FALSE NUMBERS CREATING FALSE HOPE MAY DOOM PITTSFIELD … ‘SOMETHING BIG’ HAPPENING IN NURSES’ UNION?
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, 2020) — Various models predict April 15-17 as the apex of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.
Bad news, on several fronts.
First, THE PLANET has already heard a false sense of relief from some folks, laxity masking as confidence. We expect more of this letting down of the guard. Not good, security’s false sense, because you are never more vulnerable than when you drop your right and lead with your chin. No, people: This doesn’t mean anyone can let up from the common-sense guidelines designed to help us all stay healthy. You’ll still need to keep away from others, wash hands often, go out only when necessary, and so forth. If not, you put others at risk. Saddest thing will be how many idiots in Pittsfield, encouraged by ZERO leadership from the corner office, will risk it.
Second, related, the projections convey that we are somehow close to getting through the global pandemic. We are not, and to believe and act so displays colossal ignorance. A tunnel awaits with no light at the end. There’s every reason to believe that if people re-emerge into “normal” life prematurely, the virus or (worse) a mutation just as fatal will bloom. What is “premature?” No one knows. At this point, we’ll only get an answer if we “come out” too soon.
Third, too many people do not understand how to interpret these models, which are basically computer algorithms. They are only as good as the data fed into them, and there’s a justified concern over too many unknowns regarding the behaviors of COVID-19. The longer the crisis continues, the more data researchers receive, helping them develop more sophisticated understandings of the virus. That said, computer models do not necessarily reflect what will happen, so be cautious when you hear that “the curve has flattened.”
How reliable are the data?
That’s a key consideration in deciding when it’s safe to go back into the water. Experts, scientists, health officials filtering down the information chain to the rest of us must have justified confidence in the information on what’s actually happening. Thus far, there has been too much guessing. When the knowers don’t know, the guessers guess.
Not that there has been much of an alternative to blindfolded swings at the piñata. The world started out with zero knowledge of COVID-19, building from there. China, the first country to experience the outbreak, also became the first to set precedent on its handling. China initially tried to suppress the first phases of the outbreak, causing the armchair quarterbacks to cast blame. But that’s been the pattern in every country:
- Ignore what’s happening.
- Acknowledge but downplay its significance.
- Accept the significance but issue premature boastings of the “We’re on top of this” sort.
- Get a bracing dose of reality.
- Begin to mobilize to battle a serious threat.
There have been serious discrepancies in case counts, particularly versus death tolls, as Business Insider points out. Pittsfield, as county seat, provides Exhibit A. During the entire unfolding of COVID-19, mayor Linda Tyer has been bringing up the rear. Not once has she shown effective leadership. At best, she’s been “me too,” coming in with pronouncements that elsewhere were made days and weeks ago.
Tyler’s mishandling of the situation has been both cause and effect of the inaccessibility of data and an inability to respond effectively. The city delayed testing and trademarked the manufacture of bureaucratic delays. Pittsfield also has kept city and county numbers laughably low. As of Monday, there were 278 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county and 18 attributable deaths — not the 171 published with only four deaths.
“Confirmed” cases: The adjective hedges even the 278, suggesting the number in the county and Pittsfield is much higher (remember, between 70 and 80% of cases are in Pittsfield). Same with the “attributable” deaths. One knowledgeable city hall source familiar with the “official” city response tells THE PLANET there have been deaths from COVID-19 that are being “attributable” to other causes — a ruse done with the tacit consent of the mayor. This person says the mayor’s virus response team has dissolved into factions: those who “kiss up to [the] mayor” and those chaffing at the subterfuge. This can’t bode well.
This may doom Pittsfield.
As Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, “The data set matters.” Without reliable numbers, experts shall continue to guess.
Speaking of numbers, according to an internal memo sent March 31 to staffers by Darlene Rodowicz, BHS’ executive VP, the hospital had a four-week supply of N-95 masks and seven days of ear-loop surgical masks as of that date.
“Please note that these numbers will decrease as our use-rate increases,” Rodowicz wrote. “Know that you have the full support and gratitude of our CEO, Dave Phelps, and the BHS Board of Trustees.” Some staffers who have fed THE PLANET with information from the wards question how much “support and gratitude” the administration has shown with language and emotions that far exceed the board’s sense of allowance and restraint.
The atmosphere seems testy, and it will likely get testier with each passing day. The nurses are chafing.
Last Friday (April 3), “Nurse Betty” told THE PLANET that “something is going on” with the nurses union. “something big.” Usually reliable sources there have been tight-lipped, reinforcing our sense that, indeed, “something big” is in the pipe.
We await.
————————————————————————
“Sing on, song on you gray-brown bird” — Walt Whitman, from “When Lilacs Last in Door-yard Bloom’d.”
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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Does anyone have straight current numbers for deaths in PIttsfield AND the county? And if so where can they be found in an daily updated place? Why can’t the paper just have a plain and simple update on the front page every day? Why is this so hard to do? Either I am an idiot or someone is deliberately making these numbers hard to locate.
The Eagle has begun running a graph of precisely these 2 numbers, cases and deaths per 100k people, for the state and for Berkshire county. Cant vouch for its accuracy, but it was there this AM
I guess they use the graph instead of basic numbers so as not to confuse anybody.
Don’t trust
The Left Winged Parrot
The Weather Channel has an app on its website. Try that.
Does anyone know if BMC or Fairview ever got any of the supplies from the Patriots supply run? They shipped supplies to NYC and Rhode island. I know Boston doesn’t like to acknowledge that Berk Country exists.
PAUL
Good question. My hunch, and it’s strictly that, would be no. My reasoning is that if the PATRIOTS had included BMC, there would have been “good news” press releases.
This has been a national disaster from Washington DC.We are stuck with this situation because Trump was not able to decipher and act on the virus.As read in the news 450,00 people came from China to the US after Trump said he stopped this.Problem number 1 in America is Trump has no credibility when he states his promises.Nothing happens.Thank God Govenor Cuomo led the way.That is a leader.No bullshit and just the numbers with nothing being said to keep his voting support..BMC should have like every hospital been put on alert by the Government of the United States of America.We failed from the top.Thankful we have brillant leaders outside that White House.Trump failed again and continues to fail.
He may or may not have been late to the dance. He shut down people coming from China in Jan, then Europe in Feb.. I’d have shut down any foreigners period, and done it sooner. Hundreds of thousands came to USA from China and Europe after Corona and before shutdown. Remember there was a coverup by China and WHO backed Chine, and even Dr. Fauci was downplaying this In China and so were the Democrats and main stream media.
By the way NYC sold their ventilators under Bloomberg and NYC kept their head in sand, schools open, people out and about way too long. Cuomo also failed to prepare New York and buy ventilators. It is not federal governments’job to equip every hospital, police and fire department and EMS in USA with PPE!
