Joshua, I know you were not in the UK long. Are the health experts more open and consistent with messaging? Also do the people seem to have a vaccinated vs unvaccinated view. Or do they tend to work more as a whole in order to move forward.
I kinda liked that. Makes the point across. 😀
Me too. Took me a minute to figure who / what she was
I have changed my mind and I would have NO problem if Boston Mayor Janey issued an indoor mask mandate. I woke up this morning needing to clear my throat a bit, but after I had my usual orange juice along with my meds then breakfast I now feel quite fine as ever as I am here at work where masks are required indoors anyway with weekly testing. There are too many “small” businesses like banks, take-out restaurants, small stores, not to mention Dunkin Donuts, etc. with no customers wearing masks including workers and those “in charge”. I now worry when I see a dozen or more customers waiting in line then waiting around for their orders. I now see what you mean Joshua regarding CVS.
After work, I am going to order take-out again today but keep my mask on this time, even if I’m the only customer.
Bottom line, I guess I will have to surrender to the virus. I will walk the streets outside like it’s 2019, but “mask up” inside like it’s 2020. Oh well.
Amazing what a tickle of the throat can do these days. 😉
Late yesterday I already got an email notice from my healthcare provider regarding boosters. They are not available just yet but they will let me know in future notifications and lead me to their website for appointments.
I guess I am on their list for shot #3. 🙂
That is awesome. I have not heard from MGH brigham yet.
Gov. Baker still will not issue a mask mandate for public schools, opting for a town-by-town approach instead. He feels that being #2 in vaccinations is safe enough. This actually goes against the current CDC guidelines.
Did he speak or just post a message?
I read it in Friday’s Boston Herald.
Thank you.
Vicki, here are some observations.
Differences in NPI in UK (London) v. Massachusetts; these differences are probably more pronounced if we compare UK to many other states.
– Masking was generally more ubiquitous in the UK (London), even outdoors on crowded streets, though never in parks – which I do think is the rational approach; you don’t pick up coronavirus walking through Hampstead Heath, but you just might in a busy London street;
– Distancing was NOT implemented at all at Logan, while it was implemented at Heathrow airport (you could not sit next to someone in the waiting areas, as every other seat had a big sign on it), pharmacies, and public transit (basically signage everywhere asking people to keep a distance of 6 feet, which of course was very hard to do)
– Mask requirement signs in stores were quite frequent (very little of this in Massachusetts, except in the few towns with “mask mandates.” Even in pharmacies (!) in Boston almost everyone is maskless and does not maintain any distance whatsoever
– Distancing or at least the attempt at it in very crowded London is a thing, perhaps a reflection of the British habit of queuing. People are more polite there, and even pre-Covid gave you more space.
– Masking AND distancing AND hygiene AND vaccination (where to get a vaccine) signs are everywhere in London; literally every street corner (helps when you have a national health service, I know)
– Contact tracing is a real thing there, in many places (apps on phones; registering at many restaurants and other indoor venues), and just not at all prevalent here.
Is the UK doing great? No. NPI are not a panacea; and not everyone is vaccinated. Cases and hospitalizations are still very much elevated. Some are not doing their part and are loathe to. But, is the pandemic itself being taken more seriously there than here – even in a state like Massachusetts? Yes. Clearly it is. Even the government of Boris Johnson is more proactive than Governor Baker. I can only imagine how bad it is in FL, MS, LA, MO, AK, GA, SC, KY, TN, etc …
Remember the plateau I referred to regarding the UK. See tweet below for the latest UK update. We’re also seeing it in other countries. The boom and bust theory is a myth. I don’t understand why Frieden, Gottlieb, and many others believed in it. https://twitter.com/thehowie/status/1426573782043484165
Thank you, Joshua. It baffles me as to what the reasoning is. I know we have a tendency to think we are an island and what happens there cannot happen here. Or is it that we are so set against masks because we perceive them as an infringement on our rights? Or are folks in many other countries simply more willing to accept personal responsibility?
I am stressing that I do not mean we as a majority. Nor do I mean any individual. This just is. I will repeat that after the Japan tsunami we watched the Japanese sharing difficult to find water with each other. Mac said simply that we would never do that here. But like you, he had a world view.
Covid-19 cases in Georgia schools continue to rise. Kids either not wearing masks at all and/or kids coming to school with Covid and spreading it to others.
