Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #106

[LaborDayRN]

This^^^ is why I was going to wait until I went to Mom's, to ask about how to order. There are 120 residents with her same address.

I was going to ask the administrator about it because they may have already set up a way to make it happen for each resident.


UPDATE on my trip. ---My daughter was the one who was really unhappy about her Dad and I going to LAX and the Reno Airport 4x.

Her solution:
She just got a brand new car last week. A Bronco Suv...First brand new car she ever bought. It is much nicer than mine.

So she suggested that she and I take a ROAD TRIP to go see her Nana.! I am so happy. It is the best case scenario. She hasn't seen Nana since we went up for Christmas, right before Covid hit.

My mom is excited to see her youngest grandchild. I am really excited to be in the same room with both of them. We plan to leave next week--unless a blizzard's expected.

That's wonderful news!! I'm so excited for you! I feel like I haven't been on a road trip in forever! Yay!!!

 

[Simply Southern]

What if I’m on Medicare? Federal officials are providing up to 50 million free at-home tests to Medicare-certified health clinics and community health centers. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, check with that plan to see if it will pay for tests. Medicare enrollees can also use the federal free-test website.

The 50 millions been happening since Dec. in Virgina. Big ole kick off, made TV and print, then we didn't get but a very few kits. Its open to anyone.

Our library received 10, the first of Dec and don't have a date for the next disbursement.

Must have a photo ID and web internet connection, with front facing camera to proctor the test, required.


The community clinic received 10 at the same time and does not have confirmation of when next shipment will be received.

Seems this program is stalled in Virginia lack of test kits.

FREE at-home test kits


Also looked up the DOD contracts for home test kits project, The contracts were awarded for the public clinic/library project in Sept. 27, 2021. The problem...delivery is over a year time frame. Only one contract has an initial delivery quality.

DoD Awards $647 Million in Contracts for Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Test Kits > U.S. Department of Defense > Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DoD Awards $647 Million in Contracts for Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Test Kits
SEPT. 17, 2021

This week, the Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded four contracts totaling $647 million to purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits.

Moo....

 

[WichitaFalls]

The 50 millions been happening since Dec. in Virgina. Big ole kick off, made TV and print, then we didn't get but a very few kits. Its open to anyone.

Our library received 10, the first of Dec and don't have a date for the next disbursement.

Must have a photo ID and web internet connection, with front facing camera to proctor the test, required.


The community clinic received 10 at the same time and does not have confirmation of when next shipment will be received.

Seems this program is stalled in Virginia lack of test kits.

FREE at-home test kits


Also looked up the DOD contracts for home test kits project, The contracts were awarded for the public clinic/library project in Sept. 27, 2021. The problem...delivery is over a year time frame. Only one contract has an initial delivery quality.

DoD Awards $647 Million in Contracts for Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Test Kits > U.S. Department of Defense > Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DoD Awards $647 Million in Contracts for Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Test Kits
SEPT. 17, 2021

This week, the Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded four contracts totaling $647 million to purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits.

Moo....

I agree that efforts or lack of effort up to this point has been abysmal. I also agree that insurance is often a nightmare to navigate along with many that lack access to the internet. I may be naive but I'm giving this new effort a chance with a sense of optimism. I wish this had been done several years ago but you work with what you have. I am fortunate to easily keep myself stocked with good masks and tests, sadly my reality isn't everyone's reality. I know many people that have made sure less fortunate can share in what they can easily obtain and that will need to remain as part of the equation for everyone to have what they need. There are tons of examples of random citizens making sure their elderly parents/aunts/neighbors have needed supplies. I guess my point is let's give this effort a chance to work while individually helping. I carry a box of K95 masks and have given them to anyone I encouter that would accept them.

Now President Biden, let's get quality masks to everyone! (I do hear that's on the agenda for the next week or so). I am hopeful with each positive, albeit small positive step we take. God knows there have been way too many missteps and the world has suffered for each and every one of those missteps.

All MOO.