Travel from China was shut down on January 31st. Why did the left oppose it so strongly if they think it was needed? The far left states are the ones with the most problems because they were too busy preparing for climate change and nothing else. California and New York were not prepared.
The democrats are focusing on the key issues of this virus-race. How brown and black people are being treated (or not treated according to AOC).
So, TSC explain to the Planet, how race even matters at a time like this? Also, explain to me how the Kennedy Center needed that $25 million dollars (your esteemed leader Pelosi demanded it) and still placed people in the unemployment line?
And when Trump stopped flights to/from China, you called him racist. So now he’s not a racist, but an ineffective leader? Can’t have it both ways.
TSC-these are what is known as FACTS. Saying Trump sucks, but backing it up with the same drivel you post daily are not FACTS. I await…..
Also our media being in bed with China and refusing to look into any of the suspicious activity going on over there regarding this virus. So much money invested in China from this country is making our far left socialist/communist media praise China constantly. President Trump is the bad guy and China is our savior according to our far left media. Glen Beck is coming to the rescue again by doing a special tonight on the China virus which will air on Utube only one time at 9 PM unless you are a member of the Blaze and then you can watch it anytime.
Trump and Trumps daughter are in bed with China.
Thats what Fox news and Trump said
MA,
TDS is terminal. No recovery from it.
I read Markus A’s response as critical of PC knee-jerk reaction and the delayed and tricked up stimulus.
BLacks are disproportionately affected adversely due to racism, which equals more blue collar and public explore jobs. And they are disproportionately obese , diabetic, hbp, etc due to racism, not personal choice.
That’s the progressive tale of woe. It is it the truth? At what point does personal choice and responsibility take precedent over raciss diatribes? I know, it’s because more blacks live in neighborhoods without access to healthy food right AOC????
Why is this (TLI) comment allowed to stand?
Please watch his lying updatd tonight and let me know how well he is doing.
Watch the reporters.The real giveaway they are there to spread lies and make stuff up is ,that these “reporters” don’t take notes – they come with them. Trump ain’t perfect for sure but, enough of the TDS crap and come together for the good oof the country.
There is like 6 reporters asking question.Trump acts foolish as our country is still mishandling this emergency. You guys think hes doing great.Why? Because Trump told each and everyone of you that he is fantastic
.
Beck has refocused his audience from the virus to socialism that nobody wants anyway.We do want social programs that only a strong capitalist economy can provide.
You just want to fund the gobsig hackorama.
The United States Goverment was not prepared
“Thank God Govenor Cuomo led the way.That is a leader.No bullshit and just the numbers with nothing being said to keep his voting support”
Please. His pissing match with De Blasio on who had the right to shutdown NYC is costing them dearly. Then stupidly reducing staffing levels to 50%, then 25%, then the lock down. He constantly pushed the message of not planning to lock NYC down until it was too late.
The only thing Deblabber and Cuomo agreed on was stay out have fun and make sure to attend the fun in Chinatown because this virus is nonsense.
Trump said cases were at 15 and would soon be zero
GREG KELLY: Bottom line. We don’t have to worry about this one right?
FAUCI: Well obviously we have to take it seriously and follow the things the CDC an DHS are doing but this is not a major threat to the people of the United States and this is not something that the citizens of the United States right now should be worried about.
Two days later, Chinese security forces quarantined an entire city of 11 million people. In some cases, they locked residents in their apartments from the outside. Chinese authorities were clearly panicked. But Anthony Fauci wasn’t. He assured Americans that, while they might want to reconsider immediate travel plans to Wuhan, going to the Super Bowl was absolutely fine. As it turned out, it wasn’t fine. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis now says the Super Bowl in Miami may have been a breeding ground for the spread of the virus. But Fauci kept going. On February 17, when coronavirus cases were starting to appear all over the world, he once again reassured the American public that the danger in this country was, quote, “just minuscule.” He said people ought to worry more about the quote, “real and present danger” of the annual flu.
Delivering the Trump line so the sreet wouldnt tank
You lie.
The history doesn’t favor your position. The Trump Admin mobilized our industry to produce the products and equipment that the international supply chain cut off to us – in less than 1 month. And, this administration tied its productivity directly to the states for distribution. That begins to equate with Soviet Russia transferring its entire military production from Moscow to the depths in Siberia during WWII (“it was though the Earth tilted and everything just slid to Siberia”) and conducting a war.
To date, our fatality rate is well below international comparison. USA:: 15,000. Spain: 14,000. Italy: 17,000. France: 10,000. Iran: 65,000. China: >90,000 (based on estimates of 30days crematoria activity: 7day24 hour all hands on for Wuhan alone.) Under USA competent management, equipment is allocated centrally to the States, and from the states it is the discretion of State Governments to manage their needs, as is always the case. The Federal Government is responsive and that is important.
What about Cuomo, however? Is he a demogogue or is he a leader? A demagogue speaks loud and clear, but cares only for popular response. Look for an unbroken elevated voice – that’s a tell.
Early March Cuomo is on record saying that NYC has few cases and that there was no need for the public to avoid public transportation. He was offered 16,000 respirators in 2015. He rejected that offer.
Prior, on February 2 NYC Health Commissioner, Barbot, announces, “As we gear up to celebrate the #LunarNewYear in NYC, I want to assure New Yorkers that there is no reason for anyone to change their holiday plans, avoid the subway, or certain parts of the city because of #coronavirus.” Feb. 7, she says, “We’re telling New Yorkers, go about your lives, take the subway, go out, enjoy life,” March 4, she says, “There’s no indication that being in a car, being in the subways with someone who’s potentially sick is a risk factor.” (CDC confirms person-person spread 1/30.) Circa Mar 12, De Blasio is saying, “The virus can only transmit when bodily fluid, such as through a sneeze, cough or spit, is transferred from a person who has the virus, directly into another person….Disease detectives have determined that the virus does not survive for more than two or three minutes in open air.” (NYPost. Seth Barron. 3.12.20.) These are examples of deception and neglect.
Trump fares much better in his public statements, let alone policy. Jan 31, he declares Covid to be a national emergency and bans travel with China. Same day, Joe Biden responds with “This is no time for Donald Trump’s record of hysteria and xenophobia.”
March 16, the National Stay at Home recommendation is issued. Mar 17, in a press conference, Cuomo praises the Trump Admins CoVid response with, “His team is on it. They have been very responsive.” (National Review , Mar 17.)
But while the Trump administration is busy generating equipment and promoting economic bills, Cuomo finally commits his first major act of the pen on April 3. He signs a bill to seize by force respirators and PPE from upstate facilities for the benefit of NYC. Does no one ever need a respirator in upstate NY, and does a patient who suffers a different need have less right? And should a facility that had equipped itself in advance be deprived in its time of need for the benefit of a wealthy community that ignored its vulnerabilities?
