“ Governor Charlie Baker will announce Tuesday that residents are now advised to wear masks in indoor public spaces, the National Guard is being activated to help hospitals, and that hospitals must put off elective procedures that will result in admissions, as Massachusetts continues to grapple with a COVID-19 surge fueled by the highly transmissible Omicron variant.”
So for MA….there is no difference from what we have been doing.
And then….” President Biden will send 500 million free coronavirus tests to Americans’ homes beginning next month and dispatch the military to shore up overwhelmed hospitals as the US confronts a resurgent pandemic.”
Great decision. Hopefully, Biden will announce preventative steps tonight rather than focus on vaccinated and unvaccinated.
At least Baker is registering a heartbeat. He’s been dead silent for the past few months, not just on Covid-19 but other issues as well.
I wish I could agree. If he doesn’t want to govern and isn’t running again, step down
As I type and say he isn’t running again, I wonder if he is…..just not for Governor
Vicki, do you know how many “tests” each household will receive?
I do not. I’m hoping it is one thing Biden will detail. Do you know what time he will speak?
All I know it’s tonight. Probably during prime time either 8 or 9 pm.
Continuing for baker. Good move, but does little good if he doesn’t take steps to slow the spread of infection
The first U.S. Omicron death was a Texas man in his 50s who was unvaccinated with underlying conditions.
Vaccine passports will begin in Boston on January 15 for indoor spaces such as restaurants and gyms.
Joshua, what about restaurants that are mostly “take out” with limited seating anyway? What about a McDonald’s for example?
I hope the list doesn’t include supermarkets.
I have more than enough proof of vaccination (card/phone) but I’m not so sure I like this idea.
I can’t think anyone would include grocery stores. Take out I would think is clear too. Most restaurants out here still have curbside. There should be a mask mandate in grocery stores….all stores. For all.
I hope it includes EVERYTHING.
and while I am at it, I am thoroughly DISGUSTED that
there is an exemption for pro athletes and performers at
sporting events, concerts and theaters etc.
IMHO, there should be NO EXCEPTIONS!
Any performer/ athlete who doesn’t want to get vaccinated, screw them, they do NOT perform in Boston!!!
WHY won’t we do this the right way_(!@&#)(!@&*(#&!@)(#*(!&@(#&!)(@#*()!*@#()*!)(@#*)(!@*#)(!*@()#*!()@#*)(!*@*!()@#*)(!*@#()!*@)#(*!)(@#*)(!*@#()*!()@#*)(!*@#)(*!)@(#*
I am FED UP!
I don’t think you can stop people from food shopping. And I agree with Joshua (see his comment yesterday) that we need to stop thinking vaccinated folks are not a threat. I’m not sure what the answer is….I do know masks at least work to reduce risks.
I would NOT want to be in a super market with slobs that are NOT vaccinated! They want to eat, make them
get vaccinated!
I DO think it should apply to food stores. Absolutely!
These people think it is their right? Is it their right to KILL other people!
I have HAD it with these MORONS!
My wife has done the right think and gotten very sick for weeks at a time on 3 different occasions now. She has done her part and suffered for the good of all.
I have NO sympathy, nothing kind to say to those who
refuse to do so.
PUNISH them severely.
I would be remiss if I don’t do this:
Thanks TK.
There has to be some middle ground for Charlie Baker in Covid performance, doesn’t there?
I have no real problem with Baker.
I give Baker more credit than any individual who has not chosen to vaccinate. They get my ire …..
Its the Desantis’ and Trumps’ of the world that get my worst performance scores.
I have always liked baker. I have often given him the benefit of the doubt…and still do.. that he is just plain worn out. But if he is, he needs to step down. Not instituting a mask mandate at the very least is simply wrong IMO. Our hospitals are reaching a critical level, and he is doing nothing to try to stop the rising numbers.
I have HAD it with Baker. I have NO USE for him any more.
I need to add that because I don’t think baker and Biden are doing a good job, doesn’t mean in any way that I do not believe the two you mentioned along with a slew of others are far worse and doing far more damage.
I remember when Trump folks blamed others and the left said repeatedly and correctly that the buck stopped with Trump. It stops with Biden now.
