As was stated in previous posts, I always take Phase 2 and 3 data with a grain of salt – especially when companies tout the drugs in question as the latest thing since sliced bread. This is not a problem unique to Covid treatments, but it has shown up multiple times with Covid treatments (and to a lesser extent, Covid-19 vaccines) since the pandemic began.
It also has some VERY concerning side effects….one concern was that it integrates into a persons DNA which can cause cancer.
Thanks TK!
Thank you Vicki for recommending the BinaxNOW self-test for my in-laws. Now finding them will be a challenge. For these tests, is there a requirement to register your results? Reason I ask, now with this being so widely used, is data from these tests being captured within the bigger picture.
I don’t think so. Let me ask my youngest. Her husband wasn’t feeling well a while ago and he used one.
Meanwhile, this is half the price I paid at Walgreens. I think there are two to a box
Sorry for so many replies. Daughter said it is not tracked. It is just an at home test. You swab nose correctly, put a solution in a little tube and wait 15 min. That is a very bare bones description.
correct. have to place 6 drops of solution into a small receptacle and then insert swab and swirl it around.
My wife and I have taken it. really quite simple. good luck.
Thank you both for the replies.
I believe Vicki is right. No need to report self-tests.
Good luck. So happy you will get to see your in laws, especially for them and the kids.
On a personal note, my ex-wife was planning on traveling to the U.S. to see her son on the 23rd of December, but has changed plans. She’ll be flying over on Wednesday (provided there isn’t a ban before then). She can only stay 5 days, but at least she’ll be able to see Daniel. Otherwise, it’s possible that she wouldn’t be able to, as the U.S. may reimpose a travel ban on European travelers (visitors). I don’t think the U.S. will do so, but it’s not out of the question.
Covid-19 has really been difficult for families living in different countries.
Kind of confirms that the extra precautions bening taken by us older folks is justified.
Sure does. I’m not sure how many are taking them any more though
Thanks Joshua. The sudden jump between ages 40-49 and 50-64 is quite staggering.
Thanks Joshua. How many times have I objected to people using percents
This comment says it all.
“ So when you hear 99.99% survival rate in people less than 50, think of the number of people less than 50 who live in this country.”
On Omicron, it’s conspicuous that the U.S. has not yet identified a single case. Also, Canada has only identified two cases. And, in Europe, the numbers of cases have increased, but not by the amount I thought they would have by now. I would have expected many hundreds (perhaps thousands) by now. Even in places that sequence a lot – Denmark and the UK – they’ve only identified a couple of cases. Call me a skeptic. I am skeptical about some of the claims regarding Omicron’s transmissibility. The jury is still out on this variant. It is a cause for concern, absolutely. Yet, I’m MUCH more worried about the ongoing Delta wave, with sub-lineages continuing to gain ground. In some ways I find Omicron an unwelcome distraction. Suppose it turns out the Omicron is not a big issue. Well, folks will think that the pandemic is over. But, it’s definitely not.
I’m seeing media comments ranging from “we don’t know yet” “WHO overreacted” “its illness seems less severe” to full blown panic. All in a three day span
I don’t think media has done us any favors of late. NPR has always been a favorite. Yesterday it was bottom fishing by questioning treatment for unvaccinated.
I am fed up with the information stream!
I am also. Even with what I felt were trusted sources
Of course, you would be correct if that is the case.
BNO is reporting the UK is investigating “hundreds of possible cases” of Omicron. The problem with this kind of reporting is it’s notoriously vague. Furthermore, the “investigation” doesn’t take long. The Dutch figures out that 13 of the 61 who tested positive had Omicron within 24-48 hours. It’s still possible that more cases will come to light. But, so far, it’s just the 13. Again, we shall see.
I am NOT a statistician. But, I feel like there might be some sampling bias going on in Guateng, South Africa, where Omicron is predominant. I do not discount the data. Clearly, something is up. Omicron is making inroads in that province. But, if this variant was truly dominant throughout SA, more than 13 of 61 passengers coming from SA would have had Omicron.
I thought Biden’s press conference was pretty good.
My only concern is that this Administration rarely invokes NPIs. I do understand Biden doesn’t want lockdowns. No-one does. But, NPIs – and not just masks – are really important. If I were President, I’d not only say mask up in crowded places, I’d say avoid crowded places altogether if you’re in vulnerable sub-population (even in vaccinated), distance as much as possible, wash your hands, ventilate your homes, schools, and offices. These are simple, common sense measures that this Administration barely even talks about.
Thank you, Joshua. I missed Biden. Darn I’m sure I can find
If you were president we’d have someone with common sense who would not play to politics. I dare say those of us here would do the same
I agree with this from NYT……although we cannot unify in this country,let alone worldwide.
