Coronavirus testing

[dcny730]

I just read an article on golfdigest.com dealing with the issue of is it safe to play golf now. In that article it states that The Villages opened a drive through testing center on Friday! WHAT???? This can't be true. Or is it?

[champion6]

Link to story with video: Drive-thru coronavirus test site to open in The Villages (https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/drive-thru-coronavirus-test-site-to-open-in-the-villages)

Drive-thru coronavirus test site to open in The Villages
By Danielle Lama
Published March 14, 2020
FOX 35 Orlando

The drive-thru is scheduled to open on Monday. Patients will need to be screened by a doctor before getting tested.

The Villages, Fla. - A drive-thru for coronavirus tests will soon be up and running in The Villages.

“Based on our patient population and based on what’s going on throughout the country we thought it best at this time to help our patients to set up a mobile testing site,” said Craig Esquenazi, Premier Medical Associates Dir. Of Operations.”

The Villages is largely a retirement community.

Experts say the elderly and those with underlying conditions are most at risk when it comes to COVID19.

“We don’t want you to ever get out of your car. Someone is going to come up to your car, swab you while you’re sitting in the vehicle,” Esquenazi explained.

The drive-thru is a way to help protect patients and staff inside the office. It will also help get people who need the tests in and out quickly.

Premier Medical Associates says it doesn’t want people just lining up in the parking lot. Patients will need to speak to a doctor who will determine whether or not they get the test. Tests are still limited.

The good news – you don’t need to leave your house to get screened.

“We will schedule the appointment via tele-visit with the doctor. After the doctor screens you, we will set an appointment for you to come up and be tested,” Esquenazi said.

The test consists of a throat and nasal swab, similar to the flu.

Premier Medical Associates says it will take two to five days to get the results.

“We suggest right after you come in, go home, self-quarantine,” he said.

Esquenazi says a drive thru will also open in Ocala Monday. One in Kissimmee is scheduled sometime down the road.

[rockandroller]

Wonderful. If we can put a man on the moon.....

[Koapaka]

Sounds VERY proactive to me! AWESOME!!! To allow those that need to be tested while not exposing others in this manner is the best way to handle such needs. Otherwise, EVERYONE in an ER or waiting room (from other patients to the STAFF) are exposed and create the need for the entire area to be decontaminated, taking it out of commission to do so. SMART MOVE!

[billethkid]

Let's all abide by the rules/guidelines for processing to keep it working effectively in The Villages.

[Villageswimmer]

Sounds VERY proactive to me! AWESOME!!! To allow those that need to be tested while not exposing others in this manner is the best way to handle such needs. Otherwise, EVERYONE in an ER or waiting room (from other patients to the STAFF) are exposed and create the need for the entire area to be decontaminated, taking it out of commission to do so. SMART MOVE!

FWIW this has been taking place in South Korea for weeks. This is not a new or original process.

[pmiceli]

Yes, even though we think we live in a bubble, we do not. This is about to get real in a week or so - or less. No one is social distancing here, so all it will take for this to go from good to bad - is one person with CV to attend an event. Plan now with essentials you will need to hunker down at home for a week or two while this health storm comes and goes. It will be worse than ten hurricanes when it hits here. Get prepared now.

[Drdoug49]

Government exists to protect us from ourselves

[Drdoug49]

I was in Korea a month ago, this virus is coming and coming hard to America

[GoPacers]

Yes, even though we think we live in a bubble, we do not. This is about to get real in a week or so - or less. No one is social distancing here, so all it will take for this to go from good to bad - is one person with CV to attend an event. Plan now with essentials you will need to hunker down at home for a week or two while this health storm comes and goes. It will be worse than ten hurricanes when it hits here. Get prepared now.

A large percentage of folks ARE practicing social distancing and more are doing so every day. There is high probability that the virus will infect folks here in The Villages just as there is high probability it will impact all communities where there are a lot of folks who travel (or have traveled) but the best way to protect oneself is to follow the guidelines from the CDC. Some people are wired for drama and hysteria. Most of us are not. Minimize interactions to the best that you can, and when you can't, practice good hygiene as directed. Blathering about theoretical models isn't helpful. Doing what is recommended and helping others that need extra care in this difficult time is.

