*** OFFICIAL *** COVID-19 CoronaVirus Thread. Fresh epidemic fears as child pneumonia cases surge in Europe after China outbreak. NOW in USA (19 Viewers)

[Doug B]

Lack of information is causing a lot of confusion. Here in Idaho, hospitals are filling up and it's all Delta from the holiday surge but all you hear about is omicron and how it is mild. We aren't past delta yet. I know there are reports of 95% being omicron but I'm not buying it.

Idaho won't be the bellwether for the rest of the U.S. Idaho will probably be one of the last states to see an Omicron surge.
 

 

[SWC]

most people live if they get polio and i have a strong natural immune system so i am not going to get a polio shot take that to the bank brohans

 

[SWC]

only sheeple would ever get a measles mumps and rubella shot and those that do are just being lied to by cnn take that to the bank brohans 

 

[SWC]

hep b doesnt kill everyone its just like the flu and if you get a shot for it the government puts a microchip in you take that to the bank brohans 

 

[jamny]

Idaho won't be the bellwether for the rest of the U.S. Idaho will probably be one of the last states to see an Omicron surge.
 

I agree, they have trailed the rest of the country throughout but with so much national focus on omicron, most people here think that's what is happening and it's no big deal since it is so mild. Meanwhile it is primarily delta and anything but mild.

 

[SWC]

see it all sounds pretty ridiculous take that to the bank bromigos 

 

[Doug B]

I agree, they've have trailed the rest of the country throughout but with so much national focus on omicron, most people here think that's what is happening and it's no big deal since it is so mild. Meanwhile it is primarily delta and anything but mild.

Ah yes ... good point. Yeah, Delta didn't dry up and disappear.

 

[Biff84]

Lack of information is causing a lot of confusion. Here in Idaho, hospitals are filling up and it's all Delta from the holiday surge but all you hear about is omicron and how it is mild. We aren't past delta yet. I know there are reports of 95% being omicron but I'm not buying it.

Agreed that there’s a messaging issue but maybe I can help. The reported 95% Omicron is of new cases. It takes time for the disease to progress to the point of needing hospitalization and once hospitalized, they may stay for weeks. So the new cases can be mostly Omicron while the hospitals get hit by the Delta wave.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Agreed that there’s a messaging issue but maybe I can help. The reported 95% Omicron is of new cases. It takes time for the disease to progress to the point of needing hospitalization and once hospitalized, they may stay for weeks. So the new cases can be mostly Omicron while the hospitals get hit by the Delta wave.

So Omicron ISN'T what's causing hospitals to be overwhelmed?

 

[humpback]

That'll be very different next week as omicron takes over.

Already is. Hogan today said that 88.5% of recent samples sent for further lab analysis were found to be omicron, and 91% of the samples of patients who were hospitalized.

Also, this is only for the University of Maryland Medical System, but 74% of it's Covid patients over the last 30 days were not vaccinated while 24% were. 2% of those hospitalized had received their booster.

 

[humpback]

So Omicron ISN'T what's causing hospitals to be overwhelmed?

It's a combination and varies based on location but what's your point?

 

[AAABatteries]

My GF and i just moved to Florida last month ,her 16 yo daughter and 11 yo son start school on Jan 6th. My GF said while she was at the high school registering her daughter she overheard the woman in the office talking to a parent on the phone . Basically the woman was told by the parent that everyone in their home has covid and the woman in the office said ''as long as your son doesnt have symptoms he can come to school'' ,After she hung up she muttered ''i dont even care anymore '' 

oh boy

This anecdote and my wanting our kids to be doing in person schooling are two of the  reasons all four of my kids are vaccinated.  That and of course it’s recommended by our pediatrician.  Too many people either didn’t give a #### before or are too fatigued by it all to give a #### now.

 

[Biff84]

We had a conference call today going over a new formulation of the Pfizer vaccine (no mixing, longer stability, no deep freeze) and another pharmacist says she’s had a couple customers claim that the Pfizer vaccine was never FDA approved. She went on to list their argument and point-by-point it was identical to what a poster has been arguing here right down to telling her to call Pfizer customer service. Funny when real life and message board life collide.

