Oghier
5146
PleaseDon’tBeLikeTheranosPleaseDon’tBeLikeTheranosPlease…
The heroes we need, but don’t deserve. Even if it “just” scales to the US.
That was my other thought. If they’re seeking out FDA approval for sputum/spittle testing and operating their existing test (which is blood) through the FDA EUA, that at least gives me a decent amount of hope that they’re legit. And not theranos.
Plus, I would imagine that the CDC is going to ask to see all their homework on both positive and negative tests. If this is indeed snake oil, they’ll be exposed pretty quickly.
I started to cough leaving Costco today and was even feeling a bit lightheaded. Had the OMG, I have Covid19 moment. But realistically it is more likely I got it from the forum than another person.
Joinone
5152
Honestly I’m kinda impressed Beijing weekday traffic has recovered to 90%. A number of companies are still following WFH policies as Beijing still has new cases from people coming back from abroad. Business activities are returning to normal, but entertainment or gatherings will be impacted for a long time out of fear. The local malls have started to re-open, but close at 6PM. Cinemas have not started to operate yet. Once social distancing starts it may stay a habit. I do think steam sales or other online activities see a spike.
Oghier
5153
It’s similar in Missouri – the governor has said multiple times that “It’s a matter of personal responsibility.” So he’s doing nothing.
Happily, the STL area has Democratic leadership in both the city and the county, and they’re being fairly aggressive at shutting things down (schools, restaurants, any gathering over 10). I actually feel good about how we’ll come through it.
LockerK
5154
Re: the $2,000 a month - not that I see that passing, but I would prefer it be limited to the people who need the assistance (though on the other hand it’s a strong test case for UBI) which I didn’t see mentioned. As long as I have a job I don’t need an extra $2k/mo, but I certainly wouldn’t turn it down.
What was great in STL is that it was local restaurants across the area and into the suburbs and also across the river into Illinois who got together to agree as one on shutting down dine-in service.
I see your point and agree in principle…but this is one of those things where perfect might be the enemy of just going quickly. There are a lot of folks hurting already who probably can’t wait for means testing to roll out.
Sure, most people would, but then you start getting into having to have a means test for everyone, and a bureaucracy to administer it…then everything takes 3x as long.
Fuck it. Just mail it to everyone.
None
5158
I heard the Florida governor is cracking down on vandalism, too.
Menzo
5159
You don’t need it today. You might not need it tomorrow, but what if you get laid off next week? No way the government can know that has happened.
We’re already going deep, deep into the red on this. Let’s not worry about a few billion when we’re talking trillions of dollars.
EDIT: I would be shocked if the Senate passes that. I mean really shocked. It would mean that McConnell is scared shitless.
Let’s hope something that ambitious gets passed, because the economy and a whole lot of its participants are effed without it.
Of course, expect McConnell and company to lard it up with sweetheart obscure tax code provisions for big campaign contributors as a price for GOP cooperation.
Matt_W
5161
It’s not a few billion. It’s $700 billion per month.
We’ll see. Looks like he might.
Menzo
5163
I’m talking about the idea of means testing to receive the money.
Oghier
5164
I think it’ll pass. Trump is evidently in favor, and fuck Rand Paul.
As for means testing, I’ve heard some convincing arguments that these types of payments are best made without extra paperwork or other steps. A lot of people get hung up on those steps, generally the people who will most need the cash.
If you want to make it progressive, the best way is to distribute the payments to all, then get them back via progressive tax rates.
jpinard
5165
This is EXACTLY what us going to happen. Because why should the richest people in America have to sacrifice anything?
