Originally posted by Old Man Whirly!Reposted because DDM'll only start again otherwise on this page.
FurtherClaims that the coronavirus pandemic was planned has been fanned by online posts showing data tables from the World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS) website, developed by the World Bank and other organizations, which “allows users to access and retrieve information on trade and tariffs.” These tables appear to report that COVID-19 test kits were already being sold in 2017 and 2018 (archived here and here, respectively), which contradicts our present understanding that the pandemic started in 2019. The claim was posted on the imageboard 4chan on 5 September 2020 and was also shared by Ben Swann on Facebook.
However, as we explain below, this claim is based on a misunderstanding of how the system used to track exports and imports, called the Harmonized System (HS), works. And it is likely little more than the result of an error in data labeling on the WITS website. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce:“Among industry classification systems, Harmonized System (HS) Codes are commonly used throughout the export process for goods. The Harmonized System is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. It is used by customs authorities around the world to identify products when assessing duties and taxes and for gathering statistics.
The HS is administrated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and is updated every five years. It serves as the foundation for the import and export classification systems used in the United States and by many trading partners.”
Swann’s Facebook post shows that the HS code associated with COVID-19 test kits is 382200. The assignment of this code to COVID-19 test kits was established in the HS classification reference for COVID-19 medical supplies, jointly issued on 9 April 2020 by the WCO and the World Health Organization. The reference also explains that this code is based on a pre-existing HS classification from 2017 (Figure 1). Therefore, the HS code 382200 was already in use two years before the pandemic.
HS classification for COVID-19 test kits
Figure 1. Screenshot of a table in the HS classification reference for COVID-19 medical supplies. Note that COVID-19 test kits come under a pre-existing HS code set in 2017 (in red).
The code is associated with medical test kits in general and is not specific to COVID-19 test kits only. This is demonstrated by the WITS pages which display all imports by country under the code 388200 (2017 and 2018), showing that the data displayed pertains to “Reagents; composite diagnostic or laboratory reagents, other than those of heading no. 3002 or 3006” (Figure 2). In short, this broad description can apply to any medical test kit.2017 all imports 382200
Figure 2. Screenshot of the WITS page which displays all 2017 imports by country under the code 388200.
The code’s association with medical kits in general is corroborated by the Italian news organization Open, which reported in their fact-check of the same claim that the code 382200 can also be found in descriptions of a kit that processes semen and a test kit for detecting Cryptococcus, a disease-causing fungus. All of this information together indicates that the data tables for 2017 and 2018, which supposedly apply to COVID-19 test kits, are actually displaying information about previously existing medical test kits from before the pandemic.The WITS website has since corrected the tables (2017 and 2018) to display “Medical test kits” in the title rather than “COVID-19 test kits”. It has also been updated to include an explanatory note: “The data here track previously existing medical devices that are now classified by the World Customs Organization as critical to tackling COVID-19” (Figure 3).
HS classification corrected on WITS
Figure 3. A comparison of the webpage displayed at this URL address before (top) and after (bottom) the update. An archive of the original webpage can be seen here.
Numerous conspiracy theories regarding the origins of the coronavirus began almost as soon as the pandemic itself. The persistent claim that the pandemic is a manmade event is based on faulty premises and has been repeatedly debunked by fact-checkers. This claim is no different, as these online posts which supposedly provide evidence of a conspiracy are likely founded on an error that led to mislabeled data, which has since been corrected by WITS. Given that scientists only discovered the virus in early 2020, it is impossible for COVID-19 test kits to have been available two years ago.Good thing I am back to fact check DDM's tinfoil hat tomfoolery with facts and Science.
By the way, as usual
HS classification for COVID-19 test kits
Figure 1. Screenshot of a table in the HS classification reference for COVID-19 medical supplies. Note that COVID-19 test kits come under a pre-existing HS code set in 2017 (in red).
"The code is associated with medical test kits in general and is not specific to COVID-19 test kits only. This is demonstrated by the WITS pages which display all imports by country under the code 388200 (2017 and 2018), showing that the data displayed pertains to “Reagents; composite diagnostic or laboratory reagents, other than those of heading no. 3002 or 3006” (Figure 2). In short, this broad description can apply to any medical test kit."
Pretty much what I said, a test kit is a test kit, is a test kit.
Originally posted by Old Man Whirly!
FurtherClaims that the coronavirus pandemic was planned has been fanned by online posts showing data tables from the World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS) website, developed by the World Bank and other organizations, which “allows users to access and retrieve information on trade and tariffs.” These tables appear to report that COVID-19 test kits were already being sold in 2017 and 2018 (archived here and here, respectively), which contradicts our present understanding that the pandemic started in 2019. The claim was posted on the imageboard 4chan on 5 September 2020 and was also shared by Ben Swann on Facebook.
