponsible. Why the need for pasta? One can buy some at the store, of course some stores have a limit of 2 pkgs. per customer on the day you shop. But those that bought thousands of pounds were gearing up for the end of days at the food storage stores through the church, I'm thinking. Of course as you say, the mill has clearance as a crisis facility, but there is no crisis to be able to have pasta, masks and ventilators or disinfectants sure, but not pasta. The church as you know has wealth enough to provide for those that don't have the capability to pay for pasta at the store. These volunteers are going in like everything is ok, and giving freely, possibly their lives. I hope you and others rethink this choice.

Quoting myself, in case anyone is interested in the reply I received after the text this morning. I'm not satisfied, but I'll have to be okay with it because it's happening and I'm willing to be proven wrong all while hoping there isn't an outbreak. 

Sister *******

 Thank you for sharing your concerns with Elder Anderson. As the Mill & Pasta Plant Manager I would like to share why we are still opened during this pandemic.

First of all, the Food/Agriculture industry has been designated as a “Critical Infrastructure Segment” under Presidential Policy Directive 21 and Department of Homeland Security emergency readiness programs implementing the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001. 42 U.S.C. § 5195c(e). It is therefore the policy of the United States government that these industries continue to function with minimal disruption in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, in a March 16, 2020 guidance, the President of the United States instructed employees of Critical Infrastructure Industries, including the food and agriculture sector, to continue to perform their normal job functions during the coronavirus pandemic. The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America (Mar. 16, 2020) (available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf ) . 

Our plant has been deemed by the U.S. Government as critical to the infrastructure of the United States.  The Food and Agriculture industry is essential for the continued function of the economy in this time of crisis. In other words, it was not up to us or to the church.

Second, we manufacture many products other than simply pasta. Our products (for bishop storehouse and food storage) are the ones that will keep families/people/communities alive in the country when facing catastrophes (earthquake, unemployment, natural disasters, coronavirus pandemic, etc). Here at the plant,  we produce flour, wheat, three types of beans, rice, quick oats, pancake mix, cake mix, potato flakes, carrots, onions, refried beans, apple slices, etc… The inventory we had available and was supposed to last until July 2020 has vanished in the past three weeks. In March of 2019 we sold 9,000 pounds of items for home food storage, and in March of 2020 we sold over 250,000 pounds. The humanitarian request for assistance (to the First Presidency and Presiding Bishopric) has increased in 50%, but we are prioritizing who and how we are helping on a daily basis.

Finally,  the unemployment rate in Utah is setting a new record (48,250 people in the last two weeks). Many members of the church in Utah and the rest of the country lost, are losing  or will lose their jobs. We all know someone that is no longer working or someone that will need assistance.  We have been instructed by the First Presidency to be prepared to assist them. Do you still think the church is being irresponsible? I don’t think so, and I am sure that you will agree with the direction that we’ve received.

The vision of the Welfare and Self-Reliance department is: 

“We strive to follow Jesus Christ by embracing the two great commandments to love God and love our neighbor as we minister to temporal needs, build spiritual and temporal self-reliance, and bless both givers and receivers”. 

This is exactly what we are doing here. We are not here for profit nor to keep our employees, missionaries and volunteers busy, but we are here to minister just as the Savior would do.

 We are taking the necessary precautions to make sure that everyone here is safe. We have employees that are wiping handles, doors, chairs and touch points nonstop throughout the day. When the volunteers go into a break we are also wiping the areas where they were working. We ask all the employees, missionaries and volunteers before they start their shifts if they are feeling well (no fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, etc)  or if they have been in contact with anyone tested positive with the virus. If they answer yes to any of these questions, they are dismissed. Also, anyone that doesn't feel safe to come here is welcome to stay home. Our priority is to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Sister *******, this is the Lord’s cause and we are only doing His will. I hope this will bring peace to your mind and heart, and may the Lord bless you and your family during this time of uncertainty. We are here to support you or anyone that may need during this pandemic.

 Most sincerely,

 

Roberto Gaertner | Plant Manager

Mill & Pasta Plant – P&D | Welfare & Self-Reliance Services

 

The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints

61 S 600 W | Kaysville, UT 84037

[Calm]

Thanks for posting, Tacenda. 

[Tacenda]

Not in Utah but this is crazy, I wonder if law enforcement could get involved? If Bundy actually does this.

[ksfisher]

42 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

Not in Utah but this is crazy, I wonder if law enforcement could get involved? If Bundy actually does this.

Idaho has a stay-at-home order in place which prohibits "...all nonessential gatherings of any number of individuals..." 

Real smart to use social media to announce that you'll be violating the  order

[mtomm]

Stand together, die together.  I guess it's worth it to them. 

[bluebell]

2 hours ago, ksfisher said:

Idaho has a stay-at-home order in place which prohibits "...all nonessential gatherings of any number of individuals..." 

Real smart to use social media to announce that you'll be violating the  order

He's been in-your-face with idaho and it's stay at home order for a while now.  He's even pledged to use violence to defend people's right to gather.  He's not trying to hide anything.

[RevTestament]

On 4/2/2020 at 9:13 PM, Tacenda said:

Quoting myself, in case anyone is interested in the reply I received after the text this morning. I'm not satisfied, but I'll have to be okay with it because it's happening and I'm willing to be proven wrong all while hoping there isn't an outbreak. 

