Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #105

[nhmemorymaker]

That's heartbreaking.

My mom is 95. We made the decision to move forward and visit with her. She's having some complications that have zero to do with Covid and everything to with her age and related issues. I'm not being heartless regarding her health, just realistic. Her chances of dying from Covid are far less than other things.

She sees me, my husband, her granddaughter, 2 great grands every week. There is a little blessing due this coming June. My prayer is she hangs on long enough to see this 3rd great grandchild. If not? At least the oldest great may possibly remember her. And we have pictures of them with her.

lovely. Realistic and lovely. She is fortunate, you are fortunate...

 

[CharlestonGal]

I could not read the article... but just wondering... did they reference why they were requiring non-exempt? Or did they break down the 700 by site location?

I just wonder if they had earlier dated requirements for exempt.

No, the article did not break down the 700 by site location. It didn't go into detail about exemptions either, except that they had granted most of them. jmo

ETA: The article didn't say how many of the 700 were healthcare workers, either. May have been admin staff, janitors, food workers, maintenance, IT. Not necessarily doctors, nurses, or other patient care staff. It didn't say either way.

 

[wendybtn]

People should be more informed.

I have to deal with the public as they come in, not how I want them to be.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

No, the article did not break down the 700 by site location. It didn't go into detail about exemptions either, except that they had granted most of them. jmo

ETA: The article didn't say how many of the 700 were healthcare workers, either. May have been admin staff, janitors, food workers, maintenance, IT. Not necessarily doctors, nurses, or other patient care staff. It didn't say either way.

Yeah... that is why I was asking about 'why only non-exempt' That would include the service folks, not the medical and professional exempt. But why? Maybe I will see if there is more out there in the ozone...

 

[HongKongPhooey]

Yes, I have one of my own, as I am an RN. But the average patient and family I work with don't know what they are.

I owe thanks to this thread in getting one from Amazon for about £20 back in 2020. Got one for my parents too. We all still check daily, its become a part of our routine (who knew?!)

 

[IceIce9]

But most people don't have an oximeter at home.

Early on in COVID it was recommended that everyone get a thermometer and oximeter. Then they both became in short supply as people rushed to purchase them.

It was interesting when everyone began talking about oximeters because prior to COVID few outside of healthcare were aware of oximeters.

 

[JerseyGirl]

L.A. County suspends criminal trials for two weeks amid Omicron surge

 

[sds71]

LA's First Case Of Flurona Detected At Getty Center COVID Testing Site

The patient was described only as a teenage boy with mild symptoms who tested positive for both flu and COVID. He and his family had just returned from a trip to Cabo San Lucas, and he was the only member experiencing symptoms. He was the only one in his family to test positive for both viruses, but one of his parents has tested positive for COVID.

The detection of flurona should not be cause for alarm, Berzan said, but another reminder to take precautions such as wearing a mask, washing hands, and staying home when sick.

eta:
@BNODesk

A number of articles this week about coinfection with COVID-19 and flu. This isn't new and has been observed since the early days of the pandemic. 206 people in the U.S. are currently hospitalized with a COVID/influenza coinfection

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Walmart, Kroger raise at-home Covid test prices after White House agreement expires (nbcnews.com)

The companies agreed in September to sell the test kits "at cost" for three months.

Walmart and Kroger raised the price of Abbott's at-home Covid-19 test kit after an agreement with the White House to sell the tests at a reduced price expired, the companies said Tuesday.

The BinaxNOW kit, one of the first at-home tests to be authorized by the federal government, was listed on Walmart's website Tuesday for $19.88, up from $14 last month. Kroger listed the tests for $23.99.

President Joe Biden announced the agreement with Walmart, Amazon and Kroger in September, saying it was part of his administration’s plan to ramp up testing and “better detect and control” the coronavirus variant that then posed the greatest danger — delta...

 

[whitelilac]

Los Angeles
More than 1,000 police officers, firefighters and paramedics in the Los Angeles region were ill or at home quarantining on Tuesday after testing positive for the coronavirus, spurring additional concerns about public safety as the Omicron variant continues its rapid spread.
More than 1,000 L.A.-area police officers, firefighters, paramedics ill or home quarantining due to COVID | KTLA

No doubt this is happening in every major city.
The ramifications are scary.
Crime. In my area which normally has little crime, we've already had two "smash and grab" incidents in our shopping center ( I was there, in a pharmacy next door, when one happened), plus increase in home burglaries and car break ins.
And not a time to have an accident or fire...

More than 1,000 L.A.-area police officers, firefighters, paramedics ill or home quarantining due to COVID | KTLA

 

[MimosaMornings]

Early on in COVID it was recommended that everyone get a thermometer and oximeter. Then they both became in short supply as people rushed to purchase them.

It was interesting when everyone began talking about oximeters because prior to COVID few outside of healthcare were aware of oximeters.

