Thanksgiving

[NoNamePerson]

Oct 23, 2020 10:14:32 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

Oct 23, 2020 7:31:01 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Could you explain what rapid testing is compared to Other type of testing? I have a few friends who have been tested and came back negative. Now with your statement I wonder how accurate their test results are?

My son was tested before surgery (knee) This was over 3 months ago so I am not concerned about him since no symptoms of any kind before or after. And yes I know about down the road exposure just using him as example since I wondered if testing before surgery was Rapid testing? But my friends thought their test were accurate. Do I need to inform them that they may have inaccurate tests?

This may be my learn something new for the day whether I want to know or not. Thanks!!

The test we were using initially, and what everyone was getting is a pcr test, test for presence of coronavirus RNA. Over 90% accurate. Test being used for inpatients, emergency room patients, and surgical patients. Also test most facilities were using beforehand. It is the test that we are having issues with supplies. Turnaround time is at least 3 hours.

Rapid test is an antigen based test, similar to a rapid strep or influenza test. Answer in minutes, so helpful in that way, but less accurate, many similar tests have about a 60% ACCURACY. pOSITIVE TEST IS MORE HELPFUL THAN A NEGATIVE ONE. 

Thanks for the reply.   

[janee]

We normally go our nephew's house.  It's typically 14 of us.  He has two school age kids so we said we wouldn't be going.  It's 4 hours away and we normally go and spend the weekend in a hotel and see other family and friends in the area.  Don't want to be staying in a hotel or with relatives with kids. 

We may have thanksgiving with a neighbor who is also not seeing family.  They are like us and being very cautious.   We're a pod

Gotta make the best we can of this year.

[Deleted]

I'm telling ya! Tiny's idea of tailgating is positively genius!

[Lizard Queen]

I thought it was great, because I associate Thanksgiving with football, which goes with tailgating. And, even though it sounds fun, it also sounds way too cold for me. 😉 Though, we do have a fire pit we could gather around. That sounds a little warmer.

[CCL]

Why not just gather on your deck or patio or in the driveway rather than tailgate? That way, at least Grandma and babies could warm up in the house.

ETA: MissR I forgot you are in the South. It's too cold around here for everyone to be outside all afternoon.

[Deleted]

Lizard Queen Yup. Fire pit. Chiminea. Whatever you got. Sounds like fun to me. You don't have to be cold...layer warm clothes, think warm, have lots of hot drinks available.

We had block parties in the dead of winter in the UP. No kidding. Nobody complained about being cold.

Furthermore: pish and tosh!

[TheOtherMe]

Oct 23, 2020 11:15:36 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

Oct 23, 2020 11:13:57 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Do you know what kind of rapid tests are being used in the NFL and college football?

Suspect they are antigen based, but don't quote me on it

This is what the Pac-12 is doing


tinyurl.com/yy75w6wl


The Pac-12’s testing program is unlike any in college football, a mix of daily antigen and PCR tests designed to snuff out spread, reduce the need for contact tracing, keep quarantine levels low and allow the season to unfold uninterrupted.

Each day the players take the field for practice or games, they will be tested using traditional PCR tests or the rapid-response antigen tests supplied by Quidel Corp.

It’s not perfect, but scientific data and computer modeling suggest it’s closer to perfection than any testing program currently deployed.

[pulmonarymd]

Oct 23, 2020 17:21:47 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Oct 23, 2020 11:15:36 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

Suspect they are antigen based, but don't quote me on it

This is what the Pac-12 is doing


tinyurl.com/yy75w6wl


The Pac-12’s testing program is unlike any in college football, a mix of daily antigen and PCR tests designed to snuff out spread, reduce the need for contact tracing, keep quarantine levels low and allow the season to unfold uninterrupted.

Each day the players take the field for practice or games, they will be tested using traditional PCR tests or the rapid-response antigen tests supplied by Quidel Corp.

It’s not perfect, but scientific data and computer modeling suggest it’s closer to perfection than any testing program currently deployed.