However, as we explain below, this claim is based on a misunderstanding of how the system used to track exports and imports, called the Harmonized System (HS), works. And it is likely little more than the result of an error in data labeling on the WITS website. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce:“Among industry classification systems, Harmonized System (HS) Codes are commonly used throughout the export process for goods. The Harmonized System is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. It is used by customs authorities around the world to identify products when assessing duties and taxes and for gathering statistics.
The HS is administrated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and is updated every five years. It serves as the foundation for the import and export classification systems used in the United States and by many trading partners.”
Swann’s Facebook post shows that the HS code associated with COVID-19 test kits is 382200. The assignment of this code to COVID-19 test kits was established in the HS classification reference for COVID-19 medical supplies, jointly issued on 9 April 2020 by the WCO and the World Health Organization. The reference also explains that this code is based on a pre-existing HS classification from 2017 (Figure 1). Therefore, the HS code 382200 was already in use two years before the pandemic.
HS classification for COVID-19 test kits
Figure 1. Screenshot of a table in the HS classification reference for COVID-19 medical supplies. Note that COVID-19 test kits come under a pre-existing HS code set in 2017 (in red).
The code is associated with medical test kits in general and is not specific to COVID-19 test kits only. This is demonstrated by the WITS pages which display all imports by country under the code 388200 (2017 and 2018), showing that the data displayed pertains to “Reagents; composite diagnostic or laboratory reagents, other than those of heading no. 3002 or 3006” (Figure 2). In short, this broad description can apply to any medical test kit.2017 all imports 382200
Figure 2. Screenshot of the WITS page which displays all 2017 imports by country under the code 388200.
The code’s association with medical kits in general is corroborated by the Italian news organization Open, which reported in their fact-check of the same claim that the code 382200 can also be found in descriptions of a kit that processes semen and a test kit for detecting Cryptococcus, a disease-causing fungus. All of this information together indicates that the data tables for 2017 and 2018, which supposedly apply to COVID-19 test kits, are actually displaying information about previously existing medical test kits from before the pandemic.The WITS website has since corrected the tables (2017 and 2018) to display “Medical test kits” in the title rather than “COVID-19 test kits”. It has also been updated to include an explanatory note: “The data here track previously existing medical devices that are now classified by the World Customs Organization as critical to tackling COVID-19” (Figure 3).
HS classification corrected on WITS
Figure 3. A comparison of the webpage displayed at this URL address before (top) and after (bottom) the update. An archive of the original webpage can be seen here.
Numerous conspiracy theories regarding the origins of the coronavirus began almost as soon as the pandemic itself. The persistent claim that the pandemic is a manmade event is based on faulty premises and has been repeatedly debunked by fact-checkers. This claim is no different, as these online posts which supposedly provide evidence of a conspiracy are likely founded on an error that led to mislabeled data, which has since been corrected by WITS. Given that scientists only discovered the virus in early 2020, it is impossible for COVID-19 test kits to have been available two years ago.Good thing I am back to fact check DDM's tinfoil hat tomfoolery with facts and Science.
This is literally the response to their article because they didn't actually debunk any myths:
Originally posted by dadudemon
The Flu SC2 Multiplex Assay, or multi-viral band assessments for the PCRs, uniquely identify SARS-CoV-2, Flu A, and Flu B and is part of the result from analyzing the COVID-19 test kits.https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/covid-19-diagnostic-test/about/pac-20488900
It would not be possible to use the PCRs with the COVID-19 test kits if it did not distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 specific nucleotide sequences.
There's no argument or debate to be had. It is specific to COVID-19 test kits.
Too Long, Didn't Read: [1] they either mislabeled their content for COVID-19 test kits or [2] they had COVID-19 test kits that were specific to SARS-CoV-2 in 2017.
Since you can literally sort the content by PCRs specific to SARS-CoV-2 for 2017, the [2] option is correct.
So we are faced with an uncomfortable truth: at the latest, we had sequenced SARS-CoV-2 by 2017 and had unique PCR for this virus. This contradicts the previous finding that it was originally sequenced in Q4 2019.
The Associated Press tried their best to debunk this "myth" but fundamentally failed to address the problem with having SARS-CoV-2 tests, via PCR, in 2017. Something that should not be possible. A less "tin foil hatty" explanation is it was properly identified and PCR available in 2017 but it was not known to be as deadly as it was until 2019 when a true break-out happened. This explanation can debunk the "plandemic" portion of the tin foil hat argument while also explaining why we would have extremely specific tests, via PCR, for this specific novel coronavirus. Also, no one has to share their "trade secrets" and when it did break out, test kits were rapidly produced and made available.
But WITS adjusting the content on their site after this story broke out makes them look very guilty as if they are hiding something. That something is the obvious 2017 SARS-CoV-2 PCR-specific tests that would make some companies look quite guilty for not better sharing information related to a pandemic. It seems a "don't want a lawsuit" is a far better explanation than a plandemic.
This is why we cannot engage in discussion: you don't actually discuss anything or even understand what you're responding to.
