dave_j

Quite...
The one thing that 'for profit' health doesn't have is a social 'policy', I almost wrote 'conscience' here but of course conscience doesn't apply where profits are involved.
It's short sighted and costs society as a whole but money, well that's what it's all about isn't it.

spouse of scouse

That's a worry. Sorry, I don't know much about health care systems in America, but if people who are on very low incomes are deemed to need testing would they have to come up with $3,000?

scrubbedexpat091

Nobody will have to come up with the funds upfront in WA state anyhow, the state is covering the testing costs at the moment, they do say they anticipate being reimbursed, but don't know if they mean via the patient, their insurance or federal government. The test WA state is using apparently costs $2,500 each.

" localities are covering the cost with the expectation of being reimbursed in the future. He said about $3.5 million has been spent in response to the viral outbreak so far."

https://www.seattleweekly.com/news/s...irus-outbreak/

spouse of scouse

While it's good that people don't have to pay the cost up front, if there's a chance that they'll be hit with it later it's going to stop people from voluntarily presenting to health providers if they have symptoms. So those people will not only be at risk themselves, if they have the virus they'll be spreading it everywhere they go. I think that's a disgraceful situation and one that could become very dangerous very quickly for America's people. The virus is a public health emergency, it needs public funds spent if it's going to be contained.

scrubbedexpat091

I am hoping the mentioning of recoup the cost means from the federal government. It just isn't clear enough in the article to be certain.

It would be nice if the US had a universal system, its just not going to happen until there is massive public pressure and so far there isn't enough pressure from the public.

Jerseygirl

Not really noticed any panic buying in Toronto until today. Costco had no water, toilet rolls, kitchen towel, tissues left. They had obviously stocked up with pasta and sauce.

There was a guy at the door handing out Clorox antiseptic wipes to everyone to wipe the cart handle and there were dozens of containers around the store for people to wipe their hands. Kudos to Costco.

Danny B

I didn't realize that the Corona virus gave people the shits, that explains the panic toilet paper buying. I had better go buy some myself.

That lady at 1m23 is digging deep.

scrubbedexpat091

Toilet paper seems to be a hot commodity at the moment. I keep seeing posts from Seattle about this.

Doesn't help that health people in charge keep saying low risk, you probably wont catch it, but you should still stock up on things just in case.

Upside that this is retailers usually have a slow 1st quarter, so this might boost retail sales, downside is its hurting airlines and hotels, so probably no real gain in the end overall.

Of the new cases in Seattle area, 2 are males in their 20's and requiring hospitalization. 9 deaths now.

https://komonews.com/news/local/7th-...t-sound-region

CanadaJimmy

Not to be graphic but when I have diarrhea the last thing I want is to use is dry toilet paper, I'm using the shower and blasting that area clean. Not to mention using toilet paper probably increases the risk of spreading the virus if you don't wash your hands thoroughly enough.

BristolUK

Is that what Costco stores are like, all warehousy?

scrubbedexpat091

Yes, just a giant warehouse really is all they are.

scrubbedexpat091

4 new cases in BC, all linked to either travel or contact with a previously announced case.

https://globalnews.ca/news/6624856/b...pdate-tuesday/

dave_j

So... it's a train crash and the US medical system is making it worse.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/20...lls-government
You won't detect people with the virus unless you test for it, but who's going to volunteer if they're going to be charged $3000.
No wonder there are so few test positives in a land where 40% of americans don't have $400 for emergency expenses..
https://abcnews.go.com/US/10-america...ry?id=63253846
Like I say, it's a train crash...

caretaker

Last night's Daily Show had an item about the drive-through test centres in South Korea, and they questioned why the US, a nation on wheels, wouldn't adopt the program.

scrubbedexpat091

Doesn't appear its the test itself is being charged, according to your link anyhow, the charges are coming from doctors, hospitals, ambulances and such.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is not billing patients for coronavirus testing"