This is likely to be better. Still pisses me off. My hospital can’t get enough testing supplies, yet we can test people every day so we can continue lay football

[TheOtherMe]

That is my point.  Why are college athletics getting access to so many tests and regular people can't get tested.  

And professional athletics for that matter.  

It's very irritating.

[Deleted]

Around here we have more testing capabilities than takers.  Lots of reasons why, I think including mistrust from those who aren't citizens, lots of social media stuff about tests giving you the virus, you're a sheeple if you test, etc. 

[raeoflyte]

We've officially decided on zoom for thanksgiving, although my in laws still want to a breakfast at their house the morning of.

Sil started talking christmas. She wants to quit going out on christmas day so is planning on hosting christmas eve. We have been invited, but told no hurt feelings if we decline which we did on the spot. Her inlaws have a big family and it doesnt sound like anyone is being very cautious. Ill suggest to dh that our own christmas with inlaws be 2 weeks later. My family has decided we can carol on zoom. We might bundle up on the patio for a gift exchange.

[MN-Investor]

As long as I can wait to be with family, I'll postpone any indoor get-togethers. In the Upper Midwest, that pretty much nixes anything from now (it's 28° outside right now with very light snow falling) until March.

I have a telephone and I have Zoom. I'll get by.

[NastyWoman]

So I have just been told by my 6yo DGS1 what I will be doing for Xmas: we will have a zoom of them unwrapping of Xmas gifts and I will have to do the same thing. Now I will have to get a cable convertor to hook up my laptop to my big monitor. I did buy one for the work laptop but have not yet gotten around it for my own device. Oh, in case anyone is wondering - the monitor is mine to keep from a stipend our company provided for WFH so I really should get that plug...

[Deleted]

Why is it that a 6-year-old knows how to Zoom and I have no idea where to even start? Actually, how is it that every kindergartner in the country knows how to use Zoom?

WTH was wrong with two tin cans and a string? Carrier pigeons? Snail mail. Taking pictures with a camera with film in it, dropping it off to be developed, picking up the pix a week later? Oh, yeah. That. There is no slow lane anymore.

[NoNamePerson]

Oct 25, 2020 16:54:29 GMT -5 @missrigby said:

Why is it that a 6-year-old knows how to Zoom and I have no idea where to even start? Actually, how is it that every kindergartner in the country knows how to use Zoom?

WTH was wrong with two tin cans and a string? Carrier pigeons? Snail mail. Taking pictures with a camera with film in it, dropping it off to be developed, picking up the pix a week later? Oh, yeah. That. There is no slow lane anymore.

 You left out smoke signals!

[Artemis Windsong]

We will be on our own for Thanksgiving. More mashed potatoes and gravy for me!


My DD is having a cook off. The family set up a spread sheet where the people participating nominated an ingredient. The names were separated from the ingredient and taped to large lego blocks. My 2.5 year old GrGrS was to pick a name from one bowl and the ingredient from the other. That worked for 2 draws! I didn't look at who nominated what but I felt at lease 3 got the item they nominated.

It was funny to watch on FB live.

From what I can tell, they will gather for a meal. Probably socially distanced indoors. 2 work in nursing, 1 EMT. 1 daycare. The rest are a variety of jobs.

October cookoff was caramel rolls. The winner was drawn from numbers.

[Artemis Windsong]

Oct 22, 2020 15:18:49 GMT -5 @shastasnewlife said:

Oct 22, 2020 14:57:05 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

Testing shortages will eventually affect everyplace. There are shortages of swabs and reagents. As cases surge, there will again be stress on the system, and there will be backups in the number of tests done, and the turnaround time. Testing is still FUBARed

So, why are we as a country allowing people to test at will for no medical reason? /rhetorical question...

This country desperately needs a national plan and some action. But, now they say that might be too late...

Argh.

One woman I know has been tested many times.  3 times I know of before flying.  So with return trip that would be 6 times.

Our county has quit contact tracing of a positive and leave it up to the positive person.  It's out of control.  I signed up for CARE 19.  What a fail.  It was supposed to record where the person was.  Nope.  H. was inputting where he was.

I have mostly stayed home.

