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Covid - Random thoughts

Covid - Random thoughts

Old Mar 13th 2021, 7:13 am
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Default Covid - Random thoughts

- Since there's no proof yet that those vaccinated don't retransmit the virus as carriers, have they been told to continue the gestes barrières? France Inter said this morning that vaccinated residents in EHPADs will be "allowed out" or receive their grandchildren in their rooms, but no mention of masks, social-distancing, etc... A "message" on the TV would indicate no restrictions for family reunions. And have younger vaccinated people been "recommended" to continue the gestes barrières? (How do you all translate "gestes barrières" which cover many acts? Preventive measures?)
- Those who have been tested Covid-positive and asymptomatic are "recommended" to go into confinement, but how many actually do? From the present figures, not enough...
- Not enough has been said about healthy carriers.

Comments and additions welcome!
And stay safe, all!

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Old Mar 13th 2021, 4:14 pm
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

This is a difficult one to comment on meaningfully as since the start of Covid19 there has been much misinformation stated, and this is sure to continue.
There is recent 'fear' being spread about the new AstraZeneca vaccine following just a few deaths, but to the best of my knowledge there being currently no direct evidence to link the vaccine to the deaths. Specialists are investigating the possibilty of there being a batch quality issue. Of course the anti-vaccine militants are 'over-the-moon' about the announcement, but I'm sure that many of these same activists still believe that the moon landings were a fake - now there's an oxymoron for you!
Some 2-3 years ago when vaccination for infants was extended to 11 vaccines, it set fire to the powders among the activists of the vaccine-freedom groups, and already before that according to a vaccine opinion study, the French were world champions of mistrust with - to the best of my memory, 40% of respondents expressing their mistrust.
Regarding the report (which I haven't heard or read) of vaccinated residents in EHPADs being "allowed out" or receiving their grandchildren in their rooms, I reckon without masks or social-distancing this would be madness.

I can't think of a precise translation of 'gestes barrières' that we can use - barrier gestures doesn't quite hold up, so I reckon the commonly used social distancing is more than adequate.
I agree that to date there is no proof that those vaccinated don't retransmit the virus as carriers, so even when I receive my second shot of AstraZeneca (which I have no fear of whatsoever - until proof of the contrary) I will continue with prudent social distancing in the medium/long term. I have no doubt that this pandemic will be with us for longer than most realise, and that in all probability we'll require booster vaccination shots on a yearly basis.
HERE's an interesting article too.
Fwiw, I lived and worked in Brazil for some time and loved it, the sexy beaches, bewitching music and especially the hard work, albeit without any stress factors - unlike what I'd left behind in Europe in the same industry. Had a company colleague who'd married and retired there and he encouraged me to do the same when it was 'my time'. Seeing the daily worsening pandemic there which appears practically out of control, I thank my lucky stars that I didn't give my colleague's encouragement further thoughts as soon as I left the country. Great memories though!

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Old Mar 13th 2021, 4:40 pm
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

The only random thought on this thread is that unless it is a left wing thought it will be contested!
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Old Mar 13th 2021, 6:59 pm
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

Originally Posted by KJMW
The only random thought on this thread is that unless it is a left wing thought it will be contested!
I totally disagree with that sweeping comment.

Moving on, @DMU I've just read THIS which refers to your comments about EHPADs being "allowed out" but indeed no mention of masks, social-distancing, etc. Bizarre.
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Old Mar 14th 2021, 8:28 am
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

Originally Posted by Tweedpipe
I totally disagree with that sweeping comment.