[Hplaw]

FWIW this has been taking place in South Korea for weeks. This is not a new or original process.


Yes, but it is new to the USA. Nobody said it was an original thought, it is something put into place to keep more OP safe.

[Singerlady]

I was in Korea a month ago, this virus is coming and coming hard to America

Please self-isolate.

[Drdoug49]

2 weeks is the incubation time. We bought n95 masks, hand sanitizers, social distancing started a month ago for us. Some , not all people in TV world, still don’t believe the CDC. Follow its advice, your life could depend on it

[golfing eagles]

I was in Korea a month ago, this virus is coming and coming hard to America

Maybe. Maybe not. There is no way to know that, so on what basis do you make that statement?

[Bay Kid]

Keep yourself protected.

[jarodrig]

Maybe. Maybe not. There is no way to know that, so on what basis do you make that statement?

Osmosis 😂

[golfing eagles]

Osmosis 😂

Would that be osmosis from watching TV news?????

[Shiju]

Thank goodness someone is being realistic. Virus has no borders. The Villages is not immune and can be like a Petri dish. First it is elderly . Secondly many are not distancing here. Thirdly many travel here by cruises etc. Lastly, many from all over come through the Villages and we are not immune. A virus will not stop at the Villages. Listen to Scientist who are experts in infectious disease. We have been slow to react.

[JoeinFL]

That’s due to some folks believing everything some talking heads (not experts) have to say. Those same people probably believe this is just a “hoax”.

[golfing eagles]

Thank goodness someone is being realistic. Virus has no borders. The Villages is not immune and can be like a Petri dish. First it is elderly . Secondly many are not distancing here. Thirdly many travel here by cruises etc. Lastly, many from all over come through the Villages and we are not immune. A virus will not stop at the Villages. Listen to Scientist who are experts in infectious disease. We have been slow to react.

Opinion.
What would you have done different?

[TexaninVA]

Opinion.
What would you have done different?

Good point .... Monday morning quarterbacks abound

[Marykess1802]

Wonderful. If we can put a man on the moon.....
...but we still can’t get toilet paper 🤔

[jarodrig]

Would that be osmosis from watching TV news?????

Maybe from the Internet..... you know , “I read it on the Internet so it must be true “ !!!

[Marykess1802]

Link to story with video: Drive-thru coronavirus test site to open in The Villages (https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/drive-thru-coronavirus-test-site-to-open-in-the-villages)

Drive-thru coronavirus test site to open in The Villages
By Danielle Lama
Published March 14, 2020
FOX 35 Orlando

The drive-thru is scheduled to open on Monday. Patients will need to be screened by a doctor before getting tested.

The Villages, Fla. - A drive-thru for coronavirus tests will soon be up and running in The Villages.

“Based on our patient population and based on what’s going on throughout the country we thought it best at this time to help our patients to set up a mobile testing site,” said Craig Esquenazi, Premier Medical Associates Dir. Of Operations.”

The Villages is largely a retirement community.

Experts say the elderly and those with underlying conditions are most at risk when it comes to COVID19.

“We don’t want you to ever get out of your car. Someone is going to come up to your car, swab you while you’re sitting in the vehicle,” Esquenazi explained.

The drive-thru is a way to help protect patients and staff inside the office. It will also help get people who need the tests in and out quickly.

Premier Medical Associates says it doesn’t want people just lining up in the parking lot. Patients will need to speak to a doctor who will determine whether or not they get the test. Tests are still limited.

The good news – you don’t need to leave your house to get screened.

“We will schedule the appointment via tele-visit with the doctor. After the doctor screens you, we will set an appointment for you to come up and be tested,” Esquenazi said.

The test consists of a throat and nasal swab, similar to the flu.

Premier Medical Associates says it will take two to five days to get the results.

“We suggest right after you come in, go home, self-quarantine,” he said.