 

[RANCH]

Biden administration to give away 400 million N95 masks. Here's what you need to know

The White House announced Wednesday that the masks will come from the government's Strategic National Stockpile, which has more than 750 million of the highly protective masks on hand. The masks will be available for pickup at pharmacies and community health centers across the country. They will begin shipping this week for distribution starting late next week, the White House said.

Biden administration to give away 400 million N95 masks. Here's what you need to know

 

[Kingsley]

No worries! We all have masks on the brain now.

I wear mine over my nose and mouth.

 

[LaborDayRN]

I wear mine over my nose and mouth.

 

[Mo Thuairim]

Tweet that caught my eye by Prof Peter Hotez MD PhD
@PeterHotez

Our post omicron world:
1. Omicron goes down
2. It fails to produce herd immunity, durable protection
3. We’ll have 6 mo to vaccinate the world & prevent a new variant from emerging this summer
4. It may not resemble omicron
5. Vaccinating world in next 6 months = our best path

This is achievable, our @TexasChildrens
vaccine can help

https://twitter.com/PeterHotez/status/1483614810956783620?s=20

 

[tabitha111]

Here at the retirement home there is a big CASINO party going on today. Blackjack, roulette, poker....all in the activity room. All unmasked of course. The "funny" thing is- none of these events seem to be the "super spreaders" I thought they would be.
Maybe I am being lulled into a false sense of security? How much longer can I hold out?
My friends are bugging me- in my mind - I stay away until March....gosh that seems like a long time.
Wish I knew more about what the real story is- how many are sick, is there still a risk here....sorry for the rambling.

 

[ilovewings]

Here at the retirement home there is a big CASINO party going on today. Blackjack, roulette, poker....all in the activity room. All unmasked of course. The "funny" thing is- none of these events seem to be the "super spreaders" I thought they would be.
Maybe I am being lulled into a false sense of security? How much longer can I hold out?
My friends are bugging me- in my mind - I stay away until March....gosh that seems like a long time.
Wish I knew more about what the real story is- how many are sick, is there still a risk here....sorry for the rambling.

please dont let your guard down now--- who knows if these people have spread the virus or not-- perhaps some are asymptomatic, perhaps some have symptoms of Covid but they think they have a cold or allergies-- they may be spreading the
virus to friends or fami!y members--: I know how tired we all are of iso!ating
and not doing fun things--- you have come too far to throw caution to the wind--
I want to get my hair done-- it has been a month and my roots are white!! , but
I will wait until this horrible variant is on its way out----take care of
yourself

 

[tabitha111]

please dont let your guard down now--- who knows if these people have spread the virus or not-- perhaps some are asymptomatic, perhaps some have symptoms of Covid but they think they have a cold or allergies-- they may be spreading the
virus to friends or fami!y members--: I know how tired we all are of iso!ating
and not doing fun things--- you have come too far to throw caution to the wind--
I want to get my hair done-- it has been a month and my roots are white!! , but
I will wait until this horrible variant is on its way out----take care of
yourself

I'm hanging in there. I even ordered fresh flowers for my apartment! They have cheered me up. I could go down and "play" but I will be the only one masked- so it's a no go from me. Waiting on my tequila delivery so I can practice more cocktails...lol...no worries, I am a super light drinker, but making cocktails has been fun and entertaining and I am sharing (I just deliver them-not drinking with him) with my neighbor for his inputs.
I did go to Aldi today because I really wanted something they have in store only this week- so many unmasked in there! Unbelievable.
Big snowstorm for Va Beach this weekend! Hardly ever happens, I wonder how the staff will get into work on Sat morning.
There I think I covered all that's happening here at Shady Pines (LOL)!

 

[Sundog]

The 50 millions been happening since Dec. in Virgina. Big ole kick off, made TV and print, then we didn't get but a very few kits. Its open to anyone.

Our library received 10, the first of Dec and don't have a date for the next disbursement.

Must have a photo ID and web internet connection, with front facing camera to proctor the test, required.


The community clinic received 10 at the same time and does not have confirmation of when next shipment will be received.

Seems this program is stalled in Virginia lack of test kits.