Moving on, @DMU I've just read THIS which refers to your comments about EHPADs being "allowed out" but indeed no mention of masks, social-distancing, etc. Bizarre.
Not so much misinformation, as incomplete and unconfirmed information...
They did mention later that masks must be worn by those concerned, but almost as an after-thought. No mention of social-distancing. It seems that, in order to avoid discrimination, those who've opted not to be vaccinated can have family get-togethers too, but they'll have to go into quarantine afterwards (the rest of the family, too?). Anyway, It's unlikely that any BE members have an elderly parent in an EHPAD, and this aspect is simply general info.
Interesting link which confirms my suspicion. When you go for your second jab, can you ask about vaccinés retransmitting the virus and healthy carriers? I'm afraid that not all French people are like you, and that they'll rush tear around in their new-found liberty, and not continue to follow the gestes barrières...
A propos, to me, "social-distancing" means what it says. "Gestes barrières" also means gel, hand-washing, masks, sneezing/coughing into your elbow, .... I agree that barrier gestures doesn't sound English (but then "contact case" didn't, either).
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Old Mar 15th 2021, 8:13 am
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

Originally Posted by dmu
Not so much misinformation, as incomplete and unconfirmed information...
They did mention later that masks must be worn by those concerned, but almost as an after-thought. No mention of social-distancing. It seems that, in order to avoid discrimination, those who've opted not to be vaccinated can have family get-togethers too, but they'll have to go into quarantine afterwards (the rest of the family, too?). Anyway, It's unlikely that any BE members have an elderly parent in an EHPAD, and this aspect is simply general info.
Interesting link which confirms my suspicion. When you go for your second jab, can you ask about vaccinés retransmitting the virus and healthy carriers? I'm afraid that not all French people are like you, and that they'll rush tear around in their new-found liberty, and not continue to follow the gestes barrières...
A propos, to me, "social-distancing" means what it says. "Gestes barrières" also means gel, hand-washing, masks, sneezing/coughing into your elbow, .... I agree that barrier gestures doesn't sound English (but then "contact case" didn't, either).
I made a search. No official results, since every one (from French, UK and US results) indicated that they didn't know yet. They advise continuing the preventive measures after vaccination, to protect others. But my question is, do the French Vaccination Centres/G.P.s/pharmacists actually warn people about the possibility of being a healthy carrier retransmitting the virus? (@ Chatterstatic?)
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Old Mar 15th 2021, 10:14 am
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

The sensible approach after vaccination has to be to continue preventive measures. For example I'll still occasionally go into my nearest 'big city, but will keep away from public transport (used to sometimes use the Toulouse Metro), won't do that anymore. When restaurants re-open we'll opt for an outside table, ditto for bistro/cafes etc.
Found these interesting comments with associated links:
- En fait, la plupart des vaccins ne protègent pas totalement contre l'infection, même s'ils peuvent empêcher l'apparition des symptômes. En conséquence, les personnes vaccinées peuvent, sans le savoir, porter et propager des agents pathogènes. Parfois, elles peuvent même déclencher des épidémies. LINK
LINK2


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Old Apr 21st 2021, 10:39 am
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

43.000+ new cases yesterday and 375 deaths ...
No matter what we do, the news keeps on being bad.
Is this nightmare ever going to end !


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Old Apr 21st 2021, 2:02 pm
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

To put it in perspective France has an average of 1,684 deaths per day.
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Old Apr 22nd 2021, 12:02 am
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

Originally Posted by Tweedpipe
The sensible approach after vaccination has to be to continue preventive measures. For example I'll still occasionally go into my nearest 'big city, but will keep away from public transport (used to sometimes use the Toulouse Metro), won't do that anymore. When restaurants re-open we'll opt for an outside table, ditto for bistro/cafes etc.

-
I tend to agree with this approach. My 2nd Pifzer jab is due tomorrow. Himself won't probably receive his until June/July time.

I've thought hard about what I would be comfortable with subsequent to being vaccinated. New Zealand doesn't have any community outbreaks at this present time however it has opened borders with Australia just this week. That makes me a little nervous. I'll be avoiding busy confined spaces best I can. I'm very strict re the contact track and trace + washing hands and sanitiser etc.
Wearing masks on public transport is compulsory but doesn't much impact on us as there is no public transport where we are. It would however apply to any internal flights - which is how many and most get around - and flights seem to be a bit of a proven risk re covid19. So for that , I shall stick to driving.
So many people seem to be complacent or uncaring re this deadly virus and that is something I just don't understand. It isn't going anywhere in a hurry and is still sweeping around this globe in a maelstrom of destruction. Until somehow that very much settles down I shall stick to my new 'norm' and just be thankful for the many decades pre-pandemic and post-war.
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Old Apr 23rd 2021, 7:28 am
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

Originally Posted by BEVS
I tend to agree with this approach. My 2nd Pifzer jab is due tomorrow. Himself won't probably receive his until June/July time.