None of my friends were aware of oximeters but they had never been an active caregiver so had not been exposed to that level of care or hospice at home.

I bought my parents their first one years ago - purchased the brand the home health nurse recommended and it was expensive back then.
I bought each of us one in March 2020 as a backup. I keep one at home and one in my backpack.

 

[CSIDreamer]

Los Angeles
More than 1,000 police officers, firefighters and paramedics in the Los Angeles region were ill or at home quarantining on Tuesday after testing positive for the coronavirus, spurring additional concerns about public safety as the Omicron variant continues its rapid spread.
More than 1,000 L.A.-area police officers, firefighters, paramedics ill or home quarantining due to COVID | KTLA

No doubt this is happening in every major city.
The ramifications are scary.
Crime. In my area which normally has little crime, we've already had two "smash and grab" incidents in our shopping center ( I was there, in a pharmacy next door, when one happened), plus increase in home burglaries and car break ins.
And not a time to have an accident or fire...

More than 1,000 L.A.-area police officers, firefighters, paramedics ill or home quarantining due to COVID | KTLA

I really wish they wouldn't publicize stuff like this. IMO, it's just asking for trouble.

 

[Satchie]

Exactly. Milder compared to Delta doesn't mean harmless. Some people will still end up hospitalized or dead.

Just read social media by a woman in my area, whole family got Covid over Christmas from a visiting adult child, they believe Omicron because of speed and symptoms. They are all double vaxxed, but boosters not yet available here in BC for their age group (mid-40s).

After a few days of both parents being very sick, she was rushed to ICU with severe heart problems, they managed to save her after 2 days of near fatal heart failures.

The thing is, she's a fitness instructor: definitely no prior heart disease or any health conditions. Perhaps because of her fitness level, MRI currently doesn't show lasting damage. She noted that her lungs weren't affected at all.

One comment she made was that the ICU stressed hydration, consuming lots of liquids and electrolytes. I know that is a general recommendation for flu, but perhaps it's not being emphasized enough for all the people getting sick from this.

MOO

 

[IceIce9]

Norwegian Pearl will return to PortMiami after crew members test positive for COVID-19 – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

 

[whitelilac]

Re: Advance preparation

Back in 2020 when this started, in my area we were ordered to stay indoors, mask up etc....for 2 weeks. People complained about the two weeks. I thought no, this will be for 2 months at least. Little did we know.
The panic hoarding, fortunately I had enough TP, gave rolls away to desperate neighbors.
Then the hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes....again I managed to find some at odd places like Staples.
Masks, managed to get 4 N95s before those were unavailable....just in case.
Bought various immune boosters, zinc, vitamins etc., nitrile gloves.
When hand sanitizers were back on the shelves much later, I'd buy one every time I went to the supermarket....in case.

Now I have a shelf of bottles, wipes, electrolytes, and gloves but who knows in the future.
Same with surgical, N95 and other decent masks. A face shield I've never used.

Think ahead, in case. Stay on top of things by reading and awareness.
Already have an oximeter, good thermometer, and planning to get a smartwatch with health indicators.

I know so many people who don't follow, don't stay informed, are not prepared....and some who who still believe it's all a conspiracy.

Maybe I'm a bit paranoid.
I also have an earthquake kit, fire kit, 5 fire blankets (I'm in CA), always at least 10 gallons water, installed an automatic gas shut-off valve, and keep my slope cleared.

What next? A hazmat suit?
Fortunate that Omicron is wiping out Delta, but who knows what the next strain will be...originating from who knows where.
Covid is here to stay.

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Fortunate that Omicron is wiping out Delta, but who knows what the next strain will be...originating from who knows where.
Covid is here to stay.

This is the thing. Omicron has lessened the fear somewhat, despite numbers going through the roof, but what if the next big one is just as transmissible but more deadly? We just don’t know. I’m unlikely to need fire blankets or gallons of water here in Yorkshire, but will keep an eye on my stocks of loo roll and teabags.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

This is the thing. Omicron has lessened the fear somewhat, despite numbers going through the roof, but what if the next big one is just as transmissible but more deadly? We just don’t know. I’m unlikely to need fire blankets or gallons of water here in Yorkshire, but will keep an eye on my stocks of loo roll and teabags.

And gin? Or is that just me

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Oh mon dieu, just seen France has reported over 332k cases today I wonder if this is bog standard Omicron or whether the reported newer variant is taking its hold there.

Italy, Spain and Germany are all on the rise too. And obviously UK, US and Australia are all in the grip of it.

Hopefully 2023 will start better

 

[CoverMeCagney]

And gin? Or is that just me

Nope, I have plenty! Many friends are doing Dry January, but I’ve decided on Ginuary.

 

[Yesiamapirate]

Nope, I have plenty! Many friends are doing Dry January, but I’ve decided on Ginuary.

Me too!