[Artemis Windsong]

Oct 23, 2020 15:42:11 GMT -5 @missrigby said:

I'm telling ya! Tiny 's idea of tailgating is positively genius!

Not here, ice pop.  The hearty FB tailgaters could/would!

[NastyWoman]

Oct 25, 2020 16:54:29 GMT -5 @missrigby said:

Why is it that a 6-year-old knows how to Zoom and I have no idea where to even start? Actually, how is it that every kindergartner in the country knows how to use Zoom?

WTH was wrong with two tin cans and a string? Carrier pigeons? Snail mail. Taking pictures with a camera with film in it, dropping it off to be developed, picking up the pix a week later? Oh, yeah. That. There is no slow lane anymore.

Actually I use the lazy way and I highly recommend it. It goes like this (i) have DSIL install Zoom in your computer, (ii) tell DS and any other people you want to see more off to do the same, and (iii) tell them to send you a link to the meeting that you would like to have. You will get an email link, click on it and follow instructions like use camera and use computer sound. And that is it. You are in. 

While I did download Zoom myself, I never set up a meeting because I am to lazy and also DS2 and DDIL have kids so they are better aware of what time will work

[TheOtherMe]

I have a personal Zoom account.  I will see if sister and her family will do that for Thanksgiving at some point.

Talked to her last night.  I'm actually proud of her.  She declined to attend a large indoor wedding because of the soaring cases here.  It was her friend's daughter who was getting married.  She said the friend was not happy with her and told her she was just scared and life goes on.

A week after the wedding friend tested positive.  My sister did do the right thing.

[skubikky]

Oct 22, 2020 14:02:23 GMT -5 @shastasnewlife said:

Oct 22, 2020 11:35:24 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

Son is doctor . He said we can probably just have our doctor give prescription or son will write
In NJ you don’t need to have symptoms to get tested, local CVS and Rite Aid don’t even require ‘referral’ or prescription just an appointment. Obviously the great majority of people getting tested weren’t sick since positive rate is very low , even if ‘high’ it’s only 10% so 90% of people are ok
Testing should be free (for us). Insurance including Medicare pays all costs for testing or treatments
If we need to pay I’m ok with that

I don’t know if what you said is correct now - most can’t get tested even if sick. Think that was earlier before there were so many tests and labs that were up and running

Actually, there are NOT tests available for anyone who wants one.

Our PHO officer said just the other day you have to "qualify" to be tested here.

Not only are there not enough tests, but all the people getting tested are once again backing up labs and making it impossible for people to get other types of lab tests. 

I see "vacation" or "party" testing as a giant waste of limited testing and taxpayer/insurance dollars.

Great if you can get it, I guess, but it would be nice if people who need testing due to illness would get what they need... And, for those who insist on getting tested for non-medical, choice reasons should have to pay for it.

Article dated 10/19.
"Despite widespread increases in the production of COVID-19 test kits this year, about three out of four surveyed U.S. laboratories still report that they do not have enough supplies to meet the pandemic’s demand.

According to data collected by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and the Association for Supply Chain Management, about two-thirds of 117 CLIA-certified labs also said they are lacking the supplies necessary for routine bacterial screenings.

This has resulted in testing delays for more common illnesses, such as strep throat, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Supply shortages have rippled through the industry since March, uncovering bottlenecks in almost every aspect of test production—from the chemical reagents needed to run the tests, to the swabs and sterile containers used to collect and transport samples.

The two associations found that labs are currently running at an average of 41% of their total testing capacity for COVID-19. While 73% of labs reported shortages of commercial testing kits for the novel coronavirus, 32% said they’re also lacking the necessary in vitro diagnostic hardware. About 4% said they were short on control materials.

In addition, nearly 30% said they lacked enough viral transport media, used to keep samples viable during shipment to the lab for analysis."


www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/lab-survey-illustrates-testing-delays-spreading-to-non-covid-diagnostic-areas

  Here in the NY, NJ, Conn, PA areas there are enough tests and lab band width to accommodate testing for those who seek it as jerseygirl described.  These states  and metropolitan areas, with what was a very high initial infection rate, saw people  very often requiring testing multiple times. and often on an ongoing basis.  It is a good and right thing to seek testing if you will be in close contact with people.  Particularly because it is not exactly known how many people have the active virus but are non-symptomatic.