 

[Nathan R. Jessep]

We had a conference call today going over a new formulation of the Pfizer vaccine (no mixing, longer stability, no deep freeze) and another pharmacist says she’s had a couple customers claim that the Pfizer vaccine was never FDA approved. She went on to list their argument and point-by-point it was identical to what a poster has been arguing here right down to telling her to call Pfizer customer service. Funny when real life and message board life collide.

the generic name vs Comirnaty cringe brand name "argument"?

 

[AAABatteries]

Generally speaking, the vaccinated and boosted cohort belongs in the "helpful" category, no question. However, only ~1/3rd of the population falls into that cohort, and our actions do have consequences even if they're less damaging. We can still catch and spread this, and while the vast majority (but not all) of us won't get very sick, most of the people around us aren't as protected. When we go around "living normally", it negatively impacts everyone, including the vaxxed and boosted.

And it's not just sickness. My vaxxed/boosted life is being disrupted in schools, work, travel, sports, entertainment- pretty much everywhere you turn. My vaxxed/boosted dad just had his back surgery called off, so now he has to deal with excruciating pain for who knows how much longer. My vaxxed (waiting to be eligible to be boosted) daughters have had all extra curricular activities halted. Christmas family plans cancelled with elderly and immunocompromised grandparents. Plenty of other examples as well, and many have had much worse impacts, but you get the point. A lot of these "inconveniences" are due to high levels of spread, and yes, even vaxxed/boosted contribute some to that, especially when living like "normal".

The part I can't figure out is why the need to be so outspoken about it? If you want to live "normally" or think "it's just a cold" you do you, but do really think repeating it in here is helping? If you aren't worried about yourself from a micro level, great, but your actions, and more importantly your words, impact the macro level as well.

What is so frustrating is the the people truly “living normally” aren’t most people in here.  The tension and disagreements among the people who have mostly done things the right way aren’t making a bit of difference to the unvaxxed.  That’s why I said a while back we are long past the idea of appealing to hearts and minds.  It needs to impact peoples pocketbook at this point to get them to change.  I’m still against a government mandate* (as it stands now) but I’m open to just about anything else.
 

*government as an employer I’m still 100% behind

 

[nirad3]

I should probably post this in the PSF but since I never go in there, I will post here.  Please don't make it political, though.

Kelly was a friend of mine from college.... one of my best friend's best friends (if that makes sense)

The comments on her Facebook page and Twitter account are in a word... appalling.  I can't believe the gall of some people.  I'm sure you can go find out what people are saying.... but again, please don't go political here.  Thanks.

 

[AAABatteries]

We had a conference call today going over a new formulation of the Pfizer vaccine (no mixing, longer stability, no deep freeze) and another pharmacist says she’s had a couple customers claim that the Pfizer vaccine was never FDA approved. She went on to list their argument and point-by-point it was identical to what a poster has been arguing here right down to telling her to call Pfizer customer service. Funny when real life and message board life collide.

Probably reading the same conspiracy theory websites.

 

[-fish-]

We had a conference call today going over a new formulation of the Pfizer vaccine (no mixing, longer stability, no deep freeze) and another pharmacist says she’s had a couple customers claim that the Pfizer vaccine was never FDA approved. She went on to list their argument and point-by-point it was identical to what a poster has been arguing here right down to telling her to call Pfizer customer service. Funny when real life and message board life collide.

Not surprising.  Most vaccine misinformation starts with the same few sources and then gets amplified on social media.   

There's a reason that the same trash appears here and on twitter in the same week. 

 

[Andy Dufresne]

It's a combination and varies based on location but what's your point?

I'm just trying to understand, man. I have one poster saying that Omicron is bad because it's filling up the hospitals and another saying that it's Delta and Omicron hasn't really hit the hospitals yet. 

And I also think I'm being told that if I'm ever going to encounter another human being that I better get tested beforehand. 

And then you read things about masks not mattering but then iFriends that I generally like say that it's madness to not wear one. 

And then it's the unvaccinated that are causing the problem but then breakthrough cases, rare though they are - or are they? - can also spread the disease. So then vaccines work, but they don't work. And if they do "work" you should still wear masks to prevent the spread even though it doesn't REALLY prevent it, just slows it. Maybe. Until Omicron, where it seems that there's no reasonable plan that can be enacted before it just runs its course. 

This is starting to feel like the debates I have with my religious friends that usually end up with "Well you just have to start with the decision that you believe and then have faith." It shouldn't really be a surprise to realize people that don't make a living being in the middle of this thing just end up turning the volume down. 

