Coronavirus prep

lemurcat2 · May 2021

SModa61 wrote: »

@Ann262 Thanks for putting the vet's situation in perspective. The only thing I will add is that I assume the vets would have had that same 2 week closedown requirement in the fall. In November and December, when I had several appointments, it was my choice if I came in or did curbside. In the fall, I was not vaccinated and was a greater risk to them, but now that I am vaccinated I am not allowed in. I think that is what adds to my frustration. I had more options when I was a greater risk to them.

That's interesting. I've had a few vet appointments throughout this, and since covid started they've always done the wait in your car, get the call, drop the cat with someone at the door (or at the emergency place, they come to the car to get the animal), wait for the call to discuss, etc. I don't know when they plan to start.

I was bothered by this initially since one of my two cats has major vet fear (he takes anti anxiety medicine before going by I still like to be with him), but it has worked okay.

It's no problem to find a notary here, depending on the purpose, but there's also some zoom option, I believe.

Most everything is and has been open here, but there are still various limitations on the numbers of people allowed in (not to the extent that I run into lines like at the beginning) and still masks required inside normally (I think that last is changing in the rest of the state, but not here yet).

lemurcat2 · May 2021

More re notaries, I refi'd my mortgage in spring of last year, and originally they thought they could do everything remotely but ended up sending someone to my house and we signed and notarized on the front porch. I work in a building with a big title company, and for months they had been doing closings right outside the building with someone coming out to meet people in their car. Now they are open, and it's mostly inside again.

SModa61 · May 2021

@lemurcat2 We initally asked for a zoom notary because we used that for some estate work earlier on. We were told a hard "no", and with shortish notice (the other side needs suddenly docs by friday) we needed to move quickly. Then yesterday, when we were having issues, we were now told that we should zoom. Huh? It was a "no" just the day before. Great, we start arranging that and turns out you have to set up an appointment, then they mail signature documents, which one must somehow then sign (did we need that notarized too? - I was not the one on the phone), then you overnight it back, then they set up an appointment for the zoom notary. Just not an option in the short time. If it were set up weeks ahead, it would have been feasible. When we did our previous zoom, it was with our own attorney who has plenty of docs to verify our signatures.

lemurcat2 · May 2021

That sounds like a huge hassle, ugh.

hipari · May 2021

Ugh, my deepest sympathies to all of you dealing with notaries and vets and ID’s. This makes me exceedingly happy to live in a place where notaries aren’t needed and ID’s can be renewed fully online and picked up from a post office that will ID you before releasing the package with the new ID. I’ve never owned pets so I don’t have experience with vets but from what I’ve heard, they’ve operated fairly normally throughout. The only vet-related limitation I’ve heard of is limiting how many humans can accompany a pet. That’s the same limitation with human doctors, though - my prenatal ultrasound appointments have a strict limit of one healthy adult support person (spouse or otherwise) per expectant mother, no children and no extra people.

spiriteagle99 · May 2021

Our vet set-up was like yours, consulting on the phone out in the parking lot after the dog was taken indoors by the vet tech. Once they let me in when I requested it and on another occasion the vet actually came outside to talk with us since she didn't feel like the telephone consultation was enough. I understand why they do it, but it wasn't satisfying, especially since we had issues with our phone there. (It seems to be a dead zone, sometimes.)

lemurcat2 · May 2021

hipari wrote: »

Ugh, my deepest sympathies to all of you dealing with notaries and vets and ID’s. This makes me exceedingly happy to live in a place where notaries aren’t needed and ID’s can be renewed fully online and picked up from a post office that will ID you before releasing the package with the new ID. I’ve never owned pets so I don’t have experience with vets but from what I’ve heard, they’ve operated fairly normally throughout. The only vet-related limitation I’ve heard of is limiting how many humans can accompany a pet. That’s the same limitation with human doctors, though - my prenatal ultrasound appointments have a strict limit of one healthy adult support person (spouse or otherwise) per expectant mother, no children and no extra people.

The only times I've needed a notary have to do with legal documents (I'm a lawyer, and it seems like that SModa61 is dealing with a legal thing) and of course real estate sales/purchases or related refi of a mortgage. It's not like we need notaries constantly in the US. Are there no such similar things you would ever need one for?

Our driver's licenses can be renewed online (most common ID) so long as they are not expired, and a passport online if it was issued when you were older than 16 and no more than 15 years ago. However, there is a change in the type of ID needed for flying such that many driver's licenses don't fit the requirements and so there is a need to go in to replace the ID if you are switching to that (Real ID). But the deadline has been extended until 2023 for that to be required.

kimny72 · May 2021

So I listened to TWIV episodes that dropped at about the same time as the CDC updated guidance on masks for vaccinated folks. They noted that the CDC releases "guidance" not "policy". The CDC did not say everyone who is vaccinated should go back to 100% normal behavior. They said the current data affirms that vaccinated people are largely protected from getting sick and spreading disease, so fully vaccinated people can if it makes sense considering their personal circumstances.

