Coronavirus ~ COVID-19

[JDeere]

Im not vaccinated and I wear a mask in stores that require it and dont wear one when I don't have to, nor will I be an arrogant asshole to people about their choices on wearing or not wearing one, nor will I get in line with people being asshats towards each other based on personal preferences!

And if I was ever to get covid, I sure as heck aint gonna go on a rant, screaming at the people in town on public social media forums, blaming whoever for the mess.. ahem sharon stone and others!

Im sorry but the government failed us, period, IDC what political party, the whole government failed us!

[homoe]

HuffPost

15 Miami-Dade Public School Staff Members Die Of COVID In Just 10 Days.

No doubt this gives parents concern.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/15-miami-dade-public-school-021517732.html

[cathexis]

HuffPost

15 Miami-Dade Public School Staff Members Die Of COVID In Just 10 Days.

No doubt this gives parents concern.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/15-miami-dade-public-school-021517732.html

Parents are overly anxious to get kids back in school. They need to cool their jets or they'll end up with no kids. Believe all learning ought to be remote until we can get CoVid-19 under control and/or a children's dose gets released. We have those Trumpsters to thank for all this mess. But, will we ever without a vaccine mandate. The mandate's got to have teeth, though.

[Gemme]

HuffPost

15 Miami-Dade Public School Staff Members Die Of COVID In Just 10 Days.

No doubt this gives parents concern.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/15-miami-dade-public-school-021517732.html

Wouldn't it be great if the Governor was concerned?

DeSantis should be held accountable for his decision to not only not enforce restrictions and safety protocols to help keep his constituents safe but also his lawsuit against those that are trying make masks mandatory. I'm so glad that parents are banding together and have a lawsuit against him now, which he unsuccessfully tried to get thrown out of court.

[ksrainbow]

Posted Sep 06, 2021 1:00 PM
TOPEKA— The Kansas Department of Health reported 3,952 new coronavirus cases in Kansas on Friday. That is more than twice as many new COVID-19 cases than the state reported Labor Day weekend a year ago.

Ks-

[homoe]

Why are parents so overly anxious to get their kids back to a mediocre education system and risk their deaths is beyond me!!!!


BROWN CENTER CHALKBOARD What international test scores reveal about American education. By Louis SerinoFriday, April 7. 2017

Has U.S. school performance been improving over the past two decades? The results of two international tests—the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Assessment (TIMSS)—shed some light on this question. Both were administered in 2015, an event that only occurs every 12 years. Inside the 2017 Brown Center Report on American Education, report author Tom Loveless takes advantage of this rare opportunity to illuminate trends in American students’ aptitude compared to previous years and to their international counterparts.

The PISA test scores did not bring great news about the American education system, as the United States continues to hover around the international mean for reading and science literacy. On the mathematics literacy section, the U.S. even notched its lowest score to date at 470; this represents a decline from the previous two tests, but it is not statistically significantly different from its first-ever score in 2003. Overall, American PISA scores on all sections have been relatively flat over the test’s history, with no statistically significant change between the score on each section’s first year and the 2015 scores.

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2017/04/07/what-international-test-scores-reveal-about-american-education/

[homoe]

And the school year just started.

"What we're seeing now is extremely concerning," said Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, associate professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. "This virus is really going for the people who are not vaccinated. And among those people are children who don't qualify for the vaccine and children and teens who qualify but are choosing not to get it."

Among the latest sobering statistics:

-- A record-high 2,396 children were hospitalized with Covid-19 as of Tuesday, according to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

-- An average of 369 pediatric Covid-19 patients were admitted to hospitals every day during the week ending September 6, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

-- More than 55,000 children have been hospitalized with Covid-19 since August 2020, according to CDC data. Many of those children had no known preexisting conditions.

-- While childhood Covid-19 deaths are still rare, that number is increasing. As of Wednesday, at least 520 children have died, according to CDC data.

Doctors say it's critical to protect children against the Delta variant -- not just for the sake of their health, but to preserve in-person learning and help prevent more aggressive variants from setting the entire country back.

