Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #103

[HongKongPhooey]

I can relate, my loving family is doing Christmas at my 87 year old Mom's tomorrow, she's not vaxxed, nor is my oldest daughter and her 2 youngest (teenage) children. I took a day's vacation and went to see Moma last week because I don't want to be caught in that ****show. My anxiety level is sky high over worry for them

I cant imagine how stressful that must be for you. Try to switch off from it and enjoy your day tomorrow.

 

[margarita25]

Whoa boy...my 89 year old mother who is only double vaxxed (no booster) and my developmently disabled sister in her 60's (same, no booster) are going to be "good Catholics" according to her and go to Midnight Mass this evening with no masks because "the church is not requiring them" and of course it will probably be packed. This is a suburb of DC where omnicron is hitting hard.
To say I am worried, is an understatement. She won't listen to any of her children (there are 8 of us). I also feel bad for my sister going with her because she has really no choice in the matter. Sigh.
My son and his wife are staying with them over the holiday too and they are not boosted (vaxxed yes) ...so therefore my worries are sky high..not to mention my father who is 90 and a recent cancer survivor - at least he is staying home.....lord help me.

Sorry to hear this. Not being boosted, being elderly, no masks, indoor church service, highly highly infectious variants and transmission rates...this all a very bad idea with a virtually guaranteed outcome in light of what we know know about transmissibility and current levels of circulation and prevalence. I wish you could get her to reconsider. If she were boosted and wearing a mask it would be better. I ask you to at least ask her to pleeease wear a mask for her own safety, even though the church is not requiring it, which is foolish and irresponsible of the church. It’s painful to watch these decisions being made in real time, and feeling so powerless about what could be prevented. Is it worth it? Why not just wear a mask for a couple hours. Everyone will make their own decisions, and sorry to say this is a very bad and dangerous decision.

 

[SouthAussie]

More than 2,000 flights canceled on Christmas Eve - CNN

Globally, airlines have canceled over 2,000 flights, 454 of which are within, into or out of the United States.

Operational snags at airlines are coming as millions are still flying in spite of rising coronavirus cases. The TSA says it screened 2.19 million people at airports across the country on Thursday, the highest figure since the uptick in holiday travel started a week ago.

We heard that the airlines 'operational snags' are (at least in Australia) the fact that the airlines have quite a few crew members with covid or who are isolating due to being a close contact.
They don't have available staff for all of the flights.
One of our airlines, Jetstar, made a public apology about all the flight cancellations and said this was the reason.

imo

 

[epiphany]

In NY:

<snip> <BBM> New York has modified its return-to-work COVID policies for essential workers as it faces a record stretch of omicron-fueled virus infections, shortening the isolation timeline to five days to mitigate staffing concerns, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday.

That shortened window applies to essential workers who are both fully vaccinated and asymptomatic as well as to fully vaccinated workers who had mild symptoms that resolved and no fever for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication, Hochul said. They also have to wear masks upon return. Testing is not required.

NY Shortens Isolation Time for Essential Workers as 44,431 New Cases Smash Single-Day Record


<snip> <BBM> “That includes our health care, elder care, home health care, sanitation, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants – you know who you are…you’re the ones that got us through the first many months of anxiety,” she said, adding those working in the transportation industry will also be covered by the adjusted rule.

New York issues new isolation guidance for frontline workers

I feel surrounded.

 

[CrimeAway]

Dr. O and others are worried about the effects on the healthcare system due health care staff getting sick/exposed, and has mentioned a figure of roughly 30% percent of health workers possibly being out in the upcoming weeks.

I also wonder how this is going to affect other workforce industries going forward. I’m thinking a variety of essential lines could be impacted with workers being out.

I think it's already having an impact in the UK. I saw an article on the DM earlier, but I can't find it now.

I just ran out to Aldi and Kroger to grab a couple of essentials. Only about 50% of employees or customers were masked. Unmasked people openly coughing, etc. I'm double vaxxed (not eligible for booster yet), and facing yet another Christmas alone, as I don't think it is wise to travel right now.


UK hospitalizations are up, but less so compared to last Christmas.

Covid UK: PM set to make decision on new restrictions as London's daily hospital admissions surge | Daily Mail Online

 

[margarita25]

I can relate, my loving family is doing Christmas at my 87 year old Mom's tomorrow, she's not vaxxed, nor is my oldest daughter and her 2 youngest (teenage) children. I took a day's vacation and went to see Moma last week because I don't want to be caught in that ****show. My anxiety level is sky high over worry for them

Sorry you have to worry about this.

 

[CharlestonGal]

The MAB treatment is not widely available here at all. It is restricted to a very short list of serious conditions - if I say that "some cancers" is one, it gives you an idea. My parents in their 70s with various health issues would not qualify. I wish it was more accessible. On the plus side, it's obviously free of charge to anyone who needs it.

