Crazy Times: A little clarity as we go

Today’s Update (lots!): Because there is a ton of news flying all over the place, it’s important for you to check all sources of truth before you spread any updates with the masses. Here I wanted to help better clarify some of these items, based on my observations and research. (Please verify my information, as well.)

1. Chloroquine showing strong “Promise”: Chloroquine interferes with the virus's ability to replicate in two ways. First, the drug enters compartments called endosomes within the cell membrane. Endosomes tend to be slightly acidic, but the chemical structure of the drug boosts their pH, making the compartments more basic. Many viruses acidify endosomes in order to breach the cell membrane, release their genetic material and begin replication; chloroquine blocks this critical step.

The drug also prevents viruses from plugging into a receptor called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, or ACE2, on primate cells. When the virus inserts its spike protein into the ACE2 receptor, it sets off a chemical process that alters the structure of the receptor and allows the virus to infect. An adequate dose of chloroquine appears to undermine this process, and in turn, viral replication in general. 

The federal government has ordered 10k doses expedited for trials. Teva is donating 10m pills and Bayer is donating 3m.

2. A new therapy showing promising results: Human convalescent serum (take bloodà spin to get plasmaà remove serum) is an option for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease that could be rapidly available when there are sufficient numbers of people who have recovered and can donate immunoglobulin-containing serum.

3. Masks being produced: 500m have been ordered with Hanes and GM stepping in to help manufacture, based on today’s press conference. They are focusing on re-usable masks during this production phase to reduce future need.

4. Government Lockdown: Many people have received an email (I had it sent from 13 different people), and throughout social media, stating that the federal government will evoke the Stafford Act and have an immediate lockdown on the country. This is untrue. The federal government already evoked the Stafford Act on March 13 to declare a national emergency on March 13. More importantly, the Stafford Act does not allow the federal government to impose mandatory quarantines. The Stafford Act does not allow the federal government to directly intervene in the crisis response of a state, local or tribal government, though it provides considerable resources to help them.

5. Defense Production Act: This would allow Trump to push U.S. manufacturers such as automakers and clothing companies to pivot to making medical equipment for hospitals and medical workers who say they are out of equipment or will be soon to treat the expected onslaught of coronavirus patients. Despite bipartisan pressure, Trump still has not invoked this as the time of this post.

6. A new $2t (trillion, yup!) stimulus is in final stages of negotiating and should be revealed on Monday. This will involve support for many industries along with many items about unemployment benefits.

7. Mortgage and bills: HUD/Ben Carson announced a 60-day “mortgage forbearance” (potentially longer) today that allow homeowners to skip their mortgage payments without penalty. There are similar rumors about credit card companies (banks) too. PLEASE make sure you get all the most accurate information from the official sources. Call your lenders directly. Confirm the programs that they offer and that you qualify for. Ask them to send all the details in writing. HERE’s A BIGGIE: Confirm verbal and in writing that it will not negatively impact your credit report. Then contact all 3 credit bureaus to make sure you were given accurate information. Document everyone that you speak to and the day/time of each conversation.

I hope this adds some clarity for you.

Be safe. Be well. This too shall pass!