[homoe]

~~~
It's just my opinion but to my way of thinking, nobody seems to be listening to the science anymore! Ever since the variant of Delta arrived instead of proceeding cautiously schools have rushed open, sporting events are hosting capacity crowds, and no thoughts are being considered except to mask back up!

To me it seems every unvaccinated person is bearing the brunt of being the cause & forefront of this debacle and not GREED of the almighty dollar!

[homoe]

(CNN)As students and staff return to school, the highly transmissible Delta variant of Covid-19 has caused cases, hospitalizations and death rates to soar across the country. Children under 12 are particularly vulnerable to infection as they are not yet eligible for vaccination, including the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine.

Contrary to research early in the pandemic, children are just as likely to become infected as adults. According to the CDC, Covid-19 infection rates for adolescents aged 5 to 17 were as high as in adults 18 to 49, and higher than rates in adults over 50.

There have been 4.8 million cases of Covid-19 in children since April 2020, according to the American Association of Pediatrics, making up about 15% of all documented cases in the United States. In the last month, the number of new weekly cases has surged to near-peak levels.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/01/us/us-covid-kids-data/index.html

[homoe]

EATONVILLE, Wash. - School officials said classes were canceled Friday because of a number of COVID-19 cases. Students at Eatonville Middle School will return to remote learning for about two weeks due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

"Your actions will affect how well our community prevents the spread of the virus. Everyone should take these steps: Stay close to home, wear a mask when you leave home, limit your interactions to a small circle of friends and family," said Eatonville School District Superintendent Gary Neal.

Officials did not say exactly how many students and staff tested positive.

[homoe]

Most schools should go online-only and cancel sports, Inslee says.
Published August 5, 2020COVID-19 in WashingtonAssociated Press

SEATTLE - Gov. Jay Inslee said Wednesday that schools in the majority of Washington’s counties should strongly consider online-only learning for students this fall due to COVID-19 and canceling or postponing sports and all other in-person extracurricular activities. Inslee made the announcement with the superintendent of public instruction for Washington and the state’s health officer. Washington officials broke down their school guidelines - which are recommendations, not requirements - into categories for counties deemed high risk, moderate risk and low risk.


https://www.q13fox.com/news/most-schools-should-go-online-only-and-cancel-sports-inslee-says

[homoe]

Parents are overly anxious to get kids back in school. They need to cool their jets or they'll end up with no kids. Believe all learning ought to be remote until we can get CoVid-19 under control and/or a children's dose gets released. We have those Trumpsters to thank for all this mess. But, will we ever without a vaccine mandate. The mandate's got to have teeth, though.

You're proving to be absolutely right about parents cooling their jets or ending up with no kids....

[homoe]

You're proving to be absolutely right about parents cooling their jets or ending up with no kids....

CORONAVIRUS IN TEXAS
At least 45 districts shut down in-person classes due to COVID-19 cases, affecting more than 40,000 students.

ALASKA, CALIFORNIA,MINNESOTA, MICHIGAN, IDAHO, the list goes on and on!

[Stone-Butch]

They are saying there is a good possibility of yet another 3rd. booster shot and they are also finding people who are fully vaccinated getting the virus and having to be hospilized.

[Gemme]

The vaccines were never meant to stop people from getting COVID at all. They are for the purpose of reducing death and serious illness from it.

So far, it's only Pfizer that has the booster. Moderna has applied to work on it but Johnson & Johnson has not. I remember reading somewhere that a mix 'n match strategy would be the most effective so I might wind up getting the Pfizer booster since my original vaccination was with Moderna. I've been fortunate so far. *knock on wood*

[BullDog]

I think it's very misleading to bring up the exception without mentioning the rule. Well over 90% of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID are among the unvaccinated. No vaccine, drug, or other medical procedure is 100% effective in 100% of people. It's fine to acknowledge that some vaccinated people have suffered ill effects but it should not be stated without the other information about the vaccines' overall extremely high effectiveness rate.

The last thing we want to do is spread information that will cause people to be hesitant about taking a vaccine and/or booster shot if needed. They have been proven to be overwhelmingly effective. For the few who are vaccinated and do end up hospitalized and/or die- that does not prove or indicate the vaccines are not effective. It means some people's health and bodies cannot withstand the challenges of COVID even when vaccinated. It's COVID that is causing them problems, not the vaccines. The vaccines are just not enough for a small percentage of people.

[Orema]

I got the booster yesterday and my arm is really sore. I went to my pharmacy to make an appointment to get the booster and they were able to squeeze me in because the woman in line ahead of me cancelled her appt.

My arm is sore and my energy is lower than usual. I’ll just take it easy today and tomorrow, if necessary.

I’m back to wearing masks and gloves and I probably won’t see any family for the holidays. Some family members have received the vaccine and some haven’t. I’m just not ready to take chances like that so I’ll just hang out on the lake in the femme cave on my own.

[Stone-Butch]

I have had both shots and am only saying what was on the news. No need for people to get defensive. No need to try stating more I won't upset this apple cart any more and will keep my opinions to myself. So sorry.

[BullDog]

I am definitely not the one who is being defensive. I’m also not going around posting childish crap about being picked on in another thread right after posting in here. If I were to inadvertently say anything untrue or misleading about the virus and someone pointed it out to me I would take responsibility for what I said. I also don’t claim to be sorry about anything when it’s obvious I am not.

[Kätzchen]

Yesterday, Oregon marked over 4K deaths since the onset of Covid-19 in 2020.

Here is a timeline of Covid-19 fatalities in our state:

Nov. 2020 - over 1K deaths recorded.
Jan 2021 - over 2k (...)
Aug 2021 (just two months ago) - over 3K
October 2021 - another 1K people died, which raises the death toll to over 4K.

Since winter of 2020, Oregon has recorded over 4 thousand deaths from Covid-19. If I recall correctly, the past six months has seen just how brutal the Delta variant is, which has taken the lives of the youngest and frailest of those *not* vaccinated for protection against this dangerous viral infection.

Rico and I hope we can get a booster shot soon. It might be awhile for me, though, because I got the J&J single dose vax. Maybe by the first of the year all vax makers will get their booster shots approved.

-------------------.

We continue to mask up and keep our distance at work or while out in public. Even our Thanksgiving activity with family and family friends will be carefully planned for attendees and we will utilize every tool we can to ensure personal safety for ourselves and everyone. We won't be celebrating Christmas or New Years with others. These twin winter holidays will be just for us, on our own with each other.

---------------.


Please stay safe, everyone. :bunchflowers:

--K--

[Kätzchen]

Colin Powell, America's 1st Black Secretary of State, passed last night from complications after contracting Covid-19. He was 84 yrs old and his family states that he was fully vaccinated, as well. Rest in peace. (w)

https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/18/politics/colin-powell-dies/index.html