It also doesn’t mean that I don’t see the very good things Biden has done or is trying against horrific odds to do from his own party as well as the solid brick wall on the right.
And while we are at it, I am really disappointed in Michele Wu.
Not sure who had her ear re: Vaccination exemption for
Performers (see above)
Wait what?? Although the NFL is rearranging some vaccination rules also ….in its favor or so it thinks
I didn’t know about a vaccination exemption for athletes and performers JPD. In that case…
SHAME ON WU!
Agree with Tom that we could have had worse than Baker.
Germany will likely lock down, though it’s not certain.
UK has very high case levels, but they’ve plateaued for several days. Need to review hospital data later today.
I also agree we could have had worse…..at the start. He was exceptional. I don’t think he is the same man now and I do believe he is simply stressed beyond being able to cope.
I respect your opinions.
At some point, it can’t be at the foot of society’s leaders.
It has to be the people. And not all the people are buying in.
The message of the right thing to do has been delivered 10,000 times in the past 2 years. Just do it. (hey, what a saying, someone should use that) 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hahahhahahaha. Not laughing at you as I ALWAYS respect your views…but you just brought my main gripe to the foreground. You are absolutely right. Even to the point that WE elect these people. But sadly…and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said this…people cannot regulate themselves so we put regulations in place. Ironically, it is typically the ones who create the need for regulation that cause that same need.
Sadly, baker, Biden, and every one of them knew this when they took office ….well, not trump. He had a completely different agenda.
Well, you are correct there.
But sadly, people just WON’T DO IT!
Selfish good for nothing Neanderthals. And my brother is one of them! I am bullshit at him. He of the “I have done my research” frame of mind.
JPD, I didn’t know your wife got sick from her last booster (#3). Sorry to hear that. For some reason I thought she made it through with no discomfort.
She was not as sick as the first 3, but she is still feeling effects
of the booster 10 days out.
I’m really sorry to hear that.
Ok, I am going to take a chill pill since there isn’t anything I can do about any of this. My wife and I are fully vaccinated and boosted, so we have done our part. Aside from being Extremely careful moving forward, we can’t do anything else.
Yea. I think that is good advice. I need to put the iPad away and focus on good holiday fun
Heather Cox Richardson and Ken Burns have a zoom on the history of the Republican Party at 1:00. Both very learned history folks.
At the same time, UK visitors are persona non grata in an increasing number of European countries.
Hospitalizations are rising in the UK, but it’s a slight rise. Less than the increase back in June when Delta hit. Need to monitor. But, I do believe this is a positive sign. Doesn’t necessarily mean Omicron is less severe. It may mean, however, that there is more immunity (whether from vaccines or naturally) in the population. So, Omicron is breaking through a lot, but generally not causing severe illness. These are NOT definitive statements of mine. Only preliminary based on early data. And, as has always been the case, being unvaccinated makes one vulnerable to any variant, including Omicron.
Did I miss Biden?
If you search on YouTube for “biden speech today” you’ll get many choices.
I’m very proud of my son a foxboro paramedic fireman . Gave a true Christmas gift , he gave blood for the first time !!!
I’m proud of your son also….for giving blood and for his chosen profession. I think giving blood is something our first responders do automatically.
That’s terrific, Aidan. Giving blood is indeed a gift to others. And, being a paramedic fireman (first responder) is the job of a hero. Growing up I watched the show Emergency. The paramedics on that show were my heroes.
I put together a chart of New MA Covid cases since mid June of this year. It has a trend line and the big spikes are the Monday totals which include 3 days, Sat, Sun and Mon.
Found Biden. He is honest and clearly cares. Listening to him is a breath of fresh air. He is right that people need to be vaccinated. He is right that masks work. But he doesn’t seem to understand that messaging from our own healthcare folks is part of the problem. He is right that we have many more tools to keep kids in schools. He said kids are safe in school. It is the one statement I think he made that is wrong. Far too many are not safe in school. And he us wrong that no one saw this coming and omicron spread more rapidly than we thought.
I love his comment that he does not hold a grudge. Not one of us is perfect. I sure am not.