Esquenazi says a drive thru will also open in Ocala Monday. One in Kissimmee is scheduled sometime down the road.
It was only a matter of time. Wonder if the test is going to be “free”!

[David Fletcher]

We all live by the choices we make. In the case of Covid-19 many may suffer from the choices made by a few.

Some strongly believe the world is flat, that’s ok, it will not hurt me!

This my friends is a different matter. It is not about ones liberty it is about preserving our right to living in freedom.

Unfortunately many of us do not understand the difference!

[sandybeachgal]

A large percentage of folks ARE practicing social distancing and more are doing so every day. There is high probability that the virus will infect folks here in The Villages just as there is high probability it will impact all communities where there are a lot of folks who travel (or have traveled) but the best way to protect oneself is to follow the guidelines from the CDC. Some people are wired for drama and hysteria. Most of us are not. Minimize interactions to the best that you can, and when you can't, practice good hygiene as directed. Blathering about theoretical models isn't helpful. Doing what is recommended and helping others that need extra care in this difficult time is.

Finally, a measured, rational reply, instead of emotional venting. Thanks!

[jeanninern@yahoo.com]

Where is the test site and how would you access the “televisit” site?

[BeauJangles]

I just read an article on golfdigest.com dealing with the issue of is it safe to play golf now. In that article it states that The Villages opened a drive through testing center on Friday! WHAT???? This can't be true. Or is it?
Premier is opening the testing for their patients.

[cj740@comcast.net]

Maybe. Maybe not. There is no way to know that, so on what basis do you make that statement?
Good question.

[Two Bills]

Why test if you have no symptoms?
Just because you test clear today, does not mean you will not be infected tomorrow.

[mrs.patrick]

We were planning on coming home for spring break. Are the pools closed yet?

[John_W]

It was on Fox 35 news Friday, it appears to be run by Premier Medical at Spanish Springs. Here's the story they broadcast.

Drive-thru coronavirus test site to open in The Villages | FOX 35 Orlando (https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/drive-thru-coronavirus-test-site-to-open-in-the-villages)

[dewilson58]

We were planning on coming home for spring break. Are the pools closed yet?




open

[Bucco]

Opinion.
What would you have done different?

I would have left the folks in place that had a specific job to stay ahead of the curve on ANY such pandemic, anywhere in the world and work directly with WHO on helping diagnostics and testing and vaccine. They were the Pandemic Response Team who were experts in the field. Their priority was the USA and stopping potential terrorist attacks using germs

I would have heeded the calls to reinstate the group that came when it was found to be disbanded.

I would have stopped the FDA slowing of the testing procedure which required a phone call and a signature. Delay then would have been HOURS not what it appears it has been.

Stop the virus ? NO....but we would be a good six to eight weeks ahead of this thing which is what we are being told is the minimum we are behind.

Just me though

That is for later.......it is here and it is vast and very dangerouls.

Stay safe

[jarodrig]

Why test if you have no symptoms?
Just because you test clear today, does not mean you will not be infected tomorrow.

Exactly !!

My understanding is that this testing is not to going be a “come whenever you please “ affair .

You will need to be pre-screened to get your provider to give you an order for testing .... my suspicion is that if one does not have the symptoms, no test will be ordered/approved ..... and rightfully so .....

Or , the test could be contingent on how many rolls of toilet paper you’ve hoarded !!!! ;)

[golfing eagles]

I would have left the folks in place that had a specific job to stay ahead of the curve on ANY such pandemic, anywhere in the world and work directly with WHO on helping diagnostics and testing and vaccine. They were the Pandemic Response Team who were experts in the field. Their priority was the USA and stopping potential terrorist attacks using germs

I would have heeded the calls to reinstate the group that came when it was found to be disbanded.

I would have stopped the FDA slowing of the testing procedure which required a phone call and a signature. Delay then would have been HOURS not what it appears it has been.

Stop the virus ? NO....but we would be a good six to eight weeks ahead of this thing which is what we are being told is the minimum we are behind.