The southern states are disgraceful and their “red” governors absolutely deplorable imho.
Schools there started a while ago. Parents sent children to school last year in MA with covid. Superintendents begged them not to. I read an email just today from a MA high school that did very well last year. Masks will only be required for non vaccinated per DESE and baker. All mitigation policies from last year will be removed. School will return to “normal.” It noted that could change.
Our schools are still deciding masking for all or for just unvaccinated. Many are wisely waiting to make the decision on masks until we are within a week-ish of school start.
I’m not sure there is a tremendous difference between GA and MA. Perhaps, more schools here will implements masks for all. But many in GA do.
Is it poor policy, or a sign that covid will spread more in schools as delta seems to impact children more than previous variants.
One example…The charter school in Atlanta that had been open two days had 14 covid positives (9 students and 5 staff). Over 100 had to be quarantined. The school had a mask requirement. 75% of staff was vaccinated. 90% of students were attending. Because so many teachers in one grade were in quarantine, that grade had to switch to remote learning.
I did see some people flout the rules on wearing masks in the London Tube. Not many, but certainly some. And, there were some maskless patrons in indoor cafes and stores. Everyone tried to distance, which again is also a British thing, which I appreciate very much. I detest it when people are breathing down my neck, or invading my space, in a grocery store, cafe, wherever.
What I found refreshing was the clear sense of solidarity produced by a national health service, across all political stripes. All the public health signage had the NHS logo or emblem, including the signs I saw at Heathrow, at all pharmacies, and on the roads and city centers.
Like Mac, I was in awe at the Japanese way of handling the tsunami. I have tremendous respect for what they did. Once again, it’s that sense of solidarity, which I have always found missing in the U.S.
I’ve considered moving back to Europe. Getting a visa will be almost impossible. But perhaps I can just stay in the UK for a few months each year in a cheap AirBnB and rent out my apartment in Boston.
You’re right. It is solidarity. That’s what I was looking for but couldn’t quite get there. Thank you. We have had it….September 11 was a perfect example. But we cannot seem to hold onto it.
I absolutely believe you are right that the National health system makes a huge difference.
I heard that medical officials (CDC?) were originally predicting that the “surge” was expected for the winter but is actually happening right now.
Joshua, does this mean that by the time winter arrives we will actually be past this and can begin to get back to normal?
I don’t understand how virus surges work.
Question. Hospitals in many states are overrun. They say one reason is there is a shortage of medical personnel. I can make some guesses but….Does anyone know why the shortage?
Loving the shout outs for/in favor of national health care.
In 1998 I did my undergraduate PPE (philosophy, politics, and economics) thesis on the critical need for universal health care in the US (it was also an analysis of the Canadian system) and the sad fact that due to our economic reliance and love of insurance companies and the power of their lobby and the lobby power of other economic beneficiaries of our current system, coupled with our philosophical stance that health care is a consumer good not a human right, plus our fear of “socialized medicine” based on our politics = my analysis that Hillary Clinton and her successors will likely never be successful in trying to create universal health care.
The research was eye opening even in 1998 – even then incredible amounts of “disinformation” were flowing fast and hard – specifically regarding myths of the terrible inhumane health care system in Canada – mostly hogwash.
Hi mama. Great comment. We have a perfect example of National healthcare….Medicare. It might not surprise you that I knew the ins and outs of private insurance from the time I had my own. Mac started his battle with private insurance. We jumped through hoops to get the tests Dana Farber and MGH doctors recommended for him. One test, we never got. You’d be horrified if I went into that. When he was eligible for Medicare, we researched supplemental policies and added one. Not one cent came out of pocket for anything for Mac from that point on. Not one cent for me now. We choose our doctors/hospitals.
I’ll add this to my shake my head moment re what the heck we are thinking previously
This!! And yet you have the folks who march at protests with signs like “Get your government hands off my Medicare.”
As with anything it needs to start with education.
Sometimes satire is what we all need, and perhaps would work better than dry statements from CDC officials. https://twitter.com/ONEAftershocks/status/1426244597894766607
Clever. And I agree
Joshua, I know you were not in the UK long. Are the health experts more open and consistent with messaging? Also do the people seem to have a vaccinated vs unvaccinated view. Or do they tend to work more as a whole in order to move forward.