I was just fine not being in this thread and I'm going to return to that. I'm sorry that I can't get closer to your "side" as you seem to be a generally reasonable person - as are most. But this whole thing has made people entrench so it's not really worth the tut-tutting anymore.

 

[-fish-]

I'm just trying to understand, man. I have one poster saying that Omicron is bad because it's filling up the hospitals and another saying that it's Delta and Omicron hasn't really hit the hospitals yet. 

And I also think I'm being told that if I'm ever going to encounter another human being that I better get tested beforehand. 

And then you read things about masks not mattering but then iFriends that I generally like say that it's madness to not wear one. 

And then it's the unvaccinated that are causing the problem but then breakthrough cases, rare though they are - or are they? - can also spread the disease. So then vaccines work, but they don't work. And if they do "work" you should still wear masks to prevent the spread even though it doesn't REALLY prevent it, just slows it. Maybe. Until Omicron, where it seems that there's no reasonable plan that can be enacted before it just runs its course. 

This is starting to feel like the debates I have with my religious friends that usually end up with "Well you just have to start with the decision that you believe and then have faith." It shouldn't really be a surprise to realize people that don't make a living being in the middle of this thing just end up turning the volume down. 

It doesn't seem like you're trying to understand, or it would be clear to you that vaccines work and are working....even with breakthrough cases.   This whole post seems disingenuous.   

 

[Andy Dufresne]

It doesn't seem like you're trying to understand, or it would be clear to you that vaccines work and are working....even with breakthrough cases.   This whole post seems disingenuous.   

It depends on what you mean by "working". And you missed the point if that's what you got out of that. Which is what happens when you parse arguments.

 

[BeTheMatch]

It depends on what you mean by "working". And you missed the point if that's what you got out of that. Which is what happens when you parse arguments.

I got the exact same thing from your post, so I guess we both missed your point.

 

[tonydead]

I'm just trying to understand, man. I have one poster saying that Omicron is bad because it's filling up the hospitals and another saying that it's Delta and Omicron hasn't really hit the hospitals yet. 

And I also think I'm being told that if I'm ever going to encounter another human being that I better get tested beforehand. 

And then you read things about masks not mattering but then iFriends that I generally like say that it's madness to not wear one. 

And then it's the unvaccinated that are causing the problem but then breakthrough cases, rare though they are - or are they? - can also spread the disease. So then vaccines work, but they don't work. And if they do "work" you should still wear masks to prevent the spread even though it doesn't REALLY prevent it, just slows it. Maybe. Until Omicron, where it seems that there's no reasonable plan that can be enacted before it just runs its course. 

This is starting to feel like the debates I have with my religious friends that usually end up with "Well you just have to start with the decision that you believe and then have faith." It shouldn't really be a surprise to realize people that don't make a living being in the middle of this thing just end up turning the volume down. 

I was just fine not being in this thread and I'm going to return to that. I'm sorry that I can't get closer to your "side" as you seem to be a generally reasonable person - as are most. But this whole thing has made people entrench so it's not really worth the tut-tutting anymore.

And the whole droning on about living life as normal is like religious people shouting about coveting thy neighbors wife and taking the lord's name in vane.   Everyone does it and it's not going to make a bit of difference.  

 

[Pip's Invitation]

This just crossed the wire. You know how some of us have been saying to follow guidance from experts other than the CDC? Lots of doctors aren't happy with the CDC right now either. 

AMA: CDC quarantine and isolation guidance is confusing, counterproductive

The following statement is attributable to:

Gerald E. Harmon, M.D.

President, American Medical Association              

“Nearly two years into this pandemic, with omicron cases surging across the country, the American people should be able to count on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for timely, accurate, clear guidance to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. Instead, the new recommendations on quarantine and isolation are not only confusing, but are risking further spread of the virus.

“Living during a pandemic is challenging, and what we learn along the way – and data we collect – will necessarily change our course of action at times. According to the CDC’s own rationale for shortened isolation periods for the general public, an estimated 31 percent of people remain infectious 5 days after a positive COVID-19 test. With hundreds of thousands of new cases daily and more than a million positive reported cases on January 3, tens of thousands – potentially hundreds of thousands of people – could return to work and school infectious if they follow the CDC’s new guidance on ending isolation after five days without a negative test. Physicians are concerned that these recommendations put our patients at risk and could further overwhelm our health care system. 

