Covid And The Rest of Us

[NFLDERS]

Completely agree.

Me too, but it still saddens me..

 

[White Cat]

I was referring to the area around Pearson. I’m in Peel. We locked down on November 23rd and it hasn’t changed since then. Hard to threaten us with a lockdown again when we haven’t left it yet.

I was referring to my area and others like it obviously. Uncle Doug says we better behave.

 

[White Cat]

Some travellers walking out of Pearson airport instead of paying for quarantine hotel (msn.com)
Wow, what a gong-show this is turning out to be. And meanwhile, back in Calgary, where we have finally received a quantity of vaccine and announced availability for anyone 75 and over, people have completely crashed our 9-1-1 system all day by mistakenly dialing it instead of the 8-1-1 Provincial Health Line that they should be calling to book their appointments. {{facepalm}}

Poorly planned and poorly set up. I’m glad to see people walking out. Too much government control. There is no need to house people coming in from elsewhere. They are as likely to contract the virus stopping at the store on the way home from the airport as they are bringing it into the country. Maybe more so. We have people afraid to come into our house because we were in Fla for months. The Canadian news has done a good job of scaring y’all.

 

[ronandannette]

Poorly planned and poorly set up. I’m glad to see people walking out. Too much government control. There is no need to house people coming in from elsewhere. They are as likely to contract the virus stopping at the store on the way home from the airport as they are bringing it into the country. Maybe more so. We have people afraid to come into our house because we were in Fla for months. The Canadian news has done a good job of scaring y’all.

I presume the first bolded statement is rhetorical because even before the quarantine hotel scheme, persons were required to go straight to their place of quarantine from the airport - no stopping at the store allowed. I strongly disagree with the imposition of hotel quarantine precisely because I believe the previously existing 14 day quarantine upon return was adequate for safety and compliance was high. The more onerous the rules become, the greater the likelihood of people reaching the point of rebellion and abandoning them altogether, which I do not advocate.

As to the issue of your guests, people's reaction/response to that here would be based on a few factors. Firstly, in Alberta we are not permitted to admit anyone to our homes other than those needed for essential personal care or home services. At my workplace, we have a standard protocol for screening customers before we are able to enter their homes (to provide essential services). One of them is whether or not the residents have travelled outside Canada within the past 14 days or been in contact with anyone who has. If they answer yes to those questions regardless of the reason, we are unable to enter.

 

[Aladora]

As to the issue of your guests, people's reaction/response to that here would be based on a few factors. Firstly, in Alberta we are not permitted to admit anyone to our homes other than those needed for essential personal care or home services. At my workplace, we have a standard protocol for screening customers before we are able to enter their homes (to provide essential services). One of them is whether or not the residents have travelled outside Canada within the past 14 days or been in contact with anyone who has. If they answer yes to those questions regardless of the reason, we are unable to enter.

We have an onsite tech company and have been screening clients since we started going back onsite last May. In BC we are also not allowed to have anyone in our homes other than essential/home services.

Our company has it down to 3 questions that we ask ALL our clients.

1. Have you or anyone else in your household been ill within the past 10 days?
2. Have you or anyone else in your household been off of Vancouver Island within the past 10 days?
3. Have you or anyone else in your household been instructed to self-isolate by any medical professional or government agent within the past 10 days?

A "yes" answer to any of those questions and we will not send someone out there, period. We also require that anyone in the home or office with our tech wears a face mask at all times, as does all of our staff.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

We have an onsite tech company and have been screening clients since we started going back onsite last May. In BC we are also not allowed to have anyone in our homes other than essential/home services.

Our company has it down to 3 questions that we ask ALL our clients.

1. Have you or anyone else in your household been ill within the past 10 days?
2. Have you or anyone else in your household been off of Vancouver Island within the past 10 days?
3. Have you or anyone else in your household been instructed to self-isolate by any medical professional or government agent within the past 10 days?

A "yes" answer to any of those questions and we will not send someone out there, period. We also require that anyone in the home or office with our tech wears a face mask at all times, as does all of our staff.

These questions, or similar are also standard at certain places in the U.S. though admittedly some places have probably stopped asking when they used to ask.

About 2 weeks ago I got a haircut. The place asks questions similar to those and takes your temperature. That's been the case since they reopened this past summer. Masks are required presently for both the person getting the haircut and the stylist.