I kinda liked that. Makes the point across. 😀
Me too. Took me a minute to figure who / what she was
I have changed my mind and I would have NO problem if Boston Mayor Janey issued an indoor mask mandate. I woke up this morning needing to clear my throat a bit, but after I had my usual orange juice along with my meds then breakfast I now feel quite fine as ever as I am here at work where masks are required indoors anyway with weekly testing. There are too many “small” businesses like banks, take-out restaurants, small stores, not to mention Dunkin Donuts, etc. with no customers wearing masks including workers and those “in charge”. I now worry when I see a dozen or more customers waiting in line then waiting around for their orders. I now see what you mean Joshua regarding CVS.
After work, I am going to order take-out again today but keep my mask on this time, even if I’m the only customer.
Bottom line, I guess I will have to surrender to the virus. I will walk the streets outside like it’s 2019, but “mask up” inside like it’s 2020. Oh well.
Amazing what a tickle of the throat can do these days. 😉
Late yesterday I already got an email notice from my healthcare provider regarding boosters. They are not available just yet but they will let me know in future notifications and lead me to their website for appointments.
I guess I am on their list for shot #3. 🙂
That is awesome. I have not heard from MGH brigham yet.
Gov. Baker still will not issue a mask mandate for public schools, opting for a town-by-town approach instead. He feels that being #2 in vaccinations is safe enough. This actually goes against the current CDC guidelines.
Did he speak or just post a message?
I read it in Friday’s Boston Herald.
Thank you.
Vicki, here are some observations.
Differences in NPI in UK (London) v. Massachusetts; these differences are probably more pronounced if we compare UK to many other states.
– Masking was generally more ubiquitous in the UK (London), even outdoors on crowded streets, though never in parks – which I do think is the rational approach; you don’t pick up coronavirus walking through Hampstead Heath, but you just might in a busy London street;
– Distancing was NOT implemented at all at Logan, while it was implemented at Heathrow airport (you could not sit next to someone in the waiting areas, as every other seat had a big sign on it), pharmacies, and public transit (basically signage everywhere asking people to keep a distance of 6 feet, which of course was very hard to do)
– Mask requirement signs in stores were quite frequent (very little of this in Massachusetts, except in the few towns with “mask mandates.” Even in pharmacies (!) in Boston almost everyone is maskless and does not maintain any distance whatsoever
– Distancing or at least the attempt at it in very crowded London is a thing, perhaps a reflection of the British habit of queuing. People are more polite there, and even pre-Covid gave you more space.
– Masking AND distancing AND hygiene AND vaccination (where to get a vaccine) signs are everywhere in London; literally every street corner (helps when you have a national health service, I know)
– Contact tracing is a real thing there, in many places (apps on phones; registering at many restaurants and other indoor venues), and just not at all prevalent here.
Is the UK doing great? No. NPI are not a panacea; and not everyone is vaccinated. Cases and hospitalizations are still very much elevated. Some are not doing their part and are loathe to. But, is the pandemic itself being taken more seriously there than here – even in a state like Massachusetts? Yes. Clearly it is. Even the government of Boris Johnson is more proactive than Governor Baker. I can only imagine how bad it is in FL, MS, LA, MO, AK, GA, SC, KY, TN, etc …
Remember the plateau I referred to regarding the UK. See tweet below for the latest UK update. We’re also seeing it in other countries. The boom and bust theory is a myth. I don’t understand why Frieden, Gottlieb, and many others believed in it. https://twitter.com/thehowie/status/1426573782043484165
Thank you, Joshua. It baffles me as to what the reasoning is. I know we have a tendency to think we are an island and what happens there cannot happen here. Or is it that we are so set against masks because we perceive them as an infringement on our rights? Or are folks in many other countries simply more willing to accept personal responsibility?
I am stressing that I do not mean we as a majority. Nor do I mean any individual. This just is. I will repeat that after the Japan tsunami we watched the Japanese sharing difficult to find water with each other. Mac said simply that we would never do that here. But like you, he had a world view.
Covid-19 cases in Georgia schools continue to rise. Kids either not wearing masks at all and/or kids coming to school with Covid and spreading it to others.
The southern states are disgraceful and their “red” governors absolutely deplorable imho.
Schools there started a while ago. Parents sent children to school last year in MA with covid. Superintendents begged them not to. I read an email just today from a MA high school that did very well last year. Masks will only be required for non vaccinated per DESE and baker. All mitigation policies from last year will be removed. School will return to “normal.” It noted that could change.
