As many of the comments point out, this is for people who were tested at Walgreens, probably because they had symptoms. I wonder what the positivity would be if it included all the home testing. I’m suggesting that it is possible to know this number!
I can’t recall which health expert commented that the numbers could not be multiplied by Seven. I suspect it may be a bit high but perhaps not
What does the number Seven have to do with it?
The expert was guessing that numbers given have to be multiplied by seven to be accurate. He was guessing as with home tests we gave absolutely no clue what actual numbers are.
Hope that helps
I meant to say, “I’m NOT suggesting…”
Haha. I knew that 🙂 Since I do that often, I’m getting fairly good at reading what was intended.
I imagine local elected leaders (i.e. mayors, governors etc.) will be very reluctant in bringing back indoor mask mandates for fear of turning off their constituents.
SPC mesoscale discussion, 60% chance of a watch for areas well to our west later on.
ooooops 🙂
No worries Tom. Once I accidentally put C-19 info on the WHW page. 🙂
Guilty here. More than once.
SClarke, your comment is correct – most people testing at Walgreen’s had symptoms. But, most people testing anywhere, whether at home or at a pharmacy or clinic, have symptoms. This is especially true during summer when schools and universities aren’t in session – where there’s a lot of asymptomatic testing.
So, while overall test positivity is probably lower than 41% nationwide, it’s still very high.
I think that a common use of home-testing is that one household member tests positive and the others all take a test. I would think that this leads to a lot of unreported negative results.
The whole idea of test positivity seems a bit odd to me, from a statistical perspective. No one is out there testing a random representative sample of the population.
Agree. The numbers were at least close to accurate before home testing. But as I think of it 41 percent of what. That may be why I’m misreading Joshua’s comment.
I’m confused how the number is lower than 41 percent if we don’t include home tests. Or am I reading incorrectly
I’m thinking that the positivity would be lower if home tests were included in the calculation.
Ahhhhh because the number of negatives would increase and therefore dilute the positivity rate?
Makes sense now. Thank you.
That is exactly what I was trying to say – thanks for clearing it up!
Hahahaha. You are rhe one who got me to that point. I thank you.
There is no excuse for such a poor performance. We as a nation could have done much better than this.
The UK and the rest of Europe could be better as well. Not all that much of a difference really.
What is Australia, South Korea and Japan’s secret?
Agree, Europe and UK could have done better. But still, they’ve done better than we have. It’s definitely a statistically significant difference.
Australia had very strict lockdowns for at least 15 months. Would not have been acceptable here or in Europe. People couldn’t travel at all at times, and Australians couldn’t return home from overseas. BUT, this did prevent many deaths during that 15 month span. In the meantime, they began to vaccinate and then opened up the country. They’ve seen periodic waves, to be sure (including now) but with high vaccination rates the deaths are relatively low.
South Korea and Japan also had strict policies in place (and still do), though not lockdowns. Their system relied more on lots of testing, contact tracing, and isolation for those who test positive, as well as stringent social distancing policies. They’ve also had more comprehensive vaccination strategies, after a slow start.
The more I read and the more I think about this, the more I am convinced that positivity percent is foolish…or odd as SClarke said.
Another concern is the number of false negatives that home testing is producing. I am hearing more and more reports of this.
The one I tested positive with and then comfirmed with a PCR was the Binax one by Abbott. I had two negatives the two days before my positive on the at home but my first day of really bad symptoms was the day I tested positive.
Interesting, Thank you
I know of a few but my kids know of more folks who had symptoms, tested negative and their families all had Covid. I don’t know which tests. I do think Binax is the best but also rarely what you get for free from insurance companies.
I’m concerned we have not heard from North today? I hope you are improving ??
JPD, how is your son?
My sore throat has eased today to a point which is a start! I have been working yesterday and today despite having COVID. It’s an audit cycle for us, so time doesn’t stop! It is so sad these days that someone can’t just have a sick day or two anymore and not login.
Omg. Im happy your throat is better, but I’m so sorry to hear you are working. That will not help you get better.
I’m glad your getting better North. Hope you continue to get better.
I woke up with a runny nose this morning. I felt a bit off but did my normal things that I do. Walked the dog etc. I had a friend visit for dinner at 4:30 that we had planned yesterday. I actually thought bc of this blog to take a home test.. I went to CVS and took a home test and tested positive. Instantly I began sweating bullets. What should I do? Again I feel fine.
