Amazon, Meta, and Twitter drop out of CES over Omicron fears

[midian182]

In brief: CES 2022 starts in exactly two weeks (January 5), but a surge in Covid-19 cases and the looming threat of the Omicron variant has seen several big names pull out, including Amazon, Meta (Facebook), Twitter, and Pinterest. Nvidia, meanwhile, is planning mostly digital showcases, while AMD and T-Mobile will have a limited presence.

While CES 2020 was one of the last big events to be held in-person, CES 2021 was digital-only. The organizers said that 2022 would be a hybrid show with in-person and digital elements, and attendees must show proof of their Covid-19 vaccination.

But it seems the precautions are not enough for some companies, especially in light of Omicron. Amazon told Bloomberg that it would no longer have a physical presence at the show due to the “quickly shifting situation and uncertainty around the Omicron variant,” and neither will subsidiary Ring.

Facebook parent Meta has also decided that attending in person isn’t worth the risk. “Out of an abundance of caution and care for our employees, we won’t be attending CES in-person due to the evolving public health concerns related to Covid-19,” it said. Twitter is also avoiding the show, as is Pinterest.

Even T-Mobile, one of CES’ main sponsors, is significantly limiting its in-person presence. "While we are confident that CES organizers are taking exhaustive measures to protect in-person attendees and we had many preventative practices in place as well, we are prioritizing the safety of our team and other attendees with this decision," the wireless carrier said in a statement.

Elsewhere, Nvidia, which said it has been “cautious from the start,” confirmed its press conference is virtual-only, while AMD said its presence would be limited—team red’s livestream isn’t part of CES.

Many other companies are still attending, including Samsung, Sony, Alphabet, and Qualcomm, though some say they continue to “monitor” the situation.

What’s concerning is how this is starting to resemble Mobile World Congress in 2020, when several big names pulled out before the event was finally canceled. However, it’s likely that the same fate won’t befall CES 2022. The worst it could experience is the entire show becoming a fully virtual event in the same way as CES 2021.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/92724-amazon-meta-twitter-drop-out-ces-over-omicron.html

 

[mgwerner]

Probably be a better show without them there.

 

[Dimitriid]

I honestly feel bad for people in the press that will have to cover it if it happens: Sadly because of the lacking response instead of a shorter, temporary lockdown mid November most of the world is heading for a very long lockdown instead in January.

As long as we keep prioritizing people needlessly going back to work instead of keeping subsequent variants under control with proper, early testing and localized lockdowns (Possible only with early, trace back testing) and most important of all investing some actual money into improving ventilation systems completely in places that insist that they *must* remain open to large numbers of people then instead of being mostly out of it we'll keep going in waves for potentially 2 or 3 more years, maybe even indefinitively since so many politicians are so invested in literally killing as many people as possible.

 

[Sausagemeat]

Kudos to the companies that are still attending, not giving in to the fear. And realising that this virus is never ever going away, never going to stop mutating and that the survival rate of under 65’s is 99.97%. I would make a comment about the companies that tucked their tails between their legs at the sight of a “new variant” in the press but I do not think it’s fair to mock those who have become victims of the world governments and media’s constant fear porn. They need professional psychological help.

 

[BadThad]

You cannot hide from the virus. It is with mankind forever thanks to China. Lockdowns and hiding in your basement only postpones the inevitable. IT CANNOT BE STOPPED! So, by the current standards, none of us can enjoy a normal life ever again? It's time to send a clear message to governments - we will not stand for your fear mongering and draconian lockdowns! ENOUGH!

 

[mgwerner]

You cannot hide from the virus. It is with mankind forever thanks to China. Lockdowns and hiding in your basement only postpones the inevitable. IT CANNOT BE STOPPED! So, by the current standards, none of us can enjoy a normal life ever again? It's time to send a clear message to governments - we will not stand for your fear mongering and draconian lockdowns! ENOUGH!