[Kätzchen]

Just to quickly stop by and share that I actually got my booster shot, yesterday. My first vax was the single dose by J&J and my booster shot was also made by J&J. My fiancée Rico well get his booster shot next week, as well. So far, all I have is a very sore muscle in my left arm.

[FireSignFemme]

The other day during yearly update my worker asked if I'd be interested if a third vaccine one were made made available. I guess they're conducting a survey, trying to gauge interest, need. Handy chart showing various types/recommendations-

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html

[cathexis]

Fully vaccinated and immune for CoVid-19. The pharmacists here are a bit archaic, they wouldn't give either the annual flu, Pneumovax, or shingles shot at the same time. In the military, they make members into pin-cushions. Navy SEAL ex-husband told me all about sore arms before a South American "training mission" to who knows where when his team went down what sounded like a gauntlet of corpsmen (yeah, they were still called by masculine pronouns) getting shots from both sides. He was a little under the weather for a few days, but wouldn't 'fess up. Went for his usual run and cut the grass, too.

Sounded a little extreme, but "the teams" aren't supposed to be phased by much of anything. I only found out because of being his wife.

Any hoo, my partner, and anyone we associate with has been vaccinated for CoVid-19 (or is too chicken to tell us not). No associates will even admit that they voted for 45 or supports the Big Lie, if any do/did.

[homoe]

Up to 90 COVID-19 cases linked to high school wrestling tournaments in Washington.

So far, between 80 and 90 COVID-19 cases have been linked to four high school wrestling tournaments in Washington state. The tournaments all took place on Dec. 4.

Sidebar: I remember parents being interviewed at the start of the school year and them saying it was time to get kids back into sports. Well smart move folks!

Is it any wonder we're still dealing with Covid?!

[homoe]

USE COMMON SENSE as well!!!!

If I hear one more person blame the unvaccinated for this latest fiasco with
COVID I'm going to scream!

IMO the CDC isn't issuing enough strong warnings on COVID and prevention of it since the vaccine came along! Again in my opinion they have dropped the ball and seem to only want to preach about getting vaccinated! For the life of me I don't see how they can say it's safe to travel, attending sporting events, etc etc!

I don't know if it's economy driven or the fact that us spoiled Americans just won't be unconvinced that is driving reckless behavior!

I have the vaccine, but I also have a brain! I'm NOT going to travel, or attend any big event spreaders, etc etc. What I am going to do is wear my mask and gloves, limit my exposure to others as much as possible, and pray to god that I don't get COVID!

[FireSignFemme]

Today I came across the following, found it interesting and thought I'd pass it along

United States Census Bureau – Household Plus Survey Data Tables, results based on information collected so far. Currently we're in phase 3.3 of the study which is scheduled to continue until February of 2022 but results for those intersted for Phase 1 – 3.2 are available online at -

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/household-pulse-survey/data.html

[homoe]

Mon, December 20, 2021, 2:00 AM

Americans are tired of COVID and don't want another round of cancellations, but they're happening anyway.

Omicron is spreading so fast that it's forcing officials' hands, and scrambling Americans' plans just two weeks after an Axios-Ipsos poll found that most weren't interested in upending their lives to avoid the new variant.

"This virus is extraordinary. It has a doubling time of anywhere from two to three days," NIAID director Anthony Fauci told Jake Tapper on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday.

President Biden plans to deliver remarks Tuesday on the status of the fight against COVID, including new steps the administration will be taking to help communities in need of assistance, a White House official told Axios.

"The President will also issue a stark warning of what the winter will look like for Americans that choose to remain unvaccinated," the official said.

Professional sports teams and entertainment venues, as well as corporations and schools, have all announced cancellations and closures in recent days.

The NBA rescheduled five more games over the weekend after the NHL and NFL rescheduled several games last week.

Radio City Music Hall canceled the Rockettes' remaining Christmas shows and iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball Concert in Miami was scrapped — just two major examples of a flurry of live entertainment halted in cities across the U.S.

After Omicron derailed many company end-of-the-year parties, many are giving up on return to work altogether right now, Axios' Erica Pandey writes. Businesses like restaurants have already begun to feel Omicron's painful effects, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Schools around the country — including in New York, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Missouri — shifted to virtual learning in the days leading up to their holiday breaks, Insider reported.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/omicron-forces-another-round-covid-100006382.html

[homoe]

USE COMMON SENSE as well!!!!

If I hear one more person blame the unvaccinated for this latest fiasco with
COVID I'm going to scream!

IMO the CDC isn't issuing enough strong warnings on COVID and prevention of it since the vaccine came along! Again in my opinion they have dropped the ball and seem to only want to preach about getting vaccinated! For the life of me I don't see how they can say it's safe to travel, attending sporting events, etc etc!

I don't know if it's economy driven or the fact that us spoiled Americans just won't be unconvinced that is driving reckless behavior!

I have the vaccine, but I also have a brain! I'm NOT going to travel, or attend any big event spreaders, etc etc. What I am going to do is wear my mask and gloves, limit my exposure to others as much as possible, and pray to god that I don't get COVID!


Fauci urges Americans to stay 'prudent' as omicron 'something to be reckoned with'.

Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday that the omicron variant has overtaken all other COVID-19 mutations and is "something to be reckoned with," but said Americans should be able to gather with family for the holidays if they stay "prudent."

"If you are vaccinated and boosted and are prudent when you travel when you’re in an airport to be wearing a mask all the time, you have to be wearing a mask on a plane. Do not do things like go to gatherings where there are people who you do not know what their vaccination status is," Fauci told ABC chief Washington correspondent John Karl on "This Week."

Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the White House chief medical adviser, added that the omicron variant has an "extraordinary capability" of transmitting from one person to another as it rapidly spreads across the country.

"It seems to be overtaking all the other variants, including delta, with a doubling time of about two to three days, which means that this is really something to be reckoned with," he said. "It is really rapidly spreading literally throughout the world and certainly in our own country."

[homoe]

According to the latest forecast from AAA, more than 109 million people were set to travel 50 miles or further for the end of year holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s. That’s up 34% from last year, and just 8% below the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

And many more families were planning to fly this year. AAA expected that 6.4 million people would travel by plane, nearly triple the number of people who traveled that way last year.

