BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 03 Jan 22 - 08:56 AM

The majority of people in intensive care have not been vaccinated or boosted, so it's largely their own fault.............................ah I'm forgetting - they haven't been taking vitamin D capsules
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 22 - 03:26 PM

Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. Scientists are trying to figure out why

So far, omicron's best trick — what helps explain its success more than anything else — is dodging our immunity: the antibodies and other immune defenses put on by the body after vaccination and/or prior infection.

The variant's many mutations on the spike protein allow it to infect human cells more efficiently than previous variants could, leaving many more people again vulnerable. Because of that, "immune escape" alone could be the major reason why the variant looks so contagious compared with delta, which was already highly transmissible.

In fact, omicron has been spreading at a pace that's comparable to how fast the original strain of the coronavirus spread at the very beginning of the pandemic, despite the world's newfound levels of immunity.

"The playing field for the virus right now is quite different than it was in the early days," says Dr. Joshua Schiffer, an infectious disease researcher at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. "The majority of variants we've seen to date couldn't survive in this immune environment."

and this, further down in the essay:

With so many mutations, it's still quite possible that omicron does have additional advantages that make it more contagious than other variants — advantages that rely on more than breaking through our prior immunity.

Maybe omicron can produce more copies of itself in a cell? Or maybe it sticks to cells more effectively? Or maybe it's better at hanging in the air and staying infectious?

"Any of those things would make the virus more contagious," says Schiffer of Fred Hutchinson.

One key difference emerging with omicron is just how quickly someone who gets infected becomes contagious.

Omicron appears to have a shorter incubation period and that can substantially speed up infections across the population. A study of the Oslo Christmas party outbreak found the incubation period could be about three days, compared with 4.3 days for delta and five days for other variants. A small study from CDC also puts the incubation period at about three days.

"That's actually a fairly significant difference," says Schiffer. This would mean there are many more cycles of infections and less time for people who are exposed to take precautions not to expose others.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Dec 21 - 06:59 AM

Sorry about the accidental double negative.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Dec 21 - 06:56 AM

The most intense viral 'blizzard' is expected for all of January.
Wild and wooly claims are being made including half of child infections having/getting long haul along with hospital staff shortages 20-40% compared to the last surge. Half a million new cases in a day is the most recent report for the US. Such numbers can not be sustained but it hasn't turned around yet. Testing issues along with dire news is producing new policies like not allowing Universities to not allow students off campus to go out on weekends. Mass new year's eve celebrations are being changed. A blowback of some sort can be expected imo. It may be the best of times with new medications but it is the worst of times for some.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 30 Dec 21 - 06:53 AM

Slowly getting used to the terminology, PCR & LFT
I can understand the use of LFT (or of 'Lateral Flow Test'). Looking at the box for the tests the other option for naming would have everyone discussing this as 'plague'.
I'm glad they didn't start calling the 'lateral flow test' the 'Rapid Antigen Test'.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Dec 21 - 06:57 PM

Good to hear it.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 21 - 06:25 PM

I just took a quote from the larger page, Steve. You could have probably figured that out, because if they're talking about masks, they're going to also be talking about vaccines.

The county has an aggressive and agile vaccination program - they recently started a vaccine bus operation to literally drive into the neighborhoods where people either can't get out (no transportation) or don't have the time it might take to go somewhere.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Dec 21 - 05:03 PM

Well I note that your county health department has a lot to say about masks but nothing at all about getting vaccinated. Of the one thing that will save us from this, not a word. Boris Johnson is a complete buffoon, but in every one of his public messages he encourages us all to get the booster. The vaccines and the boosters, incontrovertibly, have decimated deaths and hospitalisations. Wear your mask wherever and whenever you like. I wear mine where I'm legally obliged to, end of. There is no scientific evidence that masks are anything more than fiddling round the edges. The lack of balance in your quote is staggering.

Almost all the people in intensive care and/or on ventilators in the UK are unvaccinated. Now that is evidence. On the other hand, we had a maskless summer in 2020 and a virtually maskless one in 2021. In both summers, case rates hit almost rock bottom. As a scientist, I know that I mustn't extrapolate from those obstinate facts, and I won't. But if I'd chosen to, I'd at least have a darn sight more to back me than the mask obsessives ever have.