Amen. The sheeple can stay home and hide while the rest of us prosper, with the occassional sniffle. Just like before the scamdemic.

 

[Sausagemeat]

I honestly feel bad for people in the press that will have to cover it if it happens: Sadly because of the lacking response instead of a shorter, temporary lockdown mid November most of the world is heading for a very long lockdown instead in January.

As long as we keep prioritizing people needlessly going back to work instead of keeping subsequent variants under control with proper, early testing and localized lockdowns (Possible only with early, trace back testing) and most important of all investing some actual money into improving ventilation systems completely in places that insist that they *must* remain open to large numbers of people then instead of being mostly out of it we'll keep going in waves for potentially 2 or 3 more years, maybe even indefinitively since so many politicians are so invested in literally killing as many people as possible.

Covid is 100% going to go on for more than 2 to 3 years regardless of whether we lock down or not. lockdowns dont work mate, it’s obscenely obvious at this point. All they do is ruin peoples lives. You have to be a proper victim of the media to still be calling for that garbage these days. Especially with “omicron” Which is several times more transmissible than delta apparently.

The vast majority of the world doesn’t have any restrictions or lockdowns meaning that any local measures you take won’t affect the trajectory of the virus as a whole. 2 to 3 smaller European Countries having lockdowns won’t make a blind bit of difference.

We need to learn how to live with it. I’m not complying to any of these tyrannical regulations any longer. But if you wish to lock yourself up I won’t try and stop you.

 

[Shadowboxer]

I’m absolutely sick of all this now. How many people has omicron actually killed? Lockdowns and restrictions are not a sensible response anymore. Governments just don’t want to give up their powers.

 

[mgwerner]

I’m absolutely sick of all this now. How many people has omicron actually killed? Lockdowns and restrictions are not a sensible response anymore. Governments just don’t want to give up their powers.

They were never a sensible response.

 

[Shadowboxer]

They were never a sensible response.

I agree, we should never have had any restrictions for this virus. But the idea of a lockdown or a mask mandate is a temporarily solution that was somewhat viable before we knew all the facts back in 2020. They shouldn’t be being used 2 years down the line. We know people don’t comply. You have to be a very special kind of stupid to expect humans to comply with these sorts of measures on a long term basis.

 

[passwordistaco]

If only Facebook, Amazon, Pinterest, and Twitter would drop off the earth.

 

[BadThad]

You have to be a very special kind of stupid to expect humans to comply with these sorts of measures on a long term basis.

Democrat kind of stupid.

 

[mgwerner]

I agree, we should never have had any restrictions for this virus. But the idea of a lockdown or a mask mandate is a temporarily solution that was somewhat viable before we knew all the facts back in 2020. They shouldn’t be being used 2 years down the line. We know people don’t comply. You have to be a very special kind of stupid to expect humans to comply with these sorts of measures on a long term basis.

Masks never worked for what was stated, as evidenced by numerous studies all hard to locate after the scamdemic. Nor have lockdowns ever been effective historically, as transmissibility is hard to pin down and people move about. Add to that the Nanny State declaring some businesses vital to remain open - Home Depot and pot dispensaries - and some not - gyms and any small business, and you have a recipe for the exaltation of I d I o t s.

 

[Shadowboxer]

Masks never worked for what was stated, as evidenced by numerous studies all hard to locate after the scamdemic. Nor have lockdowns ever been effective historically, as transmissibility is hard to pin down and people move about. Add to that the Nanny State declaring some businesses vital to remain open - Home Depot and pot dispensaries - and some not - gyms and any small business, and you have a recipe for the exaltation of I d I o t s.

The thing that I don’t understand is that there is still no at home treatment for those who test positive. The authorities bleat on about rising hospital admissions but right up until you’re on the edge and in need of intensive care they just say wait at home and don’t infect anyone. There’s no advice on what to take or even what to eat. You’re just sat there waiting to see if you get worse or not. Surely there are treatments or even basic advise doctors could issue to people. That would be a more sensible long term solution than just locking people in their homes to get fat and miserable.