Per The Hill, 4/3: The governor said at his daily press conference that the National Guard will transport the ventilators, masks and other equipment to hard-hit parts of the state like New York City.
“We do not have enough ventilators. Period. I am signing an Executive Order allowing the state to take ventilators and redistribute to hospitals in need,” Cuomo tweeted on Friday.”
Question for you, SchoolCommitte: are you serious in discovering the good(the Truth), or are you stuck on an opinion? You “can’t get no satisfaction” there!
For an full timeline of the Administrations response: pjmedia . com / trending / timeline-the-trump-administrations-decisive-actions-to-combat-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
Thanks, LEV. I agree about Cuomo. Early on he sounded “leader”-like. Then, his statements became something much less. Now, he looks like someone who’s enjoying the situation as a political boost. Trump certainly has not done that.
Trump is lying to you Dan.
Excellent post. Well stated with truthful information that is well documented.
Excellent post-with facts and a citation to back it up. Well done.
The Federal/State divide and its failings are clear on this type of government response. No one wants the federal government to order States to do things but at the same time they want them to lead.
I’m surprised how much Baker has cocked things up. I am not remotely surprised at BHS debacle.
The BHS response has been awful. If Gaudet is their A team, well shit let’s all prepare to die.
All the local goombas who can’t stop getting their face in the papers have disappeared. Hinds – missing in action. Smitty and the other big wigs just hoping Biden wins is they can cash in.
I would like to say I tip my hat to Barrett in North Adams. He is correct the nursing home orderlies are paid horribly – especially considering how much the nursing homes are paid and the huge profit margin. The slimy local law firms all work to grease the wheels of this Pittsfield debacle. Don’t forget.
TSC is proving to have a lower end IQ. President Trump and his administration saved Cuomo-DeBlasio-and NYCresidents asses. Cuomo was totally unprepared for any type of disaster. He chose to spend money on solar panels. DeBlasio and his Health Commissioner were spouting into March to go out and enjoy the City. The Federal Government made things better for the sick not Cuomo. He went on TV saying he needed 40k ventilators. He needed 6k.
Sad day for TSC you deserve Joe Biden
Spot on!
Mr. Valenti,
Berkshire Medical Center and Berkshire Health Systems pay EYE-POPPING salaries to CEO’s David Phelps and Darlene Rodowicz. This pair have raked in MILLIONS of dollars over the years from what can only be described as a local monopoly. Yet, according to Alexandra Huber, a BMC nurse, in her letter to The Berkshire Eagle, “If we are sickened by this (COVID-19) virus, it will be assumed we acquired it in the community and therefore workman’s comp will not apply, we can use our sick time, which includes vacation time in our case.”
If what Huber says is true, then Phelps and Rodowicz have some real explaining to do — and sooner rather than later.
Theirs is truly reprehensible corporate misconduct in the midst of the nation’s war on COVID-19, a pandemic in which BMC’s hospital staff are frontline soldiers in harm’s way.
Agreed.
Thanks, GMH. Hope you are well.
Got a location for those two creeps??
David Phelps and Darlene Rodowicz.
I’d $#!t on their graves
Wait until Caron’s breaks,you will see crime at an all time high. Crazy driving verse out there today. Son,don’t become a a Cop. Thankless job,should be paying 100g a year…..I’m serious. Nurses should get at least sixty an hour.
RE: EYE-POPPING Salaries paid by ‘not-for-profit’ BMC, Inc., BHS, Inc., and BHS Management Services, Inc.:
For the Year ending 9/30/2018 (the latest tax year presently available on Guidestar.org):
David E. Phelps — TOTAL: $2,219,306, which amount includes Reportable Compensation: $780,294, PLUS Other Compensation: $47,416, PLUS Vested Retirement Program: $1,391,596.
Darlene Rodowicz — TOTAL: $559,254, which amount includes Reportable Compensation: $514,141, PLUS Other Compensation: $45,113.
A vote of no confidence is useless, both in city government and hospital management. And I disagree that Covid can doom Pittsfield because…it already is doomed, due to the GOBSIGS rule over last 30 years.
What you Kapanskis don’t believe Tyers’ chart – only 3 dead, 76 cases active.
https://pittsfield.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/24032353402548bd82559fc577e35ba3
Projections are only as good as the data used to reach them. Since this is like nothing we’ve ever dealt with, a lot of the “data” is likely best guess because so far, predictions haven’t met many actual results. Scientists studying the virus now believe this particular strain of corona has been floating around longer than we thought with cases having occurred. My neighbors who were down for the count with the “flu” back in January are now believed to have had COVID-19 simply because every single symptom clicked the right boxes.
I do think that while some precautions are reasonable, others are not. For example, masks, especially homemade ones, aren’t going to protect you. First, they have to be used properly and have the right level of filtration. Second, you have to wear it correctly (below your nostrils isn’t going to work). Third, your eyes and ears are connected to your sinuses. A blast from a carrier can enter your eyes, be absorbed, and shifted into your sinuses. So, unless you’re wearing a Darth Vader helmet with a full blow respirator, you can still get nailed.
Countywide, the corona death rate has held at 00.0102%. Our opiate overdose death rate is 00.0293% and our auto death rate is 00.0887%. So, you’re nearly 3 times likely to die of a drug overdose or nearly 9 times likely to get killed in an auto accident than die of corona.
There was a worldwide map that showed the number of corona cases on the planet. If you draw the line of the equator through the map, over 90% of the cases are in the northern hemisphere where winter has just ended. The southern hemisphere is entering fall and then winter. Will the map reverse with the seasons? We don’t know.
This isn’t to say corona isn’t serious because it is. However, when we run around in fear, we as humans tend to do things foolishly and this can lead to errors in judgement. We simply need to dig up the facts, act responsibly, and really pull together in the same direction. Hopefully, when we get past this, we will be a better species to each other than we have been the last few years because frankly, thanks to the anonymity of social media, we’ve been a bunch of jackasses.
Maybe the issue is all those overdoses and traffic fatalities don’t happen in a span of a few weeks.
TRUTH
Excellent comment. Many thanks.
I dispute the suggestion that aggregate data equates with probability. For ex, the heroin rate could be tenfold, I still have zero risk.
A comparative study finds that cloth masks, if thin, probably block 50% of aerosol. Thin household masks stop 65%. A homemade mask with additional layers may get high 95% – the quality of N95. I’ll post the link when I find it. Eyes are vulnerable, but the inhalation into lungs is a devasting exposure. What goes in, won’t go out.
A recent study published in Nature supports surgical masks study live results with actual infected patients.
Www . nature . com/articles/s41591-020-0843-2
LEV
We appreciate the information.
Additional source: https:// www .ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24011377. It’s older, and not testing coronavirus, but indicates virus has difficulty penetrating a filter.