Our medical infrastructure is probably a bit different than it is where you live.

There are also rapid tests available in NYC.  My DD has had to take them multiple times when having to work with a group of people.

I think it is a responsible move.  

And , yes, as pulmonarymd said, the rapid tests aren't as accurate as the antigen.  But perhaps better than nothing?

Everyone has to make up their own mind and use their best judgement.   We've been personally, doing our best but do see family and try to maintain common sense precautions.

[pulmonarymd]

Oct 26, 2020 8:32:19 GMT -5 skubikky said:

Oct 22, 2020 14:02:23 GMT -5 @shastasnewlife said:

Actually, there are NOT tests available for anyone who wants one.

Our PHO officer said just the other day you have to "qualify" to be tested here.

Not only are there not enough tests, but all the people getting tested are once again backing up labs and making it impossible for people to get other types of lab tests. 

I see "vacation" or "party" testing as a giant waste of limited testing and taxpayer/insurance dollars.

Great if you can get it, I guess, but it would be nice if people who need testing due to illness would get what they need... And, for those who insist on getting tested for non-medical, choice reasons should have to pay for it.

Article dated 10/19.
"Despite widespread increases in the production of COVID-19 test kits this year, about three out of four surveyed U.S. laboratories still report that they do not have enough supplies to meet the pandemic’s demand.

According to data collected by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and the Association for Supply Chain Management, about two-thirds of 117 CLIA-certified labs also said they are lacking the supplies necessary for routine bacterial screenings.

This has resulted in testing delays for more common illnesses, such as strep throat, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Supply shortages have rippled through the industry since March, uncovering bottlenecks in almost every aspect of test production—from the chemical reagents needed to run the tests, to the swabs and sterile containers used to collect and transport samples.

The two associations found that labs are currently running at an average of 41% of their total testing capacity for COVID-19. While 73% of labs reported shortages of commercial testing kits for the novel coronavirus, 32% said they’re also lacking the necessary in vitro diagnostic hardware. About 4% said they were short on control materials.

In addition, nearly 30% said they lacked enough viral transport media, used to keep samples viable during shipment to the lab for analysis."


www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/lab-survey-illustrates-testing-delays-spreading-to-non-covid-diagnostic-areas

  Here in the NY, NJ, Conn, PA areas there are enough tests and lab band width to accommodate testing for those who seek it as jerseygirl described.  These states  and metropolitan areas, with what was a very high initial infection rate, saw people  very often requiring testing multiple times. and often on an ongoing basis.  It is a good and right thing to seek testing if you will be in close contact with people.  Particularly because it is not exactly known how many people have the active virus but are non-symptomatic.

Our medical infrastructure is probably a bit different than it is where you live.

There are also rapid tests available in NYC.  My DD has had to take them multiple times when having to work with a group of people.

I think it is a responsible move.  

And , yes, as pulmonarymd said, the rapid tests aren't as accurate as the antigen.  But perhaps better than nothing?

Everyone has to make up their own mind and use their best judgement.   We've been personally, doing our best but do see family and try to maintain common sense precautions.

I am in the northeast. Our hospital lab gets weekly deliveries of supplies. With our allocation, we only have enough tests to do hospital patients and surgical patients. That’s it. Machine has capacity to do more, but we can’t. All other tests, including employees are sent out with a turnaround time of 2-3 days. Still not adequate. So I would not be confident in our testing ability if we spoke like we did on the spring again

[Deleted]

Testing doesn't tell you if you are contagious. It just tells you if you have active infection. 

People who think they can rapid test then gather safely are doing so with a false sense of security.

www.nytimes.com/2020/10/15/health/coronavirus-testing-negative.html

[swamp]

I officially cancelled thanksgiving at my house.

[Deleted]

Oct 26, 2020 13:08:45 GMT -5 swamp said:

I officially cancelled thanksgiving at my house.