 

[Tantor]

I honestly feel bad for people in the press that will have to cover it if it happens: Sadly because of the lacking response instead of a shorter, temporary lockdown mid November most of the world is heading for a very long lockdown instead in January.

As long as we keep prioritizing people needlessly going back to work instead of keeping subsequent variants under control with proper, early testing and localized lockdowns (Possible only with early, trace back testing) and most important of all investing some actual money into improving ventilation systems completely in places that insist that they *must* remain open to large numbers of people then instead of being mostly out of it we'll keep going in waves for potentially 2 or 3 more years, maybe even indefinitively since so many politicians are so invested in literally killing as many people as possible.

Well... IMHO lockdowns are not effective.

The fundamental principle at play is this: Nothing you do will prevent you from being exposed. Lockdowns, social distancing, masks, fancy ventilation, staying at home, these are ineffective solutions in the long term.

So what do you do? You promote Herd Immunity. You expose as many people as possible. When that percentage reaches a certain value, known as 'R', you achieve herd immunity. Herd Immunity is based on the fact that when a new virus arises, the first wave is the worst. As the virus gets laundered by the immune systems of millions of people, it develops mutations that are weaker. Just as contagious, mind you, but less dangerous. The weaker forms gradually replace the more virulent form. That's because the virulent forms keep people at home whereas the weaker forms let people go out and spread it.

And as people are exposed to the weaker forms, their immune systems kick in and produce antibodies that are effective against all forms, including the virulent form.

Omicron is a classic, next generation, weakened mutation. You might want to get exposed to Omicron. Why? Because Omicron is essentially a natural vaccine. Remember that a vaccine mimics a natural process. It's a man-made way to expose you to a weak form of the pathogen that won't harm you, but will trigger your body to produce natural antibodies.

We should be falling to our knees and thanking God that Omicron has finally arrived.

Fauci and the medical elites understand this 100%. But, due to financial and other considerations, they offer only one solution - Mass Vaccination. Unfortunately their vaccines have a whole host of major failings. They are effective for only a few months. They don't actually stop you from getting the disease, they only prevent symptoms. If you get vaccinated you can have a massive raging case, but not know it. They have zero ability to stop actual spread. This is why you see so many 'breakout cases'. They are ineffective against new variants. This is why Fauci pushes boosters. They were never properly tested and can have deadly side effects. According to VAERS, over 20,000 people died shortly after receiving the vaccine. There have been over 100k serious adverse events. That's just in the US, Europe has even more problems.

In contrast, look at India and Africa. They are the largest population groups in the world with areas of very high density. Social distancing and mask wearing are not common. They have very low vaccine rates. Despite all this, they have some of the lowest case/death rates in the world. Obviously vaccines, distancing and lockdowns were irrelevant.

Read Robert Kennedy's new book, The Real Anthony Fauci. Costs of the lockdowns include bankrupting 41% of all US Black owned businesses. Putting 58 million Americans out of work. Fauci's medical program has been an utter failure:

"The US, with 4 percent of the world's population, suffered 14.5 percent of total COVID deaths. By September 30, 2021, mortality rates in the US had climbed to 2,107 per million compared to 130 per million in Japan."

Fauci and big pharma are in this for the money, not your health.

"The CDC, for example, owns 57 vaccine patents and spends $4.9 of its $12.0 billion-dollar annual budget (as of 2019) buying and distributing vaccines. NIH owns hundreds of vaccine patents and often profits from the sale of products it supposedly regulates.... The FDA receives 45% of its budget from the pharmaceutical industry, through what are euphemistically called 'user fees.'"

So keep an open mind. Truth is often not obvious.

 

[Shadowboxer]

Well... IMHO lockdowns are not effective.

The fundamental principle at play is this: Nothing you do will prevent you from being exposed. Lockdowns, social distancing, masks, fancy ventilation, staying at home, these are ineffective solutions in the long term.