FREE at-home test kits


Also looked up the DOD contracts for home test kits project, The contracts were awarded for the public clinic/library project in Sept. 27, 2021. The problem...delivery is over a year time frame. Only one contract has an initial delivery quality.

DoD Awards $647 Million in Contracts for Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Test Kits > U.S. Department of Defense > Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DoD Awards $647 Million in Contracts for Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Test Kits
SEPT. 17, 2021

This week, the Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded four contracts totaling $647 million to purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits.

Moo....

Our state has also been distributing self-tests through our state public library system, and some of the tests are proctored tests, but not all of them. I think only the early ones were proctored tests, and then the batch they got were self-tests that don't require internet access. The ones I picked up included both formats. But like you, since December our libraries haven't had the self-tests, and looks like they won't be getting any for awhile. The governor has diverted the supply of tests that we get from the federal government to K-12 schools and colleges and universities, so that we can keep kids in school. So the libraries will have to wait.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

White House says it will distribute 400 million free N95 masks to protect against omicron (nbcnews.com)

The administration is struggling to clearly communicate what type of masks people should be wearing amid a surge of omicron cases.

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration will make 400 million N95 masks available for free at thousands of locations across the country, a White House official said Wednesday, as health experts stress the importance of high-quality face coverings to protect against the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

The plan consists of working with pharmacies and community health centers to distribute the nonsurgical masks, which will come from the Strategic National Stockpile. The administration will begin shipments this week and hopes to have the program fully operational by early February, the White House official said...

 

[Simply Southern]

I agree that efforts or lack of effort up to this point has been abysmal. I also agree that insurance is often a nightmare to navigate along with many that lack access to the internet. I may be naive but I'm giving this new effort a chance with a sense of optimism. I wish this had been done several years ago but you work with what you have. I am fortunate to easily keep myself stocked with good masks and tests, sadly my reality isn't everyone's reality. I know many people that have made sure less fortunate can share in what they can easily obtain and that will need to remain as part of the equation for everyone to have what they need. There are tons of examples of random citizens making sure their elderly parents/aunts/neighbors have needed supplies. I guess my point is let's give this effort a chance to work while individually helping. I carry a box of K95 masks and have given them to anyone I encouter that would accept them.

Now President Biden, let's get quality masks to everyone! (I do hear that's on the agenda for the next week or so). I am hopeful with each positive, albeit small positive step we take. God knows there have been way too many missteps and the world has suffered for each and every one of those missteps.

All MOO.

I fight the battle for those less fortunate.

I provided N95s my local rescue squads in the beginning. I've given away to others, as well.

Learned from years of hurricane relief, not to count on the government for needs.

The "programs" should provide for all and especially the "have nots".
Moo

 

[Kingsley]

I'm hanging in there. I even ordered fresh flowers for my apartment! They have cheered me up. I could go down and "play" but I will be the only one masked- so it's a no go from me. Waiting on my tequila delivery so I can practice more cocktails...lol...no worries, I am a super light drinker, but making cocktails has been fun and entertaining and I am sharing (I just deliver them-not drinking with him) with my neighbor for his inputs.
I did go to Aldi today because I really wanted something they have in store only this week- so many unmasked in there! Unbelievable.
Big snowstorm for Va Beach this weekend! Hardly ever happens, I wonder how the staff will get into work on Sat morning.
There I think I covered all that's happening here at Shady Pines (LOL)!

I'm glad you're hanging in there.
The numbers are slowly coming down. Keep watching your local ones -- maybe sooner than March is possible!
And then spring will be here with lovely outdoor activities ... I know I'm looking forward to it.
It won't be too much longer.
And thanks for sharing Shading Pines updates. Not only is it good for perspective to see how it affects all different lifestyles apart from the office worker one that I know too well, but good to hear you coping so well and creatively.

 

[303gmf]

I dread seeing what these “free” covid tests paid for by insurance will end up doing to our premiums. There are 5 individuals on my policy, so if we each get 8 tests per month, that’s almost $500 per month my insurance company is forking out. Those costs will be passed on to the consumer.

The ONE time, the only time I’m thankful to be in the “self-pay” category!