The requiring of masks from homeowners or anyone in the house though that one is probably not prevalent here. You'd see the technician wearing a mask but less likely to see the homeowners doing it as well. That said a company could require it and some may. I can't remember but it may have been a requirement when we refinanced and the title company sent a notary over rather than us going into their officd..I'm not sure. That was last May and they wore a mask and we did as well.

 

[NFLDERS]

I presume the first bolded statement is rhetorical because even before the quarantine hotel scheme, persons were required to go straight to their place of quarantine from the airport - no stopping at the store allowed. I strongly disagree with the imposition of hotel quarantine precisely because I believe the previously existing 14 day quarantine upon return was adequate for safety and compliance was high. The more onerous the rules become, the greater the likelihood of people reaching the point of rebellion and abandoning them altogether, which I do not advocate.

As to the issue of your guests, people's reaction/response to that here would be based on a few factors. Firstly, in Alberta we are not permitted to admit anyone to our homes other than those needed for essential personal care or home services. At my workplace, we have a standard protocol for screening customers before we are able to enter their homes (to provide essential services). One of them is whether or not the residents have travelled outside Canada within the past 14 days or been in contact with anyone who has. If they answer yes to those questions regardless of the reason, we are unable to enter.

HEAR! HEAR!

 

[NFLDERS]

We have an onsite tech company and have been screening clients since we started going back onsite last May. In BC we are also not allowed to have anyone in our homes other than essential/home services.

Our company has it down to 3 questions that we ask ALL our clients.

1. Have you or anyone else in your household been ill within the past 10 days?
2. Have you or anyone else in your household been off of Vancouver Island within the past 10 days?
3. Have you or anyone else in your household been instructed to self-isolate by any medical professional or government agent within the past 10 days?

A "yes" answer to any of those questions and we will not send someone out there, period. We also require that anyone in the home or office with our tech wears a face mask at all times, as does all of our staff.

HEAR! HEAR!

 

[NFLDERS]

These questions, or similar are also standard at certain places in the U.S. though admittedly some places have probably stopped asking when they used to ask.

About 2 weeks ago I got a haircut. The place asks questions similar to those and takes your temperature. That's been the case since they reopened this past summer. Masks are required presently for both the person getting the haircut and the stylist.

The requiring of masks from homeowners or anyone in the house though that one is probably not prevalent here. You'd see the technician wearing a mask but less likely to see the homeowners doing it as well. That said a company could require it and some may. I can't remember but it may have been a requirement when we refinanced and the title company sent a notary over rather than us going into their officd..I'm not sure. That was last May and they wore a mask and we did as well.

HEAR! HEAR!

 

[bcwife76]

Health Canada has approved the Astra Zeneca (they are still going over the J&J results so no word on that one yet). Three vaccines for Canada now! And deliveries have ramped up so yes, let's get this kicked into high gear!
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/astrazeneca-approved-1.5929050

 

[ronandannette]

Health Canada has approved the Astra Zeneca (they are still going over the J&J results so no word on that one yet). Three vaccines for Canada now! And deliveries have ramped up so yes, let's get this kicked into high gear!
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/astrazeneca-approved-1.5929050

By the end of the day Friday, AHS had recorded appointment times for 100,000 seniors over the age of 75 living outside of congregated settings, which is our "Phase 1B". We don't have all the total number of doses on hand just yet and they are not holding back quantities for 2nd doses but the expectation is that supply will arrive.

 

[bcwife76]

So BC (British Columbia) has just released an updated vaccination plan. Pertaining to Phase 2 now, we are starting to get to the people in the community (those not in a hospital setting, LTC, etc). Going down by 5 year increments, those 90+ can register starting March 8 for shots the following week, 85+ register March 15 for shots the following week, 80+ registering starting March 22 for shots the following week.
April to June will see more of this. Some changes from the original plan include:
-waiting 16 weeks between dose 1 dose 2 They are basing this on evidence from countries that are further ahead in their vaccine rollout (the UK, Israel etc) where they are seeing evidence of cases going down, etc between the first and second doses. I'm not sure about this guys.....
-Astra Zeneca was just approved in Canada so BC is hoping to slide essential workers into the age-based category so that they can get vaccinated before their age group comes up (alternately, if they don't want the AZ vaccine then they can wait for their age group).
-instead of end of August/beginning of September to have everyone vaccinated with one dose they are now aiming for anyone over the age of 18 to have had at least one dose by end of July.