So what do you do? You promote Herd Immunity. You expose as many people as possible. When that percentage reaches a certain value, known as 'R', you achieve herd immunity. Herd Immunity is based on the fact that when a new virus arises, the first wave is the worst. As the virus gets laundered by the immune systems of millions of people, it develops mutations that are weaker. Just as contagious, mind you, but less dangerous. The weaker forms gradually replace the more virulent form. That's because the virulent forms keep people at home whereas the weaker forms let people go out and spread it.

And as people are exposed to the weaker forms, their immune systems kick in and produce antibodies that are effective against all forms, including the virulent form.

Omicron is a classic, next generation, weakened mutation. You might want to get exposed to Omicron. Why? Because Omicron is essentially a natural vaccine. Remember that a vaccine mimics a natural process. It's a man-made way to expose you to a weak form of the pathogen that won't harm you, but will trigger your body to produce natural antibodies.

We should be falling to our knees and thanking God that Omicron has finally arrived.

Fauci and the medical elites understand this 100%. But, due to financial and other considerations, they offer only one solution - Mass Vaccination. Unfortunately their vaccines have a whole host of major failings. They are effective for only a few months. They don't actually stop you from getting the disease, they only prevent symptoms. If you get vaccinated you can have a massive raging case, but not know it. They have zero ability to stop actual spread. This is why you see so many 'breakout cases'. They are ineffective against new variants. This is why Fauci pushes boosters. They were never properly tested and can have deadly side effects. According to VAERS, over 20,000 people died shortly after receiving the vaccine. There have been over 100k serious adverse events. That's just in the US, Europe has even more problems.

In contrast, look at India and Africa. They are the largest population groups in the world with areas of very high density. Social distancing and mask wearing are not common. They have very low vaccine rates. Despite all this, they have some of the lowest case/death rates in the world. Obviously vaccines, distancing and lockdowns were irrelevant.

Read Robert Kennedy's new book, The Real Anthony Fauci. Costs of the lockdowns include bankrupting 41% of all US Black owned businesses. Putting 58 million Americans out of work. Fauci's medical program has been an utter failure:

"The US, with 4 percent of the world's population, suffered 14.5 percent of total COVID deaths. By September 30, 2021, mortality rates in the US had climbed to 2,107 per million compared to 130 per million in Japan."

Fauci and big pharma are in this for the money, not your health.

"The CDC, for example, owns 57 vaccine patents and spends $4.9 of its $12.0 billion-dollar annual budget (as of 2019) buying and distributing vaccines. NIH owns hundreds of vaccine patents and often profits from the sale of products it supposedly regulates.... The FDA receives 45% of its budget from the pharmaceutical industry, through what are euphemistically called 'user fees.'"

So keep an open mind. Truth is often not obvious.

Outstanding comment.

 

[Squid Surprise]

The purpose of these measures were NOT to prevent you from getting Covid... it was to DELAY it until we could develop vaccines and cures...

While I agree that lockdowns are probably not going to do much now... they certainly helped us keep Covid from spreading as quickly as it could have - and kept our healthcare systems from being completely overwhelmed.

Saying that, there is no reason to have pointless large gatherings - we still SHOULD want to limit the spread of Covid, as there are still lots of people who are not triple vaccinated... and in countries outside North America and Europe, the vaccination rates are even lower.

The pandemic is NOT a scam people... The US has lost almost a million people to Covid already... the rest of the world has lost millions...

 

[Shadowboxer]

The purpose of these measures were NOT to prevent you from getting Covid... it was to DELAY it until we could develop vaccines and cures...

While I agree that lockdowns are probably not going to do much now... they certainly helped us keep Covid from spreading as quickly as it could have - and kept our healthcare systems from being completely overwhelmed.

Saying that, there is no reason to have pointless large gatherings - we still SHOULD want to limit the spread of Covid, as there are still lots of people who are not triple vaccinated... and in countries outside North America and Europe, the vaccination rates are even lower.