Sister *******

 Thank you for sharing your concerns with Elder Anderson. As the Mill & Pasta Plant Manager I would like to share why we are still opened during this pandemic.

First of all, the Food/Agriculture industry has been designated as a “Critical Infrastructure Segment” under Presidential Policy Directive 21 and Department of Homeland Security emergency readiness programs implementing the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001. 42 U.S.C. § 5195c(e). It is therefore the policy of the United States government that these industries continue to function with minimal disruption in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, in a March 16, 2020 guidance, the President of the United States instructed employees of Critical Infrastructure Industries, including the food and agriculture sector, to continue to perform their normal job functions during the coronavirus pandemic. The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America (Mar. 16, 2020) (available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf ) . 

Our plant has been deemed by the U.S. Government as critical to the infrastructure of the United States.  The Food and Agriculture industry is essential for the continued function of the economy in this time of crisis. In other words, it was not up to us or to the church.

Second, we manufacture many products other than simply pasta. Our products (for bishop storehouse and food storage) are the ones that will keep families/people/communities alive in the country when facing catastrophes (earthquake, unemployment, natural disasters, coronavirus pandemic, etc). Here at the plant,  we produce flour, wheat, three types of beans, rice, quick oats, pancake mix, cake mix, potato flakes, carrots, onions, refried beans, apple slices, etc… The inventory we had available and was supposed to last until July 2020 has vanished in the past three weeks. In March of 2019 we sold 9,000 pounds of items for home food storage, and in March of 2020 we sold over 250,000 pounds. The humanitarian request for assistance (to the First Presidency and Presiding Bishopric) has increased in 50%, but we are prioritizing who and how we are helping on a daily basis.

Finally,  the unemployment rate in Utah is setting a new record (48,250 people in the last two weeks). Many members of the church in Utah and the rest of the country lost, are losing  or will lose their jobs. We all know someone that is no longer working or someone that will need assistance.  We have been instructed by the First Presidency to be prepared to assist them. Do you still think the church is being irresponsible? I don’t think so, and I am sure that you will agree with the direction that we’ve received.

The vision of the Welfare and Self-Reliance department is: 

“We strive to follow Jesus Christ by embracing the two great commandments to love God and love our neighbor as we minister to temporal needs, build spiritual and temporal self-reliance, and bless both givers and receivers”. 

This is exactly what we are doing here. We are not here for profit nor to keep our employees, missionaries and volunteers busy, but we are here to minister just as the Savior would do.

 We are taking the necessary precautions to make sure that everyone here is safe. We have employees that are wiping handles, doors, chairs and touch points nonstop throughout the day. When the volunteers go into a break we are also wiping the areas where they were working. We ask all the employees, missionaries and volunteers before they start their shifts if they are feeling well (no fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, etc)  or if they have been in contact with anyone tested positive with the virus. If they answer yes to any of these questions, they are dismissed. Also, anyone that doesn't feel safe to come here is welcome to stay home. Our priority is to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Sister *******, this is the Lord’s cause and we are only doing His will. I hope this will bring peace to your mind and heart, and may the Lord bless you and your family during this time of uncertainty. We are here to support you or anyone that may need during this pandemic.

 Most sincerely,

 

Roberto Gaertner | Plant Manager

Mill & Pasta Plant – P&D | Welfare & Self-Reliance Services

 

The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints

61 S 600 W | Kaysville, UT 84037

Pos Rep Tacenda. Personally, if the plant is taking precautions like taking temperature of volunteers, requiring use of gloves and masks,, I think they need to do their thing. We need food. Someone has to produce it. I am very thankful there are volunteers willing to do it. After this kind of thing maybe people won't take the Church food production system so much for granted.

[ksfisher]

1 hour ago, bluebell said:

He's been in-your-face with idaho and it's stay at home order for a while now.  He's even pledged to use violence to defend people's right to gather.  He's not trying to hide anything.

Brilliant.

[juliann]

On 4/2/2020 at 9:13 PM, Tacenda said:

 There is plenty of food, IMO. And one can make pasta at home. It takes flour, oil, water and eggs. 

Seriously? Seriously? Making people attend to your "concerns" who are busy trying to provide?

NO, not everyone can make pasta at home. It's not just "flour, oil, water and eggs."  Ever tried doing it in a motel? On the street? Are you that oblivious? That is really cool that you can do it without any equipment! Maybe you could make how to videos for the people who don't have computers!   

[Raingirl]

1 hour ago, juliann said:

Seriously? Seriously? Making people attend to your "concerns" who are busy trying to provide?

NO, not everyone can make pasta at home. It's not just "flour, oil, water and eggs."  Ever tried doing it in a motel? On the street? Are you that oblivious? That is really cool that you can do it without any equipment! Maybe you could make how to videos for the people who don't have computers!   

Our RS President sent out an email which detailed the extensive steps the church is taking to assure the safety of staff, members, and the community in the Food Storage Center. I imagine similar steps have been taken in all the canneries, storehouses, etc.  

The same email also stated that they are out of stock on some items, with no idea when more will be available  

So, yeah, when millions are out of work, and resources are dwindling, let’s shut down food production.

But let’s make food even harder to obtain because a church critic doesn’t like it. And let’s ignore the thousands of people who are actually looking for ways to make things better for others in this pandemic. 

I’m flabbergasted.