Just me though

That is for later.......it is here and it is vast and very dangerouls.

Stay safe

Makes a lot of sense, but.....

We did put together a coronavirus task force.

We are working with the WHO, CDC, and state and local health departments

And the FDA is slowed by government over-regulation, and we all know the groups that advocate THAT

8 weeks ago was when the first reports came out of China, so it would be hard to be 8 weeks ahead of where we are no matter what we did.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Makes a lot of sense, but.....

We did put together a coronavirus task force.

We are working with the WHO, CDC, and state and local health departments

And the FDA is slowed by government over-regulation, and we all know the groups that advocate THAT

8 weeks ago was when the first reports came out of China, so it would be hard to be 8 weeks ahead of where we are no matter what we did.



The World Health Organization offered working tests to the USA while the CDC was trying to make their own tests workable (which they were not at that time, in February). The administration refused them. That one thing right there is one of the significant slow-downs to the USA response to this virus.

[Bucco]

Makes a lot of sense, but.....

We did put together a coronavirus task force.

We are working with the WHO, CDC, and state and local health departments

And the FDA is slowed by government over-regulation, and we all know the groups that advocate THAT

8 weeks ago was when the first reports came out of China, so it would be hard to be 8 weeks ahead of where we are no matter what we did.

First case was actually end of November and early December, but that has got to be put on the back burner.

There will be investigation similar to 9/11 investigation because "something" was amiss in our country. US cooperation with WHO was late also, but as I say.....time to see who did what and who did not. Right now, we have a looming emergency in our country and frankly the amount of time behind is an issue for sure......best I have heard is 4 weeks which in this case if a lot.

The government regulation could have been solved in less than one business day

Stay safe is all we should be concerned with.....those issues are public record and will be resolved.

[Bucco]

The World Health Organization offered working tests to the USA while the CDC was trying to make their own tests workable (which they were not at that time, in February). The administration refused them. That one thing right there is one of the significant slow-downs to the USA response to this virus.

That is what I mean when I say we just did not work with them at all, and their tests have worked where used.

"US cooperation with WHO was late also"

Quoting a forensic scientist today on Twitter"..

"The decision to not accept the testing kits from the World Health Organization in early February after 60 countries had done so will prove to be a deadly mistake on an order of magnitude that we probably can’t even imagine."

[karostay]

Let's all abide by the rules/guidelines for processing to keep it working effectively in The Villages.

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:
One would only hope

[golfing eagles]

That is what I mean when I say we just did not work with them at all, and their tests have worked where used.

Which would have been a great idea that I fully support. My question whether or not some government regulation prevented the US from accepting WHO test kits? And I don't think you can change a government regulation in a day (or a week or a month), the bureaucrats hate to drop even 1 of their "rules"

[Bucco]

Which would have been a great idea that I fully support. My question whether or not some government regulation prevented the US from accepting WHO test kits? And I don't think you can change a government regulation in a day (or a week or a month), the bureaucrats hate to drop even 1 of their "rules"

NO, it was not.

In cases of co ordination between bureaus within the country and other international bureaus you need qualified bureaucrats and organizations set up to handle JUST THAT.

The Pandemic Response Team was set up to do just that.....coordinate and move quickly. It works

[rmd2]

I was in Korea a month ago, this virus is coming and coming hard to America

Why were you in Korea? Just asking.

[Bucco]

Which would have been a great idea that I fully support. My question whether or not some government regulation prevented the US from accepting WHO test kits? And I don't think you can change a government regulation in a day (or a week or a month), the bureaucrats hate to drop even 1 of their "rules"

Will all be discussed when this horrible thing is over, but I assure you that ONE single executive order would have done it.

I said phone call and from my experience that is all it would have taken,,,,but I am not involved so ......it will be talked about.

Now, we have to get good testing done and folks need to know when in order to calm down. The main criteria for testing is age and temp, and in The Villages, most will meet the age minimum.