Subject: This is not news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Dec 21 - 02:24 PM

The canary in the coal mine right now is South Africa regarding the latest more efficient variant. A future successful variant will make sense in hindsight but predicting what random mutation will or can do is "unpredictable".

"Predicting is hard especially about the future."
quote: Casey Stengle

There is still value in potentialities and likelyhoods. Go for it. I often do. :^/

The scientific method takes longer but works better. If we're guessing...
My guess is that Omicron is neither a blessing or a curse.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 21 - 01:02 PM

To be totally unscientific, I think that the fact that the variant is so catching and so mild will mean that there's a good chance that it will burn out. So many people will catch it and become immune to it (and the vaccines will help) that, within weeks, the virus will have nowhere to go. It may linger for ever in all our communities, but we will, one day, if we're sensible, not exactly laugh it off but at least learn to live, maskless, with it...

The advice from my county health department today:

The C.D.C. has recommended that even vaccinated people should wear a mask in all public indoor places in Tarrant County. This helps protect people who may be particularly vulnerable to the virus and also to prevent spread.

If you feel sick, you should stay home and get tested. If you were in close contact with someone with Covid-19, you should get tested three to five days after exposure. Until you get a negative test result, you can take extra precautions by wearing a mask in indoor public spaces and staying at least six feet apart from other people. If possible, consider also taking these precautions inside your home. If you cannot get tested, it’s safer to take these extra precautions for 14 days after exposure.

If you or someone in your household is older or has other risk factors for severe Covid-19, you may choose to wear a mask in public indoor spaces even when Covid transmission in your area is low. You may also consider upgrading to a close-fitting mask with good filtration, or wearing two close-fitting cloth masks. Regular handwashing also helps prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other diseases.

It's only Wednesday but already three friends' households this week have informed me that they have COVID. I wasn't in contact with any of them, but this is rapidly becoming widespread. It's time to stay close to home for a while.

Dallas County, directly to the east in this conurbation, has declared itself to be Code Red as of today.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Dec 21 - 07:43 PM

Avoid this post if you require solid science, free of whimsy. Evidence-innocent, this is what I think of current developments.

In the UK, the worst prime minister we've ever had by a country mile has "decided" to take no further action on restrictions at least until after New Year.

Well first, he hasn't decided it at all. His "decision" is predicated on two factors. First, his credibility is completely shot because of the exposing of all the parties that he and his lackeys enjoyed last year while the rest of us were locked down. Indeed, over 500 people died on the very day that he and his mates were having an illegal jolly in Number Ten. So there's no way he can "instruct" us to do anything at all. Second, his right-wing backwoodsmen, at least 100 Tory MPs at the last count, are threatening to undermine not just him but also anyone with aspirations to replace him should they back further restrictions.

Well what I think of that is that the right decision has been reached for all the thoroughly wrong reasons. I can't think that telling us not to mix with our families, or to desist from going to pubs, etc., is now going to make the slightest difference any more. This variant is sweeping through us like mad. One in twenty in London have got it. But it's mild, and most of us have been vaccinated. The only problem that's worse than previous problems (and I don't seek to minimise it) is that many workers in the health service and care sector are off work sick. This isn't the time to bash the Tories for their severe neglect of the NHS, but I heard an NHS manager say that a hospital department that lost just two nurses to coronavirus is in serious trouble. Well why is that? Surely our health service should have far more built-in resilience than that. And that is the direct result of the lack of Tory investment in the NHS, the self-same NHS that the Tories opposed the formation of in the 1940s.

To be totally unscientific, I think that the fact that the variant is so catching and so mild will mean that there's a good chance that it will burn out. So many people will catch it and become immune to it (and the vaccines will help) that, within weeks, the virus will have nowhere to go. It may linger for ever in all our communities, but we will, one day, if we're sensible, not exactly laugh it off but at least learn to live, maskless, with it...