Yet, the emergence of the omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has many questioning their holiday plans, especially as there’s been more evidence that people who are vaccinated against the virus can still contract the omicron variant. As of Dec. 19, there were over 72,000 new COVID-19 cases reported nationwide, according to the New York Times COVID tracker. The number of new cases has steadily risen throughout December, and hospitalizations are also increasing.

‘The truth is the safest thing with COVID is to stay home, if that’s the only consideration.’ — Dr. Preeti Malani, an infectious disease physician and chief health officer at the University of Michigan.

In all fairness the article goes on to address mental health saying “There is a huge risk to not getting together this year,” “People have been isolated, and that is every bit as much of a risk.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/is-it-safe-to-travel-for-christmas-as-omicron-spreads-here-are-5-steps-to-stay-healthy-during-the-holidays/ar-AAS0zfe

Sidebar: IMO there's always some commotion at family get-to-togethers! Someone voices and brings up an perceived slight, someone drinks a little too much liquor, etc etc! I say stay home, if possible, and deprive yourself of all that merriment

[Stone-Butch]

As posted by Moe "there's been more evidence that people who are vaccinated against the virus can still contract the omicron variant"

Do you think this is a scare tactic that will prevent people from getting any vaccines? I don't.

Do you think it will stop people from travelling and being reckless? I don't.

I thank the news for the constant update on what is going on and what people should do but people are people and act in different ways and are not controlled by others comments. To those that disagree I say ROTFLMAO

[BullDog]

Why people continue to make excuses for the unvaccinated when they are clearly the ones causing a majority of the problems, putting others' health and lives at risk, and giving the virus a much better chance to continue to thrive and mutate is beyond me., They are also of course the ones who are by far most at risk for being hospitalized (putting unnecessary strain on healthcare workers and facilities) and/or dying.

Do the vaccinated need to take the proper precautions?. Absolutely. And many are not. I prefer to avoid people most of the time anyway so I stay home and I am perfectly okay with it. Can they can get COVID. Yes. But the way I see it discussed is usually completely out of context and very misleading and is not at all helpful. Getting vaccinated is by far and away the best thing people can do to protect themselves and others. That is what should be emphasized. And no it's not 100% bulletproof. Nothing in life is. I don't understand the focus some people seem to have on putting the onus on the vaccinated. Carry on.

I'm not controlled by anyone's comments but I do listen to science because the virus doesn't care about whacko anti-vax beliefs. It's just looking for a home. And yes I do believe what we say matters, especially with all of the misiformation going around.

[homoe]

The omicron variant has turned a season of joy into one of weariness and resentment amid a new coronavirus surge.

With days to go before Christmas, Americans are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Of reworking plans to adapt to the latest virus risks. Of searching for at-home tests and not finding them. Of wondering whether, after two years of avoiding COVID-19, or surviving it, or getting vaccinated and maybe even boosted, omicron is the variant they inevitably catch.

A sense of dread about omicron’s rapid spread — the fastest of any variant yet — has swept through the Northeast and Upper Midwest, which were already swamped with delta variant cases and hospitalizations. And unease has burgeoned even in states and territories like Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico that had moved past a terrible summer of delta and, until recently, experienced a relative virus lull.

IMO, it's better to be unconvinced for a while instead of DEAD forever!

[homoe]

NIAID director Anthony Fauci warned Wednesday that large gatherings this holiday season are unsafe even for fully vaccinated people who've had a COVID-19 booster shot, as the Omicron variant surges across the U.S.

What he's saying: "There are many of these parties that have 30, 40, 50 people in which you do not know the vaccination status of individuals," Fauci said at a briefing. "Those are the kind of functions in the context of Omicron that you do not want to go to."

I wish he would say the same about sporting events!


https://www.yahoo.com/news/fauci-says-large-holiday-gatherings-060720435.html

[homoe]

At the White House COVID-19 response team briefing Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci responded to a question whether the hypercontagious Omicron variant’s lower rate of severe disease is a sign that the pandemic is nearing an end. Fauci called the assumption “dangerous business.” “You can’t count on anything when you’re dealing with a virus that has fooled us so many times before,” he said.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/fauci-dangerous-assume-pandemic-could-213749957.html

[Orema]

https://www.covidtests.gov/

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — In an effort to increase access and testing supplies, the Biden administration launched a new website for people to order free at-home COVID-19 tests.

Tests are in high demand and have been increasingly difficult to find.

"There’s a consensus that the United States could and should have invested more in rapid testing and testing in general for COVID-19," said Dr. William Nettleton, the medical director at the Kalamazoo County Health Department.

Covidtests.gov officially went live Wednesday.

https://wwmt.com/resources/media/cac0c378-89e6-4bd0-8906-db8fabbbdd97-medium16x9_covidtestwebsite.JPG?1642597637424
In an effort to increase access and testing supply, the Biden administration launched a new website for people to order free at home COVID-19 tests. (WWMT/Courtesy covidtests.gov)

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four rapid at-home COVID-19 tests.

Launch: White House soft-launches COVID-19 test request website
The tests are completely free. You can order by filling out the form on the site with your contact information and shipping address.

There is a limit of one order per residential address.

The website states orders usually ship in 7 to 12 days and will be delivered by the United States Postal Service.

As of last Saturday, insurance companies and health plans are now required to cover eight free over-the-counter, at-home tests per covered individual, per month.

Insurance coverage: Insurance now covers at-home COVID-19 tests
As cases of the omicron variant rise, health officials say testing is crucial to stop the spread of COVID-19.

"We all need to make testing more routine in our lives right now," said Nettleton. "It helps reduce the spread. If I know I’m positive, I can isolate and protect those around me from getting COVID."

Tests can be ordered on covidtests.gov.

To find a free testing site near you in the mitten, visit Michigan.gov.

https://wwmt.com/news/local/white-house-rolls-out-website-to-order-free-at-home-covid-19-tests
______________________

Just ordered my tests without any problems. Website was running smoothly without any hiccups.

:bow:

[homoe]

Fauci: Worst case scenario for 2022 is variant that eludes vaccine protection.

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/fauci-worst-case-scenario-for-2022-is-variant-that-eludes-vaccine-protection-194015191.html

[easygoingfemme]

Fauci: Worst case scenario for 2022 is variant that eludes vaccine protection.

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/fauci-worst-case-scenario-for-2022-is-variant-that-eludes-vaccine-protection-194015191.html

Yup. I'm drowning in Omicron but fearing the next variant.

COVID ripped through my job over the last month, staff and residents. Knock on wood, as far as I know, I haven't had it. It's wearing us all down. At least they started giving us a little bit of hazard pay when there is an outbreak.

[Kätzchen]

Why people continue to make excuses for the unvaccinated when they are clearly the ones causing a majority of the problems, putting others' health and lives at risk, and giving the virus a much better chance to continue to thrive and mutate is beyond me., They are also of course the ones who are by far most at risk for being hospitalized (putting unnecessary strain on healthcare workers and facilities) and/or dying.