“Omicron demonstrates just why the world needs a new accord on pandemics,” the director general of the WHO said.“
When you read reactions from Brits about the hundreds of cases of possible Omicron being investigated in the UK, it brings out the self-deprecating, sarcastic wit that they are known to have. One commenter said, “wouldn’t be surprised if this variant originated here. We are after all plague island.” Another person said, “Not surprised. Let’s just call this the English variant. It’s what we know how to export.” Yet another wrote, “it seems like every bloody new variant comes from the UK.”
I know it isn’t funny but I do love the sense of humor.
Me, too.
By the way, Massachusetts data is in, and it isn’t good:
Though coronavirus cases in Massachusetts dropped 19% from last Monday’s report, there were fewer than half the tests done this weekend than the weekend before.
17 more deaths reported.
Both hospitalizations and test positivity continue to climb:
-839 hospitalizations; 36% of hospitalized are fully vaccinated (highest number of hospitalized in >9 months; increase in numbers hospitalized has been unsettling – from <500 at the beginning of November to 839 now)
Just so everyone knows, the Massachusetts data is 100% Delta and its sub-lineages. That’s where we should continue to focus on, in my view. Omicron is drowning out the news of the ongoing stress on hospitals and the continued predicament we’re in.
Also schools will not report until next week. That could be upwards of 3000 ish more cases. I’ll be surprised if it isn’t fudged next week, but there is always hope
NyT….
“ Breaking News: Pfizer and BioNTech are expected to apply for approval of their coronavirus booster shot for 16- and 17-year-olds. If approved, the booster would be the first for anyone under 18 in the U.S.”
That’s it…..the world has officially gone nuts..
NyT
“ A 31-year-old woman was charged with arson after the police said she started a fire under a bed in her room at a quarantine hotel in Queensland, Australia. The hotel’s 163 occupants were evacuated safely. https://nyti.ms/31i4DPu”
Just figuring that out?????
Well, one thing I’ve learned. Nobody on TV can pronounce “Omicron” correctly, not even the leader of the free world. 😉
C-19 for 11-30 is ready.
Comments are closed.
Your no-hype southeastern New England weather blog!
Merck’s Covid pill is not nearly as effective as was suggested a few weeks ago. https://endpts.com/merck-shares-slide-as-response-to-its-oral-covid-antiviral-plunges-on-latest-update/
As was stated in previous posts, I always take Phase 2 and 3 data with a grain of salt – especially when companies tout the drugs in question as the latest thing since sliced bread. This is not a problem unique to Covid treatments, but it has shown up multiple times with Covid treatments (and to a lesser extent, Covid-19 vaccines) since the pandemic began.
It also has some VERY concerning side effects….one concern was that it integrates into a persons DNA which can cause cancer.
Thanks TK!
Thank you Vicki for recommending the BinaxNOW self-test for my in-laws. Now finding them will be a challenge. For these tests, is there a requirement to register your results? Reason I ask, now with this being so widely used, is data from these tests being captured within the bigger picture.
I don’t think so. Let me ask my youngest. Her husband wasn’t feeling well a while ago and he used one.
Meanwhile, this is half the price I paid at Walgreens. I think there are two to a box
https://www.walmart.com/ip/BinaxNOW-COVID-19-Antigen-Self-Test-2-Count/142089281
Sorry for so many replies. Daughter said it is not tracked. It is just an at home test. You swab nose correctly, put a solution in a little tube and wait 15 min. That is a very bare bones description.
correct. have to place 6 drops of solution into a small receptacle and then insert swab and swirl it around.
My wife and I have taken it. really quite simple. good luck.
Thank you both for the replies.
I believe Vicki is right. No need to report self-tests.
Good luck. So happy you will get to see your in laws, especially for them and the kids.
On a personal note, my ex-wife was planning on traveling to the U.S. to see her son on the 23rd of December, but has changed plans. She’ll be flying over on Wednesday (provided there isn’t a ban before then). She can only stay 5 days, but at least she’ll be able to see Daniel. Otherwise, it’s possible that she wouldn’t be able to, as the U.S. may reimpose a travel ban on European travelers (visitors). I don’t think the U.S. will do so, but it’s not out of the question.
Covid-19 has really been difficult for families living in different countries.
so sorry to hear.
A breakdown of Covid-19 deaths by age: https://twitter.com/VincentRK/status/1465354682554068998
Kind of confirms that the extra precautions bening taken by us older folks is justified.
Sure does. I’m not sure how many are taking them any more though
Thanks Joshua. The sudden jump between ages 40-49 and 50-64 is quite staggering.
Thanks Joshua. How many times have I objected to people using percents
This comment says it all.