Originally posted by dadudemonOh DDM. I understand that the code was used previously for other test kits and you are peddling conspiracy nonsense. 🙂
This is literally the response to their article because they didn't actually debunk any myths:This is why we cannot engage in discussion: you don't actually discuss anything or even understand what you're responding to.
Trump Admits Playing Down Coronavirus' Severity, According To New Woodward Book
President Trump acknowledged the deadliness of the coronavirus in early February and admitted in March to playing down the virus' severity, according to recorded interviews included in a new book by legendary reporter Bob Woodward.
"This is deadly stuff," the president told Woodward in a Feb. 7 conversation, according to the book, which is called Rage.
Later that month, Trump tweeted that the virus was "very much under control in the USA." He has also said that the virus would "disappear."
The coronavirus has been blamed for nearly 190,000 deaths in America.
"You just breathe the air and that's how it's passed," Trump said in the Feb. 7 conversation. "And so that's a very tricky one. That's a very delicate one. It's also more deadly than even your strenuous flu."
The next month, Trump admitted to playing down the virus' severity.
"I wanted to always play it down," Trump told Woodward on March 19. "I still like playing it down, because I don't want to create a panic." -snip
Or what every sensible person already knew, Trump downplayed covid19 from early on because he thought it would help him politically at the time.
Originally posted by RobtardInteresting, what do you make of that reaction from Trump Rob?
Trump Admits Playing Down Coronavirus' Severity, According To New Woodward BookPresident Trump acknowledged the deadliness of the coronavirus in early February and admitted in March to playing down the virus' severity, according to recorded interviews included in a new book by legendary reporter Bob Woodward.
"This is deadly stuff," the president told Woodward in a Feb. 7 conversation, according to the book, which is called Rage.
Later that month, Trump tweeted that the virus was "very much under control in the USA." He has also said that the virus would "disappear."
The coronavirus has been blamed for nearly 190,000 deaths in America.
[b]"You just breathe the air and that's how it's passed," Trump said in the Feb. 7 conversation. "And so that's a very tricky one. That's a very delicate one. It's also more deadly than even your strenuous flu."
The next month, Trump admitted to playing down the virus' severity.
"I wanted to always play it down," Trump told Woodward on March 19. "I still like playing it down, because I don't want to create a panic."
-snipOr what every sensible person already knew, Trump downplayed covid19 from early on because he thought it would help him politically at the time. [/B]
Originally posted by Old Man Whirly!
I've got the week off now, but I have a final submission to complete 10,000 words and supporting documents and the Internet has been shit apart from on my phone which I cannot type on legibly. I need grammarly lol.
Is there anywhere you can go like a Starbucks that would have better wifi?
Originally posted by Blakemore😂
I feel now is the appropriate time.
Originally posted by RobtardYeah, pretty much my thoughts too.
Him calling the Woodward's claims "fake new" reaction? Typical Trump move whenever his shit-games get called out.
All his ploys are failling after the 20,000 plus lies he has made people have got wise to him I think. Many probably feel dirty voting for him previously.
Trump defends decision to publicly downplay COVID-19 to avoid panic
resident Trump on Wednesday defended his decision to downplay the severity of the coronavirus to the American people, saying that the ensuing panic would have only exacerbated the oncoming pandemic.
“I’m a cheerleader for this country,” he told reporters during an unrelated White House briefing. “I don’t want people to be frightened. I don’t want to create panic.
“We want to show confidence. We want to show strength. We want to show strength as a nation. And that’s what I’ve done.”
Trump acknowledged to Washington Post editor Bob Woodward in an interview for his upcoming book that he “wanted to always play it [the coronavirus] down” publicly, even as he conceded a grave outlook behind the scenes, according to excerpts released Wednesday.
“We don’t want to jump up and down and start shouting that we have a problem that is a tremendous problem, scare everyone,” Trump said in the briefing. -snip
Trump defends decision to publicly downplay COVID-19 to avoid panic
resident Trump on Wednesday defended his decision to downplay the severity of the coronavirus to the American people, saying that the ensuing panic would have only exacerbated the oncoming pandemic.
“I’m a cheerleader for this country,” he told reporters during an unrelated White House briefing. “I don’t want people to be frightened. I don’t want to create panic.
“We want to show confidence. We want to show strength. We want to show strength as a nation. And that’s what I’ve done.”
Trump acknowledged to Washington Post editor Bob Woodward in an interview for his upcoming book that he “wanted to always play it [the coronavirus] down” publicly, even as he conceded a grave outlook behind the scenes, according to excerpts released Wednesday.
“We don’t want to jump up and down and start shouting that we have a problem that is a tremendous problem, scare everyone,” Trump said in the briefing. -snip
First Trump called Woodward a liar ("fake news"😉, now that Trump can't lie about it any loner, he's trying to spin the narrative to save face and be the hero. Trumpers will fall for it.