 

[Simply Southern]

Our state has also been distributing self-tests through our state public library system, and some of the tests are proctored tests, but not all of them. I think only the early ones were proctored tests, and then the batch they got were self-tests that don't require internet access. The ones I picked up included both formats. But like you, since December our libraries haven't had the self-tests, and looks like they won't be getting any for awhile. The governor has diverted the supply of tests that we get from the federal government to K-12 schools and colleges and universities, so that we can keep kids in school. So the libraries will have to wait.

I bet the ones for poor SW Virginian were redirected. Just fired off and FOIA request to VHD, for the distribution list.

Schools in SW VA were not issued tests by the state, so they said, each school must provide.

 

[303gmf]

It will take 6 months for Private Insurance to gear up for reimbursement, . (45 yo with billing experience). Paper claims from the insured are discouraged, time consuming, labor intense, ICD codes and criteria will need establishment and can take months for reimbursement. PI has already spoken to issues, lack of staff, IT systems, codes, and process for manual claims, and were not consulted prior to the announcement. Reimbursement fee schedules are usually based off Medicare, as a jumping off point and most PP reimbursement is generally 15% to 20% below the Medcare allowable.

Folks won't be "getting their money back" quickly and probably much less than paid for the test kits. All deductibles will be applied and reimbursement is usually at 80% of allowed amount. I would encourage ALL to contact your insurance plan prior to purchase and discuss reimbursement.

Medicare will not be covering the test kits. It will require congressional amendment for coverage. Part B Medicare (out patient, medical supplies) does not cover diagnosis home testing, the exception is Diabetic supplies under separate congressional act. I don't see coverage under part D, with out a doctors visit and written doctors order, for each kit. No coverage, no reimbursement all out of pocket for Medicare.

Buyer beware, before an outlay of funds, especially if insured are counting on a quick turn around of funds.

Moo....

One of the best examples of why Single Payer/Universal would be more efficient and less costly
What a cluster of admin & bureaucratic costs

 

[WichitaFalls]

I fight the battle for those less fortunate.

I provided N95s my local rescue squads in the beginning. I've given away to others, as well.

Learned from years of hurricane relief, not to count on the government for needs.

The "programs" should provide for all and especially the "have nots".
Moo

I know you do. I hope I'm remembering this correctly . . . My memory is fuzzy but I think I remember a post written by you very early on in the pandemic about you being in a butcher shop and stocking up on meat. While there you noticed a woman with limited funds and you greatly added at your expense to her order. We all do what we can and hope in the end it adds up to make a difference.

 

[WichitaFalls]

I'm hanging in there. I even ordered fresh flowers for my apartment! They have cheered me up. I could go down and "play" but I will be the only one masked- so it's a no go from me. Waiting on my tequila delivery so I can practice more cocktails...lol...no worries, I am a super light drinker, but making cocktails has been fun and entertaining and I am sharing (I just deliver them-not drinking with him) with my neighbor for his inputs.
I did go to Aldi today because I really wanted something they have in store only this week- so many unmasked in there! Unbelievable.
Big snowstorm for Va Beach this weekend! Hardly ever happens, I wonder how the staff will get into work on Sat morning.
There I think I covered all that's happening here at Shady Pines (LOL)!

O/T Tabitha, the Aldi here has hours for those of us that are immune compromised/at risk on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. They open 30 minutes early on those days. I went last week on Tuesday, was there at 8:30 and I was the only customer in the store. I still wore a mask but shopped and checked out before seeing a single other customer. A great option, you might check it out.

 

[indicolite22]

Djokovic bets on a COVID cure as he quests for tennis history

Djokovic holds a majority stake in a Danish biotech firm aiming to develop a treatment to counter COVID-19, the company's CEO told Reuters.

QuantBioRes boss Ivan Loncarevic, who described himself as an entrepreneur, said the tennis player's acquisition of the 80% stake was made in June 2020.

The company is developing a peptide, which inhibits the coronavirus from infecting the human cell, expects to launch clinical trials in Britain this summer.

The CEO said the company had about a dozen researchers working in Denmark, Australia and Slovenia.