Read that the Pittsfield Police Department had to rely on the Chelsea, Mansfield & Boston Police Departments to obtain protective equipment against the virus. Had to send a cruiser down to pick it all up. Defiant Linda told us many weeks ago that our officers are testing positive. We are how many days into this pandemic and just getting protection for the police? Meanwhile, Police Chief Mini Mikey Wynn has been sitting home reading little kid’s books virtually. Looking at PPD’s Facebook if my count is correct he is up to well over 5 books. Congratulations Chief, you have proven that you can read. As far as leadership you have failed. This lack of leadership explains why there is very little police presence in the City. Thank you to these police department down East, they luckily must have Police Chiefs that care about their workers and are doing their jobs to protect their officers and the people they serve. This is the fifth year in a row that Defiant Linda’s department heads have been allowed to sit on their butts and collect nice paychecks. Of course they are just following their boss’s lead.
Because we have no national plan except to blame states the abilty to gather supplies is a free for all with everyone standing alone against each other.With out economic debt at 26 trillion you would think our pandemic wharehouses would be 5 times maximum need.The private for profit works and capitalism wotks but it does not work in every situation.
TDS,
PDJT can not only walk and chew gum at the same time, he can do it while juggling teacups and walking a balance beam. Amazing.
……….while singing “God Bless America”…..
One thing is for sure,you guys all believe that COVID 19 is ravaging the USA.
All police department are on their own
Yesterday, as reported on http://www.masslive.com, Gov. Baker will not be releasing city-specific coronavirus data on deaths and hospitalizations. Why?? We have a right to know!
iberkshires reported yesterday that there are 18 corona hospitalizations and 8 deaths in Pittsfield. One of the main goals in sheltering-at-home was to reduce the strain on the local hospitals. 18 doesn’t sound alarming to me. People die every flu season.
Reopen the economy!! If you own a business, call the Governor’s office and implore him to reopen the state ASAP!
https://thefederalist.com/2020/04/06/destroying-the-economy-will-create-a-different-public-health-crisis/
Dan,
Perhaps it would also be useful to write about the projections on what happens if the economy remains shut down. I respect and have adhered to the federal and states suggestions to stop the spread. However, there is going to be a tipping point where the economic impact is far going to outweigh the health impact of the virus. I think after May we are going to see the real economic toll if this continues, peoples jobs will not be coming back. Suicides, Foreclosures, bankruptcy, and increased crime rates will skyrocket. My main gripe all along is people yelling from the rooftops, at press conferences, or all the COVID-19 experts on Facebook, are all guaranteed a paycheck. Again, the dreaded private sector that you so often speak of and the people who work in it are getting left out to dry.
HENDRIX
I plan a version of what you’re talking about for The Weekend Edition. That may change depending on breaking news, but it’s a concern worth airing. At what point to the bad economic effects outweigh the health risks?
Where has Heller’s post of Alex Huber letter to BHS went too? The thread too?
https://planetvalenti.com/2020/04/thy-brother-death-came-and-cried/#comment-193497
https://planetvalenti.com/2020/04/thy-brother-death-came-and-cried/#comment-193498
Thanks again GMH.
If it was before you posted, sorry. To Dan too if I said it was deleted.
I screw up and make mistakes, but I own up to them.
TRAPPER
We all err, not all own up. Takes a mensch to do that. We accept the apology, though one was not needed. Stay well.
This is a new post
really?
Heller posted Alex’s letter, it’s gone now, W?HY? BHS???
Alex is a dedicated nurse who cares for all of us. Give her love and thanks.
Dan, explain this???
Deleted posts?
No posts of that kind have been deleted here.
Was it a dream?
It is GONE? GMH remembers it.
Alex is on the front line for care. She don’t raise questions about stuff unless needed.
BHS manager idiots should be held feet over fire about their conduct, then clean toilets, floors and doorknobs
It was posted in the prior blog go back to the day before this one
Well my bad then, sorry to Dan. My computer is sick, not corona…
Sorry again for Alex working filthy conditions, while Phelps rakes in millions
REPRINTED FROM THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE (Mon. April 6, 2020):
“If we are sickened by this virus, it will be assumed we acquired it in the community and therefore workman’s comp will not apply” — Alexandra Huber, Registered Nurse
‘Letter: BMC isn’t backing up nurses who get sick.’
To the editor:
I’ve been an ICU nurse here in the Berkshires for almost 37 years. I love nursing. I love critical care.
From my heart, I want to thank so many – our coworkers from all departments who’ve sent food, who show up asking “how can I help?”. All the support staff who make our work possible. To my friends across the country checking in, wanting to know I’m OK. And those in our community who have shown such love and respect during this crisis. Today, a woman had food delivered for every employee. Every one! You all have no idea how much it means.
We will continue to do the work we do because…well, that’s what we do. But these are tough times. Extraordinary times.
On Tuesday, we were notified that if we are exposed at work, we are expected to monitor our temperature and come in…..OK. If we are sickened by this virus, it will be assumed we acquired it in the community and therefore workman’s comp will not apply, we can use our sick time, which includes vacation time in our case. Not OK at all.
The CDC continues to downgrade standards of personal protection, not because they work, but due to low supplies. What used to be “unsafe” and you could be disciplined or fired for is now the standard. As I read the notification, I was wearing the same mask and face shield for nine days. They go in a paper bag, and I bring them out, put them in again and again. It’s called contamination. Under these circumstances, presuming medical staff are surely being infected in the community is bizarre.
No one expects my hospital to have a magic wand when it comes to these precious supplies, which is why we reuse them, we have no choice. But I do expect my hospital to back us up if we get sick. The latest policy is not OK.
I can’t explain what the world is like in my ICU now, it’s beyond description. It’s stressful, heartbreaking, scary.
We’ll continue doing what we do. We need you to do what YOU can do…social distancing, staying home as much as possible, wash your hands. Love your friends and family by doing your part to protect them.
I work at a small hospital in the country. It’s here. This is real.
Alexandra Huber,
Lenox
Thanks GMH, Alex is a dedicated nurse, wonderful human, and a friend.
If she is worried about BHS management, we all should be.
The POS BHS mis-management team should get used covid-19 stuff dumped on their doorsteps
RE: EYE-POPPING Salaries paid by ‘not-for-profit’ BMC, Inc., BHS, Inc., and BHS Management Services, Inc.:
For the Year ending 9/30/2018 (the latest tax year presently available on Guidestar.org):
David E. Phelps — TOTAL: $2,219,306, which amount includes Reportable Compensation: $780,294, PLUS Other Compensation: $47,416, PLUS Vested Retirement Program: $1,391,596.
Darlene Rodowicz — TOTAL: $559,254, which amount includes Reportable Compensation: $514,141, PLUS Other Compensation: $45,113.
There are well over 300 cases of COVID+ cases in Berkshire county the number should be 330-350 as of yesterday. They have slowed testing to a crawl. Many people have had to go outside of Berkshire county to get testing.