End of whimsy. Feel free to shoot.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 21 - 11:21 AM

I heard a part of a story on NPR last week about international travelers at LAX (Los Angeles International in California) arriving at the airport and being offered any of the COVID vaccines if they haven't already had it or the booster if they needed it. No forms, no insurance, just offering the vaccine. Those who were interviewed in the vaccination area at the airport were glad to make use of it.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 26 Dec 21 - 08:50 AM

Thurgood Marshall Baltimore International Airport had their cadre of men with machine guns dressed in all black on duty and wore no insignias.
They remind me of Putin troops or Isreali security. There were few passengers.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 24 Dec 21 - 09:38 AM

No confusion, Nigel. My vaccination record automatically updates to the regular NHS app that I've had for years (not that confounded covid-19 one that I deleted long ago). I never have to do anything. It's just there. I think that a club, pub, theatre or what have you has the right to ask you show that you've been jabbed before they'll let you in. I'd like to see the government advising but otherwise keeping their big noses out. I want the government to run the schools and hospitals, to get my bin emptied on time and to fill potholes. That sort of thing.

"You don't believe that people should be forced to have the jab."

As with God, I don't do belief. It's my opinion. My view all along has been that persuasion is the best way to get people to take the vaccine and that the government hasn't done anywhere near enough public campaigning to counter the Facebook (et al) nonsense. Including the nonsensical reasons that anti-vaxxers give for refusing the jab. Take them on, but we can't shut them up. We're not quite China running Hong Kong just yet.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Rain Dog
Date: 24 Dec 21 - 08:59 AM

Just found the following on the BBC

The anti-vaccination movement that gripped Victorian England

An interesting read.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Rain Dog
Date: 24 Dec 21 - 08:46 AM

"There wouldn't be anywhere near as many refusers were Facebook et al not to exist."

Good to see that you have included 'et al'

What next? Close down the interweb?

You don't believe that people should be forced to have the jab. Does that mean you would allow them to tell others via the interweb why they refused it?

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 24 Dec 21 - 06:34 AM

Steve What I think about that is that the government should not be implementing a vaccine passport scheme, or whatever else you want to call it. Let individual institutions make their own rules. If a shop or an event won't let me in without proof of vaccination, I'd defend that to the hilt.

In the absence of a Government backed passport scheme, what would count as 'proof of vaccination'?
You seem to be confusing the Government providing vaccine passports, which can be used in any situation where the business owner requires them, with Government insistence that all businesses (or certain businesses) must require passports.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 24 Dec 21 - 06:30 AM

The 4th BOOSTER shot is being consicered in Isreal.
In some US circles it is established as beneficial after 6 months but we can't get ahead of ourselves is the opposite camp.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Dec 21 - 03:21 AM

I am not as sure about a voluntary scheme. People prove to be easily swayed over and over again. As you pointed out, Trump, Johnson, Brexit...

Same with Faceache. I think they should be as regulated as the press, if not more so. Difficult as it is international but, hey, so is the rest of the media nowadays and they have to abide by the rules.

Careful you don't Spoonerise FaceBookers BTW. Maybe that is the real reason for the change to Meta :-)

Merry Christmas

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 23 Dec 21 - 03:56 PM

What I think about that is that the government should not be implementing a vaccine passport scheme, or whatever else you want to call it. Let individual institutions make their own rules. If a shop or an event won't let me in without proof of vaccination, I'd defend that to the hilt. When masks weren't compulsory, one shopkeeper attempted to shepherd me out of his shop in order to do business outside his door. Another one politely asked me to wear a mask if I had one (I did). Guess which one got my custom. An establishment seen as being too liberal about vaccination requirements would lose the custom of many of the more cautious. I think a voluntary scheme would catch on, and we'd feel that we were doing it ourselves, rather than having stuff imposed by a thoroughly disreputable government. Let's build that ethos. The public have shown in the last couple of weeks a damn sight more responsibility than the gits in Downing Street. That gives me hope. And you never know: this pandemic could, as we speak, be having its last hurrah.

As for Facebook, etc., its self-regulation is, cynically, way behind the curve. Its damage is well and truly done. Your call now, Facebookers...