The virologists on the podcast said they would continue wearing masks in public indoor places, because not enough people are vaxxed and no vaccine is 100%. They kind of rushed through it as I don't think they were prepared for the announcement. But adding this to what I've been reading on social media from disease specialists, I'm getting the impression that their idea is to continue masking until vaccination rates are higher (70%range) and case numbers are way lower. Obviously everyone has to weigh the pros and cons themselves and make the best decision they can.

I am not bothered in the least by wearing a mask, so I'll continue wearing one in public indoor spaces for now. I'm not wearing one outside, and not at work, where I know unvaxxed coworkers are masking. And I'm back to visiting my family now that we are all vaccinated except for the little ones.

In the new guidelines, the CDC notes that there is not yet enough data to say how protective each vaccine is against current and future variants, how well the vaccines protect people with autoimmune conditions, and how long the vaccine protection will last. If we could get local community vaccine rates up toward 70% and at least preliminary positive answers to those questions, I'd change my mind. Having said that, I am not at all anxious right now about getting covid, and if I found myself in a public situation without a mask I would not be as concerned as I was a few months ago.

Even though I disagree with them, I can totally understand why other vaccinated people will choose to stop masking, especially those who were already low risk and those who don't have small children. We're all out here trying to get our heads around a novel, confusing thing!

If TWIV goes into more detail on this once they've had a chance to think in it, I'll report back

SuzySunshine99 · May 2021

Saw a sign on the door to Starbucks today..."Masks are optional for fully vaccinated customers".
Everyone that I saw going in still had masks on, and I assume at least some of them are vaccinated.

I think that there's more going on here than just people hesitant about the safety of taking off their masks. In my area, indoor mask-wearing is pretty universal, and previous to this CDC guidance, there would be outrage if someone took off their mask in a store.

I think people are afraid of being stared at, dirty looks, etc. Short of screaming, "I'M VACCINATED!" when you walk into a store, no one knows if that's the case, or if you're some anti-vax, virus-denying nutjob. I know it would make me self-conscious if I were the only person without a mask.

Gisel2015 · May 2021

Considering this posting from the FDA, I think that wearing masks a bit longer is worthy. At leas it is for me and my husband.

Don't rely on antibody tests to determine if you're immune to Covid-19, FDA warns

The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday issued a “safety communication” to remind Americans that SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests should not be used to evaluate whether someone is protected – or immune – from infection. SARS-CoV-2 is the name of the virus that causes Covid-19."

“The FDA is reminding the public of the limitations of COVID-19 antibody, or serology, testing and providing additional recommendations about the use of antibody tests in people who received a COVID-19 vaccination,” Dr. Tim Stenzel, director of the FDA’s Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health, said in a statement.

"Antibody tests can play an important role in identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and may have developed an adaptive immune response. However, antibody tests should not be used at this time to determine immunity or protection against COVID-19 at any time, and especially after a person has received a COVID-19 vaccination," the statement added."

https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-05-19-21/h_da08c24fedcbe37253022f507dca2766

lemurcat2 · May 2021

I think masks in indoor public spaces makes sense. I already hadn't been wearing one in my private office at work (putting it on for more public areas), and I think we are going mask optional since everyone I work with has been vaccinated. For the building itself I think it's still required and so far it seems to be in all stores I've been to. I was told today that my gym is going mask optional if you are vaxxed. I'm going to pilates there tomorrow, so will be curious to see how many are wearing vs not.

jenilla1 · May 2021

Just got my 2nd vax this morning (Moderna.) Wow, that's a monster sore arm, but otherwise feeling great (I had symptoms for the first round, but nothing much this time other than the arm.) I'm feeling so good, I'm about to leave for a run! ⭐

steffi1686 · May 2021

I

SuzySunshine99 wrote: »

Saw a sign on the door to Starbucks today..."Masks are optional for fully vaccinated customers".
Everyone that I saw going in still had masks on, and I assume at least some of them are vaccinated.

I think that there's more going on here than just people hesitant about the safety of taking off their masks. In my area, indoor mask-wearing is pretty universal, and previous to this CDC guidance, there would be outrage if someone took off their mask in a store.

I think stores should just keep the mask rules in place. I feel like those people who are unvaxed and don't plan to will go into stores without masks. Stores won't be able to check if each patron not wearing a mask is vaxed. I hope we don't have a resurgence of cases because of the relaxed mask rules.

RetiredAndLovingIt · May 2021

Although most stores here (Iowa) have signs saying mask optional if fully vaxxed , in the stores I have been in (including Costco) most people were wearing masks. We have pretty good vaccination rate, too.