Philip, I saw your comment about vaccine passports. I was in San Juan, Puerto Rico where they have a “green code” system. First off, you need to show your green code to get out of the airport; otherwise I don’t know what happens. Then, you need to show it to check in to your hotel, where you get a bracelet–ribbon, really–that gives you access to pools, hotel dining and shopping. Many restaurants ask for the green code; those that don’t have a scanner ask to see the vaccine card or a picture of it. It was a lot easier than I expected. Places like Starbucks, which don’t have indoor seating, don’t require the code but do require a mask. At first, I was worried–what if my code doesn’t work, what if I can’t find my code on my phone, etc, etc. It was actually very simple, even though it sounds complicated since there were some differences in expectations; we never saw anyone get turned away or any arguments and we ventured away from the tourist-y area–people just cooperated, I guess. They have a similar system in NYC and my daughter reports it’s fine. I think like anything new there will be some hiccups, but overall, it should work just fine in Boston.
Wow. Thank you, Deb. Great information
There’s an image of a Christmas card circulating in right-wing anti-Biden circles. The fake card says “You will get sick and die this winter,” with a picture of Joe Biden and his wife, Jill. Of course, this is crude and brutally sarcastic. But, I must say I’ve heard Biden and members of his team call out the unvaccinated so many times in recent days with a stark warning that I could sense there would be some backlash. https://twitter.com/maw717/status/1473142323760435201
Disgusting. The far right is made of up too many bottom feeders. It is not a party and certainly does not represent the true Republican Party.
Other right-wing sites like Breitbart are focusing on Biden’s rather persistent cough during today’s speech, but also recent speeches. It is noticeable. Unclear whether it’s GERD-related (I have GERD and have a frequent cough) or something else. https://twitter.com/BreitbartNews/status/1473390548304248839
I have had a niggly cough all winter. My SIL does also. It is allergy related for him and allergy and winter asthma for me. I DETEST any focus on a persons health issues…I did with trump also.
AGREE 100%!
The right is constantly questioning Biden’s brain health and vitality.
The left did the same with Trump.
Both sides are really wrong. I can only hope I can be as vital and with it as Biden and Trump when I’m nearing 80.
On a positive note, the fact that the Administration pivoted and changed course on mailing rapid tests to Americans is a good sign. I wish there was more in the speech, but I’ll give credit where it is due.
What time did Biden speak? Why didn’t he do it in prime time like most presidents do?
I was surprised also. I never saw it announced. But could have missed it
Sweden is doing what it’s done in every previous wave: Imposing restrictions: Covid passes for many indoor venues, crowd limits, gathering limits, no standing at bars, no standing at soccer games, work from home, etc … And it’s doing so proactively/pre-emptively with a much lighter caseload than we have, and fewer hospitalizations and deaths. Is it a lockdown? No. But, it’s stricter than anything here in the U.S. For example, I just walked by a packed bar – most are standing. Yet, I continue to see right-wing folks praise Sweden for not imposing restrictions. Aggravating, misleading. Part of the misinformation campaign that’s been waged since March 2020. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/sweden-tightens-covid-restrictions-cases-mount-2021-12-21/
We must be on the same wavelength. I just chatted for an hour plus with my NYC friend from Sweden. She is very much in touch because her sisters in Sweden and she talk weekly.
US media has played down the swedish response incorrectly from the start. There is a tremendous amount of self discipline in Sweden.
C-19 for 12-22 is ready.
Comments are closed.
Your no-hype southeastern New England weather blog!
Good morning. It’s a busy news day
RI will institute a mask mandate. MA will encourage one. The tale of two states.
https://www.wpri.com/health/coronavirus/new-mask-mandate-takes-effect-in-rhode-island/
“ Governor Charlie Baker will announce Tuesday that residents are now advised to wear masks in indoor public spaces, the National Guard is being activated to help hospitals, and that hospitals must put off elective procedures that will result in admissions, as Massachusetts continues to grapple with a COVID-19 surge fueled by the highly transmissible Omicron variant.”
So for MA….there is no difference from what we have been doing.
And then….” President Biden will send 500 million free coronavirus tests to Americans’ homes beginning next month and dispatch the military to shore up overwhelmed hospitals as the US confronts a resurgent pandemic.”
Great decision. Hopefully, Biden will announce preventative steps tonight rather than focus on vaccinated and unvaccinated.