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Dec 21 - 11:54 AM

I don't think I have ever suggested anyone getting forced to do anything, Steve. I asked the question, "Why is their freedom to not have the vaccine or their freedom to not wear a mask any more important than my freedom to go to public places without a major risk of getting the virus?" I don't defend Facebook either. I just said use it carefully. I may withdraw my support unless they either self regulate or get made to regulate fake news in the not too distant future.

My point still stands. Their freedoms are not any more or less important than mine. When the two conflict, who should decide which should be upheld? I would go for the majority but I don't know if that is right. Maybe more will be made of the Covid passes that seem to be being lined up? You can't go to certain countries without getting a vaccination. How about you cannot go to unnecessary events (pubs, nightclubs, theatres, sporting events etc.) without a Covid pass?

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 23 Dec 21 - 11:20 AM

Well life ain't perfect. When you go out and about, especially in winter, you'll encounter people who have bad colds or even the remnants of flu. Or a dose of the shits (mind that supermarket trolley handle...). They haven't all been well-advised, they are not all being especially careful or kind-hearted, but no-one seriously suggests that they should be made to stay at home. Forcing someone to get jabbed is tantamount to assault. Sacking care workers or hospital workers for refusing the jab is not only wrong-headed (in m'humble) but is also destined to make matters much worse. That Facebook thingie that you defend has done so much harm in putting people off the jab. There wouldn't be anywhere near as many refusers were Facebook et al not to exist. Some people are easily persuaded and easily deluded and 'twas ever thus. Vote Boris, vote Trump, vote brexit. It could be that choosing vaccine-refusers to excoriate is shooting at the wrong target.

Like almost everyone else I'm obediently masking up. There was a woman who appeared to be perfectly able-bodied and sprightly swanning around Bude Sainsbury's yesterday, maskless. I reflected on how indignant I'd felt because she was breaking a rule that I don't agree with and feel is a waste of time...

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 21 - 10:46 AM

Fauci indicated he thought the Omicron surge would occur over about three weeks and then subside. Alas, surging over the holidays when more people are out is part of the problem.

I spoke with my next door neighbor this morning, she sounds really tired, I think she's been sick for about 3 weeks now. I fear long COVID might be what she's experiencing. Timing-wise it seems like she probably caught the more serious Delta version (as an unvaccinated person).

Last week I ordered a set of the rapid tests, but they won't arrive for another couple of weeks. The company must have a backlog of orders.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 23 Dec 21 - 10:29 AM

News could have cool water
When the fever runs high
But its got the look of dark clouds
In the sky
The news is in crazy motion
'Til facts calmed me down
It took a little time
But facts calmed me down

When something goes wrong
I'm the first to admit it
I'm the first to admit it
But the last one to know

When something goes right
Well it's likely to lose me
It's apt to confuse me
It's such an unusual sight
I can't get used to something so right
Something so right

When something goes right its hardly reported
Its hardly reported and just goes away
When something goes wrong its talked about strong
Its talked about strong and seems here to stay
I can't get used to something so right
Some thing so right

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 23 Dec 21 - 08:22 AM

Steve: I think it could burn itself out very quickly.

Highly likely. Today's BBC radio news says there are reported to have been 1 million cases last week. If that is correct, and it continues doubling every 2 days (unlikely as it would run out of prospective infectees) then a fortnight would mean that the UK population had been affected and were in recovery phase.

Number of available contacts available to be infected must be dropping rapidly, which means that doubling every 2 days cannot be sustainable.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 23 Dec 21 - 06:59 AM

Hospitalizations are at a breaking point here due to medical staff shortages, available beds and a large unvaccinated population.
Of course there was no supply chain crises as predicted here so just maybe we could dodge this hospital crises.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Dec 21 - 02:58 AM

I don't think anyone on here is an anti-vaxxer. I know Steve doubts the effectiveness of masks but will wear one anyway. So I don't know if anyone on here can answer my question. Why is their freedom to not have the vaccine or their freedom to not wear a mask any more important than my freedom to go to public places without a major risk of getting the virus?