The pandemic is NOT a scam people... The US has lost almost a million people to Covid already... the rest of the world has lost millions...

There is no evidence in most countries that lockdowns had more than a minimal effect. In the U.K. the death rates were in decline by the time the lockdowns were started and then when we dropped all restrictions the infection rate fell through the floor.

You may feel that we shouldn’t gather but I disagree and have been and will continue to attend sports functions. Fortunately you have no authority over me and the doctors here who definitely know better than you are not saying we should cancel mass attendance at sporting events, I have several tickets to see rugby games coming up.

 

[Squid Surprise]

There is no evidence in most countries that lockdowns had more than a minimal effect. In the U.K. the death rates were in decline by the time the lockdowns were started and then when we dropped all restrictions the infection rate fell through the floor.

You may feel that we shouldn’t gather but I disagree and have been and will continue to attend sports functions. Fortunately you have no authority over me and the doctors here who definitely know better than you are not saying we should cancel mass attendance at sporting events, I have several tickets to see rugby games coming up.

Well, lockdowns didn’t work as well as they should have mostly because they were eased too soon… but they certainly DID work.

They can’t (and shouldn’t) be the only strategy though… they needed to coincide with better contact tracing, vaccination policies, masking, etc… the US, in particular, failed miserably at that.

Here’s an article that kind of explains this..

Flattening the curve worked — until it didn’t

The US started 2020 by "flattening the curve" — and never came up with a plan for what comes next.

www.vox.com

At this point, provided you are triple vaccinated, an outdoor sporting event probably won’t be any riskier than your normal activities. The problem with a sporting event is really the athletes spreading Covid - we’ve seen Covid spreading like wildfire throughout the professional leagues over the past few weeks.

Fortunately, most athletes are young, healthy and vaccinated - but some will inevitably become seriously ill… but the various leagues need the revenue…

I’m a huge hockey fan myself - but as they play indoors, I have no intention of going to any games this year… and the NHL has suspended their season over the holidays due to Covid…

 

[passwordistaco]

Well, lockdowns didn’t work as well as they should have mostly because they were eased too soon… but they certainly DID work.

They can’t (and shouldn’t) be the only strategy though… they needed to coincide with better contact tracing, vaccination policies, masking, etc… the US, in particular, failed miserably at that.

Here’s an article that kind of explains this..

Flattening the curve worked — until it didn’t

The US started 2020 by "flattening the curve" — and never came up with a plan for what comes next.

www.vox.com

At this point, provided you are triple vaccinated, an outdoor sporting event probably won’t be any riskier than your normal activities. The problem with a sporting event is really the athletes spreading Covid - we’ve seen Covid spreading like wildfire throughout the professional leagues over the past few weeks.

Fortunately, most athletes are young, healthy and vaccinated - but some will inevitably become seriously ill… but the various leagues need the revenue…

I’m a huge hockey fan myself - but as they play indoors, I have no intention of going to any games this year… and the NHL has suspended their season over the holidays due to Covid…

Oh sure, all it takes is totalitarian control over the lives of the people.

I look forward to the day we are all quintuple dodecahedral vaccinated and can be let out of our pods in our full coverage hoods to gather in numbers of not more than 10 at the local "designated essential" corporate outlet to collect the periodic ration of insect protein to take home and enjoy an appropriately socially-distanced dinner with our closest family members.

 

[Squid Surprise]

Oh sure, all it takes is totalitarian control over the lives of the people.

I look forward to the day we are all quintuple dodecahedral vaccinated and can be let out of our pods in our full coverage hoods to gather in numbers of not more than 10 at the local "designated essential" corporate outlet to collect the periodic ration of insect protein to take home and enjoy an appropriately socially-distanced dinner with our closest family members.

No… it simply requires an educated public… do what the research tells you… avoid large indoor gatherings, mask indoors, and GET VACCINATED!