Do the vaccinated need to take the proper precautions?. Absolutely. And many are not. I prefer to avoid people most of the time anyway so I stay home and I am perfectly okay with it. Can they can get COVID. Yes. But the way I see it discussed is usually completely out of context and very misleading and is not at all helpful. Getting vaccinated is by far and away the best thing people can do to protect themselves and others. That is what should be emphasized. And no it's not 100% bulletproof. Nothing in life is. I don't understand the focus some people seem to have on putting the onus on the vaccinated. Carry on.

I'm not controlled by anyone's comments but I do listen to science because the virus doesn't care about whacko anti-vax beliefs. It's just looking for a home. And yes I do believe what we say matters, especially with all of the misiformation going around.

I found a very interesting news article over on The Atlantic which delves deeper into the anti-vax phenomena in our American society, Bulldog.

Kurt Anderson records that, "Millions of Americans were tricked by propogandists of the political right into forgoing vaccinations and thus volunteering for death by Covid."

Anderson outlines how this happened by offering sociological study findings.

Link to news article:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/01/human-sacrifice-ritual-mass-vaccination/621355/

[homoe]

Lifting of mask rules creates headaches for some travelers.


In the weeks since a federal judge in Florida struck down the federal mask mandate for planes and other transportation settings, Americans have met the change with a mix of excitement and concern. Some travelers welcomed the news, even cheering on planes when pilots announced the ruling. For others, the prospect of flying with unmasked seatmates has been a source of anxiety.

The Justice Department said it would appeal the decision, but the rule has been dropped for the time being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends wearing a mask on flights.

[Stone-Butch]

"we don't wanna wear masks" say the protesters like kids. I don't know anyone including myself who "likes" to wear them but grow up it protects others, others who might be a loved one to you. SO, stop it. The first time the little one came with family to visit she came in ahead as they were getting thigs out of the car. She say hi , then puts her little hand on her mask and says "mask on or off"? I said, honey, take it off but ty for asking. Did I mention she is 5 yrs old?.

[JDeere]

Honestly, covid has become so highly political, religious, it's gross.

Yes it exists, yes there are tons of variants but for me I'm not getting the booster. It's my personal choice to not do so, as I have been to 5 doctors that said a component in the vaccine has caused my lupus and some other health issues, so no I won't get the booster. And no I did not sign up to die either, Ive already died twice and Im still here and thats not due to much medical help.

I find it odd that folks I come in contact with on both sides of political parties are now regretting getting the vaccines and boosters, because their health has gotten worse, way worse than before covid showed up!

Also when WHO and CDC and other factions don't completely agree with each other on basics of vaccines, their origins,masks, etc.. then to me it shows the government and all agencies have a mess, they can't fix so they pawn it off on someone, including Trump, when Fauci and Biden and everyone else involved are just as responsible for things, they let come out of their mouthes!

Im seeing that they don't give 2 shits about common man, just our money!

[Gemme]

My new supervisor has COVID. She got it while training in Chicago. Darn you, Bears!

On a serious note, I'm not sure what variant she has but she's actually really sick. I hope she gets better soon. :rrose:

[Blade]

Fully vaccinated and recovering from COVID now. Don't know which variant I have but would suspect Omicron. Was at a family event last weekend lots of hugs and love going around. After not being in large groups or hugging on people as I'd normally do for the last almost 3 yrs, I actually felt dirty when I left the party. Like I needed a shower. As it has turned out so far 3people got sick before me and 3 have gotten sick since me. So I guess 7 out of 70 isn't to bad.

[homoe]

Fully vaccinated and recovering from COVID now. Don't know which variant I have but would suspect Omicron. Was at a family event last weekend lots of hugs and love going around. After not being in large groups or hugging on people as I'd normally do for the last almost 3 yrs, I actually felt dirty when I left the party. Like I needed a shower. As it has turned out so far 3people got sick before me and 3 have gotten sick since me. So I guess 7 out of 70 isn't to bad.

May I ask what symptoms you had? I had have a sore throat for 10 days and no clue from the dr I saw what is causing it!

[Blade]

May I ask what symptoms you had? I had have a sore throat for 10 days and no clue from the dr I saw what is causing it!

That was it scratchy throat felt a little sluggish Tuesday. By Tuesday evening I had a low grade fever. Wednesday scratchy throat was gone but fever sustained at 101.2. Still slight fever Thursday morning. No fever since but I did continue to take Tylenol every 6 hrs until today. Hoping I van make it threw my shift tomorrow. I am still testing positive but was told to return to work.

[homoe]

That was it scratchy throat felt a little sluggish Tuesday. By Tuesday evening I had a low grade fever. Wednesday scratchy throat was gone but fever sustained at 101.2. Still slight fever Thursday morning. No fever since but I did continue to take Tylenol every 6 hrs until today. Hoping I van make it threw my shift tomorrow. I am still testing positive but was told to return to work.

Thank you so much for replying!

I saw a second doctor today finally and he took another throat swab for other possibilities , a test for Covid, and after some questions gave me some sinus sprays to start using.

[homoe]

Thank you so much for replying!

I saw a second doctor today finally and he took another throat swab for other possibilities , a test for Covid, and after some questions gave me some sinus sprays to start using.

Negative on the COVID, still waiting to hear the results on the throat swab.

[JDeere]

3 of my doctors have told me NOT to get the booster. Currently all the vaccinated members of my family, have gotten covid, except me I ended up with Lupus and other ailments.

So I won't be getting the booster. I think some doctors are actually figuring out that boosters don't always do any good, but more harm. No wonder so many doctors are quitting or getting fired for speaking out against all mighty CDC, WHO and other government scientists, when this was a lab made virus.

[BullDog]

Lol, so many people on the internet claiming their doctors are telling them not to get the vaccine or booster. I would like to see proof of this because I don't believe that many doctors are running around telling people not to get vaccinated.

Can you get a booster if you haven't gotten the first vaccine shots?

The point of the boosters is not to prevent you from getting Covid. It's to help make it not as dangerous if you do. A vast majority of serious illnesses and deaths from Covid are from those who are not vaccinated. So no the boosters are not doing more harm than good. That is absolutely false and people need to stop spewing misinformation about Covid.

[Blade]

I Agee with you Bulldog! I think there are more people saying that the Dr told them not to get vaccinated than there are Dr's actually telling them not to vaccinate. However I do know of a few people who's Dr/s have advised against it. Recent stroke victims, someone with advanced MS most legitimate cases I know of are because if extreme medical issues that may be exacerbated due to the vaccine.

The thing is the folks that I know, their spouses haven't gotten vaccinated "because the Dr told "so and so" not to. OMG just makes me want to shake them.