There are large restrictions on them here, too. Here's who is eligible:

• 65 years of age or older
• Overweight (body mass index over 25)
• Pregnancy
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Weakened immune system
• Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
• Cardiovascular disease/hypertension
• Chronic lung disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Medical-related technological dependence

What Is Monoclonal Antibody Therapy & Who Is Eligible to Receive It?

Also, "free" depends on your definition of free. The drug itself is free, but you still pay for the infusion suite costs. I'm not sure how much my health insurance will cover as I haven't checked. I guess I'll see when the bill shows up. They'll even bill me for the Tylenol.

 

[CharlestonGal]

I think it's already having an impact in the UK. I saw an article on the DM earlier, but I can't find it now.

I just ran out to Aldi and Kroger to grab a couple of essentials. Only about 50% of employees or customers were masked. Unmasked people openly coughing, etc. I'm double vaxxed (not eligible for booster yet), and facing yet another Christmas alone, as I don't think it is wise to travel right now.


UK hospitalizations are up, but less so compared to last Christmas.

Covid UK: PM set to make decision on new restrictions as London's daily hospital admissions surge | Daily Mail Online

I'm sorry you're going to be alone tomorrow @CrimeAway. I am, too. I cried about it for a few minutes earlier today. I'm going to zoom in to the festivities at my daughter's house. Can you do something like that?

 

[Mo Thuairim]

Happy Christmas to you all. I just took an antigen test (negative) and will take another one in the morning before I go over to my elderly mother. Hopefully it will also be negative, although I have been in stores more often than usual the last few days and they have been packed. We have had to cancel our Christmas meal with extended family as the Covid numbers have gone bananas here. Today was record breaking in Ireland. My partner is testing himself daily too before he visits his own parents and siblings. It's something everyone here has to do now. I know so many people who are positive and isolating for Christmas, poor things. Hope you all find enjoyment, even where your plans are more limited than you may have hoped. Also speedy recovery to @CharlestonGal and all who currently have Covid. I hope this time next year, it will all be a distant memory!

 

[Deleted member 39678]

US churches canceling in-person Christmas services amid omicron surge

Many churches across the U.S. are canceling some or all in-person Christmas services amid yet another surge in COVID cases that have put a damper on people’s holidays for a second year.

Other churches are planning outdoor services or proposed a hybrid of online and in-person worship, often imposing tight restrictions for those in attendance. These included requirements to wear masks and show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.

US churches canceling in-person Christmas services amid omicron surge

 

[HongKongPhooey]

There are large restrictions on them here, too. Here's who is eligible:

• 65 years of age or older
• Overweight (body mass index over 25)
• Pregnancy
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Weakened immune system
• Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
• Cardiovascular disease/hypertension
• Chronic lung disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Medical-related technological dependence

What Is Monoclonal Antibody Therapy & Who Is Eligible to Receive It?

Also, "free" depends on your definition of free. The drug itself is free, but you still pay for the infusion suite costs. I'm not sure how much my health insurance will cover as I haven't checked. I guess I'll see when the bill shows up. They'll even bill me for the Tylenol.

There are more restrictions here. For instance, obesity and hypertension arent included, nor age (as stand alone), diabetes or pregnancy.

Treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19)

I meant here in the UK it's all free, sorry for confusion there.

I hope your insurance will be ok. The last thing you need now is that worry.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

Happy Christmas to you all. I just took an antigen test (negative) and will take another one in the morning before I go over to my elderly mother. Hopefully it will also be negative, although I have been in stores more often than usual the last few days and they have been packed. We have had to cancel our Christmas meal with extended family as the Covid numbers have gone bananas here. Today was record breaking in Ireland. My partner is testing himself daily too before he visits his own parents and siblings. It's something everyone here has to do now. I know so many people who are positive and isolating for Christmas, poor things. Hope you all find enjoyment, even where your plans are more limited than you may have hoped. Also speedy recovery to @CharlestonGal and all who currently have Covid. I hope this time next year, it will all be a distant memory!

Happy Christmas to you across the water there Mo. I hope you stay negative and well.

 

[Jsizzle]

There are large restrictions on them here, too. Here's who is eligible:

• 65 years of age or older
• Overweight (body mass index over 25)
• Pregnancy
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Weakened immune system
• Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
• Cardiovascular disease/hypertension
• Chronic lung disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Medical-related technological dependence

What Is Monoclonal Antibody Therapy & Who Is Eligible to Receive It?

Also, "free" depends on your definition of free. The drug itself is free, but you still pay for the infusion suite costs. I'm not sure how much my health insurance will cover as I haven't checked. I guess I'll see when the bill shows up. They'll even bill me for the Tylenol.