In the computer system they are not putting in addresses or coding them as unknown or as their last known to reduce the Berkshire numbers.
The deaths that should be attributed to COVID are being coded to their underlying condition. Have diabetes and COVID, you died of diabetes. Have COPD and COVID. You died of COPD.
BHS, BMC are lying to the population because they are deathly afraid of lawsuits. They caused this by not being ready.
Want to know how this is happening? Ask Tyer, Smitty, and especially Hinds and TFB.
Why isn’t the eagle investigating this? Because they don’t care wsither.
Look at the numbers for the last few days. All of them 10 a day. We have the rarest numbers in the world.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-cases-in-massachusetts-as-of-april-7-2020-accessible/download
https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-cases-in-massachusetts-as-of-april-6-2020-accessible/download
https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-cases-in-massachusetts-as-of-april-5-2020-accessible/download
https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-cases-in-massachusetts-as-of-april-4-2020-accessible/download
https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-cases-in-massachusetts-as-of-april-3-2020-accessible/download
https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-cases-in-massachusetts-as-of-april-2-2020-accessible/download
So social distancing is working. But if you go to two spots that I know of,Lakeway Drive and Onota causeway,no cares in the world? This is one and only ones gift to spreading Corona. Guess who?
May I propose that perhaps BMC IS coding deaths the proper way? There is a big difference between dying with the virus and FROM the virus. Dr. Birx stated in her press conference yesterday that “we’ve taken a very liberal approach to mortality” by labelling deaths as covid whether or not confirmed, or confirmation not available. Sounds to me that BMC is taking extra care in coding deaths properly, unlike Dr. Birx’s approach.
In addition – the IHME models which originally estimated 2.2 million deaths due to covid in the U.S., and which shut down the entire economy – now the models are predicting 60,000 deaths ( a 90% reduction from original estimates) – the SAME AS A NORMAL FLU SEASON!
OPEN THE SCHOOLS, RESTAURANTS & BUSINESSES! Those of you who have taken a direct hit due to the shutdowns should be outraged that all this chaos is the result of faulty models.
And please stop the fear mongering, those of you with ulterior motives!
Much to support this, FRITZ. In the end, we shall have a better perspective. Shut down The entire Economy? An inexcusable overreaction? An understandable over-caution? Or a necessary step?
In agreement with Fritz.
Also currently wondering how/why RN has Access to private health information of positive Covid cases that differs from DPH numbers and how he/she knows 1, that people are traveling out of state to get tested and 2, the results of those tests.
Should we also point out that people sick enough to qualify for an out of state test should NOT be traveling to other states…
This was an interesting read today: 60,000 deaths, same as the bad flu season of 2017-2018.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/even-as-deaths-mount-officials-see-signs-pandemics-toll-may-not-match-worst-fears/2020/04/07/cb2d2290-78d1-11ea-9bee-c5bf9d2e3288_story.html
Also, this was a fun discovery in the quest for information on past health crisis:
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/flu-bug-arrives-early-strikes-berkshires-hard,424356
Philly + Frtizy, The Left Winged Parrot stopped doing news when the Millers left town, wake up. that was early 1990s.
Rutberg was a bad Judge and is a worse newspaper owner
His business model seems to have eliminated one important and basic fourth amendment tenet.
No they are not. If the reason they are admitted to the hospital is because of COVID and not their underlying condition, and they die Then COVID is the cause of death. The minimum standard is complications due to COVID.
There is an immediate cause of death line, then the underlying cause of death.
Immediate cause of death
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Underlying Condition (due to or as a consequence of)
Pneumonia
Underlying Condition (due to or as a consequence of)
COVID-19
That’s the way it should generally read.
At BMC they are doing this
Immediate cause of death
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Underlying Condition (due to or as a consequence of)
Pneumonia
Underlying Condition (due to or as a consequence of)
Diabetes (if the person has diabetes)
If the person tests positive for COVID (which this person did) it should be listed. They are not listing in at all.
HHS has sent out instructions on how to overcount covid-19 cases…..
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/04/huge-mn-senator-dr-reveals-hhs-document-coaching-overcount-covid-19-cases-copy-document-video/
Thanks for that link. Interesting that the numbers being jacked up.
Could you explain the motivation that is at work here? A highly contagious virus has spread across the country and you seem to think that in our particular neck of the woods, our political leaders are downplaying and lying about how many people are infected and/or dying from the virus. Why would they do this? Can you think of a single rational explanation? Occam’s razor, friend. You have no credibility. You are lost.
You may want thg o see where the totals are in 3 months
Thanks RN for the true update! The Eagle should be all over this story along with the Top dog in charge and his number 2 out at the jail? not a thing about this. Why? Now we have PPD officers out with possible cases? the National guard should be helping out with routine patrol during this time we have a Police shortage anyway. Question: are city leaders required to notify the public if the test positive for Covid -19
and it would seem the number NOBODY wants to talk about is the virus deaths at Williamstown Commons. The Eagle will have zero credibility for turning a blind eye to this whole local virus story. Trying to get the real story is like trying to catch a butterfly.
Looks like BHS got to the editor. There are no more reports. To find out what’s happening, you will need to study the obits.
Can’t wait to give thumbs up today. Even agreeing with Mad Trap and Fritz?! Maybe Andy WAS on to something?
Berkshire county has almost exactly 100 more COVID cases than they are reporting. We have 383 positives and they are are reporting 281.
Thank you BHS for continuing to lie to the public.
There is a “backlog” of over 260 tests not processed at BHS. The test to positive ratio is like 100:96
Incredible if true. And why.
RN:
Can’t families correct chart errors/omissions? If you are correct, challenging the medical record could involve CMS and other payers which is likely BHS primary concern.
Publishing a scandal in BE is like fishing for salmon in Onota. Think Boston Globe/Times.
Have you presented your concerns to the State?
It is totally outrageous that the Administration of the City of Pittsfield and the Administration of Berkshire Health Systems have and still are persistently lying to the residents of Pittsfield since the very start of this virus outbreak. Both Administrations are endangering their employees. Nurses and Police Officers without the proper protective equipment.
This isn’t the time for political games. What is the reason for these lies and miscommunications or in Defiant Linda’s case hardly any communications unless you subscribe to her website. Why is no one investigating this? Is Governor Baker aware of this cluster mess in Pittsfield? Didn’t we vote in representatives to represent us in Boston, where are they? It is just not right and needs to be addressed and straightened out. Also, I am wondering between coloring and listening to stories read by Police Chief Mikey Wynn, could Defiant Linda find time in her weekly Friday update to explain to residents why the Meter Maids are still driving around empty streets and parking lots and ticketing the five or six cars that are parked there. Meanwhile the pot holes are accumulating, the streets are filthy dirty, driving around the city is like competing in NASCAR, drugs are being sold and prostitutes salaries have increased. What a dynamic brilliant City.
