Coronavirus in Massachusetts (Boston: house, casinos, closing)

[BostonMike7]

My bigger concern would be elderly and those with conditions that make it difficult to leave the house to get the vaccine.

For example, my 97 year old grandmother pretty much hasn’t gone outside since feb. Taking her to get the vaccine requires transportation services that would put her in contact with others and potential exposure. I can imagine others in more dire predicaments due to age and comorbidities.

If phase 2 includes these populations, I would envision some sort of vaccine administration that would be able to go to those in need, otherwise many would just forgo getting it if getting out of the house is a production in itself

[mdovell]

I get what you are saying but when you have an aging population and no public transit it adds up :-/ Like I said there's no drug store clinics.

It know it can be easy to think that all places have the same access to things but some areas are like going back in time 10-20 years. Broadband access and cell phone dead zones are still issues. Yes they can become accustomed but this is for something for everyone to do, not just a few.

I had a friend that worked up in Burlington vt about eight years ago. At one point the phone service (like I said lack of cell coverage) and transit authority were both on strike.

People are dealing with this in different ways. Still negative here. The free test place near work had a small crowd. It isn't operating this monday which should be interesting because it's only Monday, Wednesday Friday. The 23rd crowd should be huge given Christmas.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by mdovell

I get what you are saying but when you have an aging population and no public transit it adds up :-/ Like I said there's no drug store clinics.

It know it can be easy to think that all places have the same access to things but some areas are like going back in time 10-20 years. Broadband access and cell phone dead zones are still issues. Yes they can become accustomed but this is for something for everyone to do, not just a few.

I had a friend that worked up in Burlington vt about eight years ago. At one point the phone service (like I said lack of cell coverage) and transit authority were both on strike.

People are dealing with this in different ways. Still negative here. The free test place near work had a small crowd. It isn't operating this monday which should be interesting because it's only Monday, Wednesday Friday. The 23rd crowd should be huge given Christmas.

They will figure it out. I'm sure.

[wolfgang239]

Went to the Project Beacon testing site in Framingham today and it was a very smooth process. It is an appointment only drive through self-administered nasal swab (not the deep one). They had 2 lines and when I arrived there were about 6 vehicles ahead in each. Not sure if it was quick because of it being a Sunday or if it is really just that well oiled.

You sign up online and the appointment is per individual, not per vehicle. If you and a family member wanted to be tested you'd need to create 2 accounts and book 2 different appointments. I had to keep refreshing but was able to get a time last night. Getting 2 might be tough, and getting 2 at the same time would be almost impossible from what I could see. You fill in some personal info when creating the account and when a test is booked you get a QR code to scan. On site they scan it, confirm your name and DOB then place the test kit on your windshield in one tent. Then you roll forward to the next tent where someone gives you hand sanitizer and a tissue, you self swab the test and they collect it/double check your name and DOB. 24-72hrs for results.

[lrfox]

^We’ve now used them 5 times (will be 6 as of Tues) at the Revere site which seems like the same process. It’s by FAR the easiest way to do it. We have had results within 24 hours each time (usually before 8am on the day following the test) except for the one we took the week of Thanksgiving - that took 48 hours. Really is how testing should be. My girlfriend and I go together (we each have our our own appts. But drive together). Super easy and efficient - best success has been checking for times on Thursday, the week before you want to test.

[wolfgang239]

Got my results almost exactly 12hrs later. Pretty impressive.

[mdovell]

the result times are getting better that's for sure. Does anyone even do the blood one anymore? I did that once out of pocket but I can't see the point now. Of course if the market is for more rapid tests say 30 minutes I can see that.

[BostonMike7]

My wife got tested over in Lynn at 5PM and had the results back before she woke up the next AM. Impressively fast.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by mdovell

the result times are getting better that's for sure. Does anyone even do the blood one anymore? I did that once out of pocket but I can't see the point now. Of course if the market is for more rapid tests say 30 minutes I can see that.

You mean the antibody test? I did it in June (insurance covered it) and the nurse was doubtful it was very accurate (she estimated 60%, other estimates I saw were a little better). I don't really see the point now either unless you had symptoms a few weeks ago, didn't get the PCR test, and want to see if you have antibodies.

[jtolpin]

So, Baker is getting pushback to close restaurants and casinos.

Selfishly, Im hoping he doesnt do that. I dont know if that would even help....