At least Baker is registering a heartbeat. He’s been dead silent for the past few months, not just on Covid-19 but other issues as well.
I wish I could agree. If he doesn’t want to govern and isn’t running again, step down
As I type and say he isn’t running again, I wonder if he is…..just not for Governor
Vicki, do you know how many “tests” each household will receive?
I do not. I’m hoping it is one thing Biden will detail. Do you know what time he will speak?
All I know it’s tonight. Probably during prime time either 8 or 9 pm.
Continuing for baker. Good move, but does little good if he doesn’t take steps to slow the spread of infection
https://twitter.com/monicanbcboston/status/1473289538315370505?s=21
Texas Children’s sees a rise in children being hospitalized. It is a small increase, but these are children. One is one too many.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/hospitalizations-at-texas-childrens-hospital-quadruple-covid/285-33557ef6-f379-4db9-8b1e-447172358625
Quebec is closing schools and putting restrictions in place.
The United States to date stands sadly alone.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/new-closures-covid-19-quebec-1.6292622
The first U.S. Omicron death was a Texas man in his 50s who was unvaccinated with underlying conditions.
Vaccine passports will begin in Boston on January 15 for indoor spaces such as restaurants and gyms.
Joshua, what about restaurants that are mostly “take out” with limited seating anyway? What about a McDonald’s for example?
I hope the list doesn’t include supermarkets.
I have more than enough proof of vaccination (card/phone) but I’m not so sure I like this idea.
I can’t think anyone would include grocery stores. Take out I would think is clear too. Most restaurants out here still have curbside. There should be a mask mandate in grocery stores….all stores. For all.
I hope it includes EVERYTHING.
and while I am at it, I am thoroughly DISGUSTED that
there is an exemption for pro athletes and performers at
sporting events, concerts and theaters etc.
IMHO, there should be NO EXCEPTIONS!
Any performer/ athlete who doesn’t want to get vaccinated, screw them, they do NOT perform in Boston!!!
WHY won’t we do this the right way_(!@&#)(!@&*(#&!@)(#*(!&@(#&!)(@#*()!*@#()*!)(@#*)(!@*#)(!*@()#*!()@#*)(!*@*!()@#*)(!*@#()!*@)#(*!)(@#*)(!*@#()*!()@#*)(!*@#)(*!)@(#*
I am FED UP!
I don’t think you can stop people from food shopping. And I agree with Joshua (see his comment yesterday) that we need to stop thinking vaccinated folks are not a threat. I’m not sure what the answer is….I do know masks at least work to reduce risks.
I would NOT want to be in a super market with slobs that are NOT vaccinated! They want to eat, make them
get vaccinated!
I DO think it should apply to food stores. Absolutely!
These people think it is their right? Is it their right to KILL other people!
I have HAD it with these MORONS!
My wife has done the right think and gotten very sick for weeks at a time on 3 different occasions now. She has done her part and suffered for the good of all.
I have NO sympathy, nothing kind to say to those who
refuse to do so.
PUNISH them severely.
I would be remiss if I don’t do this:
Thanks TK.
There has to be some middle ground for Charlie Baker in Covid performance, doesn’t there?
I have no real problem with Baker.
I give Baker more credit than any individual who has not chosen to vaccinate. They get my ire …..
Its the Desantis’ and Trumps’ of the world that get my worst performance scores.
I have always liked baker. I have often given him the benefit of the doubt…and still do.. that he is just plain worn out. But if he is, he needs to step down. Not instituting a mask mandate at the very least is simply wrong IMO. Our hospitals are reaching a critical level, and he is doing nothing to try to stop the rising numbers.
I have HAD it with Baker. I have NO USE for him any more.
I need to add that because I don’t think baker and Biden are doing a good job, doesn’t mean in any way that I do not believe the two you mentioned along with a slew of others are far worse and doing far more damage.
I remember when Trump folks blamed others and the left said repeatedly and correctly that the buck stopped with Trump. It stops with Biden now.
It also doesn’t mean that I don’t see the very good things Biden has done or is trying against horrific odds to do from his own party as well as the solid brick wall on the right.
And while we are at it, I am really disappointed in Michele Wu.