[BullDog]

Let's be clear about something. You don't get boosters until you have had the first vaccine shots. So no doctor is going to advise against boosters when you aren't even eligible for them yet because you are not vaccinated. They are called boosters for a reason.

Did someone suddenly get vaccinated after swearing up and down over and over again that he never would? I highly doubt it. And if you finally saw the light and did get vaccinated why would you then go into a big anti-booster stance?

I am tired of all the b.s. Thousands - most likely hundreds of thousands of people or more - have died due to all of the misinformation about Covid. As Blade said there are some specific cases where certain people may not be able to get the vaccine but they are rare. Most of the yahoos claiming that their doctors are advising against the vaccine and/or boosters are flat out lying and contributing to the misinformation about Covid - which is literally killing people.

[Gemme]

One thing I wasn't prepared for when I got my booster was that it stirred up dormant stuff in me. I've known a few others that also had this happen. I had a fever blister pop up, as did my trainer and a friend's 30-something year old daughter got shingles.

Having said that, I'm eligible for my second booster next month and I'll be getting it. Why do that when it could stir something up again? Because the alternative is less attractive to me. The vaccines and boosters, as Bully said, are designed not as a cure, but as a preventative measure to lessen the severity of COVID's symptoms and impact on a person. The more people that are protected with the vaccines means the less likelihood that it will continue to spread and morph into new variants.

Like JD, there are some who have medical issues that might be worsened by the shots. I get that. There are also those whose religion is against the shots. Again, I get that. It's unfortunate but I get it.

What I don't get is the lying. Why do people lie about getting the vaccine when they didn't and saying that they were told not to by a medical professional when they weren't? Because they know it will generate a strong response and they don't want to deal with the conversations that would follow. BUT if they truly didn't care, why lie? Because they DO care and they DO know that it's the right thing to do but they just don't want to do it. Those people. Those are the ones that make me shake my head.

[JDeere]

Lol, so many people on the internet claiming their doctors are telling them not to get the vaccine or booster. I would like to see proof of this because I don't believe that many doctors are running around telling people not to get vaccinated.

Can you get a booster if you haven't gotten the first vaccine shots?

The point of the boosters is not to prevent you from getting Covid. It's to help make it not as dangerous if you do. A vast majority of serious illnesses and deaths from Covid are from those who are not vaccinated. So no the boosters are not doing more harm than good. That is absolutely false and people need to stop spewing misinformation about Covid.

If you would like, I can give you my dr's phone numbers if you really want them. I have had both vaccines in 2021, it is now June 2022, I have lupus, all 3 of them said NO booster, so until you know someone's status, shut up!

Don't come on here thinking you know everything either about everyone. Have the day you deserve because you deserve a shitty day for this post!

[JDeere]

Also my exact dates on my vaccine card is October 11, 2021 for first dose and November 11,2021 for second it was Pfizer.

I had to get it for my job cuz it was mandated and my family made me get it! So clear that bullshit right up, right now!

[BullDog]

Well good you did get vaccinated. It goes contrary to all the anti-vax crap and misinformation you spewed earlier. Fortunately, most of those horrible posts were wiped out when the website had a meltdown.


"The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people with lupus who meet the age requirements receive a series of COVID-19 vaccines.

The virus has changed and is now easier to catch and transmit, even for people who are vaccinated, but it is much less likely to get it or have a serious case if you are completely vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is still the best way to prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19.

If you have not gotten the vaccine and boosters, please talk to your health care team about why you should receive it."

https://www.lupus.org/resources/covid19-vaccine-and-lupus

From same page:

I have been vaccinated. Do I need a booster shot?

Yes. Everyone over 12 should get a booster shot of an mRNA vaccine regardless of which vaccine they received for their first shot. People who are over 12 and moderately or severely immunocompromised may choose to receive a second booster shot. The ACR recommends that people with lupus should also receive an additional dose of an mRNA vaccine.

This means that you may need up to 5 doses of the vaccine to get the best possible protection.

The virus has changed and it is now easier to catch and transmit even for people who are vaccinated. The booster shot is particularly important in reducing the chance that you will catch COVID-19. Receiving a booster shot reduces the chance that you will catch COVID-19. It also reduces the chance that if you do get it you will get seriously ill or die.

Talk to your doctor about the number and timing of COVID-19 vaccine doses that are right for you.

[Orema]

https://www.covidtests.gov/

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — In an effort to increase access and testing supplies, the Biden administration launched a new website for people to order free at-home COVID-19 tests.

Tests are in high demand and have been increasingly difficult to find.

"There’s a consensus that the United States could and should have invested more in rapid testing and testing in general for COVID-19," said Dr. William Nettleton, the medical director at the Kalamazoo County Health Department.

Covidtests.gov officially went live Wednesday.

https://wwmt.com/resources/media/cac0c378-89e6-4bd0-8906-db8fabbbdd97-medium16x9_covidtestwebsite.JPG?1642597637424
In an effort to increase access and testing supply, the Biden administration launched a new website for people to order free at home COVID-19 tests. (WWMT/Courtesy covidtests.gov)

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four rapid at-home COVID-19 tests.

Launch: White House soft-launches COVID-19 test request website
The tests are completely free. You can order by filling out the form on the site with your contact information and shipping address.

There is a limit of one order per residential address.

The website states orders usually ship in 7 to 12 days and will be delivered by the United States Postal Service.

As of last Saturday, insurance companies and health plans are now required to cover eight free over-the-counter, at-home tests per covered individual, per month.

Insurance coverage: Insurance now covers at-home COVID-19 tests
As cases of the omicron variant rise, health officials say testing is crucial to stop the spread of COVID-19.

"We all need to make testing more routine in our lives right now," said Nettleton. "It helps reduce the spread. If I know I’m positive, I can isolate and protect those around me from getting COVID."

Tests can be ordered on covidtests.gov.

To find a free testing site near you in the mitten, visit Michigan.gov.

https://wwmt.com/news/local/white-house-rolls-out-website-to-order-free-at-home-covid-19-tests
______________________

Just ordered my tests without any problems. Website was running smoothly without any hiccups.

:bow:

Here is the link to order more tests. I ordered some more last night and had no problems.

https://www.covid.gov/tests

[Stone-Butch]

When I was at Walmart two days ago there was a rolling 3 tear shelf by the exit door and it was loaded top to bottom with testers. Just take what you want. I thought it was a great idea and shoppers were only taking one at a time but you could take what you needed to a limit said the security guard there.

[Orema]