Considering this is a worldwide pandemic, this really shouldn’t be too much to ask…

 

[passwordistaco]

No… it simply requires an educated public… do what the research tells you… avoid large indoor gatherings, mask indoors, and GET VACCINATED!

Considering this is a worldwide pandemic, this really shouldn’t be too much to ask…

Odd, we didn't panic with the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, the first round of SARS coronavirus in 2002, the Russian flu of 1977, the Hong Kong flu of 1968, or the Asian flu of 1957, and we don't lock down and freak out over the seasonal flu that hits every year. Somehow society continued to function, people led their lives, went to work, and fed their families without a government telling them who was "essential" and who's expendable.

Ask yourself "what's different now?"

 

[Shadowboxer]

Well, lockdowns didn’t work as well as they should have mostly because they were eased too soon… but they certainly DID work.

They can’t (and shouldn’t) be the only strategy though… they needed to coincide with better contact tracing, vaccination policies, masking, etc… the US, in particular, failed miserably at that.

Here’s an article that kind of explains this..

Flattening the curve worked — until it didn’t

The US started 2020 by "flattening the curve" — and never came up with a plan for what comes next.

www.vox.com

At this point, provided you are triple vaccinated, an outdoor sporting event probably won’t be any riskier than your normal activities. The problem with a sporting event is really the athletes spreading Covid - we’ve seen Covid spreading like wildfire throughout the professional leagues over the past few weeks.

Fortunately, most athletes are young, healthy and vaccinated - but some will inevitably become seriously ill… but the various leagues need the revenue…

I’m a huge hockey fan myself - but as they play indoors, I have no intention of going to any games this year… and the NHL has suspended their season over the holidays due to Covid…

I don’t really care what events you think I should be able to attend. It’s none of your business and you clearly have poor knowledge on the pandemic if you feel the lockdowns were effective. I’m not triple jabbed and I don’t plan to be and I’m going on holidays, to sporting events, bars, clubs and if anyone tells me I shouldn’t be I’m just going to ignore/laugh at them, I’m not breaking any laws.

People calling for restrictions of others are truly disgusting human beings. They are authoritarians who feel they know what’s best for others when they absolutely don’t. They would have been the sort of people who supported Hitler.

 

[Squid Surprise]

Odd, we didn't panic with the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, the first round of SARS coronavirus in 2002, the Russian flu of 1977, the Hong Kong flu of 1968, or the Asian flu of 1957, and we don't lock down and freak out over the seasonal flu that hits every year. Somehow society continued to function, people led their lives, went to work, and fed their families without a government telling them who was "essential" and who's expendable.

Ask yourself "what's different now?"

Because those diseases weren't global pandemics... Not to mention we have vastly superior medical technology - even compared to 10 years ago...

There really shouldn't be too many more problems though... assuming everyone gets vaccinated, this will soon be the same as Measles, Mumps, etc...

 

[Squid Surprise]

I don’t really care what events you think I should be able to attend. It’s none of your business and you clearly have poor knowledge on the pandemic if you feel the lockdowns were effective. I’m not triple jabbed and I don’t plan to be and I’m going on holidays, to sporting events, bars, clubs and if anyone tells me I shouldn’t be I’m just going to ignore/laugh at them, I’m not breaking any laws.

People calling for restrictions of others are truly disgusting human beings. They are authoritarians who feel they know what’s best for others when they absolutely don’t. They would have been the sort of people who supported Hitler.

I didn't tell you what events you can or cannot attend... please re-read my post...

And there is overwhelming data supporting that lockdowns DID work.... they kept the case numbers small enough for most healthcare systems to cope (if barely) with the rise in hospitalizations and deaths.

Now, with effective and safe vaccinations available, lockdowns should only be a last resort - we also have overwhelming data that even if you get infected with Covid, you are FAR more likely to not need hospitalization (or die) if you are vaccinated - and the more shots, the better.