Not sure who had her ear re: Vaccination exemption for
Performers (see above)
Wait what?? Although the NFL is rearranging some vaccination rules also ….in its favor or so it thinks
I didn’t know about a vaccination exemption for athletes and performers JPD. In that case…
SHAME ON WU!
Agree with Tom that we could have had worse than Baker.
Germany will likely lock down, though it’s not certain.
UK has very high case levels, but they’ve plateaued for several days. Need to review hospital data later today.
I also agree we could have had worse…..at the start. He was exceptional. I don’t think he is the same man now and I do believe he is simply stressed beyond being able to cope.
I respect your opinions.
At some point, it can’t be at the foot of society’s leaders.
It has to be the people. And not all the people are buying in.
The message of the right thing to do has been delivered 10,000 times in the past 2 years. Just do it. (hey, what a saying, someone should use that) 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hahahhahahaha. Not laughing at you as I ALWAYS respect your views…but you just brought my main gripe to the foreground. You are absolutely right. Even to the point that WE elect these people. But sadly…and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said this…people cannot regulate themselves so we put regulations in place. Ironically, it is typically the ones who create the need for regulation that cause that same need.
Sadly, baker, Biden, and every one of them knew this when they took office ….well, not trump. He had a completely different agenda.
Well, you are correct there.
But sadly, people just WON’T DO IT!
Selfish good for nothing Neanderthals. And my brother is one of them! I am bullshit at him. He of the “I have done my research” frame of mind.
!@()#)(!@*&#()!*@()#*!()@*#()!*@()#*!()@&#*&!*(@#&*(!@$*)(^@!)$(*&!(*@&$*()!&)(*@$&)!*(@&$()*&@$*(&(*@#&(*!@&#*(!&@(*#&(*!&@#*(!&@(*#&!*(#&(*!&(*@#&!(*@&#(*!&(*@#&!(*&#@*(!&(*@#&!*(@#&(*!&#*(&!(*@#&*(!&@#*(&!*(@#&*(!
JPD, I didn’t know your wife got sick from her last booster (#3). Sorry to hear that. For some reason I thought she made it through with no discomfort.
She was not as sick as the first 3, but she is still feeling effects
of the booster 10 days out.
I’m really sorry to hear that.
Ok, I am going to take a chill pill since there isn’t anything I can do about any of this. My wife and I are fully vaccinated and boosted, so we have done our part. Aside from being Extremely careful moving forward, we can’t do anything else.
Yea. I think that is good advice. I need to put the iPad away and focus on good holiday fun
Heather Cox Richardson and Ken Burns have a zoom on the history of the Republican Party at 1:00. Both very learned history folks.
Link for anyone Interested
https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/unum/playlist/heather-cox-richardson-ken-burns?fbclid=IwAR3qTsATOlC1k5Kdv6HDdd7EF0Zuo7zrJIezVdL3W864f-7Vq0CbB77KmP4
Curiously, the discussion between burns and HRC address a history that directly addresses our discussion above
This is why we need more
https://twitter.com/denise_dewald/status/1473335718906847237?s=21
UK has ruled out a lockdown.
At the same time, UK visitors are persona non grata in an increasing number of European countries.
Hospitalizations are rising in the UK, but it’s a slight rise. Less than the increase back in June when Delta hit. Need to monitor. But, I do believe this is a positive sign. Doesn’t necessarily mean Omicron is less severe. It may mean, however, that there is more immunity (whether from vaccines or naturally) in the population. So, Omicron is breaking through a lot, but generally not causing severe illness. These are NOT definitive statements of mine. Only preliminary based on early data. And, as has always been the case, being unvaccinated makes one vulnerable to any variant, including Omicron.
Did I miss Biden?
If you search on YouTube for “biden speech today” you’ll get many choices.
I’m very proud of my son a foxboro paramedic fireman . Gave a true Christmas gift , he gave blood for the first time !!!
I’m proud of your son also….for giving blood and for his chosen profession. I think giving blood is something our first responders do automatically.
That’s terrific, Aidan. Giving blood is indeed a gift to others. And, being a paramedic fireman (first responder) is the job of a hero. Growing up I watched the show Emergency. The paramedics on that show were my heroes.