I've thought hard about what I would be comfortable with subsequent to being vaccinated. New Zealand doesn't have any community outbreaks at this present time however it has opened borders with Australia just this week. That makes me a little nervous. I'll be avoiding busy confined spaces best I can. I'm very strict re the contact track and trace + washing hands and sanitiser etc.
Wearing masks on public transport is compulsory but doesn't much impact on us as there is no public transport where we are. It would however apply to any internal flights - which is how many and most get around - and flights seem to be a bit of a proven risk re covid19. So for that , I shall stick to driving.
So many people seem to be complacent or uncaring re this deadly virus and that is something I just don't understand. It isn't going anywhere in a hurry and is still sweeping around this globe in a maelstrom of destruction. Until somehow that very much settles down I shall stick to my new 'norm' and just be thankful for the many decades pre-pandemic and post-war.
I don't, either. I know some one (vaccinated, but it's quite possible to carry the virus even so), who is continuing to host/attend weekly lunches and games afternoons with 5 others, from 5 different households, and have other indoor occupations involving others, e.g. (illegal) yoga classes. She is over 75 and has had health issues, but obviously needs a social life. Every one does, but the majority is waiting for the Situation to "settle down", meanwhile not taking risks....
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Old Apr 23rd 2021, 9:51 am
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

Hope this is not thought of as thread creep, but, I know that PCR tests in France are free according to the latest info from the Minister of Health in yesterdays press conference but I read on another thread that someone was charged €60 at a laboratory.
So my question is are they actually free ,I had one in order to enter hospital for an operation and have a Carte Vitale, and it was free of charge. Does a charge depend on you being in the system (Carte Vitale) or can a UK citizen get a free test to cover his or her return to the UK ?
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Old Apr 23rd 2021, 2:22 pm
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

Originally Posted by notgrampa
Hope this is not thought of as thread creep, but, I know that PCR tests in France are free according to the latest info from the Minister of Health in yesterdays press conference but I read on another thread that someone was charged €60 at a laboratory.
So my question is are they actually free ,I had one in order to enter hospital for an operation and have a Carte Vitale, and it was free of charge. Does a charge depend on you being in the system (Carte Vitale) or can a UK citizen get a free test to cover his or her return to the UK ?
I would guess that the person you mentioned who was charged €60 at a laboratory was not covered by the systems health insurance i.e. had no Carte Vitale and was charged accordingly. This LINK explains further.
Over a year ago I was given an ordonnance by my GP here for a routine blood test. I forgot about it and several weeks later realised I'd mislaid it. Rather than go along and embarrassingly ask for another, I went into the labo I'd used in the past and asked if they could do a blood test without a prescription. The answer was yes but I'd have to pay for it, which I did. From memory it was 10 or 12 euros.

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Old Apr 23rd 2021, 4:09 pm
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

Originally Posted by Tweedpipe
I would guess that the person you mentioned who was charged €60 at a laboratory was not covered by the systems health insurance i.e. had no Carte Vitale and was charged accordingly. This LINK explains further.
Over a year ago I was given an ordonnance by my GP here for a routine blood test. I forgot about it and several weeks later realised I'd mislaid it. Rather than go along and embarrassingly ask for another, I went into the labo I'd used in the past and asked if they could do a blood test without a prescription. The answer was yes but I'd have to pay for it, which I did. From memory it was 10 or 12 euros.
Thanks for the link but it really only explains the cost to the French social Sec system and not what a UK resident would be charged if they needed a test to allow entry back into UK.
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Old Apr 24th 2021, 5:11 am
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Default Re: Covid - Random thoughts

I didn't need a test to go into hospital and people were strolling in and out without a care. Getting into the Prefecture on the other hand was like trying to visit a posh nightclub, doorman with a list of all the rendezvous if your name was not on the list you weren't getting in.
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