“A negative test should be required for ending isolation after one tests positive for COVID-19. Reemerging without knowing one’s status unnecessarily risks further transmission of the virus.

“Test availability remains a challenge in many parts of the country, including in hospitals, and we urge the administration to pull all available levers to ramp up production and distribution of tests. But a dearth of tests at the moment does not justify omitting a testing requirement to exit a now shortened isolation.”

 

[nysfl2]

I'm just trying to understand, man. I have one poster saying that Omicron is bad because it's filling up the hospitals and another saying that it's Delta and Omicron hasn't really hit the hospitals yet. 

And I also think I'm being told that if I'm ever going to encounter another human being that I better get tested beforehand. 

And then you read things about masks not mattering but then iFriends that I generally like say that it's madness to not wear one. 

And then it's the unvaccinated that are causing the problem but then breakthrough cases, rare though they are - or are they? - can also spread the disease. So then vaccines work, but they don't work. And if they do "work" you should still wear masks to prevent the spread even though it doesn't REALLY prevent it, just slows it. Maybe. Until Omicron, where it seems that there's no reasonable plan that can be enacted before it just runs its course. 

This is starting to feel like the debates I have with my religious friends that usually end up with "Well you just have to start with the decision that you believe and then have faith." It shouldn't really be a surprise to realize people that don't make a living being in the middle of this thing just end up turning the volume down. 

I was just fine not being in this thread and I'm going to return to that. I'm sorry that I can't get closer to your "side" as you seem to be a generally reasonable person - as are most. But this whole thing has made people entrench so it's not really worth the tut-tutting anymore.

Oh my god, it's almost like things change as our understanding increases and the virus mutates! Let's shun all the science, and just move on with our lives!

And the answer to any of those "questions" are not black and white like you want them to be. There's a lot of nuance in the answers.

 

[Payne]

South Africa also had a significant Delta wave leaving much of the population with some natural immunity against severe illness. They also have a much younger population.

I’d be surprised if we make it out as cleanly at them. We are heading into what should be our peak just at the same time that schools are opening. We’re likely to see a prolonged peak due to spread in schools and back to home. Has there been a wave that we didn’t perform worse than the rest of the world?

Nonetheless we’re looking at a couple rough months and hopefully the other side is much brighter. It definitely could be the beginning of the end but I hope you’ll understand if I’m hesitant to drop the mission accomplished banner. 

This is what bothers me.

Just as you're upset claiming people are saying "it's over", I get annoyed with responses like this that shoot down any good news out there and why we shouldn't see it as good news. 

 

[AAABatteries]

It depends on what you mean by "working". And you missed the point if that's what you got out of that. Which is what happens when you parse arguments.

If your point is there's a lot of mixed messages and misinformation and changing science then I think most here would agree.  But we no longer need more evidence to show the that vaccines do work.  It's best not to include the idea that they might not work in your post or you will get people parsing it (and somewhat rightfully so).

 

[AAABatteries]

This is what bothers me.

Just as you're upset claiming people are saying "it's over", I get annoyed with responses like this that shoot down any good news out there and why we shouldn't see it as good news. 

There's lots of good news.  Vaccines work, boosters work even better, natural immunity works well for some/many (although getting to that point kind of sucks), we have some meds in the work that hopefully can help combat things and make it where fewer people die.  And some other that I haven't included.  The problem is there's a lot of bad too (at the moment).  But again, I think the people who need the message the most - those refusing to get vaccinated, refusing to take any precautions, refusing to get tested if it's warranted, refusing to wear a mask or a combo of them - those people, aren't listening any more.  They have moved on wit their life if at all possible.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

This is what bothers me.

Just as you're upset claiming people are saying "it's over", I get annoyed with responses like this that shoot down any good news out there and why we shouldn't see it as good news. 

I'm happy that I can go to the grocery store without having to worry about winding up on a ventilator, and certain posters in this thread act like I'm the bad guy for saying that out loud.  

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If your point is there's a lot of mixed messages and misinformation and changing science then I think most here would agree.  But we no longer need more evidence to show the that vaccines do work.  It's best not to include the idea that they might not work in your post or you will get people parsing it (and somewhat rightfully so).

I thought the post was over the top enough to suggest that "work" in that context was that they were a be all end all panacea. In retrospect I obviously should have used different language. 