Does anyone out there remember World War 2? At the time If you walked on North Street it looked like everyone, guys and girls, had a uniform on. There were coupons to use when shopping at the neighborhood grocery store. The national chains had not yet arrived. No electric lights on at your home after 8 pm. In your home you had to have black shades if you turn lights on. There was no panic, neighbors were friendly, Youngsters played baseball on cow pastures and football on the street. If you wondered why PHS and St. Joseph’s had good teams in those days there’s your answer. Over a 5 year period, our industry supplied Russia, China, and England with planes, tanks, bombs, and bullets. Leaders arose that led us to victory. Today we have a problem with making enough ventilators and face masks to combat the coronavirus. We can’t be that bad, I hope.
Those were the days Chuck for you I’m sure.For me the early sixties and mid seventies was the greatest time to be alive. Does anyone remember…..The Oakland Rada’s the Doors,Fleetwood MAC,Eagles,Mick Valenti!
No doubt, through The Depression and WWII, The Greatest Generation proved its mettle. CHUCK, you were there. So were my mom and dad. I never stopped asking questions of what it was like. It was through their lessons, the ones they passed on to me, that I was able to keep up a steady pace all my life, through the ups of course but especially the downs.
A wise guy once quipped that the greatest generation gave birth to the worst.
and then that generation gave birth to an even worse one
Pittsfield has a problem with overcrowded stores. Long before corona virus, I have said that people are packed in too tightly in our local stores. Every year starting in December is terrible for sinus infections, flu, and bad colds. I was not shocked that Pittsfield has had a lot of corona virus cases relative to our size. We are like a mini New York City with our overcrowded conditions. Even once this stay in place order is lifted, Pittsfield people need to keep observing these social distance rules. Our local stores should continue to limit the number of people in stores and even keep elderly shopping hours because we really have overcrowding issues that could keep this virus going throughout the city and county.
Great comments Pat. Someone has been commenting to shut down Dan Casey fishing by order? Why hasnt this been done. Most of the peeps are there,some to do drug deals,do drugs and drink suds.
I went by the other day and saw older bearded fisherman spit in the road, about a half cup of spit. At least. And some truck that had Woodchuck Tree Service parked in the middle of the road, with all four doors open. I just drove by on the other side. I googled Woodchuck,they are out of Connecticut.
The state recently stocked thousands of big fat trout. That is part of the reason fisher guys are elbow to elbow.
This is the first time I’ve had to disagree with you, Pat. Try shopping at off times. The early morning shopping hours, reserved for senior citizens are a disaster. The elderly come in the stores in groups of 4-5, they stand around and socialize, defeating the purpose. Today there are lines of 10-20 people outside the grocery stores, in the rain, waiting their turn to get in – due to the Guv’s occupancy reductions on a busy holiday week. People are soaked & cold. The good news is that grocery stores are paying greater attention to cleanliness. Watched clerks sanitizing the food belts at the checkout, wiping down counters, sanitizing rest rooms – all good. Now if they would only seal up the bags of grapes so that people couldn’t stick their grubby hands in and sample.
I was in Price Chopper early yesterday morn. At least one third of the people looked younger but wearing their masks up to their eyes to hide their younger age?. But then many of the old folk has baskets piled high. Maybe now some older folk are shopping for their sons and daughters? I had a months supply packed away over a month ago. There is a way around everything I guess.
Likely they are caregivers assisting seniors and disabled too vulnerable or lacking transportation. I doubt there is much abuse of the policy. It’s similar to a non-disabled driver parking in a disabled space with his disabled passenger’s parking permit so she can gain proximity.
The cleanup is great, but someone coughing or sneezing if we are too close together is also a big problem. I do hate the socializing which I have seen coming from just about every age group in the stores. People need to go in and get out quickly. This isn’t some relaxed social atmosphere in the stores right now. If we had more grocery shopping choices in the city, we wouldn’t have such overcrowding. Big Y, Stop N Shop and Price Chopper have to fill the needs of not only Pittsfield, but Lanesboro and Dalton, possibly even Cheshire. None of those towns have their own supermarket. We need more and a super Walmart would have been great right now. Pittsfield messed that up.
If you are in charge of a business that is considered essential and people you work with keep approaching you without a mask or the 6plus feet of seperation and dont follow basic rules of safety and health then the President or boss of that organization is not doing their job.There should be announcements and emails many times a day to remind those slow learners what is being required.If you approach someone at work without a mask then you are a threat to all people you work with and should be suspended without pay.There should be signs at doors where expectations of health and safety are posted.There is no excuse to violate coworkers space.
TSC: You are shouldinating. You want to avoid that.
OK Tom Brady fans, if there are any out there. He was on Howard Stern today. It was quite a candid and excellent chat. It’s streaming free go to player.siriusxm.com and click on Brady. It will help fill in some of this free time. Enjoy peeps.
“You don’t tell a singer to quit at 42. You don’t tell a painter to quit at 42.”
No, and you don’t tell a blitzer not to tear your head off at 42, either.
Brady is not Yaz or Williams, Russel Haviiceck,
If he had a heart, he’d have retired, with grace.
I’m happy he gave thanks to NE fans, but hope he drowns in tampon bay
Just how many super Bowls would a guy have to win for you not to wish he drowned?
Only 0.6% of the U.S. population has been tested for coronavirus. That means 99.4% of the U.S. population has not been tested for coronavirus. Moreover, 33% of tests for coronavirus have produced false negatives. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. residents will contract coronavirus, and tens of thousands of U.S. residents will die of coronavirus. Hospitals won’t be able to handle the excess number of coronavirus patients. There is not enough PPE or personal protective equipment. There aren’t enough ventilators and the medicine needed for patients to be on the ventilators. The federal government is adding trillions of dollars to the already huge national debt to keep the U.S. economy from collapsing. Many millions of U.S. workers have lost their jobs and health insurance. U.S. Congress is on a 3 week recess while the country is in crisis, which is a profile in misguided elitist leadership. Pittsfield (Mass.) is in the top ten in the entire World for coronavirus cases and deaths. Berkshire Medical Center is giving its staff the proverbial shaft when it comes to the Nurses not being able to get workman’s compensation benefits. This is both a total mess and a horrible nightmare!
Maybe your onto something? Pittsfield is in the top ten,damn!
Pittsfield is always in the top ten for the wrong reason. Authorities here might be able to save one life by banning gatherings. Just one. Isn’t it worth it.
If they ever do a remake of the movie Soylent Green, definitely consider North Street. Ghost Town today. To the first responders, we love you. I for one will remember you at contract time.
NYT’S? Really put this out? Wow!
https://hotair.com/archives/john-s-2/2020/04/08/ny-times-cuomo-de-blasio-didnt-keep-outbreak/
How many Berkshie Covid 19 victims are or have been treated with Hydroxychloroquine? My guess is that the Berkshie buffoon Doctors have not even considered it. RN can you comment?