So many roll outs discussed and so few tested,

but let us hope that out of this terrible situation, we establish once again HOW to handle and simply do it. Bureaucrats are not bad people......they turn the wheels and are vital in any large government, or corporation.

[Rich42]

I saw tents in the hospital parking lot this morning. Could this be for the drive thru testing?

[rmd2]

Premier is opening the testing for their patients.

My understanding is that it's for everyone but you need to call and speak with one of their doctors first to discuss your situation.

[Johnarch]

Always positive to learn from others. Puts us ahead of the curve. Blessings and good health to all

[brunogal]

Which would have been a great idea that I fully support. My question whether or not some government regulation prevented the US from accepting WHO test kits? And I don't think you can change a government regulation in a day (or a week or a month), the bureaucrats hate to drop even 1 of their "rules"

No. When WHO surveyed countries needs for testing kits, US said 'no thank you' as we wanted to be in control of that aspect; award our own contracts. When first kits were rolled out into the system, they were faulty. There's currently an investigation on what the hell happened there. Pretty clear: it's still about money and rewarding contracts folks, not about humanity.

[golfing eagles]

No. When WHO surveyed countries needs for testing kits, US said 'no thank you' as we wanted to be in control of that aspect; award our own contracts. When first kits were rolled out into the system, they were faulty. There's currently an investigation on what the hell happened there. Pretty clear: it's still about money and rewarding contracts folks, not about humanity.

Source???????

[Mendy]

Well worth the 20 minutes to read the following three articles that were recently published to learn more about why this is so important for us to do:

Flattening the Coronavirus Curve - The New York Times (https://nyti.ms/38SrKy7)

Coronavirus is past containment, but USA can limit scope of epidemic (http://bit.ly/38Qfyha)

Coronavirus: Why You Must Act Now - Tomas Pueyo - Medium (http://bit.ly/2vjeiFA)

[HappyRetired]

Premier Medical Group is not connected to The Villages. They are a private practice with offices in The Villages. The community itself has no testing facilities (at least not advertised.) Details are not quite what they seem in the article.

[ffresh]

We all live by the choices we make. In the case of Covid-19 many may suffer from the choices made by a few.

Some strongly believe the world is flat, that’s ok, it will not hurt me!

This my friends is a different matter. It is not about ones liberty it is about preserving our right to living in freedom.

Unfortunately many of us do not understand the difference!

True BUT … how is that any different from other decisions made by a member of a social organization/community and the resulting affect on others? If you party too much at the squares and drive home and have an accident, doesn't someone else suffer from the choice you made? If one is a drug addict and kills or robs to support his habit, doesn't that affect the welfare of others? If some choose to refrain from gainful employment and we all have to pay for their "needs" isn't that affecting all of us? In essence, most choices made by others in a community can have an affect on others of that community. That is the unfortunate fact of living as social beings. The choices of others, good or bad, can, ultimately, affect the welfare of others of that group - covid-19 is no different in that regard.

Fred

[Velvet]

Many posts in the pasts have indicated the worry about the hospital situation in TV - it is not new, it’s one of the few things my aunt used to complain about all the time since 2005 when my uncle needed help. Looks like health care is NOT a priority. To attract good doctors etc there must be nice places for their families to live as well as good salaries and facilities.

[Bucco]

Source???????

Not sure what your intent is here........but this is a very general rundown of the highlights........you obviously are limited in your reading, not an insult, simply this is all common knowledge and it happened very quickly.

US coronavirus testing problems: timeline of delays, errors - Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.com/us-coronavirus-testing-problems-timeline-2020-3)

But you seem to want to downplay the seriousness of this....MISTAKE.....MISTAKE.

Be safe...share help for other folks on here....information you may know....not exactly sure what your motivation is. WILL leave it at that

[dewilson58]

One confirmed in Lake County. Travel related.

[golfing eagles]

Not sure what your intent is here........but this is a very general rundown of the highlights........you obviously are limited in your reading, not an insult, simply this is all common knowledge and it happened very quickly.

