China is entering its five-day Labor Day celebration. It's normally a big travel time, but likely not this year. Beijing is tightening things even more. A negative test is now required to enter some public areas and sporting events and to use public transit. Even restaurants will require a negative test for entry. The time period within which the test must happen varies. For public transit, it is one week. For sporting events, group travel, malls, shops, and scenic spots, the test must be within the previous 48 hours. Covid testing will be free as of Tuesday so not being able to afford a test can't be used as an excuse.
US hospitalizations are declining, but there are still many, many unmet needs from poor and uninsured patients who delayed seeking care during the earlier days of the pandemic. Some patients were afraid to go to the hospital or had trouble finding transportation. People waited months to get care for things such as a broken wrist or torn rotator cuff. The delays made the injuries worsen and become harder to treat. Federal programs that paid for covid care for uninsured people are ending. Such programs also gave financial aid to hospitals that offer the poor extensive uncompensated care for things such as the broken wrist or torn rotator cuff just mentioned. Health care in the US needed help before the pandemic and needs even more now.
I wonder if there is an over-under for the number of positive tests to come out of last night's dinner. Any guesses?
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