Sorry this was yesterday that this all happened. However I did take the test today.
First, Olive, I’m sorry to hear you’re sick. I wish you a speedy recovery. Your immune system will recognize the virus by way of vaccinations/boosters and natural immunity from previous infections if you had any. Yes, even if it’s BA.5; but with BA.5 there is some degree of immunity evasion. You will in all likelihood be fine, especially if you don’t have underlying health issues. Still, pay attention to any warning signs like shortness of breath or extreme fatigue.
Second, I would alert your friend/guest about your Covid status and also anyone else who you’ve been in close contact with in the past couple of days; in your household or otherwise. I would also isolate for 5 days or until you test negative. This does not mean you can’t leave the house at all. But, avoid indoor public places as much as possible. If you have to enter a public space, it’s best to wear a mask and keep a safe distance.
I have had my 1st and 2nd. I got very sick on 2nd. I’m deathly afraid to get boosters bc of being so sick by 2nd vaccination.
Thank you!!
I will take another test tomorrow.
Olive I hope you improve
Joshua? It’s ok to go out and about now when positive?
North, glad to hear you’re on the mend. Take care.
Vicki, just for clarification, I didn’t say “out and about.” I said it’s okay to leave the house, to go outside for some fresh air, for instance. Probably healthier to do that than to stay inside all day. Also, as I mentioned, it’s important to avoid public indoor spaces. But, if you absolutely have to do something, say, pick up a prescription at a pharmacy, or get something at the grocery store, then, yes, it’s okay to do so when masked and distanced.
Ok. Thanks. I agree with fresh air. On your property works.
Name of my game must be misunderstanding today. Apologies.
I’ll add that if there are other people in the house, it makes sense to quarantine in one room if possible.
Thanks all. I was double boosted and still got a pretty good case, as these latest variants are getting around the vaccines a bit but they are still working otherwise I am sure I would have been in the hospital. Olive, hope your case is mild,
C-19
7-13
ready
Comments are closed.
Your no-hype southeastern New England weather blog!
Thanks TK.
Test positivity in the U.S. is through the roof.
https://twitter.com/EricTopol/status/1546705689627635713
As many of the comments point out, this is for people who were tested at Walgreens, probably because they had symptoms. I wonder what the positivity would be if it included all the home testing. I’m suggesting that it is possible to know this number!
I can’t recall which health expert commented that the numbers could not be multiplied by Seven. I suspect it may be a bit high but perhaps not
What does the number Seven have to do with it?
The expert was guessing that numbers given have to be multiplied by seven to be accurate. He was guessing as with home tests we gave absolutely no clue what actual numbers are.
Hope that helps
I meant to say, “I’m NOT suggesting…”
Haha. I knew that 🙂 Since I do that often, I’m getting fairly good at reading what was intended.
I imagine local elected leaders (i.e. mayors, governors etc.) will be very reluctant in bringing back indoor mask mandates for fear of turning off their constituents.
SPC mesoscale discussion, 60% chance of a watch for areas well to our west later on.
ooooops 🙂
No worries Tom. Once I accidentally put C-19 info on the WHW page. 🙂
Guilty here. More than once.
SClarke, your comment is correct – most people testing at Walgreen’s had symptoms. But, most people testing anywhere, whether at home or at a pharmacy or clinic, have symptoms. This is especially true during summer when schools and universities aren’t in session – where there’s a lot of asymptomatic testing.
So, while overall test positivity is probably lower than 41% nationwide, it’s still very high.
I think that a common use of home-testing is that one household member tests positive and the others all take a test. I would think that this leads to a lot of unreported negative results.
The whole idea of test positivity seems a bit odd to me, from a statistical perspective. No one is out there testing a random representative sample of the population.
Agree. The numbers were at least close to accurate before home testing. But as I think of it 41 percent of what. That may be why I’m misreading Joshua’s comment.
I’m confused how the number is lower than 41 percent if we don’t include home tests. Or am I reading incorrectly
I’m thinking that the positivity would be lower if home tests were included in the calculation.
Ahhhhh because the number of negatives would increase and therefore dilute the positivity rate?
Makes sense now. Thank you.
That is exactly what I was trying to say – thanks for clearing it up!
Hahahaha. You are rhe one who got me to that point. I thank you.