 

[Karin1984]

So BC (British Columbia) has just released an updated vaccination plan. Pertaining to Phase 2 now, we are starting to get to the people in the community (those not in a hospital setting, LTC, etc). Going down by 5 year increments, those 90+ can register starting March 8 for shots the following week, 85+ register March 15 for shots the following week, 80+ registering starting March 22 for shots the following week.
April to June will see more of this. Some changes from the original plan include:
-waiting 16 weeks between dose 1 dose 2 They are basing this on evidence from countries that are further ahead in their vaccine rollout (the UK, Israel etc) where they are seeing evidence of cases going down, etc between the first and second doses. I'm not sure about this guys.....
-Astra Zeneca was just approved in Canada so BC is hoping to slide essential workers into the age-based category so that they can get vaccinated before their age group comes up (alternately, if they don't want the AZ vaccine then they can wait for their age group).
-instead of end of August/beginning of September to have everyone vaccinated with one dose they are now aiming for anyone over the age of 18 to have had at least one dose by end of July.

The same advice has been given here in NL. By waiting you can vaccinate more people.

 

[bcwife76]

The same advice has been given here in NL. By waiting you can vaccinate more people.

Ok that's interesting to know. Thanks. So we're aren't the only ones leaving a bigger gap then. This is not a Canada-wide plan however, but varies from province to province here.

 

[Karin1984]

The Dutch Health minister has announced that IF (Big IF ;-) ) all the deliveries of vaccines go according to plan, all adults who want can be vaccinated by July As in, have had their first shot.
In NL there are about 14 million adults, it is expected that 80-85% will get the vaccine. 11.2 - 11.9 million adults. We have done 1 million by now.

I haven't followed the news on the entire Astra drama we had in Europe, but as I understood the final word some of our orders were send to the UK. Whether that was according to contract doesn't really matter anymore, as it happened already. Let's hope that Astra keeps its word to do better in the future.

 

[kyton]

Australia as a whole is still doing pretty well. We don’t have any locally transmitted - the only cases are in hotel quarantine. The vaccines are slowly rolling out - this seems to be the only bone of contention. The Federal government employed two companies to handle some of the vaccinations but they seem to be on a go slow. So now they’re bringing in the army plus state governments are getting more authority to run vaccinations as well.

I must admit falling down a rabbit hole yesterday on Instagram reading all the cranky posts about Chris Hemsworth, Idris Elba and Matt Damon as well as local identities attending a party. Apparently a lot of people overseas were not aware that (a) they were in Australia (b) we have minimal transmission (c) life is almost back to normal for the vast majority of us here. The anger and vitriol was quite amazing.

 

[ford family]

The Dutch Health minister has announced that IF (Big IF ;-) ) all the deliveries of vaccines go according to plan, all adults who want can be vaccinated by July As in, have had their first shot.
In NL there are about 14 million adults, it is expected that 80-85% will get the vaccine. 11.2 - 11.9 million adults. We have done 1 million by now.

I haven't followed the news on the entire Astra drama we had in Europe, but as I understood the final word some of our orders were send to the UK. Whether that was according to contract doesn't really matter anymore, as it happened already. Let's hope that Astra keeps its word to do better in the future.

Some of your fellow EU countries such as Germany and France have far more AZ in stock than they are using because their governments either misunderstood some of the data or, for political reasons, deliberately misinterpreted it and advised their citizens against having that particular vaccine. Now they are performing u turns on that advice but it is too late, the damage has been done.

ford family

 

[ronandannette]

So BC (British Columbia) has just released an updated vaccination plan. Pertaining to Phase 2 now, we are starting to get to the people in the community (those not in a hospital setting, LTC, etc). Going down by 5 year increments, those 90+ can register starting March 8 for shots the following week, 85+ register March 15 for shots the following week, 80+ registering starting March 22 for shots the following week.
April to June will see more of this. Some changes from the original plan include:
-waiting 16 weeks between dose 1 dose 2 They are basing this on evidence from countries that are further ahead in their vaccine rollout (the UK, Israel etc) where they are seeing evidence of cases going down, etc between the first and second doses. I'm not sure about this guys.....
-Astra Zeneca was just approved in Canada so BC is hoping to slide essential workers into the age-based category so that they can get vaccinated before their age group comes up (alternately, if they don't want the AZ vaccine then they can wait for their age group).
-instead of end of August/beginning of September to have everyone vaccinated with one dose they are now aiming for anyone over the age of 18 to have had at least one dose by end of July.