I vaccinated this week so I'm up to date with the vaccinations for my age group.

:bow:

[Orema]

For U.S. Residents ...

Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests at https://special.usps.com/testkits

As of September 25, 2023, residential households in the U.S. can order one set of #4 free at-home tests from USPS.com again. Here's what you need to know about your order:


Limit of one order per residential address
One order includes #4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (COVIDTests.gov has more details about at-home tests (https://www.covid.gov/tests), including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates)
Orders will ship free starting the week of October 2, 2023


I think I need the new Covid Booster shot. I'll find out this morning when I get my flu shot.

[Kätzchen]

I got the latest flu shot at the end of August and yesterday I got the latest Covid booster and the shot for RSV. Got two sore arms but I’m inoculated so I don’t catch bad germs that make you real sick.

Hope everybody is still hanging on to their hygiene routines and keeping hands washed and clean. I still, to this day, freak out when I see somebody not practicing good hygiene.

I keep a fresh mask handy in my purse and spare nitril gloves 🧤 handy too.

[Orema]

Got the latest COVID shot and RSV shot yesterday. Arm is sore, but that’s the breaks.

[Orema]

It’s Covid Season. What Are the New Rules for Staying Safe?
A primer on how to minimize your risk and know when you’re in the clear after an exposure.
By Dani Blum, New York Times, Oct. 25, 2023

https://i.postimg.cc/SsCNWxTr/IMG-0001.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Danielle St. Laurent for The New York Times

We want to be done with Covid. But the virus isn’t done with us.

While cases are not as high as they were at the end of this summer, newer variants are spreading, and experts predict that the patterns often seen over the last three years of the pandemic — the temperature drops, people cluster indoors, cases rise — will play out again this fall. That means it might be time to take stock (yes, again) of how you can minimize your risk.

“It continues to be a moving target, and I think that continues to be hard for people,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco.

As the holiday season approaches, here is a quick refresher on how to navigate the pandemic.

What precautions should I be taking at this point?
You’ve heard it before, you’ll hear it again: Masks can help you protect yourself and others from becoming sick. So can washing your hands thoroughly and not touching your face with unwashed hands, said Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, a pulmonary and critical care doctor at Cleveland Clinic.

The updated Covid vaccines can also reduce your chances of being infected, and especially cut down on your risk of serious illness, said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the chief of research and development at the V.A. St. Louis Healthcare System.

Rapid tests are also a vital tool. (You can order four free tests (https://www.covid.gov/tests) per household from the federal government.) Testing when you have symptoms, or after a confirmed exposure, can help determine if you have the virus. Keep in mind that you should take two tests, 48 hours apart, for a more complete picture. If you do have Covid, you may qualify for Paxlovid, which significantly reduces the risk of severe disease and death — but you need to take the medication within five days of symptoms starting.

What are the riskiest activities?
Risk largely boils down to how crowded a place is and how long you spend there. If you’re popping into a convenience store, for example, your risk is probably minimal; if you’re lingering unmasked for hours in a full concert hall, it’s higher.

“Any time you’re indoors with a lot of people, the risk is still there,” said Dr. Marc Sala, co-director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Covid-19 Center in Chicago. It’s a good idea to wear a mask on the subway or bus. Planes are likely less risky because of their ventilation, but you still may want to mask, especially when boarding and deplaning.

For any indoor activity, like going to a bar, there are degrees of risk, said Dr. Chin-Hong. How busy is the place? Can you sit by an open window? Newer buildings tend to have better ventilation, and the bigger a place, the more spaced out you can be from other people, which lowers your chance of infection. And anything becomes riskier when cases are rising. It’s tricky to find clear data on Covid-19 cases, but you can check local hospitalization rates and wastewater data to get a better sense of your risk.

If I’m exposed to Covid, when am I in the clear?
As the coronavirus has evolved, the amount of time between being exposed and developing symptoms has shortened, Dr. Chin-Hong said. Most people now tend to test positive three days after they have been exposed to the virus, he said. But for many people, it takes a full week to test positive on a rapid test. (Molecular tests are more sensitive but harder to find outside of a doctor’s office.) Once you’re past the one-week mark, though, you’re likely in the clear.

I’m sick but not sure if it’s Covid. Should I cancel my plans?
It depends on how risk-averse you and the people around you are. It also depends on who you are spending time with — if you’re visiting an older relative, for example, you may want to reschedule.

And you may want to tell those you’re spending time with that you are not feeling well.

“Just like you inform people when you’re coming late, you inform them with the symptoms you have, and you negotiate with them,” Dr. Chin-Hong said. You might move a dinner party outside, for example, or shift plans to another night. Testing is often the only way to determine whether sniffles are due to a cold, the flu or Covid.

If you have a fever, stay home, Dr. Chin-Hong said. That’s a sign you’re likely infectious.

I just had Covid. Do I still need to be careful?
If you caught the coronavirus in the past three months, you’re fairly well protected against it. You can still become reinfected within that window, but it’s far less likely, because the variants circulating are similar.

I’m going home for the holidays. Should I quarantine before my trip?
Consider taking extra precautions, like limiting the time you spend around others unmasked in the five days before a big gathering. Be vigilant about your symptoms, Dr. Khabbaza said. You may also want to test beforehand.

“It’s hard to eliminate risk completely,” Dr. Al-Aly said. “But you can reduce one’s risk.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/well/live/covid-symptoms-testing-treatment.html

[Kätzchen]

Well, for all the shots I got last fall to keep from coming down with anything remotely related to Covid, I got exposed by a parent whose kids were sick and they exposed us at work. I’ve been real sick since a few days ago. Thankfully the shots I got have helped out a lot because I’m pretty sure, as an ex-smoker of nearly 2 years, I wouldn’t be here to say …. “Hey, Covid is still alive and well.”

It’s hard on a person to not hate on others who care nothing about how they get sick and spread their sickness to others. Real hard to resist the temptation to hate other people who won’t care about themselves or others.

[Orema]

Your 2024 Guide to Covid Symptoms and Treatment
Rest, fluids and medications are your friends.

We’re four years into the pandemic, and by this point, most Americans have had Covid at least once. But when the virus comes for us (again), it can still feel just as alarming as your first bout.

Here’s a guide to what Covid looks like now and how to treat it.

Symptoms
The most common Covid symptoms haven’t changed much since the start of the pandemic, and they remain consistent for the latest dominant variant, JN.1, said Dr. Soniya Gandhi, the associate chief medical officer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. They include fatigue, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, headache, body aches and cough.

“All or any of those in isolation can still be Covid,” Dr. Gandhi said.