Reminder of how poorly we’ve done. https://twitter.com/VincentRK/status/1546517714063204352
There is no excuse for such a poor performance. We as a nation could have done much better than this.
The UK and the rest of Europe could be better as well. Not all that much of a difference really.
What is Australia, South Korea and Japan’s secret?
Agree, Europe and UK could have done better. But still, they’ve done better than we have. It’s definitely a statistically significant difference.
Australia had very strict lockdowns for at least 15 months. Would not have been acceptable here or in Europe. People couldn’t travel at all at times, and Australians couldn’t return home from overseas. BUT, this did prevent many deaths during that 15 month span. In the meantime, they began to vaccinate and then opened up the country. They’ve seen periodic waves, to be sure (including now) but with high vaccination rates the deaths are relatively low.
South Korea and Japan also had strict policies in place (and still do), though not lockdowns. Their system relied more on lots of testing, contact tracing, and isolation for those who test positive, as well as stringent social distancing policies. They’ve also had more comprehensive vaccination strategies, after a slow start.
The more I read and the more I think about this, the more I am convinced that positivity percent is foolish…or odd as SClarke said.
Another concern is the number of false negatives that home testing is producing. I am hearing more and more reports of this.
The one I tested positive with and then comfirmed with a PCR was the Binax one by Abbott. I had two negatives the two days before my positive on the at home but my first day of really bad symptoms was the day I tested positive.
Interesting, Thank you
I know of a few but my kids know of more folks who had symptoms, tested negative and their families all had Covid. I don’t know which tests. I do think Binax is the best but also rarely what you get for free from insurance companies.
I’m concerned we have not heard from North today? I hope you are improving ??
JPD, how is your son?
My sore throat has eased today to a point which is a start! I have been working yesterday and today despite having COVID. It’s an audit cycle for us, so time doesn’t stop! It is so sad these days that someone can’t just have a sick day or two anymore and not login.
Omg. Im happy your throat is better, but I’m so sorry to hear you are working. That will not help you get better.
I’m glad your getting better North. Hope you continue to get better.
I woke up with a runny nose this morning. I felt a bit off but did my normal things that I do. Walked the dog etc. I had a friend visit for dinner at 4:30 that we had planned yesterday. I actually thought bc of this blog to take a home test.. I went to CVS and took a home test and tested positive. Instantly I began sweating bullets. What should I do? Again I feel fine.
Sorry this was yesterday that this all happened. However I did take the test today.
First, Olive, I’m sorry to hear you’re sick. I wish you a speedy recovery. Your immune system will recognize the virus by way of vaccinations/boosters and natural immunity from previous infections if you had any. Yes, even if it’s BA.5; but with BA.5 there is some degree of immunity evasion. You will in all likelihood be fine, especially if you don’t have underlying health issues. Still, pay attention to any warning signs like shortness of breath or extreme fatigue.
Second, I would alert your friend/guest about your Covid status and also anyone else who you’ve been in close contact with in the past couple of days; in your household or otherwise. I would also isolate for 5 days or until you test negative. This does not mean you can’t leave the house at all. But, avoid indoor public places as much as possible. If you have to enter a public space, it’s best to wear a mask and keep a safe distance.
I have had my 1st and 2nd. I got very sick on 2nd. I’m deathly afraid to get boosters bc of being so sick by 2nd vaccination.
Thank you!!
I will take another test tomorrow.
Olive I hope you improve
Joshua? It’s ok to go out and about now when positive?
North, glad to hear you’re on the mend. Take care.
Vicki, just for clarification, I didn’t say “out and about.” I said it’s okay to leave the house, to go outside for some fresh air, for instance. Probably healthier to do that than to stay inside all day. Also, as I mentioned, it’s important to avoid public indoor spaces. But, if you absolutely have to do something, say, pick up a prescription at a pharmacy, or get something at the grocery store, then, yes, it’s okay to do so when masked and distanced.
Ok. Thanks. I agree with fresh air. On your property works.
Name of my game must be misunderstanding today. Apologies.
I’ll add that if there are other people in the house, it makes sense to quarantine in one room if possible.
Thanks all. I was double boosted and still got a pretty good case, as these latest variants are getting around the vaccines a bit but they are still working otherwise I am sure I would have been in the hospital. Olive, hope your case is mild,
C-19
7-13
ready