But I DON'T think most would agree. I think a lot of people think the information is clear - I'm saying that it's anything but. Especially with the changing, now more rapidly than ever, situation.

And if you ask for clarity then you get challenged with a tone of "How dare you?".

 

[Payne]

There's lots of good news.  Vaccines work, boosters work even better, natural immunity works well for some/many (although getting to that point kind of sucks), we have some meds in the work that hopefully can help combat things and make it where fewer people die.  And some other that I haven't included.  The problem is there's a lot of bad too (at the moment).  But again, I think the people who need the message the most - those refusing to get vaccinated, refusing to take any precautions, refusing to get tested if it's warranted, refusing to wear a mask or a combo of them - those people, aren't listening any more.  They have moved on wit their life if at all possible.

I think many people who have done the things you mentioned (vaccinated, masks, etc.) are no longer listening and have moved on as well. Hell, even Biden said the government has no answer. The CDC has basically moved on. Even the media. 

 

[Mile High]

I think many people who have done the things you mentioned (vaccinated, masks, etc.) are no longer listening and have moved on as well. Hell, even Biden said the government has no answer. The CDC has basically moved on. Even the media. 

Everyone gets to move on except the medical profession. 

 

[jobarules]

I agree, they have trailed the rest of the country throughout but with so much national focus on omicron, most people here think that's what is happening and it's no big deal since it is so mild. Meanwhile it is primarily delta and anything but mild.

Looking at the Idaho curve and positivity rate it looks like Omicron is just starting there. In 2 weeks expect positivity rate in the 20% range and everyone you know to have someone in their family to have covid.

 

[Biff84]

So Omicron ISN'T what's causing hospitals to be overwhelmed?

It’s too soon to know. Most of the severely ill are likely leftover from Delta, meaning most deaths will be from Delta.

Generally the progression goes something like:

Exposure to symptoms: 3-5 days

Symptoms to hospitalization: 1-2 weeks

Hospitalization to death: 1-3+ weeks

Right now in most areas we are seeing the end of the Delta holiday surge and the beginning of hospitalizations from Omicron. So you have the severely sick Delta patients and the acutely sick Omicron. If there wasn’t the Omicron surge we would see beds opening up as Delta patients are discharged or pass. What we’re seeing is the Delta patients immediately replaced by Omicron patients who are not as critical…yet.

What we don’t know is how it will progress as Omicron takes over the hospital load. We know from other countries that hospitalizations are significantly reduced from Delta - between 50-80%. Assuming that holds true the next question becomes how severe the hospitalizations will be. Or simply how quickly will beds be turned.
 

The huge Omicron spread will lead to large hospitalization numbers even with huge % decrease but we don’t know is how many of them will need long term hospital care. If the Omicron hospitalization wave results in patients that can easily be treated and discharged in a couple days, we’re in good shape. If they get severely sick and need several weeks in the hospital, we’re in for weeks of hell.

We’re weeks away from finding out how big the problem is. Omicron’s resistance to the vaccines and natural immunity add the wrinkle of getting staff sick and further decreasing capacity - another part of what we’re seeing now.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Everyone gets to move on except the medical profession. 

they’ve largely moved on as well, atleast where I am. We aren’t waiting anymore to do covid positive surgeries and those in the cases don’t care about being in there anymore.  It’s kinda status quo now. 

 

[Doug B]

And then you read things about masks not mattering ...

Not that link -- they just quote people recommending masks with top-end filtration.

 

[jobarules]

What is so frustrating is the the people truly “living normally” aren’t most people in here.  The tension and disagreements among the people who have mostly done things the right way aren’t making a bit of difference to the unvaxxed.  That’s why I said a while back we are long past the idea of appealing to hearts and minds.  It needs to impact peoples pocketbook at this point to get them to change.  I’m still against a government mandate* (as it stands now) but I’m open to just about anything else.
 

*government as an employer I’m still 100% behind

Just curious, what do you define as "living normally"?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Not that link -- they just quote people recommending masks with top-end filtration.

Yes, it would be more accurate to say that the masks that most people wear do not matter. 

 

[jamny]

Looking at the Idaho curve and positivity rate it looks like Omicron is just starting there. In 2 weeks expect positivity rate in the 20% range and everyone you know to have someone in their family to have covid.