My husband got monoclonal antibodies on Sunday after testing positive on Sat. It was completely free and he didn’t have to pass some eligibility test either. Guess it depends where you live. He’s 41.

Edited to add- I did not do them as I didn’t really get sick.

 

[indicolite22]

NYC Catholic priest tells unvaccinated people they are NOT welcome at church for Christmas | Daily Mail Online

Father Edward Beck, who is a religious commentator for CNN, said on Friday during a segment of the network's New Day, that he believes all churches should require proof of vaccination.

When asked by host Jim Sciutto if he was concerned by fewer parishioners going to Mass amid a resurgence in COVID infections, Beck insisted that even those who had medical reasons not to get the vaccine should still not come to church.

 

[CharlestonGal]

There are more restrictions here. For instance, obesity and hypertension arent included, nor age (as stand alone), diabetes or pregnancy.

Treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19)

I meant here in the UK it's all free, sorry for confusion there.

I hope your insurance will be ok. The last thing you need now is that worry.

That's interesting. I wonder why the UK has placed such rigid restrictions? Are there some kind of studies they based that decision on, I wonder? I mean, actual data?

I'm not really worried about the bill. I get them all the time. Heart disease is expensive! But hospitals are usually pretty good at working with you if you don't have the money to pay. Almost all of them will set up a repayment plan, paid monthly until the debt is cleared.

Having said that, most bankruptcies in the US are because of medical bills people can't pay.

 

[margarita25]

I'm sorry you're going to be alone tomorrow @CrimeAway. I am, too. I cried about it for a few minutes earlier today. I'm going to zoom in to the festivities at my daughter's house. Can you do something like that?

Count me in the alone club. I am 100 percent okay with this decision. Each person has their own level of “risk tolerance”.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

My husband got monoclonal antibodies on Sunday after testing positive on Sat. It was completely free and he didn’t have to pass some eligibility test either. Guess it depends where you live. He’s 41.

Edited to add- I did not do them as I didn’t really get sick.

My husband and I have gone almost 2 years running the Covid gauntlet only to be taken out by Omicron. We are both vaxxed. It’s not bad. Extreme fatigue, about 12 hours of fever and body aches but mostly annoying congestion and runny nose.
Something else of notice….my daughter entire dance company is all having a Covid outbreak. Some worse symptoms than others but all totally fine. Every. Single. Girl. Who is sick is vaxxed. Not one unvaxxed girl is sick. I find it super interesting and there is a group chat between us (the vaxxed and unvaxxed girl moms) about how that’s possible. Some food for thought. Also, they were all together during their dress rehearsal and rehearsals sat and Sunday and all attended a Christmas party together. Definitely makes you wonder.

If you dont mind me asking - did he take a sudden turn for the worse? Interested to know how this thing's course runs.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

That's interesting. I wonder why the UK has placed such rigid restrictions? Are there some kind of studies they based that decision on, I wonder? I mean, actual data?

I'm not really worried about the bill. I get them all the time. Heart disease is expensive! But hospitals are usually pretty good at working with you if you don't have the money to pay. Almost all of them will set up a repayment plan, paid monthly until the debt is cleared.

Having said that, most bankruptcies in the US are because of medical bills people can't pay.

On that link (might be a UK one only) it says the list was decided by Chief Medical Officers and independent advisers.

No doubt cost factored pretty high though, which would be a shame but fair enough I think being as its all NHS.

 

[SouthAussie]

That's interesting. I wonder why the UK has placed such rigid restrictions? Are there some kind of studies they based that decision on, I wonder? I mean, actual data?

I'm not really worried about the bill. I get them all the time. Heart disease is expensive! But hospitals are usually pretty good at working with you if you don't have the money to pay. Almost all of them will set up a repayment plan, paid monthly until the debt is cleared.

Having said that, most bankruptcies in the US are because of medical bills people can't pay.

We have pretty strict restrictions on our use of monoclonal antibodies as well. "Supplies are limited."


The NMS has the following treatments for COVID-19 available:

• casirivimab and imdevimab (Ronapreve)
• sotrovimab (Xevudy)
• remdesivir (Veklury)

Supplies are limited. We deploy them through a consistent national model.

Access for medical professionals to COVID-19 treatments

 

[acutename]

Minor rant: delivering newspapers this morning, there was an elderly couple (remember I live in a retirement community) waiting in the lobby for their driver - they are taking the train to CT. ( a 4- 5 hour train ride)which means stops in Philly and NYC as more passengers board (I have taken this train before to Boston) and the kicker is they were NOT wearing masks, driver came with no mask and loaded up their luggage and off they went...why am I the "mother hen" around here and everyone else is oblivious? This is how it starts is all I could think as I wished them Merry Christmas. I shudder to think what the next weeks will look like here.

masks are required on all mass transit- meaning the train terminals and the train FWIW.