US coronavirus testing problems: timeline of delays, errors - Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.com/us-coronavirus-testing-problems-timeline-2020-3)

But you seem to want to downplay the seriousness of this....MISTAKE.....MISTAKE.

Be safe...share help for other folks on here....information you may know....not exactly sure what your motivation is. WILL leave it at that

Intent?????

That's easy---to ascertain factual information and distinguish it from personal opinions and political views during a health care crisis. When someone posts that the US government refused WHO test kits, I want to know how they knew that. Politico is not a reliable source since they have a political agenda. When someone posts COVID-19 is coming here and going to hit "hard", I will call that out as speculation. This is a VIRUS, probably originated in Wuton, China. It is NOT "Trump's virus" nor is it "Obama's virus", it is simply a virus. Beyond that I'm just providing only a little expert medical information, since I believe people should get their information from the CDC and state health departments.

That being said, just what is YOUR intent????

Oh, BTW, I forgot that I must be "limited in my reading" Maybe I never learned to read, glad I have you to explain it to me. I'll leave it at that

[BHWitcher]

Don’t be foolish, listen intelligently not hysterically, but listen and prepare.

[ffresh]

Intent?????

That's easy---to ascertain factual information and distinguish it from personal opinions and political views during a health care crisis. When someone posts that the US government refused WHO test kits, I want to know how they knew that. Politico is not a reliable source since they have a political agenda. When someone posts COVID-19 is coming here and going to hit "hard", I will call that out as speculation. This is a VIRUS, probably originated in Wuton, China. It is NOT "Trump's virus" nor is it "Obama's virus", it is simply a virus. Beyond that I'm just providing only a little expert medical information, since I believe people should get their information from the CDC and state health departments.

That being said, just what is YOUR intent????

Oh, BTW, I forgot that I must be "limited in my reading" Maybe I never learned to read, glad I have you to explain it to me. I'll leave it at that
One would think that what you had to spell out would be self evident!

Fred

[golfing eagles]

One would think that what you had to spell out would be self evident!

Fred

Not to some people, but then again my reading is "limited"

[Schneil]

so true, but I don't think they were expecting people just to pull up in their golf carts!! Without the referral.

[ColdNoMore]

No. When WHO surveyed countries needs for testing kits, US said 'no thank you' as we wanted to be in control of that aspect; award our own contracts. When first kits were rolled out into the system, they were faulty. There's currently an investigation on what the hell happened there. Pretty clear: it's still about money and rewarding contracts folks, not about humanity.

Source???????

Sure.

Here's a good, legitimate and scientific...source. :ho:


Science Magazine (click here) (http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/02/united-states-badly-bungled-coronavirus-testing-things-may-soon-improve)

Speed is critical in the response to COVID-19. So why has the United States been so slow in its attempt to develop reliable diagnostic tests and use them widely?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has shipped testing kits to 57 countries. China had five commercial tests on the market 1 month ago and can now do up to 1.6 million tests a week; South Korea has tested 65,000 people so far. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in contrast, has done only 459 tests since the epidemic began.

The problems have led many to doubt that the official tally of 60 confirmed cases in the United States is accurate. “There have been blunders, and there could be an underlying catastrophe that we don’t know about,” says epidemiologist Michael Mina, who helps run a microbiology testing lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “It’s been very complicated and confusing for everyone with almost no clarity being provided by the CDC.”

[Northwoods]

///

[Northwoods]

That is what I mean when I say we just did not work with them at all, and their tests have worked where used.

"US cooperation with WHO was late also"

Quoting a forensic scientist today on Twitter"..

"The decision to not accept the testing kits from the World Health Organization in early February after 60 countries had done so will prove to be a deadly mistake on an order of magnitude that we probably can’t even imagine."

Why does this have to be "political?" (What we didn't do). 20/20 hindsight is so easy.
I really wish people would talk about what we can do to mitigate this situation... share best practices people have heard...
Our focus should be on what we can do to minimize the impact of this virus. Pointing fingers does nothing to help us cope with this situation.

[Velvet]

I agree with Northwoods. We need to pull together to overcome this virus.