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 22 Dec 21 - 08:08 PM

There's the beginning of a hint of calming down this end over this omicron thang. It's mild (as long as you've been vaccinated). It seems to not cause an explosion in hospitalisations and deaths. The main problem is that infected people can't go to work, which means difficulties in the health and care sectors (both severely run down by the Tories, but hey ho). I think we won't get any more restrictions (I live in hope anyway). If this variant can spread so damn fast, then I think it could burn itself out very quickly.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Dec 21 - 07:46 PM

I was reviewing quotes and quips of Lincoln today and the 'quote' is more of a paraphrase that my memory provided.
Over the next 2 months a projection of 140 million new cases of covid are expected. Where are the public service television shows that follow hundreds/thousands of the unvaccinated to their deaths? Show the actual trauma of the covid death. As I said seeing is believing. After a million deaths are we really too prim, proper and polite to hide the reality of avoidable disease suicide?
There were public service ads anf documentaries about drugs but covid is more lethal than Fentanyl.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 22 Dec 21 - 02:40 PM

Donuel:
Lincoln said that only the government can do the things individual citizens can not do.

Either you're misquoting Lincoln, or on that occasion he was wrong.
Couples can do things individuals cannot.
Sports teams can do things individuals cannot.
Etc. etc.

I would be interested to see the source of your "quote"

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Dec 21 - 01:23 PM

Covid is the 3rd leading cause of death here. A million deaths are too vast and abstract to grieve over for me. Most people here feel it didn't have to be this way. I don't know but if most of us can anticipate a need for more tests around the holidays, then the government could too. Lincoln said that only the government can do the things individual citizens can not do.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 21 Dec 21 - 12:18 PM

Joe Biden refers to omicrom as a 'wildfire'. Thats a poor word choice imo portraying incineration and hot agonizing pain.

We are still in an anecdotal zone of data but there are indications in South Africa and the US that omicron infection is less severe.
Still the 2 day infection spread is unprecedented for a respiratory virus.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 21 Dec 21 - 10:10 AM

Essentially you can
pick from column A and add 'of omicron' in any region town or country
A:
Tidal wave
eruption
doubling
sky rocket
surge
gush
rush
outpouring
regurgitation
stream
flow
sweep
swell
billowing
stream
flow
burst
cascade
overflow
brim over
sweep
spout
spurt
roll
swarm
rise
jet
(thinking aloud)
It seems Long Haul dangers includes heart problems akin to symptoms like angina and a host of other yet provable effects which can be a pain in the ass but survivable for >99% of us.
BUT we may be looking at the start of covid burning itself out. The problem is that there have been break through infections of the vaccinated even in people who were previously infected with Covid/Sars2.
Afterall, we did defeat small pox and polio. Therefore I'm still hopeful Covid will someday diminish to flu levels of fatality.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 20 Dec 21 - 08:04 PM

As I understand it, the lateral flow kits given out here must conform to a high standard. They are reputed to be not as reliable as the PCR tests, but I don't believe that. I think that any unreliability is down to user error/inexperience. Carried out properly, following the instructions on the box, there's no reason why they can't be pretty reliable. Not one hundred percent, of course, but what is?

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 21 - 06:43 PM

The test came back negative, but I've been looking for a particular brand of kit that is highly effective (the other kits you get two tests and it says to retest a couple of days later to see if the first one was effective.) I prowled the shelves of my local Walgreens and nothing - and then when I got home to get it from Amazon, they were out. And when you search on the test then follow the results you kit the pharmacy information page - they're all out. The one I was looking for is called FlowFlex and I think it's made a few miles from here at Alcon labs.

Looks like a good time to stay home, and buy the less effective test and take it twice. 7 Rapid At-Home Covid-19 Tests—and Where to Find Them

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 20 Dec 21 - 05:46 PM

Looks like no restrictions added in England before Christmas. Whilst I fully agree with that outcome, if it comes about, the way it's been arrived at is simply laughable. Johnson is trapped between the backwoodsmen in his cabinet (and on his backbenches) and the scientists, and has been stalled into fearful inactivity.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Mrrzy
Date: 20 Dec 21 - 04:44 PM

I have seen home test kits at my usual grocery store.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 20 Dec 21 - 09:32 AM