I feel exactly the same way...maybe even more nervous since the Pharma companies have actually changed their own recommendations. Just like they changed the labeling on the product to count 6 doses instead of 5. What's real here? If the length between doses could legitimately be lengthened, why didn't they say so initially? If the bottle actually has 6 doses, why did it originally say 5? I am a BIG proponent of vaccines and I desperately want this all to work but it gives flashbacks to when we were purposely misled about masks.

In the meantime, for everybody - what are the current Covid rules in your jurisdictions? A quick look would indicate that numbers everywhere (cases and hospitalizations) are coming down. Are your restrictions easing?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

In the meantime, for everybody - what are the current Covid rules in your jurisdictions? A quick look would indicate that numbers everywhere (cases and hospitalizations) are coming down. Are your restrictions easing?

Massachusetts

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-plans-for-continued-reopening

Phase III, Step 2:

On May 18, 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration released a four-phased plan to reopen the economy conditioned on sustained improvements in public health data. As of October, 2020, the reopening had proceeded to Step 2 of Phase III of the plan. On December 13, 2020, in response to an increase in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations following the Thanksgiving holiday, the Commonwealth returned to Step 1 of Phase III, reducing capacities across a broad range of sectors and tightening several other workplace restrictions.

Since the beginning of this year, key public health data, such as new cases and hospitalizations, have been closely monitored and a significant decline has been documented, allowing for a return to Step 2 of Phase III, effective March 1 for all cities and towns. This includes the following updates to businesses, activities and capacities:

• Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity with no more than 500 persons
• Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact (laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, obstacle courses) will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity
• Capacity limits across all sectors with capacity limits will be raised to 50% and exclude employees
• Restaurants will no longer have a percent capacity limit and will be permitted to host musical performances; six-foot social distancing, limits of six people per table and 90 minute limits remain in place

Residents must continue to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and are encouraged to avoid contact outside of their immediate households. The Travel Advisory and other public health orders remain in effect.

Gathering Changes and Phase IV Start

Provided public health metrics continue to improve, effective on March 22, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan. This will open a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue. Effective on the planned advancement to Step 1 of Phase IV, the following industries will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health (DPH):

• Indoor and outdoor stadiums
• Arenas
• Ballparks

Also effective on March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

Additionally, dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only, and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols. Other Phase IV sectors must continue to remain closed.

COVID-19 Business Relief Grants

Today, an additional 1,108 businesses are receiving COVID-19 relief grants totaling more than $49 million in awards to help with expenses like payroll, benefits, utilities and rent. To date, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $563 million in direct financial support to 12,320 businesses impacted by the pandemic through the Small Business and Sector-Specific Grant Programs.

 

[mommasita]

I feel exactly the same way...maybe even more nervous since the Pharma companies have actually changed their own recommendations. Just like they changed the labeling on the product to count 6 doses instead of 5. What's real here? If the length between doses could legitimately be lengthened, why didn't they say so initially? If the bottle actually has 6 doses, why did it originally say 5? I am a BIG proponent of vaccines and I desperately want this all to work but it gives flashbacks to when we were purposely misled about masks.

In the meantime, for everybody - what are the current Covid rules in your jurisdictions? A quick look would indicate that numbers everywhere (cases and hospitalizations) are coming down. Are your restrictions easing?

It has been awhile, we here in Montreal (most of Quebec), have had a mandated curfew since January 6th, it was extended today, but for how long . It is from 8pm to 5am. Many tickets have been given out. My essential worker son, he has his paper in his vehicle at all times. Rules, hmm. Zero gatherings in homes, unless you live alone, which you can bubble up with another single person. Outside I believe, may be wrong, but you can be 4, on Public property only, ex, parks, etc. March break is this week so they opened the movies and pools

For the longest time we could only purchase essential items, all other things were blocked off, order for pick up, online, but not in the store. It has been only a week or two since that stopped, and they allowed hairdressers to open. Restaurants and gyms - NO NO.

Our press conference today informed us that yes although numbers are down, it is that variant has been what has them feared. They said not if but when it implodes, it can cause us to go back where we were, and quickly.

The good news is on Monday we started vaccinations, a few minor glitches (to be expected), all going well Now. Anyone now 70+ is now eligible, and Montreal is a little ahead in the age number, due to it being hit higher. I am working 7-1 in my regular Job, and then 2-7 at the vaccination site near my home. i evaluate with the patients for their 15 minutes of wait time after the jab.

Wanted to add, there are a few areas in Quebec that went to Orange zones, very few, and very far away. They can now have curfew 9:30-5am, their gyms and restaurants will re-open.