Our schools are still deciding masking for all or for just unvaccinated. Many are wisely waiting to make the decision on masks until we are within a week-ish of school start.
I’m not sure there is a tremendous difference between GA and MA. Perhaps, more schools here will implements masks for all. But many in GA do.
Is it poor policy, or a sign that covid will spread more in schools as delta seems to impact children more than previous variants.
One example…The charter school in Atlanta that had been open two days had 14 covid positives (9 students and 5 staff). Over 100 had to be quarantined. The school had a mask requirement. 75% of staff was vaccinated. 90% of students were attending. Because so many teachers in one grade were in quarantine, that grade had to switch to remote learning.
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/back-to-school/county-by-county-are-masks-required-or-optional-your-school-district/CFCW6Z64T5H2NIGHHNTC4BVN6Y/
I’d check more but am not sure it is needed. Masks are required in Gwinnett school district of GA.
https://www.ajc.com/education/gwinnett-schools-logs-more-than-600-new-covid-cases-in-first-week/VJDBU3DRVVHRTE5NMLHJ4EVJQE/
Vicki, these are great questions.
I did see some people flout the rules on wearing masks in the London Tube. Not many, but certainly some. And, there were some maskless patrons in indoor cafes and stores. Everyone tried to distance, which again is also a British thing, which I appreciate very much. I detest it when people are breathing down my neck, or invading my space, in a grocery store, cafe, wherever.
What I found refreshing was the clear sense of solidarity produced by a national health service, across all political stripes. All the public health signage had the NHS logo or emblem, including the signs I saw at Heathrow, at all pharmacies, and on the roads and city centers.
Like Mac, I was in awe at the Japanese way of handling the tsunami. I have tremendous respect for what they did. Once again, it’s that sense of solidarity, which I have always found missing in the U.S.
I’ve considered moving back to Europe. Getting a visa will be almost impossible. But perhaps I can just stay in the UK for a few months each year in a cheap AirBnB and rent out my apartment in Boston.
You’re right. It is solidarity. That’s what I was looking for but couldn’t quite get there. Thank you. We have had it….September 11 was a perfect example. But we cannot seem to hold onto it.
I absolutely believe you are right that the National health system makes a huge difference.
Wastewater tracking showing concerning trends: https://www.mwra.com/biobot/biobotdata.htm
Oh, crap!
I heard that medical officials (CDC?) were originally predicting that the “surge” was expected for the winter but is actually happening right now.
Joshua, does this mean that by the time winter arrives we will actually be past this and can begin to get back to normal?
I don’t understand how virus surges work.
Question. Hospitals in many states are overrun. They say one reason is there is a shortage of medical personnel. I can make some guesses but….Does anyone know why the shortage?
Loving the shout outs for/in favor of national health care.
In 1998 I did my undergraduate PPE (philosophy, politics, and economics) thesis on the critical need for universal health care in the US (it was also an analysis of the Canadian system) and the sad fact that due to our economic reliance and love of insurance companies and the power of their lobby and the lobby power of other economic beneficiaries of our current system, coupled with our philosophical stance that health care is a consumer good not a human right, plus our fear of “socialized medicine” based on our politics = my analysis that Hillary Clinton and her successors will likely never be successful in trying to create universal health care.
The research was eye opening even in 1998 – even then incredible amounts of “disinformation” were flowing fast and hard – specifically regarding myths of the terrible inhumane health care system in Canada – mostly hogwash.
Hi mama. Great comment. We have a perfect example of National healthcare….Medicare. It might not surprise you that I knew the ins and outs of private insurance from the time I had my own. Mac started his battle with private insurance. We jumped through hoops to get the tests Dana Farber and MGH doctors recommended for him. One test, we never got. You’d be horrified if I went into that. When he was eligible for Medicare, we researched supplemental policies and added one. Not one cent came out of pocket for anything for Mac from that point on. Not one cent for me now. We choose our doctors/hospitals.
I’ll add this to my shake my head moment re what the heck we are thinking previously
This!! And yet you have the folks who march at protests with signs like “Get your government hands off my Medicare.”
As with anything it needs to start with education.
<3
https://twitter.com/tracynovick/status/1426697362358026241?s=21
We have apparently met masking criteria
And another
https://twitter.com/tracynovick/status/1426696555164209153?s=21
Chicago has set a date by which it’s teachers must be vaccinated
C-19 for 8-15 is ready.