Some people may develop conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, or experience gastrointestinal issues, like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but those symptoms are rarer. Anecdotally, experts said, one of the most notable symptoms early in the pandemic — the loss of taste and smell — also appears to be less common these days.

“The biggest change is that people are having milder symptoms overall,” said Dr. Amanda Casto, an acting assistant professor of allergy and infectious diseases at the University of Washington. That’s because virtually everyone has some pre-existing immunity from vaccines, a prior infection or both.

While Covid is mild for most people, it can be dangerous and even fatal for some. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that, as of mid-February, more than 21,000 people were hospitalized (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00) with Covid, and there had been roughly 10,000 Covid-related deaths (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00) in 2024.

https://i.postimg.cc/zBcCN9rV/26-WELL-COVID-SYMPTOMS1-jumbo.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Getty Images

Severe illness is a lot less prevalent now than during the first few years of the pandemic, “but we’re still seeing it,” said Dr. Stuart Ray, a professor in the division of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. The people who are getting sickest tend to be those with compromised immune systems and underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or lung problems. Adults over age 65 are also at higher risk for severe infections.

Since mild Covid can look like a cold or the flu, it’s important to test yourself if you have symptoms or have had a known exposure, Dr. Gandhi said. Knowing what you have can affect your treatment and how long you isolate from others.

On March 1, the C.D.C. updated its guidance for preventing the spread of Covid and other respiratory viruses. The agency recommended that people isolate until their symptoms have started to improve and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours. The agency acknowledged that people may still be contagious at this point and should continue to take precautions, like masking and physical distancing, for the next five days.

Treatment
The antiviral pill Paxlovid is very effective against severe Covid, reducing the risk of death by 73 percent if taken within the first five days of an infection, according to a preliminary study (https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.26.23290602v1.full.pdf) conducted by the National Institutes of Health. Experts urged people who are high-risk to contact their doctors about getting a prescription as soon as they have symptoms or test positive.

“If you’re elderly or you have comorbidities, before you even get worse, you should already seek medical care,” said Dr. Bernard Camins, the medical director for infection prevention at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York. “Your health care provider will then evaluate you if you’re a candidate for antivirals.”

Paxlovid isn’t recommended for everyone. It can interact with several medications, including common ones used to lower blood pressure or prevent blood clots, and it’s also not advised for people with severe kidney disease. If you can’t take Paxlovid, the drug remdesivir could be an option, but it has to be delivered intravenously, so it’s less convenient and harder to obtain.

Paxlovid also doesn’t appear to provide much benefit (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37387690/) to young, healthy adults whose risk of severe infection is low, so it isn’t broadly recommended for those groups.

For most people, Covid symptoms can be managed at home and treated like any other respiratory illness, with an emphasis on rest and staying hydrated. “If you have congestion or cough, you’re losing more fluids than you normally would,” Dr. Casto said. “So I would definitely recommend that people stay on top of fluid.”

If you have a fever or body aches, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). You can also take over-the-counter cold and flu medicines with decongestants or cough suppressants, though the experts didn’t recommend them strongly because they don’t work for everybody and can cause drowsiness.

When to seek medical care
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath — meaning you can’t catch your breath or are taking quick and shallow breaths — it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

“The thing that I worry most about is the breathing,” Dr. Casto said. “That’s the most concerning sign, because people can get” worse really quickly. If you’re having trouble breathing, she advised going to the emergency room rather than to your doctor or an urgent care clinic. Experts also said you should see a provider if you experience confusion or chest pain.

If your symptoms don’t improve after several days, or improve and then regress, it could be a sign you have a secondary infection like pneumonia, Dr. Casto said. In that case, or if you’re concerned about your symptoms at all, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.

By Dana G. Smith, March 1, 2024. Dana G. Smith is a Times reporter covering personal health, particularly aging and brain health.

https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-symptoms-treatment.html

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Your 2024 Guide to Covid Symptoms and Treatment
Rest, fluids and medications are your friends.

We’re four years into the pandemic, and by this point, most Americans have had Covid at least once. . .

I'm pretty sure Covid is what I had earlier in February. I even got pink eye.

[Kätzchen]

Hey everybody,

I just went to my pharmacy to find out if I could still get a Covid booster shot, since the nut case (RFK, jr) is dismantling anything we’ve done to protect our health and I got a booster shot. The shot was charged against my Medicare health policy for $185.00. Wow, they were free during the past four years, but now we get charged a hefty price for a booster shot.

I had Covid before kingkong (T——p) would even admit Covid was killing people…. So one round of badass sickness and one JJ Shot and three boosters later, I plan to NEVER be infected again with Covid.

Please know that the strains of COVID 19 are alive and well and you can be re-infected. I hate that so much Mis- and Dis- information surrounds COVID 19.

Don’t believe the tyrant and his force of well equipped liars.

Stay healthy and give yourself a big round of applause for taking steps to protect your health.

[Kätzchen]

I'm saddened by this.

A 93-year-old pen maker in Coventry, RI is going out of business.

Garland Writing Instruments makes promotional pens and branded gifts, but owner Rick Becker said the company's orders dried up in the pandemic when trade shows and conventions were canceled.

"It was going along really well. We were growing. The business was growing. And the name recognition had really come back to life. But the pandemic hit, and it just sort of came to a screeching halt," Becker told NBC 10's Gene Valicenti on his WPRO radio show.

Becker said he's also had trouble sourcing components used to make face shields, which Garland added to its product line to compensate for the loss in pen sales.

The Garland name and the company's assets are for sale. The company has about 12 employees.

Garland made the pens that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi used to sign the articles of impeachment against President Trump.

The company was founded in 1927. Becker said it was the last company making mid-range pens in America.



I tried to find the latest study on economic impacts from just 4 years ago (COVID era), but only could find this scientific research study from 2019 (or so). It’s a great nerdy science read, for those interested in reading the PDF I found on economic impacts.

I will say this: the study mentions impacts such as supply chain disruptions. Anybody wanna guess what new research might point to, this time??? I’m guessing supply chain disruptions in the form of tariffs by djt & co might be more obvious this time around.

LINK to study: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2006991117