“ So when you hear 99.99% survival rate in people less than 50, think of the number of people less than 50 who live in this country.”
On Omicron, it’s conspicuous that the U.S. has not yet identified a single case. Also, Canada has only identified two cases. And, in Europe, the numbers of cases have increased, but not by the amount I thought they would have by now. I would have expected many hundreds (perhaps thousands) by now. Even in places that sequence a lot – Denmark and the UK – they’ve only identified a couple of cases. Call me a skeptic. I am skeptical about some of the claims regarding Omicron’s transmissibility. The jury is still out on this variant. It is a cause for concern, absolutely. Yet, I’m MUCH more worried about the ongoing Delta wave, with sub-lineages continuing to gain ground. In some ways I find Omicron an unwelcome distraction. Suppose it turns out the Omicron is not a big issue. Well, folks will think that the pandemic is over. But, it’s definitely not.
I’m seeing media comments ranging from “we don’t know yet” “WHO overreacted” “its illness seems less severe” to full blown panic. All in a three day span
I don’t think media has done us any favors of late. NPR has always been a favorite. Yesterday it was bottom fishing by questioning treatment for unvaccinated.
I am fed up with the information stream!
I am also. Even with what I felt were trusted sources
Of course, you would be correct if that is the case.
BNO is reporting the UK is investigating “hundreds of possible cases” of Omicron. The problem with this kind of reporting is it’s notoriously vague. Furthermore, the “investigation” doesn’t take long. The Dutch figures out that 13 of the 61 who tested positive had Omicron within 24-48 hours. It’s still possible that more cases will come to light. But, so far, it’s just the 13. Again, we shall see.
I am NOT a statistician. But, I feel like there might be some sampling bias going on in Guateng, South Africa, where Omicron is predominant. I do not discount the data. Clearly, something is up. Omicron is making inroads in that province. But, if this variant was truly dominant throughout SA, more than 13 of 61 passengers coming from SA would have had Omicron.
I thought Biden’s press conference was pretty good.
My only concern is that this Administration rarely invokes NPIs. I do understand Biden doesn’t want lockdowns. No-one does. But, NPIs – and not just masks – are really important. If I were President, I’d not only say mask up in crowded places, I’d say avoid crowded places altogether if you’re in vulnerable sub-population (even in vaccinated), distance as much as possible, wash your hands, ventilate your homes, schools, and offices. These are simple, common sense measures that this Administration barely even talks about.
Thank you, Joshua. I missed Biden. Darn I’m sure I can find
If you were president we’d have someone with common sense who would not play to politics. I dare say those of us here would do the same
I agree with this from NYT……although we cannot unify in this country,let alone worldwide.
“Omicron demonstrates just why the world needs a new accord on pandemics,” the director general of the WHO said.“
When you read reactions from Brits about the hundreds of cases of possible Omicron being investigated in the UK, it brings out the self-deprecating, sarcastic wit that they are known to have. One commenter said, “wouldn’t be surprised if this variant originated here. We are after all plague island.” Another person said, “Not surprised. Let’s just call this the English variant. It’s what we know how to export.” Yet another wrote, “it seems like every bloody new variant comes from the UK.”
I know it isn’t funny but I do love the sense of humor.
Me, too.
By the way, Massachusetts data is in, and it isn’t good:
Though coronavirus cases in Massachusetts dropped 19% from last Monday’s report, there were fewer than half the tests done this weekend than the weekend before.
17 more deaths reported.
Both hospitalizations and test positivity continue to climb:
-839 hospitalizations; 36% of hospitalized are fully vaccinated (highest number of hospitalized in >9 months; increase in numbers hospitalized has been unsettling – from <500 at the beginning of November to 839 now)
Just so everyone knows, the Massachusetts data is 100% Delta and its sub-lineages. That’s where we should continue to focus on, in my view. Omicron is drowning out the news of the ongoing stress on hospitals and the continued predicament we’re in.
Also schools will not report until next week. That could be upwards of 3000 ish more cases. I’ll be surprised if it isn’t fudged next week, but there is always hope
NyT….
“ Breaking News: Pfizer and BioNTech are expected to apply for approval of their coronavirus booster shot for 16- and 17-year-olds. If approved, the booster would be the first for anyone under 18 in the U.S.”
That’s it…..the world has officially gone nuts..
NyT
“ A 31-year-old woman was charged with arson after the police said she started a fire under a bed in her room at a quarantine hotel in Queensland, Australia. The hotel’s 163 occupants were evacuated safely. https://nyti.ms/31i4DPu”
Just figuring that out?????
Well, one thing I’ve learned. Nobody on TV can pronounce “Omicron” correctly, not even the leader of the free world. 😉
C-19 for 11-30 is ready.