Oh, I know it's coming. My point is that if you listen to national media, it is already here. So people here think it's omicron and it's mild so no big deal. Continued poor messaging for those not really paying attention. And most of my family and friends are in NYC, so I know the second part of your post to be true.

 

[jobarules]

This is what bothers me.

Just as you're upset claiming people are saying "it's over", I get annoyed with responses like this that shoot down any good news out there and why we shouldn't see it as good news. 

Ive been dealing with this for 2 years. Once youre on this side everyone paints you as the bad guy. Welcome

 

[AAABatteries]

I thought the post was over the top enough to suggest that "work" in that context was that they were a be all end all panacea. In retrospect I obviously should have used different language. 

But I DON'T think most would agree. I think a lot of people think the information is clear - I'm saying that it's anything but. Especially with the changing, now more rapidly than ever, situation.

And if you ask for clarity then you get challenged with a tone of "How dare you?".

Understood.  I think a lot of people, no matter what they think about vaccines, mandates, masks or anything else are just sick of this.  I'm very fortunate to be in a situation like Ivan where I've most insulated from the day to day Covid stuff.  I'm vaccinated and boosted, all my family is double vaccinated (boosters pending) and while I do have a couple of elderly relatives I visit (so I have to be careful), I'm pretty much home all the time now and can avoid crowds and easily isolate myself if I get sick.  My wife just had it and while it was a pain, it ended up not being bad.  But I did have a surgery pushed out a week due to a overrun / limited resource OR.  My sister had a pretty nasty intestinal infection (that could have been close to life threatening if it wasn't caught) that had several appointments moved due to Covid.

People just really want to be back to normal - and I'm sure the ones that want this the most are the medical professionals.  That's why folks are tense and aggravated.  Also, some people have come in this thread with obviously trolling and misinformation (not you of course) and it gets tiresome to have people say things like the vaccines don't work (again, not you).

 

[Doug B]

But I DON'T think most would agree. I think a lot of people think the information is clear - I'm saying that it's anything but. Especially with the changing, now more rapidly than ever, situation.

I disagree with the bolded ... but I think I see a potential source of disagreement.

If you've followed the pandemic closely ... when the guidance changes, you can kind of see it coming and it doesn't seem so jarring. The new information that changes guidance usually comes out well in advance through unofficial channels (e.g. corroborative research studies, well-crafted summary science news articles, etc.).

 

[-fish-]

I thought the post was over the top enough to suggest that "work" in that context was that they were a be all end all panacea. In retrospect I obviously should have used different language. 

But I DON'T think most would agree. I think a lot of people think the information is clear - I'm saying that it's anything but. Especially with the changing, now more rapidly than ever, situation.

And if you ask for clarity then you get challenged with a tone of "How dare you?".

So your post was intentionally disingenuous, but you're upset a for getting called out for making a disingenuous post.

The problem here isn't the multiple people who all read your post the same way.

 

[AAABatteries]

Just curious, what do you define as "living normally"?

I was quoting somebody - IK maybe but I'll answer.  For me it's probably easiest to just say those that are back to doing most of what they did prior to Covid.  I'm not counting having to wear a mask to an event.  Also, I consider my life mostly back to normal although I now WFH full time.  I guess other may not agree with that but they also opened our office so I could go in if I wanted.

I mean, there's definitely a list of things I either don't do or are cautious about that wasn't a consideration before.  Example, we have to cancel/postpone some Christmas events when my wife caught Covid mid-December.  If she had had the Flu for example, we wouldn't have been quite as cautious with the quarantine period.

 

[Biff84]

This is what bothers me.

Just as you're upset claiming people are saying "it's over", I get annoyed with responses like this that shoot down any good news out there and why we shouldn't see it as good news. 

I agree with you, I let my cynicism get the way. There was an earlier discussion about how this ends and my two suggestions were:

’Vaccinate the population to the point where the virus only causes minor illnesses’

and

’A variant emerges that takes over as the dominant strand but is less severe.

 Both are happening right now and could very well be the end. I definitely hope it happens but we’ve been down this road before and don’t want to get my hopes up too much.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So your post was intentionally disingenuous, but you're upset a for getting called out for making a disingenuous post.

The problem here isn't the multiple people who all read your post the same way.

You keep using that word. It's not accurate.

And I clarified it reasonably with a couple other of those people already. You're the one that's persisting.