Fuzzipeg · May 2021

Lamiller1962. Here in the UK we have the Indian variant taking over in the number of active cases. First it was in Lancashire above Manchester and parts of London. It seems its a more easily spread version. The authorities are taking drastic action. Post code surge testing along with open vaccination centres for those who refused the vaccine or did not have time when first offered. The persons in our hospitals now who are suffering from covid are those very people who did not have time in their busy lives for the vaccine.

You must like to gamble with your and others lives. Its selfish to expect nurses and doctors to put their lives at risk to look after you, at your time of need. Even when vaccinated they are at higher risk of going down with it. A young first responder, friend of a granddaughter, 23 with all her life ahead of her in which to do good things, was very ill with her second contamination. Guess what, she is back on the front line because, Other lives Matter too.

Last night others areas were added to the postcode surge testing and open vaccination will be in hand if its not already. There are a smattering of cases all through our country. I'm watching out for cases starting in my county and to see if the numbers in the county next door rise and how the persons do.

BTW, I've worn various high filtering masks when out over the years because I react to the off gassing of perfumes, laundry products and the like. I nearly passed out when I visited somewhere where someone was using wood varnish. No using masks is not a sign of living in fear its a responsible action be it from self protection or community compassion. (others use similar masks to mine to keep petrochemicals from their lungs)

Thanks to the poster above who gave the link to the statistics. It really helps to know.

Regrettably there are many persons who thought they were above it all who, when push came to shove, facing their end, tried to get the message out, its much worse than flu, and please moderate your behaviour, because they knew they had risked all that was dear.

paperpudding · May 2021

Update from regional South Australia.

Pfizer now available from our local hospital for eligible people under 50 - those with high risk medical conditions and health workers and front line workers: police etc.

AZ continues to be available from hospital and approved Dr's surgeries.
- for everyone over 50.

apparently Moderna will be avialable in Australia soon too.

lemurcat2 · May 2021

paperpudding wrote: »

at this stage nobody under 16, for starters.

Actually, here they are vaxxing people 12 and over now.

But I agree with your broader point.

ythannah · May 2021

Yesterday I got to take my 82 year old vaccinated (and masked) father out for a drive in my new truck. First time I've taken him out since last March. Fortunately he's a retired physicist and very much a man of science so he's been diligently following all safety measures.

kimny72 · May 2021

In two weeks our office will have 80% of the employees fully vaccinated. So they are working on a "reentry plan" for everyone working from home. The GM stressed not everyone is coming back in and many will have a hybrid schedule, some days home, some days in the office. I get the impression they want to remain flexible in case something goes wrong and there is another spike or some other unforeseen development. Those who haven't shown proof of vaccination will need to continue to wear a mask until some point in the future.

Virginia ended the state mask mandate last week, but most stores still have masks required. The state is set to end occupancy restrictions I think the first week of June, so I guess that includes restaurants and bars. I see very few people outside wearing masks now (which is a change) but inside stores still most people are wearing masks so far.

If someone new joins this thread with a post that is against the rules and doesn't forward the discussion, I'd suggest ignoring them or at least not quoting them. No reason to preserve a copy of the post after it's been deleted by mods. We and the mods have done a pretty amazing job at keeping this thread a valuable source of info and support

cwolfman13 · May 2021

steffi1686 wrote: »

I

SuzySunshine99 wrote: »

Saw a sign on the door to Starbucks today..."Masks are optional for fully vaccinated customers".
Everyone that I saw going in still had masks on, and I assume at least some of them are vaccinated.

I think that there's more going on here than just people hesitant about the safety of taking off their masks. In my area, indoor mask-wearing is pretty universal, and previous to this CDC guidance, there would be outrage if someone took off their mask in a store.

I think stores should just keep the mask rules in place. I feel like those people who are unvaxed and don't plan to will go into stores without masks. Stores won't be able to check if each patron not wearing a mask is vaxed. I hope we don't have a resurgence of cases because of the relaxed mask rules.

Though private business can implement their own policies, a requirement would be difficult when state and local governments are dropping mask mandates and when that is also in line with CDC recommendations. We would be right back to people berating minimum wage employees just trying to do their job...and it would be worse, because the requirement wouldn't line up with the lack of government mandates and CDC recommendations.

We have overall done very well here in NM with this whole thing and are 2nd in per capita population in the US that is fully vaccinated. We've had a statewide mask mandate in effect since April 2020 and it was just lifted last Friday. Most business have or are in the process of changing their signage from "required" to "strongly encouraged" whether vaccinated our not. I was out and about a lot last weekend running errands and most people were still wearing their masks indoors. I would imagine that will slowly start change, but we've been generally pretty cautious here and I don't think many feel comfortable just flipping a switch here. People will watch and observe and see where the trend goes over the coming few weeks. We are mostly open with some capacity restrictions still in place, but we were under some of the most strict restrictions in the country for most of this thing and nobody wants to go back to that.

Coronavirus prep

Replies

Categories