Reopening America

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Millions of COVID Rapid Response Tests Have Gone Unused, Some Nearing Expiration Dates Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

As cases were soaring last year, the government bought millions of dollars of rapid covid tests and distributed them to states, now we are finding out that millions of those tests have gone unused. One area of concern is that many of these tests are also reaching their six month expiration dates. States have cited accuracy concerns and also other challenges such as training and demand for not using them. Sarah Krouse, reporter at the WSJ, joins us for how millions of rapid tests have remained unused.

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COVID Infections Are Dropping, Here Are Some Reasons Why the Numbers Look Better Feb 16, 2021

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The rate of infections in the U.S. is starting to trend in the right direction despite the rise in concern with more transmissible covid variants. While we are seeing these better numbers, experts are divided on why and chalk it up to four possibilities. Good behavior and mask wearing, improved vaccine distribution, changing seasonality, and more cases going undetected because of less testing. Reis Thebault, reporter at the Washington Post, joins us why coronavirus cases are dropping.

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It's Tough to Get a COVID Vaccine Appointment, Here Are Some Tips to Get Through Feb 16, 2021

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The process of getting a coronavirus vaccine appointment can seem like trying to get a PS5 with all available appointments gone before you know it. This can be especially hard if you might be helping out a parent or grandparent navigating the sites. Part of the problem is poorly designed sites and also too many vaccine sites from state, local, and hospitals all having their own web portals. Geoffrey Fowler, tech columnist at The Washington Post, joins us for tips on how to master the vaccine appointment websites.

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One Woman Was Charged Over a Million Dollars for Her COVID Treatment Feb 15, 2021

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How much does it cost for treatment of some of the most severe cases of coronavirus? For one woman, it cost over $1.3 million dollars before insurance covered a large portion, leaving her to still owe over $42,000 which she cannot afford. The trouble lies in the fact that despite some insurers waiving certain costs, people may still be on the hook for a percentage which adds up quickly. Maria La Ganga, reporter at the LA Times, joins us for more.

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Delta Extends Plan to Block Middle Seat on Flights Feb 12, 2021

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There is only one airline left where you can book a flight with no one in the middle seat, at least until the end of April, and that is on Delta. Despite a pandemic, most people just want the cheapest fare possible and Delta has even lost money with this plan, but they feel like they are building up some goodwill when business travelers come back. Scott McCartney, Middle Seat columnist at the WSJ, joins us for more.

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People Are Turing to Smell Training After Losing Senses Due to COVID-19 Feb 12, 2021

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The loss of smell and taste that people experience is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. For some, it can come back quickly enough, but then steps in a distortion of those familiar smells. Months later people can have this lingering effect leading them to try anything to get it back. One of the techniques that people are using to re-train their brains is called smell training. Brittny Mejia, reporter at the LA Times, joins us for more.

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Many Health-Care Workers Are Hesitant to Take the COVID Vaccine, Why Are They Refusing It? Feb 11, 2021

Show notes

Amid some early stumbles and lack of doses hampering the rollout of vaccines, we are seeing hesitancy and skepticism by many health-care workers who are refusing their doses. Many cite the speed at which they were developed and for others it is a trust problem, distrust of the government and even the health care systems they work for. Dhruv Khullar, practicing physician and contributor to The New Yorker, joins us for why so many health care workers are resisting the Covid vaccine.

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U.K. Coronavirus Variant Quickly Spreading in the U.S. Dominating Other Strains Feb 10, 2021

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A recent study has shown that the U.K. coronavirus variant is indeed rapidly spreading through the U.S. and supports a CDC forecast that it could be the dominant strain here by late March. The good news is that cases and hospitalizations are going down, but experts are worried that the easing of restrictions by some states might let this more transmissible strain continue to take hold. Joel Achenbach, science reporter at the Washington Post, joins us for more on the spread of Covid variants.

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Despite Vaccines, COVID Is Here to Stay and We Must Learn to Live With It Feb 09, 2021

Show notes

With the current state of the coronavirus pandemic, it seems that the virus is here to stay for the long term. It is easily transmissible, we have new strains, and it will still take time to vaccinate the world. While we may not have the most restrictive measures in place forever, it will eventually be endemic, something we learn to live with and it will also mean big business. Think testing, ventilation for schools and businesses, and masking. Drew Hinshaw, senior reporter at the WSJ, joins us for why covid is here to stay.

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Pandemic Ends Entire Categories of Friendships Feb 08, 2021

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The pandemic has disrupted our lives in many ways including our social lives and friendships, and has possibly erased an entire category of friends we once enjoyed. People that may not be in our inner circle, but acquaintances, friends you see while watching sports, even co-workers you don’t see as much anymore. Amanda Mull staff writer at The Atlantic, joins us for why these types of friendships are vital and the deeper appreciation we have for them after the pandemic.

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