Just heard on radio that at 3 PM today at BerkshireEagle.com someone from BMC will be answering questions about this pandemic and what is happening at the hospital.
They are doing damage control they will saying the numbers are right or as good as they can get based on limited testing ability.
They will make an announcement about the nurse situation and pay and try and offset the bad press
I hope useful questions will be asked, but this is the Berkshire Eagle asking the questions so I don’t have much hope, but are our doctors using the medications that have shown some success across the country? How many people have needed ventilators and successfully come off of ventilators? Is it better to keep people off of ventilators for as long as possible to stop further lung damage since I have heard that sometimes ventilators can be set too high and cause further damage? Is there a better outcome for the patient if treatment is started earlier? These are the questions we want answered.
And I imagine all questions will be prescreened. My question is, why are there so many obituaries from North Adams, Williamstown area all of a sudden and how many had the virus but had that detail conveniently left out of the obit?
People know there is a pandemic so why skew the figures I wonder. We can deal with the truth about such things, unless of course someone has a reason to hide sumptin.
On the contrary, in the past week there are at least two from Williamstown Commons listing the cause of death as COVID-19. There are two from Williamstown Commons not listing. There is one from Pittsfield listing the cause of death as COVID-19. Speaking from experience, the family or funeral home writes the obit. They are not edited by the Berkshire Eagle.
OK. Maybe the death certificate was shorted the total cause of death?
ABC news is pushing more fake news to make China look good and our country look bad. There were no intelligence reports in November about a virus spreading in China.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/defense-november-coronavirus-intelligence-assessment-reports-false
ABC News wants China to look good.Wow
China looks good to me. They have people back on the streets while Trumps America, which has doctors, nurses and fire departments on television begging for protective equipment, is breaking all records for filling body bags and it is going to continue for some time. If China had the warning America had it would have ramped up and taken advantage of it saving many more lives. America watched the smoke turn into a raging fire before it even started getting off its ass and even then told the states it was their problem. China did not leave it up to individual cities to figure it out for themselves.
This is a new virus and every country stumbled trying to get it right. But only America had to have its people begging and pleading for its government to help its own citizens.
China needed to get off its backside and warn the rest of the world about this virus, but its leaders did not do this, but hid this from the world. It’s an outright lie that other countries have enough equipment like masks and ventilators to fight this virus. Many countries are also begging for these much needed items and people who watch and listen to non-far left news sources know this as a fact. The whole world is struggling to fight this virus with the proper equipment.
If we have learned nothing else in the past few months, it’s that we can’t TRUST China. They have sent test kits and other medical equipment to Europe that doesn’t work and Europe is very upset to say the least. We know all of the ways China stopped the rest of the world from knowing about the existence of this very contagious and for some people a very dangerous virus.
You are just pushing the far left media line of let’s believe everything China tells us because they are superior to our country in every way even though the virus escaped from their lab and has gone on to infect almost 200 countries.
Nice try. American intelligence had the info in November. Trump and his sycophants chose to roll the dice and it has bit all of us in the ass big time. Trump has so far blamed China, his own CDC, the World Health Organization, the impeachment, a democratic hoax and Obama just to name a few. If his mother was alive he would blame her too. Either way, China owes us nothing. You may give Trump a pass but the rest of the world cannot believe how bad we blew it.
More fake news. China owes the world a big apology and many countries are considering calling out China and demanding that they admit how badly they messed up, intentionally or otherwise, in allowing this virus to spread to nearly 200 countries now. California people have a picture of the Chinese doctor in many of their homes and see him as a hero because he attempted to warn about the danger of this virus, but was told to shut up by the Chinese government and later died. Chinese people and their culture are wonderful. It’s their socialist/communist government that is the problem. Our intelligence NEVER had any warning in November about this virus. Fake news from our far left media.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/defense-november-coronavirus-intelligence-assessment-reports-false.
There is no significant testing that allows for real data.These Goverment models need data that they will not get.They are still developing test.No as nswers without the test.Baker and Cuomo are trying to get these small companies to roll out million and millions.Trump downplays the lack of testing.Good luck because without it everything is a crapshoot.
Guv Baker- reopen the economy in western MA!
You Kapanskis are making a mountain out of a mole hill. According to Tyer’s dashboard, as of 9 April, 1055 am, city only has 50 active cases and had only 3 deaths.
https://pittsfield.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/24032353402548bd82559fc577e35ba3
I dunno.
If you believe that Joe, I’ve got a nice bridge in Brooklyn to selll ya, or perhaps some swamp land in Florida
Or a HOUSY SLUT.
Dr. Fauci is a quack! His mortality projections were 90% wrong!! Trump should say, “You’re fired!” Who else, other than Fauci, could hold onto their job and still be called “an expert” after such a bogus projection!
Open the damn economy and spare us from financial armageddon!
Are the food giveaways to kids safe? I wouldn’t want to get it that way.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-h0nYJgypO/?igshid=wqw7bwvqm57y&fbclid=IwAR1qP0sjrPmfxzAamL1o-1Ps-yL-EsFVD6-dbDAUR4UjW3pIsmfIcFkT59s
I was in the grocery store and these two kids were running around yelling to their father can we have ice cream? Screaming and running. They were from N Y
It’s on Trumps watch
‘Open the economy’
Didn’t NYS try that in February and March only to become the nation’s epicenter?
We are fortunate for the rapid growth of wealth, generated over the past 4 years. The Bush/Obama model would not have sustained even the manufacturing initiatives, let alone 2 trillion in cash/loans.
Bush had a world financial collapse.
Mr. Fritz, It may be too late. The only thing keeping us afloat is monopoly money we keep printing. Now it’s another 2 trillion backed by newly issued bonds that no foreign government will buy because this money is backed by nothing but our printing presses. Now here’s one that will keep one up nights. Guess who holds most of today’s debt of 23 trillion. It’s none other than China.
China is like the Stooge. A giver.
Well let’s see. Trump predicted it was going to die down after the first 15 cases? Should he be fired?
Yes..incompetent.
He could get young Don Jr
Corona is a scientific word for something. Look at the Sun’s Corona & try to comprehend what Plasma is. The fourth state of Matter. The Big secret the taught me there were 3 states of Matter. Ne is on the table ? It’s odd that Town by-laws include protocol re: Teleportation. Once we all work from home, the World will be changed forever & right quick bc of the mandatory quarantine. Read about Plasma/Tesla/5g/….. It’s a revolution & Pandemic is a tool. Bamboozle, I’m not suggesting 5g spreads the Covid-19 no. I’m suggesting that Teleportation of sorts has been obtained & the discovery changes the way the World operates. We will need 5g & that is the goal. Does anyone believe me. It MATTERS not.
And I thought the pot shops were closed.
