[In the US]
Seriously: Where the hell is testing?
I spoke last night with a medical professional who has to work in a facility every day where they screen entrants to the facility verbally but do not have any tests to screen if the people might have COVID 19. Seriously, what the hell? Why have I not recently heard much (if anything) from the powers-that-be about completely turning around and eradicating the widespread lack of appropriate quick accurate testing? In the past the Trump administration's approach to mention of testing was to speak condescendingly .... as though they're granting some sort of favor to allow someone to qualify for testing. Is there anyone who could please eradicate this approach to the discussion at the level of the Trump administration and install a new policy that widespread access to repeated, accurate and safe (which will not unduly risk further exposure) testing is to be encouraged?
Have I missed something? Are we on the verge of widespread convenient easy accurate testing?
Even if many of us start getting back out in public to some limited degree around May, what is the point of all this lockdown we are doing now? If we have not put widespread testing into place so we can dramatically reduce the transmission pathways, then are we not just encouraging the virus to re-emerge in force, and we would have to engage in the lockdown a 2nd and 3rd time? Do we in the US expect our economy to survive that sort of cycle?
Every time I post on this point, I get some response from someone completely oblivious to the multiple values of testing, even in a situation where the initial opportunities have been missed. To forestall that type of response to this post side (a response which is arguably too out of touch even to respond to it), here is one of the expert comments I've posted addressing the values of testing:
[hbr.org]
Organizational culture
Why Is the U.S. Behind on Coronavirus Testing?
by Stefan Thomke
March 30, 2020
4
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9 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.and now I see the piece-of-garbage incompetent US President adding more to the tally of people he has killed, and adding to the trillions of dollars he is costing the US Economy, by lying and making up whatever he wants, and generally having no clue about the importance of testing
[huffpost.com]
POLITICS 03/31/2020 10:58 am ET Updated 2 hours ago
Republican Governor Slaps Down Trump Testing Claim: ‘That’s Just Not True’
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said there remains a shortage of tests, personal protective equipment and ventilators in every state.
headshot
By Hayley Miller
Maybe he can be removed from office if Congress takes a hard look at the economic toll (and toll on lives) of having a totally incompetent commander in chief in place during a key battle. At the very least he should be told, privately and publicly, by dozens of leaders - at least get the hell out of the way, NOW, of competent people who are trying to address this situation. Support them in the background, with less muss and fuss, if they ask for support. That's it.
kmaz
Level 7
Mar 31, 2020
0
This is what happens when you combine a shitty, for-profit healthcare "system," federal/state squabbling over responsibilities, and corrupt and inept "leadership" at the top.
DharmaBum50
Level 8
Mar 31, 2020
2
This country is, at present, an international disgrace, thanks to the current resident of the White House.
BestWithoutGods
Level 8
Mar 31, 2020
5
The incompetence of the president & his people is mind boggling. And I do blame them! 100,000 American deaths "is a good job"? The "My Pillow" guy at a press briefing? There should be mass testing. Identification of people that test positive. You can`t quarantine everyone. Quarantine a few people now & stop the spread of the virus.
Della
Level 6
Mar 31, 2020
2
How do you qualify for quarantine except if you have committed a crime? It has to be all or excepting key workers.
@Mcflewster Hence the need for widespread testing. If you knowingly infect other people with a deadly virus, wouldnt that be criminal?
@Mcflewster There have been "greater good" laws on the books since "Typhoid Mary" (an actual person, google it!)...which means authorities Can restrain a known threat (virus carrier) for the greater good. WTF "fame"??????
@AnneWimsey Not sure what you mean by Greater Good? in the context. Found the real one. Are you after fame in this way?
@Della Absolutely
I remember the Press Conference where Trump introduced CEOs from Wal Mart, Walgreens, Target, CVS, and made it sound like the next day there would be testing stations in the parking lots of these stores. That was a month ago....it hasn't happened yet.
nicknotes
Level 8
Mar 31, 2020
3
Society will not progress to its maximum until every single human being absolutely loves and craves TESTING of all kinds. From understanding a Joke to passing degree, from tap on the chest to MRI machine.
Mcflewster
Level 8
Mar 31, 2020
1
I'm with you. In my hospital we can't get enough of them either. Took one of my colleagues 10 days to find out he was negative.
Emerald
Level 7
Mar 31, 2020
5
Have the hospitals in the Atlanta area started coordinating with each other yet, like Gov Cuomo is directing hospitals in NY to do?
The latest numbers from the GaDPH lists 707 hospitalized, but nothing about how many are on ventilators. Any firsthand info on ventilator availability?
I wish Kemp would do more.
Yes, and IMO if tests cannot come with very timely results they are completely wasted...after 10 days you are either better or dead.....
@Emerald This is tragic. In the Uk it means that In theory no one will ever mess about with the NHS again. This goverenments record on looking after front line doctors and nurses could get them thrown out and Brexit dismissed. In the US it is time now to get a 2 million person march organized on the white house or wherever to get a NHSA for you too. Another pandemic is on its way , hopefully late enough to give you time to set one up
@Mcflewster I know that a number of us will leave our jobs or leave medicine altogether. We are not dispensable.
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