I put together a chart of New MA Covid cases since mid June of this year. It has a trend line and the big spikes are the Monday totals which include 3 days, Sat, Sun and Mon.
https://ibb.co/tLgg0V1
Wow. Tragic. Thank you JPD
Found Biden. He is honest and clearly cares. Listening to him is a breath of fresh air. He is right that people need to be vaccinated. He is right that masks work. But he doesn’t seem to understand that messaging from our own healthcare folks is part of the problem. He is right that we have many more tools to keep kids in schools. He said kids are safe in school. It is the one statement I think he made that is wrong. Far too many are not safe in school. And he us wrong that no one saw this coming and omicron spread more rapidly than we thought.
I love his comment that he does not hold a grudge. Not one of us is perfect. I sure am not.
Philip, I saw your comment about vaccine passports. I was in San Juan, Puerto Rico where they have a “green code” system. First off, you need to show your green code to get out of the airport; otherwise I don’t know what happens. Then, you need to show it to check in to your hotel, where you get a bracelet–ribbon, really–that gives you access to pools, hotel dining and shopping. Many restaurants ask for the green code; those that don’t have a scanner ask to see the vaccine card or a picture of it. It was a lot easier than I expected. Places like Starbucks, which don’t have indoor seating, don’t require the code but do require a mask. At first, I was worried–what if my code doesn’t work, what if I can’t find my code on my phone, etc, etc. It was actually very simple, even though it sounds complicated since there were some differences in expectations; we never saw anyone get turned away or any arguments and we ventured away from the tourist-y area–people just cooperated, I guess. They have a similar system in NYC and my daughter reports it’s fine. I think like anything new there will be some hiccups, but overall, it should work just fine in Boston.
Wow. Thank you, Deb. Great information
There’s an image of a Christmas card circulating in right-wing anti-Biden circles. The fake card says “You will get sick and die this winter,” with a picture of Joe Biden and his wife, Jill. Of course, this is crude and brutally sarcastic. But, I must say I’ve heard Biden and members of his team call out the unvaccinated so many times in recent days with a stark warning that I could sense there would be some backlash. https://twitter.com/maw717/status/1473142323760435201
Disgusting. The far right is made of up too many bottom feeders. It is not a party and certainly does not represent the true Republican Party.
Other right-wing sites like Breitbart are focusing on Biden’s rather persistent cough during today’s speech, but also recent speeches. It is noticeable. Unclear whether it’s GERD-related (I have GERD and have a frequent cough) or something else. https://twitter.com/BreitbartNews/status/1473390548304248839
I have had a niggly cough all winter. My SIL does also. It is allergy related for him and allergy and winter asthma for me. I DETEST any focus on a persons health issues…I did with trump also.
AGREE 100%!
The right is constantly questioning Biden’s brain health and vitality.
The left did the same with Trump.
Both sides are really wrong. I can only hope I can be as vital and with it as Biden and Trump when I’m nearing 80.
On a positive note, the fact that the Administration pivoted and changed course on mailing rapid tests to Americans is a good sign. I wish there was more in the speech, but I’ll give credit where it is due.
What time did Biden speak? Why didn’t he do it in prime time like most presidents do?
I was surprised also. I never saw it announced. But could have missed it
Here you go, Philip. I hope this works
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/21/watch-biden-speech-on-us-fight-in-covid-pandemic-amid-omicron-surge.html
Works better if I post the link
Sweden is doing what it’s done in every previous wave: Imposing restrictions: Covid passes for many indoor venues, crowd limits, gathering limits, no standing at bars, no standing at soccer games, work from home, etc … And it’s doing so proactively/pre-emptively with a much lighter caseload than we have, and fewer hospitalizations and deaths. Is it a lockdown? No. But, it’s stricter than anything here in the U.S. For example, I just walked by a packed bar – most are standing. Yet, I continue to see right-wing folks praise Sweden for not imposing restrictions. Aggravating, misleading. Part of the misinformation campaign that’s been waged since March 2020. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/sweden-tightens-covid-restrictions-cases-mount-2021-12-21/
We must be on the same wavelength. I just chatted for an hour plus with my NYC friend from Sweden. She is very much in touch because her sisters in Sweden and she talk weekly.
US media has played down the swedish response incorrectly from the start. There is a tremendous amount of self discipline in Sweden.
C-19 for 12-22 is ready.