Medical Cannabis is available, though I do not smoke. Read the by-laws. Teleportation is regulated but unregistered junk vehicles are not. I could get high from breathing the air in my neighborhood because Cannabis air pollution is not regulated in the by-laws.
….not to look into the eyes of the Sun, just GOOGLE it.
4th of July parade unlikely…… it was the only thing that Marchetti was good at 🙁
The 3 PM question and answer session with the BMC Chief Medical Officer informed us that 21 people are currently being treated in the hospital for COVID-19. About 19 people are waiting for test results. 8 people have died from the virus at BMC. Only about 2 hospital workers have ever become effected with the virus despite the early quarantines when the first patient presented at the hospital. They do use hydroxychloroquine there, but he said even though patients did improve after taking it, he is not ready to say it was from the medicine, which sounds like the same thing Dr. Fauci would say. There are hardly any patients in BMC right now except for COVID-19 patients. He said they currently have a shortage of test kits, but will hopefully soon be getting a test that gives results in 45 minutes. If you get a fever and think you may have the virus, Tylenol is the only over the counter medicine that he recommends. He repeated what we already know which is that many people get it and have no idea they have it and could be spreading it to others who may have a severe and even fatal outcome from the virus especially if they are in poor health or older. He did say that even some very elderly patients at Williamstown Commons had mild symptoms and fought it off in 2 or 3 days. There are slightly more male patients than female patients with COVID-19 currently at BMC. They have enough ventilators at least for now.
They lied about the numbers again
There are 19 HOSPITALIZED patients in iso wards waiting for tests to come back. They have had the first test but are waiting for validation. There are at least 260 people waiting for tests To come back. There is no shortage of kits, they switched testing companies and don’t have the validating system in place, not the kits. They’ve also decided to switch again to a less reliable fast kit. You are supposed to use the fast kit, then use a validation kit. So much for being prepared.
The number of day to day COVID+ went up 130%
They were tracking 10 a day now it’s up 23 today plus there are more being held for “validation”.
If they said only two it’s more proof BHS is lying. There were at least 11 that tested positive. There are still 20 waiting for new testing
I didn’t agree with everything he said. He should have been more positive about potential medicines that may work against the virus even if he isn’t 100% sure the medicine helped the patient turn the corner. He didn’t put much faith in vitamin C although I have heard of some doctors giving it intravenously to very sick patients and it does help. Also he said Pittsfield is not densely populated like New York City so this is why we obviously have fewer cases. True, we don’t have as many testing positive or dying from the virus here, but considering we are such a smaller population than a place like New York City, we shouldn’t even have this many cases. For the small area we have here in Pittsfield, particularly in our few local stores, we are too tightly packed together which spreads the virus.
And in typical Berkshire Eagle fashion not one hard question> all softballs by the woman hating editor.
Pat, did they say why none of the millions of test kits Trump sent out never got here?
According to RN above, there is no shortage of kits. It’s the new test validating system that’s the problem. President Trump is definitely not the problem.
Just because you take what they say as gospel, doesn’t mean it’s the truth. The company that makes the kits they use requires a validation system. If you have kits and no validation, then you could have a million kits and it won’t make a difference. You have to calibrate and validate the testing machine. BHS scrimped on the kits from the get go. They didn’t keep supplies in stock
He said there were 20 Covid plus hospitalized and 19 more in-patients with symptoms awaiting test results.
Overall, the hospital census is down 60-70 patients.
They have plenty of ventilators because they have not gotten the surge they were told to expect.
Also important to note that the daily number of positive tests are of people who were tested in the past. It’s not a daily summation of new cases. It’s the number of positive results from already sick people for whom they got back test results.
President Trump is not a factor anymore Pat.This now is about counties and hospitals in each state.Its about the Governors.Its all about test.No cohesive national plan.Pat your right to just focus on each hospital administration.There is nowhere else to go with the frustration
Bravo to The Planet. The letter shown by the Planet has been retracted. In a piece he (did here about a week ago.
Thank you for acknowledging this. We shall common on this in The Weekend Edition, soon to be published.
Facebook Live Interview 4/9/20 with Dr. James Lederer of BMC and the Berkshire Eagle.
Quite an interesting story told. I only caught the first half. Some highlights:
– Currently at BMC, there are 20 confirmed Covid in-patients and 19 in-patients awaiting test results
– The atmosphere is one of a distinct lull since even though they have nearly 40 Covid-related patients, The overall hospital census is down by 60-70 patients overall.
– They are prepared for a surge but currently there is no need for additional ventilators because their numbers are so low.
– Some think the Apex will hit later in Berkshire County than predicted (currently mid-April projection). On the other hand, there are many that believe the Berkshires may have already hit their peak with the early onset of positive patients (corresponding with the outbreak timeline in NYC).
– The percentage of people with positive results out of the tested population is 18.8%.
*This is important to note because that means somewhere around 80% of the people who got tested displayed enough symptoms of illness to warrant a test and it turns out they were “just sick” with what in normal times we’d just call a virus/bug.
– Although the number of positive tests increases every day, the rate has been much slower over the last few days.
– 296 positive cases include 21 in-patients and 33 patients who have been discharged. Meaning, the majority of people with Covid have been fine enough to recover at home, without needing advanced care.
Finally, Pittsfield’s dashboard reports today:
96 Positive tests-
51 Active cases
42 Recovered persons
It’s going to be hard to convince everyone after the fact that the ramifications to our economy, education systems, and health and mental well being of everyone was worth it.
To end with discouraging note – seeing a mention of a local 11 year old who told his parent he wants to kill himself.
It’s taking its toll on everyone.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Joe Biden has committed to wearing a mask in public to be a good example and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Aides were disappointed and a little frightened, however, when Biden immediately cut a large hole in the middle of the mask so he could continue to invade people’s personal space and sniff their hair, necks, and faces.
Staffers usually don’t let Biden play with sharp objects, but he managed to find some safety scissors stashed behind the Metamucil in his campaign bus. Using the purple plastic scissors, he cut a large hole and then fitted the mask to his face, confident that he was protecting himself and others from the virus.
“That’s better,” he said as he cut a big hole for his schnoz. “Now I’m protecting against infection and I’m still able to give the ladies a good sniff. You know, in my day, I wore a mask just like this, as was the fashion at the time. All the kids at the pool would ask to play with the mask, and they’d run their fingers through it. In fact, one time, a gangster named CornPop was about to go cause some trouble at the sock hop, and I put some rocks in my mask and started swinging it around like a sling. You know, real Daniel and Goliath type stuff. He looked at me, tears in his eyes, and promised never again to go out and cause a ruckus.”
“Anyway, that’s why I’m your best choice for senator of the Roman Empire. Vote for Joe!” Biden suddenly came to and realized he was standing in a Walmart parking lot talking to a hobo.
Four hundred seventy thousand unemployed now in Massachusetts. And Pittsfield needs a new water Plant.Ha?