[weltschmerz]

Oct 25, 2020 16:56:44 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Oct 25, 2020 16:54:29 GMT -5 @missrigby said:

Why is it that a 6-year-old knows how to Zoom and I have no idea where to even start? Actually, how is it that every kindergartner in the country knows how to use Zoom?

WTH was wrong with two tin cans and a string? Carrier pigeons? Snail mail. Taking pictures with a camera with film in it, dropping it off to be developed, picking up the pix a week later? Oh, yeah. That. There is no slow lane anymore.

 You left out smoke signals!

......and Inukshuks.  This one says "for good turkey hunting, go east. And wear a mask."

[TheOtherMe]

Oct 26, 2020 13:08:45 GMT -5 swamp said:

I officially cancelled thanksgiving at my house.

While it's sad, I do believe it's the right thing to do at this time.  

I'm afraid it will be the right thing to do in December, too.  

[empress of self-improvement]

Meh. I canceled Thanksgiving and Christmas for myself back in July. I have zero interest in going out and peopling with my sister or inlaws. If they want to see me so badly they could call or come over any time. I'm one or two towns over from most of them. I'm not hidden away in some far corner of the globe. Well, not yet anyway and I'm iffy on telling them when I do disappear. 

[thyme4change]

I heard a couple of people talking about the holidays. One was a (I am not 100% sure of the proper terminology) practicing Jewish. So, he was talking about their recent holidays, and different ways people celebrated without getting together. He had some lovely thoughts.

The first thing he said was to definitely celebrate in some way. Otherwise, it comes and goes and you feel slighted or untethered. So, he said do something. Maybe not your normal thing, but make it special in some way. Decorating and dressing up both will add a festive feel.

He also had some suggestions to use zoom to have some family togetherness.

Food

• If someone makes an iconic traditional dish, have them make a video of themselves making it, and then play the video and have everyone follow along. (Compare results)

• If someone makes an iconic traditional dish every year and they are willing, they can make it, package it up and drop it off at everyone's house, and they can get on zoom and eat together.

• Plan a menu together, so everyone is eating the same thing.

• Or (conversely) don't make anything traditional, and then everyone can talk about what they made and why.

Activities - Don't just zoom, but plan a zoom activity. This makes sense, because I find large group zoom hard.

• Have people research different traditions and then they can tell everyone how it came about. (Who is this Santa guy? Why is there a tree in my living room? Etc.)

• Have a reading and have different people participate. This would seem especially important if you have strong religious traditions.

• Spark collective family memories - old family films or making a family slide show and then you can talk about the memories. Especially great if you can center it around the holiday you are celebrating. Or, tell everyone to be ready to tell their memory/story.

• Watch something together. If you grew up watching the Peanuts Christmas special or whatever, find it and play it over zoom with everyone.

• Or, find something your family could bond over - comedy or drama - check out the Oscar shorts (live, documentary or animated shorts can be between a few minutes and up to maybe 40 minutes.) Again, stream it over zoom, and everyone can participate.

• Games - you can do trivia, or caption New Yorker cartoons without much hassle. We did Jackbox (which you have to buy) and it worked well, but that was my generation and below. I am not sure my Mom would be into it. There is a way to play cards against humanity online, if your family is cool. Etc. There are otherwise to have a game on zoom - Google will help you find your jam.

I thought there were a lot of good suggestions there, if anyone needs to reinvigorate a zoom party situation.

[dondub]

Dubettes coming up from Portland. #1 gets tested every Monday and shouldn’t have to visit any rehab centers. She a registered dietician. #2 works at an in patient facility for damaged kids. No clients have had it. A co-worker did recently but everyone has tested negative.

So we get to have just the four of us and that’s ok. Donnadub’s older sibs live a block from each other on the far side of downtown and with the Jewish SIL’s b-day on Christmas Day we usually don’t get an event at our place.(even though the four of us are the best cooks)😎so it will be nice to have them home and then Friday go down to the lake place. Maybe clear some more brush to burn off the pies.