 

[AAABatteries]

I think many people who have done the things you mentioned (vaccinated, masks, etc.) are no longer listening and have moved on as well. Hell, even Biden said the government has no answer. The CDC has basically moved on. Even the media. 

I think that is IK's stance and I totally get it.  Like I just reiterated, I'm kind of in that boat too but I think what people are taking issue with is the idea that just because my risk is very limited means that it's the same for everybody.  I agree with that and even I have been impacted in some smalls ways and it could easily be in bigger ways if our hospitals fill up, one of my parents catches it or has to be hospitalized, etc.   I think a better way of saying it (for me) is I've done (and continue to do) everything I can - I can't do anything more.  It's up to other people to hopefully join us.  Also, we need to make sure we are open to reacting if things change.  We can't be inflexible in our response to this as things change.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

This just crossed the wire. You know how some of us have been saying to follow guidance from experts other than the CDC? Lots of doctors aren't happy with the CDC right now either. 

AMA: CDC quarantine and isolation guidance is confusing, counterproductive

The following statement is attributable to:

Gerald E. Harmon, M.D.

President, American Medical Association              

“Nearly two years into this pandemic, with omicron cases surging across the country, the American people should be able to count on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for timely, accurate, clear guidance to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. Instead, the new recommendations on quarantine and isolation are not only confusing, but are risking further spread of the virus.

“Living during a pandemic is challenging, and what we learn along the way – and data we collect – will necessarily change our course of action at times. According to the CDC’s own rationale for shortened isolation periods for the general public, an estimated 31 percent of people remain infectious 5 days after a positive COVID-19 test. With hundreds of thousands of new cases daily and more than a million positive reported cases on January 3, tens of thousands – potentially hundreds of thousands of people – could return to work and school infectious if they follow the CDC’s new guidance on ending isolation after five days without a negative test. Physicians are concerned that these recommendations put our patients at risk and could further overwhelm our health care system. 

“A negative test should be required for ending isolation after one tests positive for COVID-19. Reemerging without knowing one’s status unnecessarily risks further transmission of the virus.

“Test availability remains a challenge in many parts of the country, including in hospitals, and we urge the administration to pull all available levers to ramp up production and distribution of tests. But a dearth of tests at the moment does not justify omitting a testing requirement to exit a now shortened isolation.”

This should be on the front page of every news website.

 

[nysfl2]

Everyone gets to move on except the medical profession. 

And all the people dying because they're not vaccinated

 

[-fish-]

This just crossed the wire. You know how some of us have been saying to follow guidance from experts other than the CDC? Lots of doctors aren't happy with the CDC right now either. 

AMA: CDC quarantine and isolation guidance is confusing, counterproductive

The following statement is attributable to:

Gerald E. Harmon, M.D.

President, American Medical Association              

“Nearly two years into this pandemic, with omicron cases surging across the country, the American people should be able to count on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for timely, accurate, clear guidance to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. Instead, the new recommendations on quarantine and isolation are not only confusing, but are risking further spread of the virus.

“Living during a pandemic is challenging, and what we learn along the way – and data we collect – will necessarily change our course of action at times. According to the CDC’s own rationale for shortened isolation periods for the general public, an estimated 31 percent of people remain infectious 5 days after a positive COVID-19 test. With hundreds of thousands of new cases daily and more than a million positive reported cases on January 3, tens of thousands – potentially hundreds of thousands of people – could return to work and school infectious if they follow the CDC’s new guidance on ending isolation after five days without a negative test. Physicians are concerned that these recommendations put our patients at risk and could further overwhelm our health care system. 

“A negative test should be required for ending isolation after one tests positive for COVID-19. Reemerging without knowing one’s status unnecessarily risks further transmission of the virus.

“Test availability remains a challenge in many parts of the country, including in hospitals, and we urge the administration to pull all available levers to ramp up production and distribution of tests. But a dearth of tests at the moment does not justify omitting a testing requirement to exit a now shortened isolation.”

This should be on the front page of every news website.

How do you deal with the bolded?   Just stay home until someone gets a shipment?   I went to every pharmacy within 10 miles of me and none had a test.   There is no drive-through testing available anywhere near me.   If I want a test I have to go to urgent care or the ER, which seems like an unnecessary risk of exposure and a waste of resources.

Once it is practical for everyone to get a test,  they should add the requirement.   For now, it's just not workable.