COVID Stuff: Negative and Negative

Last Thursday, I took a drive-up COVID-19 test at a Walgreen's. Results: negative

On Monday, I had an antibodies test through LabCorp: Results: no detectable antibodies to the virus.

Since my last family COVID-19 update, my aunt was taken off a respirator but died 2 weeks later and an in-law contracted the virus and died three days after exhibiting symptoms. She worked in a long-term care facility and presumably contracted the virus there. All 7 family members who contracted the virus live in NYC and the surrounding area.

Locally, no one I know personally is known to have contracted the virus, though one patient who got sick in March was never tested.

I still think we should be working toward massive, universal testing, a huge undertaking but perhaps an important element of any plan to contain the virus until the release of a reasonably effective vaccine or vaccines. In the meantime, please grow the F up and wear a mask. This isn't simply about freedom. Freedom is not without limits (See positive and negative externalities). Even if mask-wearing isn't imposed by law, basic decency should encourage one to wear a mask in public to protect others.

Comments

[Gabriel Conroy]

I'm so sorry to hear about your relatives' passing. My condolences.

[Dr X]

Thank you.