We are told this end that the lateral flow kits (aka fast test kits) are for asymptomatic use only. So you'd use one before visiting elderly or vulnerable people or going to an event. They are freely available from pharmacies (and from a pop-up caravan in Holsworthy yesterday!) and you don't have to sign for them or anything. That makes the reporting of your results entirely optional! Should I ever test positive I'd make my own isolation arrangements, thank you very much.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 20 Dec 21 - 08:33 AM

I feel safer in Prague where new cases have halved since their peak ar the end of November than I would if I was in London. Mask wearing in public places is something people just do without whinging about it, as is showing covid digital pass.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Dec 21 - 08:12 AM

"Don't panic about day to day life regarding Omicron but don't be indifferent about crowds either."
quote: Atlantic mag.

"For the unvaccinated expect a winter of illness and death"
quote: CDC

"St. Peter requires a negative test at the gates."
quote: Donuel

"Trump sues China virus."
quote: The Onion

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Dec 21 - 06:57 AM

Nigel its a mild hot zone at the convention. If it wasn't for diabetes the risk is small for infection.

Home test kits are available at our grocery stores.
We're going to see our eldest for Christmas and take our chances.
My wife is getting boosted today.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 20 Dec 21 - 06:30 AM

I've been doing regular home LFTs, and thankfully negative every time. In typical fashion, I only read the instructions on how to do the tests and see the result, and because they were negative failed to read the next page that said I should report the result anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Charmion
Date: 18 Dec 21 - 12:13 PM

I called the drug store and asked for a fast-reaction test kit and was turned down flat. I could make an appointment to be tested, and the pharmacist would do it there, but I could not have a kit to do it myself. With a sore throat, stinging ears and groggy head, I did not want to leave the house, I said. "Call the COVID Centre at the hospital if you have symptoms," said the telephone voice.

So I called the COVID Centre at the hospital and got voicemail. "This office is closed until Monday." Don't leave a message, f*** off and go away.

I laid low for three days, drank a great deal of water, and prayed. The grogginess went away, the ears stopped stinging, and the throat ceased to be sore. Dodged that bullet.

But what the hell? Surely the whole point of test kits is to find out if you have the bug before you get near any innocent by-standers?

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 21 - 11:38 AM

I'm waiting to simply go to the grocery store (I need baking powder) until my COVID test results come back (should be in by today). Since next door has it, I got the test. And will be very careful about face-to-face with anyone. I don't know what variety of the virus she has, but she's had a "cold" for a couple of weeks, and just got tested this week. Community Spread is knocking on the door.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Mrrzy
Date: 18 Dec 21 - 08:58 AM

Nigel that would have been marvy!

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 17 Dec 21 - 11:15 AM

Mrrzy:
Don't mention holiday plans. This week I should have been in Washington DC for the world Science Fiction convention - meh!

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Mrrzy
Date: 17 Dec 21 - 10:25 AM

Who is rethinking their holiday plans now? Meee...

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Donuel
Date: 17 Dec 21 - 09:34 AM

Going into the future our strategy is to give everyone multiple advanced home testing kits and if positive get a prescription from the doctor within days for the antiviral (now red) pill which is very effective. Getting there will be tough but it should work in Theory.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Dec 21 - 09:11 AM

I know that, but I'd be interested to hear whether there's a surge in reporting-back from the home lateral flow kits, over and above that ten percent-ish that I mentioned. The headline infection number we're regaled with every day doesn't distinguish between variants.

Whilst I'm no conspiracy theorist, I can't help thinking that the government (with the best of intentions) would rather like us to see the blacker side of things, as that would make us more careful (which would be the best thing, after getting vaccinated).

As an aside (and as I'm a Liverpool fan), three Liverpool players tested positive yesterday so weren't playing last night. It turns out that all three had been double-vaccinated and boostered, and were showing no symptoms. A tiny example only, but a good yarn to put about.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 17 Dec 21 - 08:44 AM

Yes, Steve.
That was roughly what I was trying to explain to Donuel.

But I don't think it's the 'home tests' (LFTs) that are driving the current figures. Being home tests they don't feed into the stats for the expansion of Omicron (or 'Omni-cron' per some pundits) because they only give positive/negative. It is only the laboratory tested samples that can be separated into showing which variant is the problem.